Onboard Storage Solutions, Improvements, Organization Ideas

[meegwell]

Hi all,

As my new (to me) '18 242X sits in the driveway awaiting it's first outing I am doing a lot of prep and setup type of brain storming. One thing I have been scratching my head about is making the best use the various storage compartments. I am thinking in terms of hooks, shelves, dividers, bags, etc. Looking for ideas, pictures, recommendations or insight. Also wondering about common uses for the various storage. I am thinking things like cleaning & 'household' things together somewhere, tools, emergency, and similar somewhere else. Obviously the wet storage in the back has a predetermined use....

thanks

 

[HangOutdoors]

@meegwell I use cargo netting in some areas and everything else for the most part is stored in clear containers so I know what is in them and can empty out the boat fairly quickly. These stack two high in my Port and Starboard rear storage. What is nice is they are long so I can slide them back in that hard to reach area one on top of another and just pull them out. Of course our boats are a different model so you would have to check.

I believe these are them or something similiar. Make sure you get ones that have lids that have latches that snap tight.

Hefty 8.5-Gallon (34-Quart) Clear Base with White Lid Tote with Latching Lid in the Plastic Storage Totes department at Lowes.com

Hefty 13-Gallon (52-Quart) Clear Underbed Tote with Latching Lid in the Plastic Storage Totes department at Lowes.com

For tools I had a small tool bag that I am using but will be switching it out and getting a couple more waterproof sealed boxes, like for ammunition, etc. There is a thread floating around here on it that I just can't seem to find. The humidity and moisture on the water, etc. can seep into a zippered bag fairly easy. I have pulled out the tools and felt them moist before.

 

[F.M.]

If I'm not mistaken @Ronnie has done some nice mods for storage.

 

[2kwik4u]

My advice......Take a stab at it with the things you think you need. Just throw them in the boat where you think you might need them. Then use the boat for awhile. You'll quickly learn what you use often, what you don't, and what things should go "in front" or "deeper in the back", and how to group them.

I'm on season 5 this year with my boat. I'm still making changes to where/how/why I store things where they are.

The big premise I work off of if keeping everyone seated. When I need a line/bumper/rope/vest/snack/drink. I shouldn't have to ask anyone to get up or move. My storage solutions (both location and container) are based off that premise, and each time I go out I keep an eye on what goes where, how I'm keeping it organized, and how often I use it. Tune the system a little, then lather, rinse, repeat. My system won't work perfect for you, nor yours for me.

The big "game changers" for me were laundry bags for dock lines and microfiber wipe down rags, and small totes for "misc" items. Also the underseat coolers were an amazing change.

 

[adrianp89]

I got some very sturdy plastic snap in hooks from West Marine for like $5 each. I screwed those to the top of the seat, so every time you open the seat, the ropes and readily available.

Snapper Line Holders | West Marine

Check out our Snapper Line Holders and more from West Marine!

www.westmarine.com

 

[Ronnie]

@F.M. thanks for the call out.

@meegwell , check out my posts on pages 116 through 121 if you are interested.

https://jetboaters.net/threads/the-official-what-did-you-do-to-your-jet-boat-today-thread.2661/page-116

 

[Quad]

@F.M. thanks for the call out.

@meegwell , check out my posts on pages 116 through 121 if you are interested.

https://jetboaters.net/threads/the-official-what-did-you-do-to-your-jet-boat-today-thread.2661/page-116

View attachment 144683

What material is your shelf made from?

 

[Ronnie]

What material is your shelf made from?

It’s either precut wood (shelves) or particle board that I purchased from Home Depot. I had to trim the sides a little to make them for better. Be forewarned, I think the “L” brackets I used to hold the shelves up/down cost as much as the wood/particle board but the total cost was still less than $20.

 

[Quad]

It’s either precut wood (shelves) or particle board that I purchased from Home Depot. I had to trim the sides a little to make them for better. Be forewarned, I think the “L” brackets I used to hold the shelves up/down cost as much as the wood/particle board but the total cost was still less than $20.

Great - was it prepainted even? I was going to start looking for some synthetic/plastic options but a wood-based product is probably more than suitable.

 

[Ronnie]

Yes the shelves are preprinted. I had to choose from white, black, gray and wood grain. I thought about using plastic or starboard but both are cost prohibitive and neither are readily available too me.