V-Berther Or Aft-Dweller?

Today, we tackle one of life’s most critical boat-related questions: Where do you sleep best on a sailboat? Are you a front-and-center V-berther, a snug aft-dweller, or a wild card who prefers counting stars from the cockpit?

First, a quick nod to the salty purists out there—those hardy souls who swear by sleeping amidships, as close to the keel as possible. Why? Stability, of course. These folks will remind you (often unsolicited) that this is the most sea-kindly spot during a storm. And they are correct. But let’s get real—we are fun-loving cruisers, not storm-chasing adrenaline junkies. Our focus? Cozy comfort over white-knuckle survival drills.

Now, when we first met Koko, the aft cabin invited with its cozy vibe and promise of dreamy slumber. Picture it: indirect soft lighting, plush pillows, and that undeniable “nestled-in” feeling. We gave it a go and slept like happy clams. The trade-off? Limited headroom and a somewhat crawl-into-bed routine that screamed, “You’re definitely on a boat.”

Enter: the forward cabin. Oh, sweet v-berth—or should I say pullman berth? The forward cabin on Koko does not feature your typical triangular bed wedge; it has a Pullman-style berth, complete with under-berth storage and an easily accessible starboard-side setup. No crawling, no contortionist acts needed—just civilized bed entry, rather important for our age. Sure, it is a tad smaller than the aft setup, and we worried it might cramp our style. Spoiler alert: It did not. Perhaps it is simply because we enjoy snuggling, after all. One quiet night in a marina, and we were hooked. The mattress is heavenly, the headspace is glorious, and we have officially dubbed it the “Owner’s Cabin.”

Of course, there is the wildcard option: the cockpit. For the starry-eyed dreamers out there, there is nothing quite like drifting off under a canopy of stars, serenaded by the gentle lapping of waves. Just be prepared to fend off the occasional insect visitor. Alternatively, we can also pull out the port-side settee in the main cabin, turning it into a queen-sized bed perfect for the occasional guests.

So, what is your preference? Are you all-in on the traditional keel-center approach, a fan of aft coziness, or a forward-berth convert? Or are you out under the stars, counting constellations and dodging mosquitoes?

Whatever your choice, one thing is for sure: there’s no wrong answer when it comes to finding your perfect spot on the high seas—just as long as you are having fun along the way.

The forward cabin on Koko

3 Comments Add yours

  1. Bettina Hofmann says:

    V-berth is so much roomier but actual bed is not as roomy. But I still prefer it over the aft cabin.

  2. Dennis Hofmann says:

    I always liked the V-berth. Our first BVI trip kevin and I got the V-berth somehow and loved it!

    1. mhof says:

      Yeah, I remember well your protest during our second BVI trip when Mom and I claimed that v-berth 🙂

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