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Dinghy Storage on a Sailboat
- By Dan Spurr
- Updated: August 28, 2020
During this past October’s Boat of the Year competition at the US Sailboat Show in Annapolis, Maryland, the judges became quite familiar with the concept of “garages.” That is, a large stowage area under the cockpit for dinghies as long as 10-plus feet, as well as hard-bottomed RIBs with sizable outboard motors, and even consoles. They are accessed by fold-down doors or transoms that double as swim or launch platforms. During our evening deliberations, we three BOTY judges —Ralph Naranjo, Ed Sherman and me, along with CW editors Mark Pillsbury and Herb McCormick—began to speculate what other developments in carrying dinghies might have emerged alongside this particular innovation.
At the risk of being anticlimactic, the best answer is: none.
The other options, beyond the garage, are familiar, but there is not one unanimous choice that suits all sailboats. The decision tree begins with the mothership, and the best choice is dictated mostly by its size and design. So if you haven’t bought your cruising sailboat yet, eye each candidate with its suitability for carrying the dinghy . But if you’re committed to your current boat, you’ll have to make do.
This maneuver is OK for sheltered waters but not advisable in rough conditions, even on coastal forays. There must be a provision for securing the dinghy out of the water. If it fills with water, you might have to cut it loose before it endangers your boat. Losing a dinghy is painful.
Select the painter wisely. While it would be ideal if it floated, common polypropylene quickly degrades in the sun. Three-strand or braided nylon is strong and durable. Beyond capsize or filling with spray or rainwater, a third risk is having the painter foul the propeller. Years ago, while entering Chesapeake City harbor, we ran aground. Instinctively I threw the transmission into reverse and turned to wave off the boats following us. Minutes later, while looking for alternative places to anchor, I noticed that the dinghy was gone. We expected to find it adrift, but no such luck. Then we saw it, totally submerged half under the boat. Yep, the painter fouled the prop, which yanked it underwater. What an idiot! Worse, the dinghy’s bow eye smacked a prop blade, bending it badly. The lesson? Shorten the painter for tight maneuvers.
If your tender is inflatable, it might be possible to deflate it to stow in a locker (this rules out RIBs, whose fiberglass or aluminum hulls won’t fit in the lockers of most boats). The one-time commodore of the Ida Lewis Yacht Club in Newport, Rhode Island, to which I once belonged, did this on his Wanderer III replica/sistership.
During one club cruise, upon arrival at an anchorage, I watched from our boat as he retrieved his deflated dinghy from a seat locker, laid it out in the cockpit, and began to inflate it with the familiar foot pump. It took perhaps 10 minutes or so. A 12-volt electric pump would’ve sped up the process. When finished, he tossed it over the side, secured the painter, helped his wife board, and then rowed ashore.
Granted, range in such a dinky dink is severely limited; this skipper eschewed even a small outboard, and inflatables do not row well. But in the right location, it is a means of getting ashore.
Lashing down a dinghy on deck has long been a go-to option on many cruising boats. It’s dependent on having adequate space available between the mast and cockpit enclosure (dodger or windshield) or between the mast and foredeck. The latter is less preferred, and both require that sail- and boat-handling functions, such as reefing and anchoring, are not compromised.
In this instance, you need to figure out a means of deploying and retrieving the dinghy beyond picking it up with brute strength and flinging it over the side. A four-point bridle with a lift point at the center of gravity enables lifting more or less horizontally. For mechanical advantage, a halyard led to the lift point on one end and to a mast winch at the other will generally get the job done; the main difficulty is pushing the dinghy outboard over the water. A helper on the side deck, perhaps aided by a boat hook, will make the job easier and hopefully avoid a messy situation.
Minutes later, we noticed the dinghy was gone. Yep, the painter fouled the prop, which dragged it underwater.
The dinghy can be secured by multiple wraps of line to handrails port and starboard. Tighten well or use ratchet straps. Oars can be tied in as part of this package, along with an outboard motor set on the familiar rail mount. If it’s too heavy to hand down to a waiting dinghy in the water, consider an outboard-motor lift installed at the stern that employs a block and tackle to safely lower and raise the outboard off and onto its adjacent mount.
