How many times when reading a boat review do you come across these two magic words? Space and volume are repeated like a mantra in every description, as the main characteristics, for better or worse, of every model. And, often, they are used as if they were synonyms…but is that really the case?
Space or volume?
From a “geometric” point of view, we could consider space as the two-dimensional surface (length x width) on which the volume, three-dimensional (length x width x height) is developed. In this sense, it would suffice to replace the word “space” with “surface,” and we could say that volume necessarily implies space. So, are we discussing the sex of angels?
Actually, leaving aside semantics and returning to boating, the difference between space, or area, and volume hides a profound difference in the intended use of a boat. In the end, the real difference is that “volume” means a space that can be enclosed and habitable. That’s why you can’t necessarily have both at the same time.
A few examples
Let’s start with the most counterintuitive condition: lots of volume, but little space. Such is the case with a sailboat: below deck, thanks to a tiny engine room and a deck very high above the water, there is plenty of volume and entirely free. Still, it is a type of boat that we generally define as space-poor, since it has to devote a large part of it to steering and sail handling equipment, and it is not uncommon on even larger hulls to “struggle” to find a sundeck area. But no one complains about this condition, given the use to which a sailboat is put.
The same thing can happen on powerboats: think of the Champion 41, which in the Coupé version, the latest from Cobra Yachts, offers virtually only volume, enclosed or folding spaces, as if it were a floating caravan. It is no coincidence that we included its flybridge sister in our “house boats” video.
At the other end of the spectrum, open boats, of course, often enjoy a lot of free surface area, and thus offer on-board space in direct contact with the sea.
The hybrid solution
But the two are not mutually exclusive: a perfect example of this mixture is Beneteau’s Island Cruising Boat. More than half of the boat is completely unobstructed and open to the sea, thanks to the transom and fold-down flaps that increase its surface area. If, on the other hand, one prefers to stay indoors, this entire area can be enclosed by glass windows and become a large house on the sea, with every last available inch of usable volume.
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What really matters?
Everything, then, depends on your use of your boat. For summer outings, in the heat, or, more simply, for not depriving yourself of your relationship with the sea, open space is the best deal available. For year-round sailing, in winter or in adverse conditions, volume, whether above or below deck, where you can shelter is simply a necessity.
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