Have you ever crushed a pair of expensive sunglasses with a tackle box? Created an oil slick by stepping on a tube of sunscreen? Watched helplessly as a set of keys goes overboard, presumably to take a shot a Davy Jones locker? Every boater’s been there, and because space on board is so limited, accidents will happen. You can, however, forestall these and other minor tragedies with the organizing tips listed below.

 1. Save Space with Silicone

Durable, space-saving, and collapsible, silicone buckets and colanders make ideal organizing tools. Cups, bowls, and other bulky kitchenware stores easily when you go with silicone in the galley; collapsible buckets fit neatly into the nooks and crannies of fishing boats and runabouts.

2. Pocket Paradise

Plenty of vendors will sell you pockets of all shapes and sizes, and they’re all great. But you can also get creative and custom-make them yourself for specific out-of-the-way places. Every onboard space counts, so tuck them under or attach them to existing structures like handrails and seat backs so you don’t lose, among other things, those sunglasses.

3. Sticking with Velcro and Suction Cups              

Today’s marine suction cups have branched out and now come with hooks, rods for towel hanging, and sleeves for iPads, among other things. For surfaces that won’t accommodate suction cups, Velcro strips, which come in myriad colors, sizes, and up to 10 lbs. strengths are a great option for hanging tools, life jackets, and PFDs.

4. The Sandpaper Files

Sandpaper is a boat maintenance must, and it’s probably found in various locations onboard. Get them all together in an accordion file with multiple pockets, available from office supply stores and online. Assign each grit its own pocket, label accordingly, seal with the elastic closure and save time and money on your next job.

5. Hang Ten — Shoes on a Shelf

So many shoes; so little space. So rather than let those topsiders, flip-flops, sandals, or loafers clutter the floor of every locker, deploy a hanging fabric shoe shelf and give every sole its own slip. Foldable and lightweight, fabric shoe shelves can also hold clothing, cleaning containers, and other small items.

6. Bungee Up the Ceiling

Large, flat and unwieldy, charts (among other things) present a particular storage dilemma. Keep them out of the way but accessible by crisscrossing bungee cords on the headliner of the center console head compartment or on the side of the bulkhead. Use one long cord routed around strategically placed hooks or a series of shorter bungees attached point-to-point.

7. It’s Five o’Clock (or Dinnertime) Somewhere

Maybe you landed that tarpon you’ve dreamed of (or just stopped by the grocery store and scored some killer sirloin). Either way, it’s time to grill and raise a glass to celebrate. But how do you store those bulky spice and wine bottles? When it comes to the former, just don’t. Instead, use a bead storage organizer with small jars or even a pill dispenser case. For the latter, build a plywood wine mini cellar below the cockpit or cabin sole.

Boats are, by definition and design, a limited space. Were they not, the seaborne exploration and exhilaration they provide would not be possible. So when it comes to space utilization, safety comes first, and we at Harbortown Marina – Canaveral always encourage our community to stay up-to-date with Florida safe-boating regulations. That done, it’s time to have fun. 
Harbortown Marina – Canaveral is a beautiful, naturally protected full-service marina located between the Indian and Banana Rivers. Contact us for more information on our amenities and how to organize your Florida space coast boating adventure.