🌞 Stay Cool and Comfortable On Board This Summer
Whether you’re relaxing at anchor, tied up in a sunny marina, or taking a break mid-passage, hot weather on board your boat can be both a joy and a challenge. From keeping cool to staying comfortable, a few smart upgrades can make a big difference to life afloat in the warmer months.
We’ve pulled together some of our favourite summer essentials — from cooling fans to clever cockpit accessories — all designed to help you make the most of your time on the water.
MARINE COMFORT CUSHIONS
A proper seat on board can be the difference between a long, relaxed lunch and a numb backside. That’s where our marine cushions come in. They offer comfort, durability and thoughtful design features made for life at sea.
Our best-selling comfort cushions are available in single, double, or triple widths. With UV-resistant outer fabric and a soft-yet-buoyant silicone kapok filling. They're just as useful on the foredeck as they are in the cockpit — and the matching roll cushion is ideal for extra lumbar support.
✅ Great for sunbathing, lounging, or just making hard seating more forgiving.
💡 Save when you buy a pair!
New for 2025: Marine Business Waterproof Cushions
Looking for a stylish yet ultra-practical option? These new waterproof cushions from Marine Business come as a set of two and are made from soft-feel polypropylene. This high-tech material resists UV rays, water, stains and sun fading, yet feels surprisingly like fabric.
Each cushion includes a rope loop so you can secure it to your guardrail or cockpit seating. Ensure you can keep it firmly in place when underway or in windy conditions.
✅ Waterproof, windproof, and easy to wipe clean.
🌞 Perfect for open cockpits, decks, or motorboats with exposed seating.
🌬️ Stay Cool with a 12V Fan On Board
When the breeze drops and the sun’s beating down, a reliable fan can make all the difference — especially below deck.
Whether you’re cooking, sleeping, or just relaxing in the saloon, good ventilation keeps things cooler, drier and more comfortable.
There’s a fan for every setup and budget:
- 💎 Premium: The Caframo Sirocco II is a favourite among long-distance cruisers. It’s quiet, powerful and fully directional with multiple speed and timer settings. An ideal choice for cabins or the nav station.
- 🔧 Midrange: The Caframo Bora offers strong airflow in a compact design, perfect for bulkhead mounting in smaller spaces.
- 💸 Budget: Need a quick fix? A simple Clip-On 12V Fan gives instant relief and can be moved where you need it most. Great for occasional use or extra airflow in hot cabins.
💡 Tip: Mount fans high and angle them downward for the best circulation — especially overnight.
Explore our full range of 12V fans → View All Fans
🛟 Add Comfort to Your Guardrails
Guardrails are great for safety — but not always so kind on your back! Luckily, there are a couple of simple upgrades that can make your cockpit a much more comfortable place to relax.
Guardrail Backrests
Clip-on guardrail backrests turn your lifelines into usable seating in seconds. Shaped for support and designed to fit most standard guardrail wire, they’re a favourite for boats where cockpit space is tight.
✅ Quick to fit, surprisingly comfy, and perfect for social spaces.
💡 Save when you buy a pair!
RailGuard Padded Rail Cushions
For a more minimal, flexible option, the RailGuard Padded Rail Cushion wraps securely around the rail itself. Fitting rails up to 22mm in diameter they provide soft padding where you need it most. Use it to cushion backs, shoulders or elbows — especially useful near helm positions or lounging spots.
✅ Durable, UV-stable cover and marine-grade foam inside.
🔄 Easily repositioned around your cockpit.
🪟 Blinds for Better Comfort Below Deck
Blinds might seem like a small upgrade, but they make a big difference below deck.
They help keep your cabin cool, shaded, and private — especially during long summer days.
Whether you're trying to sleep past sunrise, block out marina lights at night, or reduce heat during the day, a good set of blinds is a smart addition to any boat.
