What Is The Best Boat For Seasickness? 5 Gentle Hull Designs

Seasickness plagues a lot of people daily, especially ones new to boating. But are there boat types that could help prevent seasickness?

While there is no surefire way to prevent seasickness, some boat types are better at reducing the chances of getting seasick than others. In this article, you will see the five best boat types to prevent seasickness and some tips to prevent it altogether.

Hopefully, by the end, you will be able to decide what you think the best boat for seasickness is!

Table of Contents

Best Boats for Seasickness

Seasickness, also known as motion sickness, is a common problem for many people when they are on a boat.

It is caused by the rocking motion of the boat and can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Luckily, there are boats designed to help mitigate this feeling. 

Catamarans, pontoons, trimarans, yachts, and monohull boats are five options that can help with seasickness. Generally speaking, Stability is key when trying to combat seasickness.

Monohulls, if they are small, can be the worst option, while larger multi-hull boats are your best choice for preventing seasickness.

Best Boat For Seasickness

Catamaran

A catamaran is a type of boat that is characterized by its two parallel hulls. This unique design allows the boat to have a wide and stable platform, which can help to reduce the chances of seasickness.

The wide hulls also provide a smooth and comfortable ride, which can help to reduce the impact of the rocking motion.

One of the main advantages of a catamaran is its stability. Unlike monohull boats, which tend to roll from side to side, catamarans have a low center of gravity and are less prone to rocking.

If you are considering a charter boat for a trip or for a purchase of your own, catamarans are excellent in helping prevent seasickness.

Pontoon Boat

A pontoon boat is a type of boat that is characterized by its large, flat deck and pontoons (or tubes) that provide buoyancy. These are very similar to catamarans, but you would not want to use these in rough waters.

One of the main advantages of a pontoon boat is its stability. Because of its design, a pontoon boat is able to distribute its weight evenly across the water, which makes it less prone to rocking.

Small Pontoon boat

Reduced rocking means you are less likely to be seasick (see a trend here?).

Related: Deck Boat vs Pontoon: Pros & Cons Explained.

Trimaran

A trimaran is a type of sailboat that consists of a main hull with two smaller outrigger hulls attached to its sides. This unique design allows the boat to be incredibly stable on the water, which can help prevent seasickness.

Since trimarans have three hulls instead of just one, it is much less susceptible to back-and-forth rocking motion.

You could argue that it is a step above catamarans or pontoons since three hulls are better than two for stability.

This can help reduce or eliminate the motion sickness that many people experience on boats.

In addition to its stability, a trimaran’s design also allows it to cut through waves more efficiently and maintain a smoother, more comfortable ride even in choppy waters.

Yachts

Yachts are another great option for preventing seasickness. Unlike smaller boats, yachts have a larger displacement and are designed to handle rough seas and large waves. 

This means that they are less likely to rock or sway, which can contribute to seasickness. Yachts also tend to have a more stable and smooth ride than smaller boats, which can help prevent seasickness.

In addition to their stability, yachts also offer plenty of space for passengers to move around and find a comfortable spot.

This is important because being able to stand or sit in a position that allows you to keep your balance can help prevent seasickness. 

Yachts also tend to have large windows and open deck spaces, which can help reduce feelings of claustrophobia and allow passengers to see the horizon. This is key to preventing seasickness.

See also: 10 Must-Have Center Console Boat Accessories For 2023.

Monohull Sailboats with Keels

Small Sailboat

Sailboats are a classic choice for those looking to enjoy the open waters. While they may not be as large or luxurious as other boat types, they can provide a smooth and comfortable ride.

The design of a monohull sailboat, with a long and narrow hull, helps it cut through the water and provide a stable ride. However, the smaller the boat, the more likely you will feel everything.

If your monohull has a keel such as those seen in sailboats, it will add much-needed stability and prevent intense rocking. This will definitely lower your chances of seasickness, but consider a larger monohull if you can.

Frequently Asked Questions

A variety of scenarios make a difference on seasickness. If you have the right boat, as well as a few other things, your situation might be different than someone else’s.

Who is Most Likely to Be Seasick?

According to a study conducted by Human Molecular Genetics, roughly a third of people are prone to motion sickness. On top of that, women and children are the most susceptible.

A few other factors that cause seasickness include:

Smoking
Low quality sleep
Easily stressed
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Can Diet Affect Seasickness?

Diet is closely related to seasickness. If you are able to eat less frequently, consume fewer calories, and focus on protein, this will help alleviate symptoms before they arrive.

It is best to eat something before traveling on the water, at least an hour before.

Where Is The Best Place to Sit if Feeling Seasick?

If possible, sit as close to the middle of the boat as you can. This might mean going to the cabin located nearest to the boat’s core. This will have the least amount of motion and offer stability for your legs.

In addition, you could try sitting close to the waterline. The higher above the waterline you are, the more motion you will be feeling.

How to Minimize Seasickness?

If you are experiencing seasickness, the best thing to do is to look out at sea. Looking at the deck or locked away in your cabin is not ideal. 

Trying a nap is another idea to help with seasickness. In addition, you could try pressing down on the P6 pressure point. This is located about three widths of your fingers down from your wrist, or slightly in the middle of your forearm.

Growing up in Florida, I’ve been surrounded by saltwater my entire life…and I love sharing my passion with others.

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