WHY a bar?

Fair question TRY. At least on the smaller yachts the bar is often a bit of a joke, just taking up space. Then there are the big floating disco palaces

Kelly Cook

i guess it's all about being entertained, a meetingpoint for guests, just the way it works in a hotel; you meet at the bar, drink some, talk a bit.

It's all part of the charter culture

Boats need bars, because boats break.

Why a bar?

Why not!

A superyacht should of course not have a bar. You have a crew that take care of drinks or whatever, when and where you want it. But sometimes it can be nice with bar seating, like in a lobby or on a flybridge. I can also think of having some kind of breakfast bar on an aft deck. But I wouldn´t like to have bars on my own yacht, regardless the size...

I would rather prefer strategically placed un-obtrusive cabinets properly stocked with a good bottle or three of scotch, water and a glass or two. For medicinal purposes only, you understand. It becomes increasingly important to remain properly hydrated as one gets on in years.

Good one Codger

Where else would yacht brokers make deals at the boat shows

The bar is a convergence zone ... where one can obtain alcohol for the purpose of medical research.

I couldn't have said it better!

Having a bar on board ?

Yes, on smaller boats it is quiet hard to organise a party on board. On bigger yachts, I never saw a yacht without a bar, it's all part of the game. Special people with special backgrounds always need a bar, champagn, caviar, big cigars, etc... that's life.

Greetings, Johan Bostyn.

Sailors drink.

Bar
Long, low lying navigational hazard, usually awash, found at river mouths and harbour entrances, where it is composed of sand or mud, and ashore, where it is made of mahogany or some other dark wood. Sailors can be found in large numbers around both.

Bulkhead
Discomfort suffered by sailors who drink too much.

Calm
Sea condition characterised by the simultaneous disappearance of the wind and the last cold beer.

Flotsam
Anything floating in the water from which there is no response when an offer of a cocktail is made.

Catmando seems to be right!

All good points and the varying perspectives are interesting...

I've always thought of a bar as setting that was conducive to relaxing and socializing. These are often reasons for having a boat to begin with. Ultimately, a bar is complimentary to a boat. And you have to admit... a boat makes a pretty good bar!

TRY asked... "Why a bar"? This is a fair question. My best answer is... "I wouldn't buy a boat without one."

That being said... I like Codger's answer the best!

And I am trying to find a boat without one! So it goes..

I don't mind the exterior deck types with seating around with a bbq and sink/fridge set up for lunches etc..

I am not interested in the hulking ones set in a corner lit up like a christmas tree in ornate brass/glass/granite/mirror taking up a large portion of valuable salon space.

I agree isn't the staff there to bring drinks? At a resturant you wait for the server to bring you a drink from thier central bar so what is the difference if they have to go back to the galley or a out of way & out of sight service bar?

I am not a big drinker so perhaps that is why I find it low on the list of must haves in a yacht I choose, I have to say it is nearly impossible to find a yacht that only has a exterior deck snack bar, most yachts have as many as 3 or more! One on each deck and even saw one in the master suite now that is made for a boozer!

That's the difference in buying a yacht specifically for use by one person or family, and one that will be chartered out. Some people put a pretty high priority on drinking I guess. Myself, I'm with LC on this one... a bar wouldn't serve much purpose to me except a place to store 7-Up.

I respect LC's and Kevin's take on bars. For some, there is no need. I'm not a big drinker either, but a bar can be a staging area for a variety of activities, from serving refreshments and snacks, to a round of poker, to closing a deal.

In the previous post, I made the statement "I wouldn't buy a boat w/o one". I wasn't referring to myself, but rather from a buyer's perspective. I would expect the majority of buyers would put a bar in their plus column when searching. If so, this would increase resale value. Ultimately, having a bar onboard offers flexibility, whether it is for owners/guests or private use/charter.

It's been my experience that most guests enjoy having a drink, alcohol or not, and a bar offers a good place to get the festivities started, as well as a convenient place to store extra provisions.

Just an opinion...