On board, different rules apply than on land, and they are stricter. A piece of furniture that looks good in the salon but weighs 40 kilograms will reduce your range. One that is not secured will move around the room in rough seas. This page discusses the four criteria that take precedence on board.
Weight comes first
Every kilogram on board comes at the expense of fuel consumption, trim, and payload. Therefore, the selection on yachts differs from that in a villa: slender frames instead of massive structures, plywood and aluminum instead of solid materials, hollow instead of filled constructions. Stone slabs are an exception on board, and if used, they are thin and broadly supported. For side tables and armchairs, it is always worth checking the weight before discussing the form.
Everything must be securable
What is not secured moves. Common methods include floor bolting, Velcro straps under the frame, or bolts in pre-prepared points. For furniture selection, this means a piece needs a construction that allows for attachment, such as a continuous frame or a base. Wobbly four-legged pieces without a stretcher are out. For interior fittings, this is usually prepared by the shipyard; for retrofits, it is the first question.
Salt, UV, and moisture
On deck, the stress is harsher than on any coast: constant salt air, full sun, spray. Unprotected metals corrode, see stainless steel, and indoor textiles won't last a season there. Therefore, only genuine outdoor versions are suitable for outdoor areas, see outdoor furniture. Indoors, the air is more humid than in a house, which is why upholstery needs ventilation, and leather with a closed finish has an advantage.
Dimensions: the way on board
The bottleneck is never the salon, but the path to it: companionway, hatch, door width, ceiling height below deck. Anything that cannot be disassembled must fit through the narrowest point, which is often less than 70 centimeters. For refits, items are often delivered disassembled and assembled on board. These measurements should be taken before every order, not in the week of delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is weight so important on board?
Because every kilogram affects payload, trim, and fuel consumption. Therefore, constructions on board are lean, and stone slabs are the exception.
How are furniture pieces secured on a yacht?
Via floor bolting, Velcro straps under the frame, or pre-prepared bolt points. The piece needs a continuous frame or base for this.
Which dimensions are crucial for selection?
The path on board: companionway, hatch, door width, and ceiling height below deck. The narrowest point is often less than 70 centimeters, which is why items are often delivered disassembled.
Personal advice
We advise you personally and online. Send us your room dimensions or a photo at info@casa-luxury.de and we will put together a suitable selection for you.
Yacht furnishing: Weight, fastening, salt air: Models from the range
A selection from the areas discussed on this page. Each image leads to the product page.
Further in the guide: Eichholtz in the contract business · Holiday property · Hotel furnishings at a glance · Stainless steel