Tents on a cruising boat?

[pillum]

I'm just getting ready to leave China where I work, and I'm sorting out stuff to give away, stuff to put in storage, and stuff to take to the boat.

Does anyone carry a tent on board, to use at beaches, dry-land hikes etc? Or is it silly to carry them on a 36ft cruiser with six berths?

I have three, two small two-man lightweight tents, and a big family one that weighs 23kg and is the size of a rucksack. Got the three of them for a great price at Decathlon here in China. Dump them or find space on the boat...

[xymotic]

A hammock packs MUCH smaller and is usable more often on the boat.

[noelex 77]

There is not much storage space on a boat, so everything has to be needed to earn its keep.

As kids we used to be given a tent and sent on an overnight hike. Great fun if your cruising ground has suitable places and your you have kids on board of a apropiate age.
Tents can also often be adapted to provide shade on the boat, or be suitable as rain collectors.

[msponer]

I had crew that brought a tent, and he would sometimes hike off into the wilderness for a few days. I never asked why, but it was probably a nice break from the boat, us, and the situation of being crew (where no matter how casual and close the relationship is, it's still different from being on your own boat).

So I'd take a tent if it's currently a thing you do regularly.

[GaryMayo]

A small tent can also be used onboard. A open design with screen windows will let cool fresh air in and keep out the bugs.