6. Newport Belle Bed & Breakfast, South Beach, Oregon
The Belle, a functional sternwheel riverboat, was built in 1993 specifically as a bed-and-breakfast. So it provides more space than most boats and lots of windows for gazing at the lovely Yaquina Bay Bridge and the marina—plus real bathrooms with showers. Polished woodwork, comfortable seating, and a nostalgic woodstove combine to make the second-deck Salon a wonderful refuge; 800/348-1922 or newportbelle.com.7. Rachel B. Jackson, Bar Harbor, Maine
Daily public sails during the summer season show off the natural beauty of Frenchman’s Bay as well as the boat itself, an exquisitely detailed re-creation of an 1890s coastal schooner. The boat-and-breakfast package starts with the regular sunset cruise. Then after discharging the rest of the passengers, the crew sails overnight guests to a secluded anchorage for a private getaway beneath the stars. Aromas of just-brewed coffee and fresh-baked bread constitute the morning’s wakeup call; downeastsail.com.
8. SeaClusion, St. Augustine, Florida
Wide and heavy, SeaClusion won’t set any speed records. On the other hand, her stability and ample room below decks make this 38-foot motor yacht, moored at the St. Augustine Municipal Marina, a wonderful place to stay overnight. Teak paneling, air conditioning, and two bathrooms with unlimited water (via dock hookups) add to the comfort. The marina lies at the heart of St. Augustine’s historic district, a block south of the elegant Bridge of Lions. Guests walk two blocks to the Casa de Solana Bed & Breakfast Inn for a hot breakfast buffet. They also share such other inn amenities as evening drinks, snacks, and desserts; 888/796-0980 or bed-boat-st-augustine.com.
9. Schooner Woodwind, Annapolis, Maryland
In sailing-mad Annapolis, it just seems natural to stay aboard a sailboat. The 74-foot Woodwind, a two-masted schooner, has offered boat-and-breakfast lodging since it was built in 1993. Unfortunately, guests can spend the night only on Saturdays, and only May through September. On the bright side, the package includes a two-hour sunset sail and a Continental breakfast served on deck; 410/263-8619 or schoonerwoodwind.com.
10. Papillon, Palacios, Texas
“It’s an older boat with a lot of charm. We’ve sailed her thousands and thousands of miles,” says Kathy Nichols fondly. So she and husband Nick decided to share their pride and joy by letting others enjoy some private time aboard Papillon, their 1977 Heritage sailboat. Guests at The Main Inn, Kathy and Nick’s bed-and-breakfast, can opt to stay overnight on the 37-foot craft moored in the nearby harbor. The comings and goings of other pleasure boats and the sizable Palacios shrimping fleet provide continuous entertainment; 888/972-3408 or matagordalodging.com/MainInn.
