Your bags and cooler are packed, and your bowrider is ready to hit the water. Except, all of your items suddenly don’t fit after people have boarded your bowrider.
Storage is a common issue with small boats, where the luxury of cabin and wall space is limited. But, like anything, you can hack your packing woes with these top tips for storage on your bowrider.
Plan Your Boat Storage Before You Hit the Water
Don’t wait until the last minute to decide what to pack and where. By then, it will be too late, and you’ll likely forget something important.
One thing to keep in mind is how often you use something while you’re on your boat. For items that will only be used once during your trip, stow them further away from the cockpit, so they don’t get wet when you’re getting out of the boat.
If you need to access those items more than once, consider storing them closer to the cockpit.
When storing items, ask yourself if they would be useful at some point during your trip. Then, make sure to store them accordingly.
Quick and Easy Storage Ideas for Your Bowrider
Your boat needs to be kept clean and tidy, but you don’t need to break the bank to maintain it.
As we know, space is vital on boats, especially smaller vessels like bowriders.
So here are some boat storage ideas for organizing your boat better and keeping everything safe while you’re on the water.
Life vest storage ideas
Keep life vests handy by hanging them from hooks near the cockpit. It’s best to hang them at eye level so they can easily be seen and accessed.
If your cockpit doesn’t have an ideal place to hang a hook, pop the life vests in a clear plastic storage bin. Don’t forget to make sure they are dry before storing them away to avoid mold buildup.
Fishing rod storage boat organizer
Hang rods from boat hooks along the side of the boat. Installing hooks into the gunnels is another great idea if you want to add more rod holders without too much hassle.
Tackle boxes
A tackle box is the best way to organize all your fishing gear. You can buy a tackle box specifically designed for boats or create your own.
Make sure you choose one that will last a few years in all weather conditions.
Bungee straps and suction cups
Use bungee straps to secure items to the deck or gunnels. They are great for securing items such as lures, nets, and other equipment. Just remember not to use them to tie down anything that could fall overboard.
For smaller items, use special marine suction cups. This temporary storage solution can hang towels and hold cups and rod holders.
Marine rope organizer
To keep your ropes organized, you can use marine rope organizers. These are specially made boxes that hold a variety of ropes.
You can also try using storage straps and storing the organized ropes in storage bins.
Plastic storage bins
Plastic storage bins have a wide variety of uses on a bowrider. The collapsible types are more useful in a compact space. When they’re not in use, fold them flat.
These bins are useful in more ways than one, from storing tools to fishing gear to an extra set of clothing.
Opt for the clear ones, so you don’t have to scrunch around in bins to find what you’re looking for. Label the boxes clearly with a list of the contents to save you trouble.
Center console storage ideas
Your center console is the perfect spot to stash your sunscreen, sunglasses, electronic devices, and other essentials. If you have a large center console, you might consider putting a small fold-up table there.
But if you don’t have enough room, make sure you have a waterproof container to store your essential belongings.
Best boat cooler ideas
Coolers are a great way to keep food and fish fresh while boating. But they can get pretty bulky, which makes finding a place to stow them difficult.
The easiest solution is to put them under seat cushions. That way, they’re easy to access and won’t take up much space.
Investing in an organizer is a good idea, but it might take up more space that you don’t have. A simple plastic bag works fine, but it’s better to have something with a lid.
Space-saving silicone
Buckets and colanders made of collapsible silicone are great for saving space.
Using silicone, you can fit large kitchenware like bowls, bakeware, and cups into a small galley on a boat.
A collapsible bucket can also easily fit into a small compartment.
Install Additional Storage
Like most boaters, you probably don’t think about how much storage you have until it’s almost too late.
Installing shelves, racks and drawers is a great way to add storage without wasting valuable space. Additionally, shelves save on packing when getting ready for a trip.
There are several types of drawers available. Some are built right into the hull, while others attach to the sides. Whichever type you decide to use, make sure they are watertight.
Shelves are another option. They come in all shapes and sizes, but some are better suited to some regions of the boat. For example, you may need a shelf in the galley area, but not necessarily in the cockpit.
For the cockpit, a custom glove compartment will keep your valuables safe and dry.
Regardless of which kind you choose, make sure you install them properly. Use screws instead of nails, and ensure you drill pilot holes first.
Final Thoughts
In addition to keeping your stuff organized, your storage itself needs to be kept clean and tidy. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Use mold preventative spray to keep mold from growing on your storage items.
- Don’t forget to wash your storage before using it again.
- Make sure you know where everything is stored so you can reach it easily when needed.
- Consider installing a locking mechanism on your built-in storage.
With these helpful tips, you can enjoy your next boating trip without spending loads of time trying to find something in a pile of stuff. Check out more information about Bowriders on our website.