Bedding & Drapery Review

Summary

Bedding and drapery can set the tone for the interior of your boat and can offer many ways to display your creativity. Boat bedding and drapery choices may depend on the type, size, and placement of the berths in your boat. Berths might be squeezed under cockpits and deck areas with strange shapes and angles, so some boaters stick with utilitarian sleeping bags or bedrolls. Others use one of the sleep systems combining comforter, sheets, and pillow all together in one package. Many choose to order made-to-measure bedding made for their bunks. Everything from mattresses to sheets to a leecloth or a bunk guard can be customized to fit. Sheets can be modified to include drawstrings or elastics around the edges to fit the contours of mattresses. There are also sets of sheets that have the top and bottom sheet sewn together at the foot end to reduce tangling. If damp bedding has been a problem, a dry bunk liner can absorb moisture to keep the bunks and cushions dry. Remember to plan for storing linens when they are not in use. Fabrics should be machine washable for easy care.

Coordinating boat bedding and drapery, linens, and cushions can add a classy touch to any boat. Drapery supplies, such as weather-resistant fabrics and hardware, can be found at marine suppliers. Draperies are often custom-made to fit the size and style needed for a particular boat. They can match or contrast with bedding and cushions.

 Pros

• Bedding and drapery add color and design to the interior of your boat.
• Quality bedding offers comfort for you and your passengers.
• Custom bedding and drapery is available to fit the needs of your boat.
• Well-designed boat bedding and drapery is easier to maintain.

 Cons

• Some fabrics used in bedding and drapery may not be weather resistant.
• Customized bedding and drapery requires more time to make.

 Featured Manufacturers

Taylor, Boatmat, Sea To Summitt, and Safeguard

Conclusion

Whether you will be spending just one or two nights on board your boat or whether you are preparing for several weeks of cruising, you will need to give some thought to preparing the interior of your boat for comfort and style. Boat bedding and drapery can be as simple as sleeping bags, bedrolls, or sleep systems--all popular because they simplify bed-making and the storage of your bedding. Many varieties are available, from the basic camping bag to multi-layered bags with waterproof exteriors and separate insulating interiors made just for boating in extremes of weather. If you like the look of more traditional bedding, such as mattresses, mattress covers, sheets, comforters, pillow shams, and drapery, investigate the services of those who specialize in customizing bedding and drapery for the odd sizes and shapes of the fixtures found in boats. Some will modify sheets and comforters that you supply, while others will start from scratch with fabric that you choose.