WHY a bar?

Kevin · 02-27-2006, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catmando

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!

YachtForums · 02-27-2006, 10:18 PM

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!

Ladies choice · 03-02-2006, 11:28 AM

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!

Kevin · 03-02-2006, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ladies choice

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.

YachtForums · 03-02-2006, 11:56 AM

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...

daiwa · 03-02-2006, 09:15 PM

Agree, just add the winecellar of 10.000 bottles and nobody going to complain if it´s "still" raining out there

Arniev · 03-02-2006, 09:59 PM

While I am not a big drinker (I enjoy the occasional glass of wine with family and friends), I do have friends who drink. And as a matter of courtesy and good hospitality, when entertaining guests, I make sure that there is a modest amount of wine and liquor available for anyone (of legal age) to enjoy.
As for me, as long as there is VERY COLD DIET COKE in the fridge,
I'm as happy as a clam!

kalmeran · 03-03-2006, 07:32 AM

You have bars and bars........Ice (ex-Air) has a sushi bar , Attessa a breakfast bar , Floridian (ex-Aussie Rules) a pool bar ......Andiamo has a very extensive bar (a galley) on the sun deck.

So many owners, so many lifestyles, so many bars

Loren Schweizer · 03-03-2006, 04:07 PM

There are certainly some thoughtful responses here as to "Why a bar".
Interestingly, and while I've only been in the business for about thirty years, I did not come across the one of what I always thought were The Major Maxims.

To wit, simply: Yachting Is A Thirsty Business.
Period.

And to which there are subsections, one of which I'll add to provide grist for other threads in this mill, as it were:

Enough Is Enough, And Too Much Is Just Right

Cheers

Go5go · 03-09-2006, 08:35 AM

So many opinions on why a bar..

I see many owners having larger parties/gatherings that the to have a good staff to guest ratio would be just too busy... so have a bar for those how need to get their drink a little faster than waiting for wait staff.. The gathering point..

In a lot of normal home gatherings,the kitchen seems to be the gathering place. On a yacht the galley is usually a little cut off for the guests, so you need a bar.

It also provides a central location of the beverages.

Peter