Sunset Blinds
A trusted option for years, Sunset Blinds are perfect for hatches and portholes. Made with a robust enamel-coated stainless frame, they’re durable and versatile. They can be mounted vertically or horizontally thanks to the included end-catch system.
✅ Available in multiple sizes to suit most onboard openings.
Seaview Seashade Mini Roller Blind
For a more premium finish, the Seashade Mini offers a smarter, more streamlined look with extra functionality. This spring-loaded cassette blind is built for small hatches and windows, and features blackout fabric with 100% light block, UV protection and heat-reflective properties.
It’s also super easy to operate, with a neat, ergonomic handle or optional pull tab — and everything stows away cleanly when not in use.
✅ Blackout fabric, water-repellent and heat-reflective.
🛠️ Slimline design, easy to install, and face/top fix options available.
🍃 Ventilate Your Cabin with a Wind Scoop
Hot, still nights at anchor can turn your cabin into an oven. A wind scoop is a simple, low-tech solution that channels even the lightest breeze down through your hatch to keep the air moving below deck.
Just hoist it with a spare halyard, attach it to your hatch, and let it do the work. A fibreglass batten keeps it open and steady, and it folds away neatly when not in use.
✅ Quick to fit, easy to stow, and a game-changer on stuffy nights.
🌊 Reduce Rolling with Rocker Stoppers
At anchor, even a gentle swell or passing wake can set your boat rocking — making it hard to relax, eat, or sleep. That’s where rocker stoppers come in.
Simply hang a set over each side of your boat to help dampen side-to-side motion. They’re easy to deploy and make a noticeable difference to onboard comfort.
✅ Sold individually — the bigger the boat, the more you’ll need.
💡 Check our website for sizing and setup tips.
🍹 Keep Drinks Secure with Smart Cup Holders
Nothing spoils a relaxing moment faster than a drink knocked over by a sudden wave or wake. Whether you're enjoying sundowners in the cockpit or coffee at the helm, a few well-placed cup holders can help keep things steady and mess-free.
Here are some of our top picks for easy, secure drinks storage on board:
Marine Innovations Boat Bar
Turn your cockpit table into a proper drinks station with the stylish Boat Bar from Marine Innovations. It holds glasses, bottles, cans — even snacks — all neatly in place with a smart, non-slip design.
- Holds 4 glasses, 5 bottles or cans, and includes a snack bowl
- Fits to most boat tables using reusable gel nano pads — no tools required
- UV and impact-resistant for lasting use
- Sleek, tabletop design with a 5-year guarantee
✅ A brilliant choice for onboard entertaining — or just keeping things tidy while at anchor.
See Marine Innovations Boat Bar →
Osculati Suction Mounted Glass Holder
Need a cup holder that goes wherever you do? The Osculati Suction Glass Holder is compact, tough, and attaches to most smooth surfaces with a strong suction mount — no screws or drilling needed.
- Perfect for cans, bottles, or tumblers (fits most standard sizes)
- Great for cockpits, bulkheads, or even the galley
- Quick to move and reposition as needed
✅ A simple, space-saving way to enjoy your drink without the spills.
See Osculati Suction Glass Holder →
Ocean Drinks Can Holder
A customer favourite, the Ocean Clip-On Can Holder is made from soft, durable polyurethane. It clips easily onto most rails, stanchions, or binnacles.
- Doubles as insulation to help keep drinks hot or cold
- Also handy for holding phones, sunglasses, or small gadgets
- Includes drainage hole and secure grip for rails 22–26mm
✅ Tough, flexible, and virtually indestructible.
☀️ Make the Most of Summer on Board
A few smart additions can make a big difference to your time afloat — whether it's a cool breeze from a cabin fan, a comfortable seat in the sun, or just knowing your drink won’t tip over at the first ripple.
From blinds and cushions to wind scoops, rail backrests and cup holders, there are plenty of ways to stay cool, relaxed and ready to enjoy every moment on the water.
Happy boating from all of us at Force 4!