The first time you walk into a yacht galley, you might be taken aback by how little space there really is. You'll probably nod your head and tell the person who invited you to the galley, "I had no idea it was going to be that big." However, within minutes of walking into that galley, you're likely to reach for a coffee mug and realize there's absolutely no place to put it down. This means the galley may appear large... but only until you begin to use it.
The information presented in this article will explore the ways in which individuals, including weekend captains and charter crew members, can make more functional space in their yacht galleys. This includes layout design techniques, storage strategies, and some minor behaviors that make cooking on the water seem less like a juggling act. The good news is that making some minor adjustments can greatly impact how you feel about cooking on your yacht.
Why Is Yacht Galley Space Important?
While "space" may seem nice-to-have, it is critical to creating a comfortable and efficient experience aboard your yacht. A yacht galley provides a quiet and peaceful place to prepare meals at anchor. Unfortunately, a galley's potential for being peaceful is rapidly diminished when you are forced to move through a narrow passage surrounded by pots and pans, or when the boat is rocking and you are having trouble finding what you need. While there are many types of yachts and therefore varying degrees of galley motion, there are similarities among nearly all yacht galleys: everything needs to be accessible, yet hidden out of the way at the same time. This is somewhat akin to solving a puzzle.
According to a number of marine equipment suppliers, approximately 60% of all galley-related complaints involve poor storage access or awkwardly designed layouts. Again, this is an estimate and may vary depending on individual circumstances. Regardless, it's rather amazing to consider that so many galley-related issues could be solved with a little planning and consideration for the differences between land-based kitchens and those found on yachts.
Start With the Layout - Because Flow Truly Makes a Difference
U-Shaped & L-Shaped Galley Designs
Both U-shape and L-shape designs are common for galleys. These shapes help to keep the cook in a central location and provide stability. You may be wondering why flow is such a major issue - well, when the seas are rough, a single good handhold can mean the difference between a perfectly cooked meal and a destroyed pot of pasta.
A U-shaped galley offers more edge counter space to hold onto, while an L-shaped galley creates a larger work space for joint cooking. Ultimately, both shapes offer benefits, but the key is to understand how your galley naturally flows.
One-Bench Galleys: The Biggest Challenge
Smaller yachts typically have a one-bench galley design, forcing cooks to layer multiple activities vertically versus horizontally. In smaller galleys, every inch of usable space is important. Typically designers attempt to offset this limitation by increasing the depth of the drawers and/or installing overhead cabinets. However, these are limited in terms of available space.
Regardless... back to the point: with one-bench galleys, think in terms of height vs. width.
Hidden Storage - The Secret to Efficient Yacht Galleys
Hidden storage in the form of disappearing wall storage, under-floor storage, and hidden storage within furniture is an incredibly satisfying concept. It almost seems like discovering secret compartments in a magician's prop trunk.
Kickboard Storage
In many cases, the kick plate at the base of a cabinet can be converted into a drawer. Great for flat items like baking sheets, cutting mats, extra cleaning rags or disposable vacuum bags.
Under Seating Compartments
Seating areas, dining tables, chart tables and almost anything else on a yacht can serve as additional storage spaces. Many owners do not realize that the underside of a seat base often contains enormous amounts of unused storage space. Simply pull up the cushions and... voila!
Bulkhead Mounted Racks
As mentioned earlier, utilizing vertical space is essentially the mantra for maximizing storage in a yacht galley. Magnetic knife strips, spice racks, or collapsible cup holders can be mounted on bulkheads to store frequently used items out of the way, yet easily accessible.
Multi-Functional Tools Help Create a Larger Galley Feeling
Professional charter chefs agree that multi-functional tools are money well spent. When you bring multi-functional tools along, you eliminate the possibility of having to pack multiple versions of the same tool - and thus, eliminate the likelihood of clutter.
Stackable Pots
Stackable pots with removable handles are not mere gimmicks. They allow you to utilize an entire cabinet and store other items that would otherwise be lost in the chaos of stacked pots.
Collapsible Kettles, Colanders, Mixing Bowls & Toasters
Collapsible kettles, colanders, mixing bowls and even toasters (yes, they exist!) can make a significant difference in how functional a galley is. Using these products is somehow oddly satisfying because... well, they disappear.
Cutting Boards With Built-In Accessories
Boards that include built-in strainers or sliding trays help minimize the amount of mess generated during food preparation and also conserve valuable storage space. While it may seem trivial, the accumulation of these small conveniences can add up significantly.
Counter Space - The Battle You Will Never Win Without Planning
Most yacht countertops are relatively small, so providing additional temporary countertop space can seem like a luxury. However, there are clever ways to create the illusion that these small spaces are larger than they truly are.
