TOP FIVE BELOW DECK DECKHANDS
Working as a deckhand on a luxury yacht isn’t just about scrubbing teak and tying knots. In the world of Below Deck, it’s also about handling drama, showing leadership, and keeping the boat — and the show — afloat. Here are the deckhands who stood out above the rest:
1. Eddie Lucas (Below Deck, Seasons 1–3, 8–9)
Why he ranks #1:
Eddie is practically the gold standard for deckhands. Starting out as a reliable, drama-free worker in early seasons, he matured into a strong leader and later returned as bosun. He kept things professional (except for one infamous laundry room incident) and earned respect from both captains and fans.
Signature moment:
His redemption arc in Season 8 proved he could lead a team and handle chaos like a pro.
2. Alex Radcliffe (Below Deck Mediterranean, Season 5)
Why he ranks:
Alex had the perfect balance of charm, hard work, and likability. He was easygoing, hilarious, and never got caught up in toxic drama — a rare combo. His flirtation with Bugsy added a light-hearted romance without becoming a distraction.
Signature moment:
Smoothly handled Malia’s strict bosun leadership while keeping the deck team unified.
3. Colin Macy-O’Toole (Below Deck Mediterranean, Seasons 3–4)
Why he ranks:
Colin wasn’t the strongest deckhand skill-wise, but his emotional intelligence, loyalty, and dry humor made him beloved. His bromance with João Franco and general good-guy energy gave the show some needed heart.
Signature moment:
Defending Hannah and navigating crew drama with honesty and tact.
4. Ashton Pienaar (Below Deck, Seasons 6–7)
Why he ranks:
Ashton went from deckhand to bosun, proving he had both the grit and leadership skills. His near-death experience in Season 6 (being dragged off the boat by a tow line) was one of the scariest moments in Below Deck history. However, his behavior in Season 7 raised some red flags, which knocked him down a few notches.
Signature moment:
The man-overboard incident — terrifying but unforgettable.
5. Ben Willoughby (Below Deck, Seasons 10–11)
Why he ranks:
Ben brought energy, work ethic, and major boatmance drama to the table. His complicated relationships with Camille and later Leigh-Ann made him a central figure both on and off the deck.
Signature moment:
Navigating a love triangle while still pulling his weight on a turbulent crew.
Honorable Mentions:
James Hough (Below Deck Season 8) – Lazy but wildly entertaining.
Jake Foulger (Below Deck Season 9) – Cheeky and unpredictable.
João Franco (Below Deck Med Seasons 3–4) – Started rocky, but grew into a solid leader.
Final Thoughts:
Deckhands may not always be the stars of the show, but these five proved that skill, personality, and a little bit of chaos make for reality TV gold. Whether they were steering the tender or navigating romantic whirlpools, they knew how to keep things afloat.