A boat purchase is a significant investment. It can lose a percentage of value the moment you bring it home, and that loss can accelerate over time.
Look for a manufacturer that offers several trim levels equipped with boating must-haves. It would help if you also searched for owner resources on the brand website to see how they support their customers.
Enhanced Comfort
The furniture on your boat sets the tone for what type of experience you want on the water. Extremely comfy lounges show that you love to unwind, whereas large tables exemplify hospitality and your appreciation of enjoying a good meal with family and friends.
Piping adds a structured edge to cushions and helps create clean lines that enhance the aesthetic of your boat seats. It also offers better support for occupants, especially on choppy waters or long trips.
A flat arc design supports the user’s body shape, improving comfort during extended seating sessions. It raises the seat slightly off the surface, preventing pooling moisture that leads to mold and mildew. Select a quilted upholstery fabric such as Sunbrella, marine vinyl, or Naugahyde that is resistant to fading, water, and tear for longevity on your boat. You can also find chairs with a flip-up bolster cushion to provide more support on long trips.
Additional Storage
Having suitable storage options can make or break your boating experience. Boats move a lot, which can cause things to be jostled around and tossed, especially items not secured in their proper places. Adding sliding doors and cabinet hardware can help keep your belongings from being thrown around and give you the peace of mind that everything is secure while on the water.
Overhead spaces are another area where additional storage can be a game changer. Many Jon boats have benches that take up space side to side, and much of the space under these is wasted. This space can be used for various purposes, including storage and seating.
Using baskets, bins, or crates can provide lots of extra storage for items like wet towels and bathing suits, hats, leashes for pets, keys, and supplies you may need while on the boat. Over-the-rail rope storage utility bags can also significantly reduce those dreaded line tangles on board.
Convenience
When you choose to invest in boat furniture outdoor living, you also invest in the experience you want to create on your vessel. For example, highly comfy lounges can show you prioritize relaxation and restfulness, while a large table exemplifies your hospitality and love for entertaining.
Likewise, seats resistant to mildew and mold may save you time and money on costly repairs or replacements in the long run. Piping on cushions also adds structure and definition to a seat, enhancing its visual appeal and providing added support.
Some seats accommodate the body’s natural contours for optimal back support. This feature can be particularly beneficial for people with back pain who want to enjoy their boat rides to the fullest extent.
Increased Value
As with cars and homes, boats are not considered good investments. Once you buy one, you will have to spend yearly on maintenance costs; it will depreciate, and the marine environment quickly degrades anything.
Upholstering your boat’s seating will enhance its appearance and resale value. Seating fabric is among the areas of a boat that fades most dramatically due to UV rays, so replacing them will make your vessel look younger and improve its appeal to buyers.
Upgrades like colorful underwater boat lights are a great way to brighten up the mood on your vessel and help other boaters see at night. However, this feature may only appeal to certain types of boaters, so you should consider the potential return on investment before making this purchase.
Adding smart technology aboard your boat, such as a waterproof speaker system or LED strip lights, will impress buyers and make your time on the water more fun. However, unless it is an essential piece of helm electronics (like radar or multifunction displays), be cautious about updating the electronics in your boat, as not all buyers may prefer older models with proven reliability.