Comfort
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Passagemakers typically use settee berths in the main cabin when underway. These bunks are often fairly narrow when used as seats but make for snug sea berths. The problem occurs when the boat heels over and lays open the outer edge, or lee side, or when sailing downwind where one finds yourself rolling about in the bunk in accord with each roll of the boat, and in heavy weather when motion can be violent. Without some robust measure of securing an occupant on a settee berth, they will be thrown out.
Making the assembly of washboards easier
Washboard assembly is far from convenient. Assembling a set of washboards requires the correct washboards to be dropped in place, in the right order, the correct way round. The bottom washboard is normally the most easily distinguished but its orientation may not be. The middle and top are easy to muddle.
Adding ventilation and lighting to the washboards
When the washboards are in place they shut off the companionway ventilation. They also cut off any view that crew below decks have of their colleagues in the cockpit.
How to confidently board and unlock your yacht on dark moonless nights
Climbing aboard and unlocking a vessel on dark moonless nights can involve considerable groping in the dark and the occasional stubbed toe. But, in a power conserving world, the last thing you want to do is leave deck lights burning away all evening awaiting your return.
A convenient companionway stand for cockpit drinks and snacks
It is sometimes difficult to receive drinks coming up from the galley area and out into the cockpit. The crew can be working in the cockpit and are not always ready to take the drink when it is offered and there is no place to leave it. Even at the best of times, active cockpits rarely afford a secure and solid place to rest cups or other items such as cans, glasses etc. Likewise, working one's way up and out through the companionway whilst holding a drink often requires a feat of balance at times.
Conveniently lifting outboards on and off a dingy
Lifting an outboard on and off a floating dinghy from a yacht or pontoon is never an easy task. The outboard’s most convenient grip is at dinghy level but you cannot lift it from there as it is an entirely unstable standpoint and the dingy is moving about. Hence you must reach down from the pontoon or yacht where the outboard rarely if ever offers a handle or handhold.
A simple tiller extension
A vessel's tiller does not always reach to the most comfortable, or optimal, position for steering.
A comfortable seat for the helmsman
Many production boats do not have a cockpit seat for the Helmsman. A conspicuous example of this is in the Westerly Berwick 31 that is a renowned and stalwart cruising vessel. This forces the helmsman to either sit on either side of the cockpit depending on heal, or to stand for long periods.
Powering and charging occasional AC devices aboard a yacht
Yachts typically operate on 12 volt DC systems whereas most household electrical products run on 240 volts in the UK or 110/120 volts AC in the US. This means that it is not possible to charge the occasional personal user devices such as smart-phones, iPads, digital cameras, laptop computers, camcorders, portable video game consoles, stereos etc directly from the standard power supply.
Making dishwashing at sea much easier
Dishwashing is a less than pleasant daily chore at the best of times and a bane whilst passage making. Not only is water typically restricted but there is no safe place to set the tableware down before drying.