Randy, you've hit upon two comforts critical for romance, ventilation and music. Over 8 romantic evenings, we've discovered you don't have to have a lot of mods to have a good time.In another thread, RandyMoon wrote: Just out of curiosity, now that you have spent the night, do you have a list of things you would bring along next time to make the overnighter more comfortable? Something softer to sleep on? Ventilation? Romantic music?
The Admiral and I have not spent the night on Rhapsody yet but when the Kansas night temperatures get lower than Afganistan day temperatures, we are planning on exploring the livin' conditions. I am just wondering what it is that I should do to make Rhapsody more comfortable.
Ventilation. We have it halfway covered, with the 24x7 Nicro Vent with the exhaust blade in. But with the front and companionway hatches closed to keep the bugs out at night, it has very little intake area, and romance can = fogged windows.
Gotta get those no-see-um screens finished.Music. Here's our no alternation to the boat music solution. A portable CD player with 12VDC adapter and 12V powered computer speakers are another alternative, if you already have them. OTOH, there are times when NO music is appropriate, just the peace and quiet and/or sounds of nature. Try to be alert for those times, as well as what music is appropriate when it's time for that.
Add sun protection, hydration, medicines, afternoon shade, shower, appropriate temperature food, interior fan, mood lighting, big fluffy comforter, and spirits.
Sun protection. Sunscreen, hats, etc. It's hard to be romantic (and not a lot of fun to shave beforehand) when you're sunburned.
Hydration. Drink plenty of water, and better yet, some sports drinks during the day. It's hard to be romantic, and not a good idea to drink alcoholic beverages, when you're dehydrated. It can cause headaches.
Medicines. Speaking of headaches, make sure you have something to treat them, as well as deal with sunburn, rope or cooking burns, cuts, allergies, itchy bug bites, nausea, diarrhea, splinters from docks or the unfinished bilge compartments. and even sprains. Not only can medical supplies save a romantic evening, but they can mean not having to head back to the ramp days early, especially in the middle of the night.
Shade. We haven't used our bimini yet, but a $7 8'x10' silver tarp from Wal-Mart over the boom shades the companionway and cockpit, and channels air back effectively. Nice when you're stretched out on the cockpit cushions with the bulkheads on either side of the companionway as backrests. It comes down to the cockpit lifelines and a bit more privacy can be had with beach towels hung over the lifelines. It helps keep the cabin a little cooler, allows the companionway to be open and perhaps sitting in the cockpit in a gentle rain, and does reduce dew on the cockpit cushions a little too.
Shower. It's hard to feel romantic when you're sweaty and sticky from the day's activities and all that sunscreen, and your hair feels greasy. Barb found a Coleman camping shower with flashlight battery-powered pump that can be lowered into the lake or even hooked up to one of those Reliant flexible jugs. A plant spray bottle or one of those ketchup/mustard dispensers with pre-mixed soap or shampoo in water helps too. Liquid Joy or Dawn hand diswashing detergent lathers better in saltwater, I hear. A big box of non-alcoholic baby wipes also helps freshening up when showering isn't practical, and combing baby powder through your hair can remove some of the oil in those conditions.
Appropriate temperature meals. Not having to cook obviously avoids a heat problem, and cold cuts from the deli, and cold potato salad, cole slaw, etc, can be refreshing on a warm evening. Not having cookware (and other dishes) to wash helps the mood too. OTOH, on a cool evening, cooking adds a little warmth and a good hot meal improves the mood then. Just make sure one partner doesn't get stuck doing the dishes alone. The mood for the evening actually starts at breakfast, be that dry cereal with fruit and milk, pancakes and maple syrup, EggBeater omlets, or hot oatmeal with apples and cinnamon. As I've mentioned before, good coffee in the morning is very important to us.
Fan(s). It really helps the mood on a warm evening. Pretty much any 12 volt fan will help, but keep an eye out for their power consumption. We got the very low power but pricey Hella, but West Marine has a similar lower-priced one with better blade guard that's only rated for maybe 20% more power use. We haven't installed it yet, but instead put a quick-connect lighter-plug from Radio Shack on it and just ran it on the table. You can pick them up at truck stops and J.C.Whitney too.
Lighting. The glare of the bright factory lighting is fine for doing work, but even just one is too bright for romance. For now, we're using a AA sized Mini MagLite in candle mode in the evening. No soot on the ceiling or fire hazard, but the base isn't quite wide enough for much wave action. Some find no substitute for real candles, but just be careful with them. I'm going to build some small LED lights when I get time.
Comforter. When it's warm in the evening, it adds some padding on top of the foam berth cushion. If it's chilly, or gets that way later, it's nice to snuggle up under it.
Spirits. Hard liquor neat is the easiest. On the rocks is next. Cold beer and wine are pretty easy too, and the latter is getting into Barb's drinks. Lexan or plastic wine, pilsner, and champagne glasses are available. Frozen drinks usually call for a 12V blender or 120VAC version with inverter, but you could get creative with small blocks of ice and a manual sno-cone shaver (at Bed, Bath & Beyond or Pampered Chef, Barb says). Go easy on the alcohol though, especially in warm weather.
Finally, you're going to be in close quarters and you both set the mood all day long. Don't sweat the small stuff. Ignore the inconsiderate out on the water and don't let 'em get to you. Laugh off your little mistakes and try to do better. Try not to be critical, even if you have to bite your tongues at times. Choose your words carefully when you have to speak. OTOH, don't take offense at constructive criticism and suggestions. Keep an open mind. Make it a point to be extra considerate of each other, like a couple just starting to date and trying to win the other's affection.
Anyway, those are just a few ideas. I'm sure others have some fine ones as well.
--
Moe
- she was very understanding 
as we both wiped down the inside of the bleach bottle.