Sink Covers That Function As Additional Prep Zones
Installing a fitted sink cover instantly increases the size of your prep zone. Some owners have even commissioned custom wooden covers that double as serving boards.
Stove Cover Solutions
Sink covers and stove covers accomplish similar objectives: they transform the cooktop or sink into an additional flat working surface. Just remember to plan ahead for cooling times for burners (no one escapes this mishap).
Sliding Or Folding Shelving
Some galleys feature small folding or sliding shelving units that extend from a cabinet or drop-down from the top of a cabinet. While they appear fragile, marine-grade hardware is surprisingly robust.
Creating Order in the Galley - Without Losing Your Mind
Good organization is not merely aesthetically pleasing, it is a matter of survival in the galley, particularly in a rolling anchorage attempting to locate salt.
Clear Bins
Utilize clear bins or mesh containers to prevent items from becoming disorganized during wave activity. Store items loosely in groups: snack items in one bin, breakfast items in another.
Labeling: Saving Lives (At Least Kitchen Lives)
Labeling the contents of each drawer eliminates the constant inquiry from guests, "Where do I put this?"
Store Heavy Items At Floor Level
Not only is it safer to store heavy items near the floor level, but it also prevents messy spills from occurring when the yacht heels unexpectedly.
Controlling Motion - Because Everything Slides Around at Sea
Even with the most effective storage systems, motion control is critical in order to ensure that items remain organized and in place. Yacht crew members learn early on that managing movement is an art form in itself.
Anti-Slip Liners
Install anti-slip liners on all shelving, drawers, countertops, etc. Not only will they assist with preventing items from moving around, but they will also address a multitude of other related issues simultaneously.
Railings & Fiddle Bars
Railings and fiddle bars on countertops are not purely decorative. They are installed specifically to prevent items from falling off the countertops due to the effects of gravity and/or sea motion.
Marine-Grade Latches
Marine-grade latches (push-locks, slam-locks, rotating knobs, etc.) prevent drawers from opening randomly and spilling all of the contents to the floor.
Food Storage - The Unseen Space Hogs
When provisioning a yacht for a weeklong cruise, food storage presents another challenge: where do you store the food without feeling like you are living in a pantry?
Vacuum Storage Bags
Vacuum storage bags compress air and consequently save space, in addition to maintaining the freshness of stored ingredients for a longer period.
Soft Packaging Over Hard Packaging
Soft packaging (cereals, pasta, snacks) reduces wasted space in odd-shaped cabinets, whereas hard packaging (boxes) wastes space regardless of cabinet configuration.
Fridge Organization
Organize your refrigerator by placing small boxes inside the fridge so that items won't topple over every time you open the door. It may seem silly, but it really helps.
Lighting, Materials & Atmosphere - How to Create a Sense of Larger Space in a Galley
This section is not about physical storage, however it does influence how you perceive the space. According to designers, good lighting can increase the perceived size of a galley by as much as 20%. Don't know exactly, but it's true.
LED Light Strips Under Cabinets
LED light strips placed under cabinets illuminate the surrounding area, eliminating shadows, thereby extending the length of countertops.
Light Color Surfaces
Surfaces with lighter color schemes (light wood, pale countertops, shiny surfaces) reflect light better than darker colors, resulting in a sense of reduced confinement.
Mirrors & Glossy Finish Bulkheads
Mirrors and/or high-gloss finish bulkheads create the illusion of doubling the space. Not magic, but close.
Behaviors That Keep the Galley Spacious (Even If It Isn't)
Sometimes the largest improvements occur from behavioral changes, not from changes in hardware.
Clean as You Go
Clean as you go. This may sound like an obvious statement, but it is the only reasonable option for a galley that is subject to wave action.
Return Items to Their Proper Place Right Away
If you don't return items to their proper place immediately, clutter builds and soon everything becomes chaotic.
Use Only What You Need
Do not purchase unnecessary items for the galley. The galley is not the place for impulse purchases.
FAQs: Quickly Answering the Questions Yacht Owners Keep Asking
Do I really need special “marine” equipment?
Not always. But gear that can latch, resist corrosion, or handle movement tends to last longer.
What’s the easiest upgrade for tiny galleys?
A sink cover. It’s affordable and immediately useful.
Are collapsible items worth it?
Yes — they save surprising amounts of space.
How do I keep items from sliding underway?
Use non-slip liners and keep heavy items low.
What should I prioritize if I rarely cook onboard?
Focus on multi-use storage and easy access for snacks, drinks, and quick meals.
A final thought… yacht galleys will probably never feel massive. But with a few clever tricks and some “actually quite fun” habits, they can feel surprisingly workable. And who knows — your next cup of coffee might actually have a place to sit.
