Frequency of Dinner Guests on Board?

[David B]

Originally Posted by Sailing Shelly

Hello everyone, my husband and I are new to sailing and this is my first post so hope I am in the right area... 😊

We are just about to close on a Pearson 365 sloop and there is no actual table set up for dining... just 2 individual small flip up tables kiddie corner from each other. This provides a nice open feel...but we are used to eating, playing cards etc at the same table.

There are just the 2 of us, my question is “how often do you end up having dinner guests on board” a rather small sailboat...and is there a need for a larger dining table.

I probably have the lingo wrong...and I have searched online and in forums and cannot seem to find references as to the frequency of extra diners in the salon.

Any ideas from you experienced ones out there?

Think of how you run your lives at home, then think of you being on holiday and meeting up with people, forming new friendships etc.

That may or may not indicate to you that you would want guests onboard for dinner, and certainly it happens, but the reality of a smaller boat, and the limitations of a small galley, mean putting on dinner for more than just the two of you is work, and you are supposed to be on holiday.

What tends more often to happen, is people are invited aboard for 'sundowners (drinks and nibbles) in the cockpit, or if dinner is suggested, everyone goes out to a local restaurant.

My suggestion is to buy your boat for yourselves, not your possible guests. If the boat suits you, then go for it. There can be plenty of socialising, but it doesn't have to be at your expense.

[markpierce]

It depends on how many people you invite. Most boats can comfortably attend four for a meal, but it all depends on the boat. We can comfortably accompany up to six for a meal, but prefer not to have overnight guests.

[NevilleCat]

Originally Posted by Sailing Shelly

Thanks for all the feedback.... seems the original large fold down table has been removed and replaced with a small “TV Table” sized table. We don’t entertain much aside from special occasions and playing cards and board games with another couple on Friday nights....

I don’t have a photo aside from the Yachtworld listing... https://www.yachtworld.com/boats/197...sloop-3749828/

Got to say, that's one very tidy and sweet looking boat. Decent galley. Looks like you could easily modify that drop table with one longer and add a drop leaf. But you also have a nice cockpit table too. Enjoy!

[JPA Cate]

I have to say that I agree with Billkny, it really does depend, on what you like to to, and what is reasonably possible where you cruise, and how far from re-supply one is.

Yes, "sundowners" are common. During our time as cruisers, we've had many for "sundowners" only (no dinner offered on board our boat after.) Customs differ. Out here in the Australia/NZ sphere, it is common for people to bring their own beverages and a snack to share, which really diminishes the Yank obligations. I went through a phase where I invited people for drinks, but served pizza & garlic bread for snacks, and I doubt they bothered for dinner after. Such luxuries depend on the closeness of the stores that have the products you prefer to use. (mozarella cheese, mushrooms, etc.)

Also, pot luck varies from country to country. What I have found works pretty consistently is to plan one one pot main meal, and invite the others to bring whatever they want. I have not yet had one one pot main meal and 5 chocolate cakes. People bring what they think may contrast pleasantly with your mains, or desserts, or (when *stuff* is available) salads. All contributions welcome and praised.

For Shelly, I do think you need a regular table if you like to play cards or do puzzles or play board games. It will also be handy for fixing things. (Make up a padded cover for the table. It can live under the settee or a bunk, but you'll want to protect it when it is going to have boat parts strewn all over it--and that could, of necessity, happen.

Enjoy. One's first boat is a really special event.

Another approach is change nothing the first year, but keep a list of what you think you'd like. See if, at the end of the first year, you still want to do it. Don't start with changing things till you know what you can make work for you and what doesn't. (For instance, with lots of room in the cockpit, maybe a cockpit table and entertaining out there works for you. We hardly ever use ours, preferring trays to come in and out, but that's it, people are different: their styles are different, along with their preferences. But by the time you've lived with the boat for a whole year, you'll be in a different position about changes.



Ann

[Sailing Shelly]

Thanks so much everyone for your feedback... I will live with it for a while first...

[Seagirt]

Welcome to CF and welcome to life on the water on southern Vancouver Island. Evenings usually get cool so plan on things moving down below or people dispersing once the sun starts setting here.

[Dockhead]

Originally Posted by David B

. .. the reality of a smaller boat, and the limitations of a small galley, mean putting on dinner for more than just the two of you is work, and you are supposed to be on holiday...

For some people, making dinner for guests, and trying not to drink up all the wine during the cooking, is a sheer pleasure, and not work at all, and one of the best possible things to be doing on holiday. People are all different.