Boat storage ideas: How to stay organized on a boat
Proper storage organization can save you a lot of trouble on a boat. Keeping everything in its place ensures it will still be there when you return from a cruise and will make it easier for you to find what you need when the time comes.
Boat storage ideas are just about universal, with some small differences that depend on your particular boat type and storage space. So, let’s start with the best ideas that you can catch up with to organize your boat.
Boat storage ideas are just about universal, with some small differences that depend on your particular boat type and storage space. So, let’s start with the best ideas that you can catch up with to organize your boat.
1. Cargo nets
Cargo nets are great for keeping smaller items in one place. You can purchase nets that fit over the entire cabin or smaller nets to fit specific areas. Nets are a great way to keep items like hats, sunglasses, and maps from getting lost. You can attach them to your floor, the wall, or anything else you have available so that everything stays together. The best part is they are easy to move around, so if you need something, it will be in easy reach.
2. Cabinets and drawers
There are so many boat storage ideas for cabinets and drawers it is hard to list them all. The key to success with these types of boats is numbering the drawers and keeping like items together. For example, always put your cooking utensils in one drawer and keep that drawer labelled with something like “Kitchen”. If you want to be really detailed, you can even label certain drawers with the item that goes in them, like “Silverware” or “Cups & Mugs.”
It works for everything, especially on sailboats. Labelling your storage areas with numbers instead of words makes it easier when you are moving around and helps prevent confusion. It is also a good idea to use different coloured markers for your labels so that you can group them by colour if necessary.
Alternative Storage Places Just about everything on any boat can be stored in an alternative place. For example, instead of putting dishes away after each meal, just leave them out and put them away when you are done with the meal. This might seem a little weird at first, but it will make your life a whole lot easier when you are cleaning up.
You can also store items from multiple areas in the same drawer to maximize space. For example, most people put their silverware and cooking utensils in their kitchen drawer, but if you keep them together, they take up less space.
Having too many kitchen storage ideas is not a good thing when you are on the water. It can make life difficult, and what seems like a great idea in your head may end up being a nightmare when it comes time to clean up. Be logical and use common sense when thinking of new ways to store items, and you will be happy with the results.
3. Boat trash bag
Having a designated place to store trash is always a good idea. It really makes cleaning up easy and reduces the chance that you will leave it out or forget about it. There are many different places you can keep your boat trash bag, just make sure to put one somewhere where everyone knows not to throw anything else in there.
It may be a good idea to hang the bag on the wall, so you have about 1 foot of space below it. That way, if something falls out, you will always know where it goes and can put it back without too much trouble.
4. Sail bags
If you do not know what a sail bag is, then take a quick look at your sail.
If you know what it is, then you will not need to read the next few sentences. Sail Bags are a great way to keep your sails in one place when they are not being used and make them easier to carry with you when you go somewhere. A typical bag can hold three sails quite easily, with room for more if necessary.
5. Tackle box
Have you ever lost fishing equipment before? It is quite irritating, to say the least. What makes it even harder is when you cannot find your tackle box. Tackle boxes are great because they hold all of your supplies in one place and keep them organized at the same time. They come in every size possible so that no matter what type of fishing you will be doing, you should always have the right tackle box for the job.
The only drawback to tackle boxes is that they can get heavy, especially if you are carrying them around a lot. There really is no need to carry it all around with you, and you would probably end up wearing yourself out in the process. If you fish, then make one trip to the boat and back instead of carrying everything with you.
6. Rope boat organizer
Rope, especially fishing line, is hard to store on a boat. It does not coil back up like normal rope and just becomes a tangled mess that never goes away. That is why many people use rope organizers whenever they can. A simple plastic box with dividers will do the trick just as well as a top of the line model and save you a few bucks.
7. On deck storage bags
On deck storage bags are a lifesaver when it comes to keeping your boat organized. Not only can you store all of your important fishing equipment, spare parts, and life jackets in them, but they also help keep everything dry at the same time.
The best part is that they give you easy access to whatever you need whenever you need it
The best part is that they give you easy access to whatever you need whenever you need it
8. Suction cups and velcro
Suction cups and Velcro are wonderful things to have on your boat. They allow you to attach all of those loose items that would otherwise hang over the edge. There is no reason why small items should not be stowed away and out of the way when they can be velcroed or suctioned to a bulkhead or railing.
9. Door hangers
Door hangers are a great way to keep track of everything you may have forgotten about. If you have not been on your boat for a few days and need an extra boost, then place a door hanger somewhere inside the cabin with your name, date, and a list of all the items you need.
What a door hanger is doing inside a boat cabin may not make sense, but it will help you in the long run and also give you a place to store extra whistles, keys, knives, etc…
What a door hanger is doing inside a boat cabin may not make sense, but it will help you in the long run and also give you a place to store extra whistles, keys, knives, etc…
10. Shoe organizer
Shoe Organizers are the best invention since the boat bag itself. They provide a simple way to keep your shoes right where you left them and also prevent them from getting dirty or wet. Plus, they only take up a small amount of space, so storing one is not going to be an issue at all.
11. Folding step stools
These are another one of those things that you never knew you needed until they were invented. They are just boxes with four legs on them that can store anything from extra clothing to tools and even your fishing equipment if need be.
12. Boat caddy
The Boat Caddy Organizer is the perfect way to organize all of your beverages, sunglasses, facewash – even in your cabin! They really are lifesavers.
13. Dishware storage baskets
Dishware storage baskets are perfect for safely storing all of your dishes, so they do not get chipped, scratched, or broken. They also keep them clean and organized, which is always a plus. You can even store some silverware in the same basket if you want to save some extra space.
14. Hanging baskets
Hanging baskets are also great for storing towels, dry clothing, and paper goods. They are easy to reach when you need something but not in the way at all, so you do not have to worry about bumping into them or getting tangled up.
15. Vertical gear organizer
Vertical gear organizers are perfect for any small items that tend to get lost or misplaced so often. You can use them for things like hooks, screws, knives, etc…
Boat storage ideas: conclusion
This list may never end, but I have listed the most useful and the most needed items in this article, and you can organize your boat extremely well by following these ideas.