It is the beating heart of the common areas, often located amidships, includes a table with benches around where the crew can dine and socialize; if needed, it can be converted into an additional bed (super comfortable and very airy!).

Inside the dinette there may also be another sofa and a chart table where the skipper plans the itinerary, communicates with ports and other vessels through the onboard radio (VHF), and checks weather and sea conditions in the area.

Often located near the entrance staircase to the interior (below deck), the kitchenette although small in size is functional and well equipped: the stove is just like the one at home.

The boats have one or more refrigerators (cockpit or upright) that are powered by on-board batteries.

A sink (in some cases double) and plenty of space (cabinets, drawers and compartments) for storing dishes and food complete the equipment.

At the front of the boat (bow) there is usually a cabin with greater heights than those at the stern and an adjoining bathroom. Larger boats devoted primarily to leasing/chartering may also feature two somewhat smaller symmetrical forward cabins.

Owner's boats devote even more space to the "main" cabin; Comfort is provided by larger spaces, larger closets and overhead cabinets, and a private (en-suite) bathroom with shower, sink, and marine toilet.

There may also be one or two bunk cabins on board, usually located immediately forward of the dinette. Bunk cabins despite having smaller overlapping beds are perfect for sharing a vacation with other crew members. 

Bunk cabins generally have more limited space than other cabins, but for some, the greater privacy that follows from the single bed is very appealing.

At the rear of the boat (below the cockpit) are usually 2 symmetrical cabins with more limited height but often with generously sized beds. Larger boats often also offer a dedicated bathroom for each cabin (or a common one for both).

The number of bathrooms varies greatly from boat to boat; on boats with three cabins it is common to find 1 or 2 bathrooms while with boats with 4/5 cabins it is common to have 3 or 4 bathrooms on board. 

Inside the bathrooms there is a marine toilet (which uses sea water for flushing) operated manually or electrically, a sink and various lockers for storing beauty and personal effects, and a shower; larger boats have a separate shower space.

The cockpit is the open area located toward the stern of the boat where crews can maneuver the boat, sunbathe or dine al fresco. It is equipped with seating, fixed or fold-down tables.

At the rear of the cockpit is the wheelhouse (double or single), instrumentation (engine, chart plotter) and sail handling winches.

Most cruising boats allow the cockpit to be shaded from the sun by a fixed (or movable) awning.

The stern beach is the rear part of the boat, located behind the cockpit. It can be flat or slightly sloping and usually houses the ladder for getting on or off the water, as well as any swim platforms for accessing the boat from moorings or the tender.

The bow is the front part of the boat, characterized by its tapered shape. The bow features the anchor, a locker for its chain, and a winch/windlass that allows the anchor to be raised and lowered via a dedicated remote control.

Forward of the mast are often sunbathing areas perfect for enjoying moments of relaxation.