Open Bow Boat Sleeping ideas

[Krysk12]

Hey ya’ll, so I have a 19ft Open Bow that I’ll be taking on a trip soon. My plan is to sleep on it and prep for a possible damp morning and cold morning temps.. I’ll be on the ocean (Catalina). Trying to pick a few brains on ideas, I can maybe throw a clear piece of plastic over the Bimini and to both ends of the boats but the flapping around at night might be loud. I’ll make an addition on the boat floor itself where I’ll be able to lay on comfortably so I have that somewhat covered. Just testing out some methods on how I can have something around the outside of the boat and over the Bimini to help keep dampness out .Chime in, let me hear what you think will work, thanks!

 

[QBhoy]

You can get an inflatable thing that kind of extends the rear seat into a bed arrangement. Have a look on eBay.

 

[Scott Danforth]

pull up to a beach and use a tent (only if allowed)

 

[The John]

I wouldnt use plastic, but you can use whats called a "tarp" in the hunting/backpacking community which is a squarish piece of tent fabric that would protect you from rain/dew and wont be too noisy (plus it has tie downs).
Something like this

 

[jhande]

I would agree!

1st choice tenting on beach above high tide mark of course LOL.
2nd choice no plastic but a fabric based tarp as John pointed out.

Plastic will build up moister droplets inside which will drop on you. Been there, done that while camping. Made for a cold soggy morning.

 

[southkogs]

I'm kinda' with Scott: beach it, pitch a tent or a nice hammock.

If not, under a bimini I would probably put a moisture barrier under a sleeping bag and just do the "under the stars" thing. I've done that several times and it's not a bad way to sleep.

 

[Krysk12]

Thanks guys! I’ll get crafty with it and report back with some pics

 

[froggy1150]

What about modifying a tent. Cut the botton out of it

 

[GSPLures]

Dont over think it. When I was in the army we would make a lean to (not sure on proper spelling of to could be two or too, I was in the army for a reason lol) and sleep wherever our heads hit the ground. Get a tarp and secure to the windshield and run it to the stern tie to the tie downs make sure its tight and running down at an angle. Any condensation will run toward the stern and leave you dry. Not sure if the weave will keep the water from traveling down the tarp we used ponchos which were smooth and 2 sticks.

 

[JimS123]

We had a bow rider and we used to camp all the time. The boat had B-T-B seats that folded down. It had what they used to call "Camper Canvas". The Bimini (actually convertible top) in the front, with a second top behind it. With side curtains and an aft curtain the cockpit was totally enclosed. A toneau covered the open bow. With zippers at the top, it was easy to put on while in the boat.

Our current boat has a traditional bimini. I had a bow curtain custom made because the OEM enclosure also included side and aft curtains, which I didn't want.

 

[Captain Caveman]

This past fall, an early hard freeze hit northern Minnesota. Smaller bays in big lakes froze. I went to mine only to find ice. I intended to break through in the morning so I boated back to the bar, watched the Thursday night football game, had a few suds, and then slept on a sleeping pad in my sleeping bag in my boat. It was great. Temps were around freezing so it was perfect camping weather. The local wolf pack woke me once when they howled in the middle of the night, and a loan coyote did the same to give me my sunrise wakeup call.

The outside of my bag was damp but I was warm and toasty on the inside. I slept with my clothes next to me in the sleeping bag so that they were warm in the morning.

Good luck

 

[Stinnett21]

If people can sleep on the side of Mt. Everest you can sleep anywhere with the right equipment. I sleep on my bowrider in KY several times a year. Sometimes with only the bimini, sometimes with full enclosure depending on weather. From a comfort standpoint the more important question is how to deal with "bathroom" issues and whether you're alone or not when the need arises.

 

[MRS]

use to go to Catalina Island in a 21 ft. better pick your weather on a good day can get real nasty fast. Plus if you are going to try and anchor better have at least 200ft. of anchor rope with some chain hooked up. Love the Island vacationed there for 20 some years be careful and plan a head. Try to get mooring at Catalina or the isthmus. As far as I know no beach landings for boats maybe on the south side of the island but you will be on the windy side and on your own.

 

[Krysk12]

use to go to Catalina Island in a 21 ft. better pick your weather on a good day can get real nasty fast. Plus if you are going to try and anchor better have at least 200ft. of anchor rope with some chain hooked up. Love the Island vacationed there for 20 some years be careful and plan a head. Try to get mooring at Catalina or the isthmus. As far as I know no beach landings for boats maybe on the south side of the island but you will be on the windy side and on your own.

There’s a group of 5 of us going together on 5 different boats. We will definetely keep track of weather conditions days before to get a good trip out there. Mooring overnight and return the following morning.

 

[Captain Caveman]

I don't know what equipment you've got or the money at your disposal, but a small 1-man or 2-man tent would probably fit in your bow. That would keep the spray and or rain off of you. Just make sure to tie it down so that a gust of wind doesn't blow it away.

This tent is only $80 and has a floor size of 88 x 52 inches:

REI Co-op Groundbreaker 2 Tent | REI Co-op

Whether it's your 1st time or your 50th, the 2-person, 3-season REI Co-op Groundbreaker 2 Tent is a no-frills way to get into camping. It's easy to pitch, durable and has ample ventilation.

www.rei.com

 

[BRICH1260]

Do you have a bow cover?

 

[KD4UPL]

I've also been plotting sleeping in my bowrider this year. I plan to take the snap-on bow and cockpit covers and just attach them overnight. I won't be able to get the cockpit cover completely snapped at the back because I will need to get back under it but it should be good enough.

 

[MRS]

If you buy one of those space type reflector blankets and throw it over your sleeping bag will keep your sleeping bag dry. And you can enjoy the night sky use to do that in a friends 18ft. aluminum boat launch at night when we got off work fish a little then sleep on the floor. Wake before light and head out to fish was fun 40 years ago could not do it now thou.

 

[FunInDuhSun]

I’ve used an Anchorshade for 10+ years. It’s not the best for rain but definitely works well against morning dew, not to mention keeping some shade on the boat during the day. Amazon sells them for 123 bucks.

 

[Old Ironmaker]

It all depends on how much you like snakes. More than a few times I pulled the cover off my boat in the morning to find a herd of snakes all tied together in the corner. I was with my kid cousin and I dare not let on I hate snakes or I would find one in my sleeping bag in the cabin. I calmly said "they are only garter snakes." He said sorry cuz they are Mississauga Rattlers." I once saw a big snake come out of the water and slither up the transom straight up and into a good sized sail boat and disappear into the boat. I don't like snakes, at all, nor do I know what I am looking at. Good luck, have fun.