Ah, davits. While davit hardware is somewhat expensive, this is a good option for coastal cruising. It is much safer than towing, and compared with lashing on deck, greatly simplifies launching and retrieval. If the boat has a swim platform, as more modern boats now do, it also simplifies getting in and out of the dinghy. Climbing down a transom ladder works too. And it’s usually OK to keep the outboard mounted on the tender’s transom, avoiding the often-tense business of lowering the motor from the deck to the dinghy.
However, large breaking seas could rip off the dinghy and mangle the apparatus, possibly jeopardizing the big boat. And when docking, remember you’ve got baggage back there and don’t want to snag it on something, or bash a piling or other boat.
There is variety in the design of sailboat davits; for heavy loads, they mount on the afterdeck or transom, well reinforced below. With loads up to around 350 pounds, there are systems that can be mounted on a sturdy stern rail, and even kits to reinforce the stern rail.
Some large traditional sailboats, such as schooners and windjammers, carry a shore launch in davits above the midship deck, but this won’t be a viable solution for most cruising sailboats.
We’re back where we started, with the dinghy garage that was so popular in the 2020 BOTY competition. With so many larger boats carrying max beam aft to the transom, some designers and builders are incorporating the so-called garage for even fairly large RIBs with steering consoles under the cockpit floor, as mentioned. This is probably the safest, most secure way to carry a dinghy. Big boats such as the Hanse 675 and others employed garages with a variety of enclosure systems, most hydraulically activated. Sliding cradles that facilitate launching and retrieval with handheld controllers mean you don’t have to risk slipping a disc trying to grunt the beast aboard. Pretty slick! This isn’t something you could retrofit to an older design, but if you’re in the market for a new boat, it’s a feature well worth investigating.
Yachting journalist Dan Spurr has stowed dinghies on a long line of cruising boats he’s owned, ranging from a 28-foot Pearson Triton to a powerful Tartan 44.
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Storing and transporting a dinghy
You can leave a dinghy on its dolly at the beach or in a boat park or marina and transport it by road on a trailer. For peace of mind and for everyone's safety, the boat should be tied down as securely as possible, with top and bottom covers for maximum protection.
STORiNG A DINGHY
When leaving a dinghy unattended, you may need to remove sails, foils, and all loose fittings—dinghy gear is expensive to replace and theft does unfortunately happen. Pull halyards tight before you leave the boat—when it is windy, people do not want to hear the unpleasant noise of wires banging against aluminum masts. Leave the drain bung open to allow air to circulate inside the hull. It makes good sense to remove the bung or carry spares, in case a neighboring boat owner decides to "borrow" it.
Always use a good-quality top cover to protect the dinghy from ultraviolet light and rain, and make sure it is securely attached to the boat—a "boom-up" design will help drain rainwater away from the dinghy. A bottom cover will provide further protection from damage and is always recommended when transporting a dinghy on a trailer.
Dinghies can get blown over by strong winds, so tie your boat down to ground anchors as an added precaution. Beware of neighboring boats getting blown onto your dinghy in particularly windy weather. It is well worth making sure that your insurance policy covers this kind of accident.
USING A BOAT COVER
Use a cover that will provide full protection from ultraviolet light and rain, with under-hull straps to ensure it is securely held in place.
storing and transporting a dinghy 167
TRAILING A DINGHY
You can transport a dinghy by loading it on to a purpose-made trailer, which you attach to your car. Modern combi-trailers allow the boat to stay on its trolley, which slides on and off the road base. Check the light board is properly attached and fully functional. The dolly must be locked to the road base and the trailer locked on to the tow hitch with an additional security wire. Ensure that the boat and mast are securely tied down. Any loose equipment, such as the boom, should be taped or tied in position for safety reasons. Put padding (carpet or thick rubber) under ropes, straps, and the mast base to prevent rubbing and abrasion. Always carry a spare trailer wheel and a set of tools in case of a puncture or bearing failure. Check the trailing regulations governing the weight, length, and width of the trailer.
