On ships and vessels built for overnight voyages, one of the last things people think about is the ship’s mattress. All the gear, electronics, and amenities steal attention, as they’re what are actually in use while sailing. But by the end of the day, you will retire to your cabin and hopefully won’t have to face the realization you overlooked one of the most important parts of your boat. Whether looking at buying a new boat or planning a retrofit of your existing watercraft’s boat bed, getting the right mattress will make a major difference in your enjoyment of the boat.

Because of limited below-deck space and the curvature of the hull, beds on board are often shaped differently from what we’re used to. To optimize space, beds called a v-berth mattress are inset against the bow of a boat. These beds are unique in that not only are they beveled and wedge-shaped, but they are also made up of multiple pieces to make it easier to get the cushions below deck. This offers one unique benefit however, in that different sections can be made of different foam materials to match comfort preferences, excellent for couples with contrasting comfort preferences.

Something else to keep in mind when going about bed selection is its location on the boat: is it in an area prone to splashes, spray, or leaks? Getting mattresses or pillows in your berth wet is a surefire way to ruin them. To prevent this, quick-drying, antimicrobial foam is made that won’t rot and will drain water. It is incredibly porous and allows water to drain and dry quickly, and also versatile enough to use in topside cushions well. So before you raise your sails, consider your mattress situation and get great sleep.