Which boat for a 20-person birthday party? Choosing the right layout

With 20 guests, it's easy to picture an evening where everyone chats around the same table before heading outside or into a more open space. That's exactly why choosing the boat matters: too big, and the group can lose its sense of togetherness; too small, and things quickly become cramped.

In practice, the starting point should be the programme for the evening.

For a relaxed, sociable birthday

A small private boat can work well if the aim is to stay among close friends and family. The space can be arranged around drinks, a dinner or something more informal. The size of the boat then helps keep a real group atmosphere.

For a dinner for 20

If you're planning a seated dinner, look at the table layout and how people can move around the guests. Twenty people seated at a table take up far more room than twenty people standing around with drinks. This difference should be taken into account from your very first enquiry.

For an evening with music

If the birthday is going to turn into a party with dancing, make sure there's a genuinely clear space. A small capacity doesn't automatically mean a boat is suitable for dancing. What you need to check is the floor space available once the furniture is in place.

The right boat is the one that fits your programme

With 20 guests, the choice can remain fairly open. A yacht, a motor launch or another private boat can each meet different needs. The idea is to pin down the number of guests, the type of meal, the length of the event and the atmosphere you want before selecting the boat.