Hammock or Hanging Chair for a Houseboat? What to Consider When Space Is Limited

Space on a houseboat is valuable. Every square metre has a purpose, especially outdoors.

At the same time, the deck or terrace is often one of the places where people spend the most time: reading, having a coffee, watching the water or simply doing nothing for a while.

A hammock or hanging chair can create a remarkably comfortable place to relax without permanently filling the deck with bulky furniture. But choosing between the two is not simply a question of preference.

Space, suspension points, movement, weather exposure and the way the houseboat is used all need to be considered.

For around six years, more than 100 CRAZYCHAIR hammocks and hanging chairs have been used on houseboats across Europe – from Spain, Italy and Portugal to the Netherlands and Germany. Here is what we have learned.

Hammock or hanging chair: which is better for a houseboat?

There is no universal answer.

In our houseboat projects so far, hanging chairs account for roughly 70% of the installations and hammocks for around 30%. In some projects, both are used.

One reason hanging chairs are particularly interesting on houseboats is obvious: they need only one suspension point and can create a comfortable place to sit without requiring the distance between two attachment points that a hammock needs.

A hammock, on the other hand, offers something different: the possibility to fully stretch out and lie down. Where the architecture provides suitable attachment points and enough space, this can make it an ideal place to relax directly above or beside the water.

The question is therefore less about which product is better and more about which one works with the available space and the way that space will be used.

How much space does a hanging chair need?

This is where planning becomes interesting.

Our ONE hanging chair, for example, measures only around 100 cm in length and 20 cm in width when hanging in its folded position.

Opened without a person sitting in it, it occupies approximately 120 × 100 cm. With someone seated, this becomes roughly 120 × 120 cm.

But these dimensions tell only part of the story.

A hanging chair moves.

With a ceiling height of approximately 230–250 cm and a suspension rope of around 100 cm, a movement area of roughly 200 × 250 cm should be considered.

The longer the suspension, the greater the possible swing. This is why the available movement area matters just as much as the dimensions of the chair itself.

How much space does a hammock need?

A hammock requires two suspension points and, depending on the model, a suspension distance starting at approximately 250 cm.

The exact distance is only one part of the planning, however. The mounting height and position determine how the hammock hangs, how easily someone can get into and out of it and how much of the surrounding deck remains usable.

On a houseboat, a few centimetres can make a surprising difference.

A hammock that looks perfectly positioned on a drawing may interfere with a railing, doorway or circulation route once it is actually in use.

For that reason, we recommend thinking about the person in the hammock – not just the hammock itself.

Don't forget the movement around the product

This is probably one of the easiest details to overlook during planning.

A hanging chair that measures around 120 cm wide does not necessarily require only 120 cm of usable space. Someone has to approach it, sit down, get up again and, of course, may want to swing.

The same applies to a hammock. Access should feel natural rather than requiring passengers or guests to squeeze between furniture, railings or walls.

Particularly on compact houseboats, we therefore look at usable movement space, not simply product dimensions.

This often determines the best position more reliably than the floor plan alone.

Where can a hammock or hanging chair be attached on a houseboat?

In our experience, houseboats often offer more suspension possibilities than are obvious at first glance.

For hammocks, existing structural elements may provide suitable attachment points. Depending on the construction, solutions can include fixed points between a wall and railing, structural columns or other load-bearing elements.

A free-standing hammock stand is another option where the structure of the boat does not provide suitable mounting points.

Hanging chairs require only one suspension point. Depending on the houseboat, this may be a suitable load-bearing point beneath an overhanging roof or another structural element.

Specially designed stainless-steel supports such as our MEZZO or CURVE can provide another solution. They require very little floor space and can also be retrofitted where the existing architecture does not offer the right suspension point.

There is no single mounting solution that works for every houseboat. The construction and loads always need to be assessed for the individual project.

Why the choice of stand matters on the water

A stand may seem like the simplest solution, but its material deserves attention.

Houseboats are permanently exposed to moisture and weather. Low-cost steel stands can begin to corrode in these conditions.

The problem is not only appearance.

Rust can leave marks on deck surfaces that are difficult to remove, stain clothing and eventually affect the condition of the stand itself.

For houseboat applications, we therefore recommend stainless-steel solutions. In more demanding marine environments, marine-grade stainless steel such as V4A can provide additional corrosion resistance.

Freshwater vs. saltwater: does it make a difference?

Yes – but freshwater should not be mistaken for an easy environment.

Saltwater creates particularly demanding conditions for metals and other materials. A houseboat on a lake or river may not experience the same salt exposure as an ocean-going vessel, but its outdoor equipment is still subjected to moisture, rain, UV radiation, temperature changes and long periods outside.