READY TO ROLL
When transporting a dinghy, make sure that the mast will clear the roof of your car and there is no large overhang at the transom.
DINGHY PARK
Bow-down is the most stable position in which to store your dinghy, but bow-up will allow rainwater to drain out through the transom or bung holes.
Continue reading here: Dinghy maintenance
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Readers' Questions
Where do you store dinghy sailboats?
Dinghy sailboats can be stored in a variety of places depending on the availability of space and the individual's preferences. Here are some common storage options for dinghy sailboats: Garage or shed: If you have enough space, you can store the dinghy sailboat in a garage or shed to protect it from the elements and keep it secure. Boatyard or marina: Many boatyards and marinas offer storage facilities where you can keep your dinghy sailboat on a trailer or on dry racks. These facilities often provide additional services such as launching, maintenance, and security. Yacht club: If you are a member of a yacht club, they may have designated storage areas for dinghy sailboats that you can utilize. Off-site storage facility: If you don't have space at home or access to a boatyard, you can rent a storage unit at an off-site facility specifically designed for boats and other recreational vehicles. Dock or mooring: If you have access to a waterfront property, you can store the dinghy sailboat on a dock or a mooring buoy, ensuring it is easily accessible for launching and retrieval. Remember to consider factors such as convenience, security, cost, and local regulations when choosing the storage option for your dinghy sailboat.
Can you run your dingy on to a beach?
Yes, a dinghy can be run onto a beach. Dinghies are lightweight and small watercraft that are designed to be easily maneuvered and transported. Their shallow draft allows them to be easily beached or launched from a shoreline. However, it is important to consider factors such as the tide, waves, and the condition of the beach to ensure a successful beach landing.
Can a mirrro dinghy rest on its side?
No, a Mirror dinghy cannot rest on its side. As it is a small sailing dinghy with a flat bottom and a keel, it will not balance or stabilize properly when placed on its side. It is designed to rest upright on the flat bottom or be supported on a cradle or trolley when not in the water.
How to put a dinghy on a marina trolly?
To put a dinghy onto a marina trolley, follow these steps: Locate a suitable marina trolley: Look for a trolley specifically designed to transport dinghies or small boats. These trolleys usually have large inflatable or solid wheels for easy maneuverability. Position the trolley: Place the trolley close to the water, ideally on a ramp or a flat surface that allows you to slide the dinghy onto it smoothly. Prepare the dinghy: Remove any loose gear or personal items from the dinghy. Make sure the dinghy is properly deflated or emptied of any water to reduce weight and ensure easy handling. Secure the trolley: Check if the trolley has the necessary straps, hooks, or brackets to secure the dinghy. If not, use additional ropes or straps to ensure the dinghy stays in place while being transported. Lift and slide the dinghy: First, ensure you have enough people to lift and carry the dinghy safely. Lift the dinghy together and carefully place it onto the trolley, aligning the keel with the trolley's centerline. Secure the dinghy: Use straps or ropes to secure the dinghy to the trolley. Cross the straps over the dinghy and tighten them to keep the boat in position during transportation. Ensure the straps are tight enough to prevent movement but not overly tight to damage the dinghy. Check for stability: Give the dinghy a gentle push to ensure it is secure on the trolley. If there is any movement, adjust the straps or ropes as needed to achieve stability. Move the trolley: Once the dinghy is securely attached to the trolley, push or pull the trolley to the desired location. Use caution while moving and watch for any obstacles or uneven surfaces. Always follow the marina's guidelines and regulations regarding the use of trolleys and dinghies to ensure a safe and respectful experience in the marina.
How to transport a wooden mirror dinghy?
