Proper storage arrangement aboard a boat can save you a lot of headaches. Keeping everything in its proper place ensures it will be present when you return from your cruise. It also makes it easier to find what you need when the time comes.
The cool thing is that there are plenty of boat accessories that you can use to stay organized. These accessories include:
Cargo nets
Cargo nets are excellent for keeping tiny objects together. They are a perfect way to prevent belongings such as hats, sunglasses, and maps from getting misplaced.
You can secure them to the floor, the wall, or any other available place. The good thing is that the nets are portable, so you can easily carry them, making it easy to reach for what you are looking for in the event you need it.
Boat trash bag
Having a defined area for waste disposal is always a good idea. It makes cleaning up a breeze and lowers the likelihood of leaving it out or forgetting about it.
To stay neat, have a trash bag in the boat. You can keep your boat trash bag in a variety of locations, depending on your preferences. For a great experience, have one where everyone knows not to toss anything else in there other than trash.
You can also hang the trash bag on the wall, leaving about 1 foot of room beneath it. This way, if something falls out, you’ll always know where it goes and can easily replace it.
Tackle box
Have you ever misplaced your fishing gear? It’s extremely annoying, to say the least. It’s even worse when you can’t find your tackle box.
Tackle boxes are useful since they keep all your supplies in one location while keeping them organized. They come in all sizes, so no matter what kind of fishing you do, you should always have the correct tackle box for the job.
The sole disadvantage of tackle boxes is that they can get heavy, especially if carried frequently. There’s no reason to always lug it with you, as you’d be wearing yourself out.
When you are fishing, instead of bringing everything with you at once, go to the boat and get what you want.
Besides ensuring that the tackle box is of the right size and strong enough, you also should ensure that it’s waterproof to protect your accessories from water damage.
For peace of mind, buy a high-quality accessory from boatoutfitters.com or any other reputable store.
Door hangers
Door hangers are an excellent way to keep track of everything you might have forgotten. If you haven’t been on your boat in a few days and need a boost, attach a door hanger inside the cabin with your name, date, and a list of everything you need.
Having a door hanger inside a boat cabin saves you time and provides a place to store extra whistles, keys, knives, etc.
To get the most from the door hanger, find one with a strong mounting mechanism. These can be hooks, clips, or straps that securely attach the hanger to the boat’s door or railing without causing any damage.
Since boat door hangers are exposed to moisture and salt water, it is critical to select a corrosion-resistant hanger to ensure they last for a long time.
Cabinets and drawers
There are so many boat storage solutions for cabinets and drawers that you can take to your advantage. The key to success with these options is to store related products together. For example, always keep your cooking items in one drawer and label the cabinet something like “Kitchen.”
If you want to be more specific, name specific drawers with the item in them, such as “Silverware” or “Cups & Mugs.”
If you want to keep it professional, you can label your storage locations with numbers rather than words. It’s also a good idea to use different colored markers for your labels to sort them by color if needed.
As much as you would want to have as many storage options as possible, you should note that when you’re on the water, having too many kitchen storage areas isn’t good, as it makes the boat too heavy, making it impossible for you to carry extra weight.
It can also become problematic when the time comes to clean up.
Another accessory that you might consider to help keep your boat organized is installing outlets for every drawer. These are particularly handy for charging electronic devices while they are securely stored away in their proper places. This keeps your countertops and other surface areas clear, contributing to the overall tidiness and orderliness of your boat.
When thinking of innovative ways to store stuff, be rational and utilize common sense.
Sail bag
From its name, a sail bag is a specialized bag designed for storing and transporting sails used in sailing. Sail bags are specifically designed to hold various sizes and types of sails.
Many sail bags contain compartments or different sections that allow you to store multiple sails at the same time.
They come in various sizes and shapes to suit multiple sails, including mainsails, jibs, genoas, spinnakers, etc.
When buying a sail bag, ensure it’s large enough for your sails. It also should be made from durable, water-resistant materials to protect the sails from dirt, moisture, UV rays, and other elements that can cause damage.
Shoe organizer
Shoe organizers give an easy solution to keep your shoes where you left them while also keeping them clean and dry. Furthermore, they take up very little room, so it doesn’t hurt even if you have a small vessel.
Before you head to the stores, consider the available installation surfaces in your boat. Look for a shoe organizer with hooks, straps, or adhesive backing that is simple to install.
You also should consider the installation method and ensure it won’t damage the boat’s interior.
The shoe organizer should also be easy to maintain. Chances are that the shoes will bring in dirt, sand, or wetness. You want an organizer made from materials that can be easily wiped clean or machine-washed.
Parting shot
As you have seen, you can use many boat accessories to stay organized and tidy. As a rule of thumb, only buy high-quality accessories that will last long.
