Living aboard a superyacht as crew can have its ups and downs. Yes, sometimes you’ll be living the dream, visiting foreign destinations and playing with the yacht’s range of toys. But other times, when you’re guest on or anchored at sea, life onboard can feel a little tough, especially when sharing small cabins or trying to keep yourself entertained during your off hours.
Luckily, we’ve compiled a list of gadgets for yacht crew that should help make life aboard a little easier. Each may only improve a small part of your day, but it’s the little things that add up to create change and daily wins.
Multi Gadget Chargers
Rid yourself of tangled wires and tidy up your bunk space by using a multi-gadget charger. These versatile charging stations can charge a range of devices all at once and only require one wire to power the lot. Charge a phone, smartwatch, and wireless earbuds in one clean, aesthetically pleasing space.
For Apple users, Belkin’s three-in-one wireless chargers come as a stand or pad and offer fast charging for all your Apple devices. Android users will love the Samsung Wireless Charger Trio, which has space for a smartwatch, phones, and earbuds.
Handheld Gaming Console
If you’re a gamer at heart and missing your console, then invest in a Nintendo Switch. Perfect for gaming in small spaces or on the go. Play in your bunk, the crew mess, travelling, hiding in a deck locker, or whenever and where ever the desire strikes you. There are hundreds of games available to buy or download that can be played alone or online with friends which is also a great way to feel connected with family and friends back home. From big games like Zelda, Fortnight, and Assasins Creed and old-school classics like Mario 64 to lesser-known titles and puzzle games.
Phone Holder
If you regularly watch Youtube or movies on your phone or spend a lot of time video calling from the comfort of your bunk, you’ll know the struggle of finding a decent spot to place your phone or tablet for optimal viewing and comfort. The IMStick by the Stick company is an intelligent magnetic phone holder, grip, and mount that allows you to secure your phone or tablet to pretty much anything. Use its flexible wires to balance it on a surface, or wrap it around anything so you can stay comfortable and hands-free when viewing or video calling.
Massage Gun
After a hard day’s work or a particularly gruelling gym session, a massage to relax those tired muscles might be at the top of your wish list. With the likely hood of that not being possible, treat yourself to a Theragun for DIY deep muscle treatment. The percussive therapy device can help soothe tightness and tension, ease discomfort, and speed up muscular recovery. The Mini is the smallest and lightest Theragun model available and is perfect for travelling or stashing in small spaces. With 120 minutes of battery and personalised routines to follow on the app, you’ll be feeling pain-free and flexible in no time at all.
Shower Speaker
Showering can feel like one of the few times you’re ever really alone when living on a superyacht, so utilising that time under the water for personal peace is a must. Get yourself a waterproof speaker and make shower time more enjoyable and relaxing. This portable waterproof speaker from Amazon has over 500 positive reviews and features 360 HD Surround Sound, Dual Stereo Pairing, a built-in mic and a Suction Cup so you can take it and stick it anywhere.
Mini Safe
Living with maybe dozens of crew mates might make you question the safety of some of your valuables. A mini-safe may be just what you need to keep your mind at ease. Keep it in your wardrobe or bunk and lock up your most prized possessions, even if it’s just your chocolate stash. This way, everything is safe and out of sight, and you’ll always know exactly where your precious items are. This Yale safe is only 170x230x170 and features 15mm steel locking bolts, a digital keypad, an emergency override key, and wall and floor fixings.
Noise Cancelling Earbuds
Block out engine noise, crewmates, and any other background noise with a pair of noise-cancelling earbuds. The wireless Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II provide uninterrupted, immersive listening whether you’re tuning in to music, a podcast, or movies. They’re also sweat and weather resistant, so they make the perfect companion in the gym or when out for a run.
If noise cancelling capabilities sound ideal, but you want to relax in the peace of your own mind rather than music or any other noise, consider Loop Earplugs. These clever little earplugs help filter out background noise while still allowing users to stay present. There’s no danger of not hearing alarms or wake-up calls, but they will help to lower annoying background noises such as engine sounds and noisy cabin mates, helping you rest in peace.
Quiet Toothbrush
Living and working aboard a superyacht can make it difficult to schedule regular health checkups. Don’t let your dental health suffer, invest in a high-quality toothbrush that will keep your teeth and gums healthy in between checkups. The Oral B IO10 provides seven brushing modes, a smart pressure sensor, a clever app that uses AI to 3D track your brushing to guide you into your best-ever clean, and a whole bunch of other clever features. Plus it’s near silent too so you won’t have any noise complaints from cabin mates.
Heating Mug
There’s nothing worse than settling down to enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea and then being called away to deal with yet another onboard emergency. If this happens on a daily basis, it might be time to treat yourself to a smart mug. Ember mugs are the most advanced coffee mugs on the market. They allow you to set and maintain your ideal drinking temperature for up to 80 minutes or all day when paired with the included charging coaster. There’s also a travel mug version which features a leak-proof lid and temperature controls on the side of the mug.
Near Silent Instruments
While drumming may not be considered a socially pleasing talent, it is a great way to relieve stress. If you’re an avid drummer or looking to learn a new musical skill, this drum set might just be the perfect bit of kit to bring on board. The Senstroke Bluetooth Drum Kit allows you to play anywhere and on any surface. Use cushions as snares, your knees as a tom, and your feet to kick the bass and hear a real drum noise through your headphones. The app even features Guitar Hero-style beginner lessons. Start your rock star career without disturbing the peace of others.
Action Cameras
Start capturing all the fun you have with the crew, whether it’s in the water on exploring on land with an action camera. Drones like the DJI Mini 3 Pro will give you all those dreamy aerial shots, and a GoPro Hero11 will do everything else, including hi-res video and photo, live streaming, webcam capabilities, nighttime effects, and underwater capabilities.
Turn your photography and video passion into a valuable CV-worthy skill by creating shots and edits for the boat and guests. Check out last month’s blog about upskilling in photography and videography for more information.
Hopefully, some of our recommendations will help to make a positive impact on your working and personal life as a crew member onboard a superyacht. We’d love to hear how you get on with any of our recommendations or if you have any you’d like to share with your fellow peers. Get in touch by emailing us at [email protected] or connect with us on social media. Check out our website to browse our range of superyacht inflatables and bring even more fun to your yacht.
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