Choosing a sailboat · Layout · 3 min read
How many cabins for a liveaboard sailboat?
Number of cabins and berths, living aboard year-round, at weekends or as a family: how to choose, and what each RM model offers.
Number of cabins and berths, living aboard year-round, at weekends or as a family: how to choose, and what each RM model offers.
Several criteria come into play: size, comfort, keel type (twin keel, fin keel, lifting keel) and handling. It all depends on the project: living aboard year-round or occasionally, alone or as a family, coastal or bluewater cruising.
| Model | Cabins | Berths |
|---|---|---|
| RM 890+ | 2 double cabins | 4 |
| RM 1080 | 2 double cabins | 4 |
| RM 1180 | 2 or 3 cabins, or technical room | 4 to 6 |
| RM 1380 | 3 or 4 double cabins | 6 to 8 |
RM 980 layout: see its model page.
The number of cabins depends on how many crew sleep aboard and the comfort you want. By cabin we mean a space with a berth for two adults, closed by a door or curtain, or open to the saloon for more volume.
Traditionally, the forward cabin is for the owner and the aft cabins for family or guests. The saloon settees can take a crew member during a watch.
The RM 890+ has a double forward cabin and a double aft cabin to port: 4 berths. The RM 1080 offers a forward cabin and a double aft cabin, for 4 berths.
The larger models have a forward cabin closed by a door. The RM 1180 adds a double aft cabin to port; the starboard space becomes a second double cabin or a technical room with a single berth, for 4 to 6 berths. The RM 1380 offers two double aft cabins, and its large forward cabin can be split in two, for up to 8 berths.
For the same length, every extra cabin costs saloon, galley and storage volume. For a couple or a family of three, two cabins and a technical room often make life aboard more pleasant than a rarely used third cabin.
Each model page shows the layout plans and interiors.
Two or three depending on the version. On the RM 1180, the starboard space can be a double cabin or a technical room with a berth.
Up to 8: two double aft cabins and a large forward cabin that can be split into two double cabins.
Yes, as a couple or three, provided you favour living space, storage and autonomy over the number of cabins.
Traditionally the forward cabin; on the larger RMs it is closed by a door.
Wood naturally insulates against heat, cold and noise, which limits condensation and improves comfort aboard.