Boating is an amazing way to spend the summer. What’s better than crashing through the waves and feeling the sun on your face and the wind in your hair? However, all the gear on board can clutter up your deck space, so it is important to get creative with storage ideas to keep your boat organized.
Once the boating season is over, it is also very important to stow away all the gear safely so that it remains in top shape for next year. So how to store your boating gear when not in use? We came up with a little how-to guide to help you store all your boating gear when it isn’t in use.
Use Mesh Storage Pouches
Honestly, mesh storage pouches are the handiest when it comes to stowage. They are literally perfect for storing everything from fishing gear to sunglasses. You could easily screw in a mesh pouch on your boat to hold all your fishing gear, like your tackle box and your fishing scissors, all in one place.
You could also attach little mesh pockets behind the seats to hold your sunglasses and magazines, or you could attach these pockets below the deck or in the cabin to hold stuff that always seems to get lost, like keys.
Bungee Cords – The Best-Kept Storage Secret!
Bungee cords are another great storage hack for boaters. These cords are versatile, and you can get creative with them when it comes to storage solutions. Simply hook up a few bungee cords and create a little web to hold items like cutting boards in the boat kitchen.
You could also run a bungee cord around the battery bank or any box and create a simple shoe rack. All you have to do is tightly wind the bungee cord around any box or structure on the boat, and it instantly creates a storage space for slippers and flip-flops.
Now, you can take any slippers lying around the deck and just slide them in place behind the cord. They will safely stay in place. Another great hack is to attach a bungee cord on the wall of your cabin to hold any sunglasses.
All these hacks will help you store away all your gear on board when you aren’t using it so that your boat stays de-cluttered and you can enjoy a hassle-free ride. It is also important to know how to safely store your boating gear when you aren’t out at sea.
Stow Away Marine Electronics
The first thing that you need to be careful about is marine electronics. When your boat isn’t in use, you need to make sure the electronics are safely put away because electrical devices are easily damaged if left out.
For starters, moisture could seep in and damage an electrical device like a fish finder or a GPS, so it’s best that you take them off the boat and store them somewhere else separately. Also, make sure that you put them away in a dry place and away from direct sunlight.
Storing electrical devices in a dry place extends their life, and marine electronics aren’t exactly cheap. That’s why it is best if you store them in a dry place so that these devices can last you for ages and won’t need to be replaced or repaired frequently.
Drain All Pipes
The second thing you need to keep in mind is the importance of draining all pipes on your boat before stowing it away. Drain out all the water from the tanks and the pipes, as well as the pumps, and try to ensure all the pipes are dried out before storing your boat.
After all, you don’t want any water freezing in the pipes and damaging them, especially if you are storing the boat in a place with harsh winters.
Don’t Forget To Store the Boat Itself!
Lastly, make sure that the boat itself is stored away properly. It must also be fully covered, too. You could use a polyester boat cover to cover your boat when it isn’t in use, which will keep it safe from dust, dirt, and rain, especially if you are storing the boat outside.
These boat covers are available pre-made, and they are generally quite inexpensive. You can also get custom-made ones that are perfectly tailored according to the size and shape of your boat. It will fit the boat like a glove so that not even a single inch is exposed.
Conclusion
Now you know how to keep your deck organized and store your gear when the boat isn’t in use. Storage hacks can simplify your life and keep your boating gear safe and in pristine condition, ready to be used again as soon as the next boating season hits.