Materials therefore still need to be selected for permanent outdoor use.

This is one of the reasons conventional cotton hammocks can become impractical on houseboats. Once wet, they can become heavy, take time to dry and require more effort to clean and store.

For our hammocks and hanging chairs, we use a lightweight high-performance micro-mesh designed for demanding outdoor environments. It dries quickly, is easy to clean and can remain outdoors for extended periods.

Can a hammock or hanging chair stay outside all year?

With materials designed for permanent outdoor use, there is no need to take a hammock or hanging chair inside every time it rains.

Our hammocks and ONE hanging chairs are designed to withstand demanding outdoor conditions, including intensive sun, rain and marine environments.

At the same time, being able to remove them quickly is useful.

The products are lightweight and can be detached and stored within a short time – for example before severe weather, during longer periods when the houseboat is not being used or when the deck is needed for something else.

On a compact houseboat, this flexibility can be just as valuable as weather resistance itself.

Rental houseboats have another challenge: changing guests

A privately used houseboat and a rental houseboat place different demands on outdoor equipment.

With changing guests, cleaning becomes part of everyday operation.

Sunscreen, drinks, ice cream, food or bird droppings are simply part of life outdoors. A product that takes hours to wash and dry can quickly become inconvenient when the next guests are arriving.

This is where the choice of material has a practical impact.

Our hammock fabric can be cleaned directly with water, a brush or sponge and a mild cleaning solution. It dries quickly and does not normally require the complete washing and drying process associated with many traditional fabric or cotton hammocks.

For operators, this can make preparing the outdoor area between guest stays considerably easier.

Safety becomes more important when guests are involved

When a houseboat is privately owned, the owner ultimately decides how it is used.

The situation changes when a houseboat is rented, chartered or otherwise used by changing guests.

People of different ages, heights and weights will use the equipment without necessarily having received instructions. Materials, suspension components and mounting points therefore need to be suitable for repeated commercial use.

For professional projects, we consider factors such as tested load capacity, safety reserves, suitable materials, weather resistance, documented long-term use and the condition of suspension components.

Regular inspection of the hammock or hanging chair and its attachment points should also be part of maintenance.

Depending on the vessel and applicable requirements, fire-resistant materials and relevant certifications may also need to be considered.

The best time to plan the suspension is before the houseboat is built

Hammocks and hanging chairs can be retrofitted. But if they are already part of the concept, planning becomes considerably easier.

Suitable attachment points can be incorporated into load-bearing columns, cross beams, roof structures or railings during construction.

For a hanging chair, this may mean planning a single suitable suspension point exactly where it is needed. For a hammock, two correctly positioned attachment points can eliminate the need for a separate stand later.

A small detail during the planning stage can make installation considerably easier once the houseboat is on the water.

And because every houseboat is different, it is worth looking at the architecture before deciding on the product.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is a hammock or hanging chair better for a small houseboat?

A hanging chair generally requires less permanent space and only one suspension point, which can make it particularly suitable for compact houseboats. A hammock requires two suspension points and more length but provides a full lying position. The best choice depends on the available structure, movement space and intended use.

How much space does a hanging chair need?

The chair itself may require relatively little space, but the movement around it must also be considered. With a typical suspension in a room approximately 230–250 cm high, our ONE hanging chair can require a movement area of roughly 200 × 250 cm. The exact area depends on the suspension length and installation.

How much space does a hammock need on a houseboat?

Depending on the hammock model, suspension distances can start at approximately 250 cm. The mounting height, surrounding railings, access routes and space required to enter and leave the hammock should also be considered.

Can a hammock stay outside on a houseboat?

A hammock designed specifically for permanent outdoor use can remain outside in rain, sun and changing weather conditions. Materials, seams, ropes and suspension components all need to be suitable for the environment rather than just the hammock fabric itself.

Can a hanging chair be installed without a stand?

Often, yes. If a suitable load-bearing structure is available, a hanging chair can be suspended from a defined attachment point, for example beneath a suitable roof structure. Whether this is possible must always be assessed for the individual houseboat and expected loads.

What should rental houseboat operators consider?

Durability, easy cleaning, drying time, safe suspension and regular inspection become particularly important when equipment is used by changing guests. The ability to clean a hammock or hanging chair quickly between stays can also significantly simplify day-to-day operation.

Planning hammocks or hanging chairs for a houseboat?

The best solution often starts before the first hammock or hanging chair is installed.

If you're planning a new houseboat, refitting an existing vessel or looking for a space-saving solution for a rental fleet, we're happy to look at the available space and suspension options with you.

Talk to us about your project.