Transporting a wooden Mirror Dinghy can be done in a few simple steps. Here's a guide on how to do it: Prepare the Dinghy: Remove any loose or detachable parts from the Mirror Dinghy, such as the mast, boom, rudder, and tiller. Securely pack and store these parts separately. Clean the Dinghy: Give the Dinghy a good cleaning to remove any dirt or debris. This will help protect it during transportation. Protect the Dinghy: Place a layer of bubble wrap or foam padding on the bottom of the Dinghy to protect the hull during transportation. Securely fasten the bubble wrap or padding with tape or rope. Cover the Dinghy: Use a boat cover or tarp to protect the Dinghy from dust, moisture, and road debris. Ensure that the cover or tarp is securely fastened to avoid wind damage during transportation. Choose a Suitable Trailer: Use a trailer specifically designed for boat transportation. Make sure the trailer is large enough to accommodate the Mirror Dinghy. Secure the Dinghy on the Trailer: Place the Dinghy on the trailer, aligning it properly on the keel. Ensure that the Dinghy is centered and balanced, preventing any shifting during transportation. Use sturdy straps or ropes to secure the Dinghy to the trailer. Tie-down points or hooks on the trailer can be used to anchor the Dinghy securely. Secure Loose Parts: Place all the loose parts, such as the mast, boom, rudder, and tiller, inside the Dinghy. This will prevent them from getting lost or damaged during transportation. You can also secure them separately on the trailer if space allows. Double-check Everything: Before hitting the road, thoroughly inspect the Dinghy, trailer, and straps to ensure that everything is securely fastened and properly aligned. Transport: Drive with caution and avoid sudden accelerations, braking, or sharp turns. Staying within legal speed limits is important for the safety and security of the Dinghy. Unloading: Once you reach your destination, carefully unload the Dinghy from the trailer. Reattach all the loose parts, ensuring everything is properly connected. By following these steps, you can safely transport a wooden Mirror Dinghy to your desired location.
Can i tie up a dinghy at onset beach?
Yes, you can tie up a dinghy at Onset Beach. However, it's always a good idea to check with local authorities or the management of Onset Beach to ensure that there are no specific regulations or restrictions on tying up dinghies in that area.
Can you transport a moped in small dingy, boat forums?
Yes, it is possible to transport a moped in a small dinghy or boat, as long as you have enough space and the necessary equipment to secure and protect the moped during transit. However, it is important to keep in mind the weight restrictions and stability of the vessel when carrying additional cargo. It is recommended to consult the boat manufacturer's guidelines and use proper straps or tie-downs to safely secure the moped during transportation. Additionally, you may find more specific and detailed information on boat forums where experienced boaters can provide advice based on their own experiences.
How to transport a sailing dinghy on a roof bars?
Attach two tie-down straps at each end of the dinghy, running through the tie-down loops on the roof bars. Make sure the straps are securely tightened and cinched down so that the dinghy is held firmly in place. If possible, use two ratchet-style straps in a criss-cross pattern over the dinghy for additional stability. Use additional tie-downs such as webbing straps to prevent the dinghy from sliding off the roof bars. If the dinghy is too long to fit across both roof bars, you can use a set of cross-bars, or a roof rack, to span the distance between the roof bars, and secure the dinghy across this section. Make sure to secure the dinghy with plenty of padding and foam to prevent scratching or denting of the vehicle. Once the dinghy is secure on the roof, check all tie-downs to make sure they’re secure, and check the dinghy periodically during the trip to make sure everything is in place and secure.
What is the best way to transport a spar and mast for a dingy sailboat?
The best way to transport a spar and mast for a dinghy sailboat is to break it down into its smallest components, such as the base, mast, and spar, and secure them in a bag or box for easy transportation. This will help to reduce the size and weight of the parts, making them easier to transport. If possible, consider using a trailer or vehicle to transport the pieces in order to help protect the parts from bumps and scratches. Additionally, the mast should be secured in a special mast carrier to ensure it does not get bent or damaged in transit.
How to store a rubber dinghy on the back of your boat?
Retie the mooring lines to the cleats on the side of the boat. Move the dinghy close to the stern of the boat. Secure the stern of the dinghy to the back transom of the boat using two or three strong mooring lines. Secure the bow of the dinghy to a looped line or a bow cleat on the front of the boat. Place fenders between the dinghy and the boat to protect both from chafing. If the dinghy is large, rig a sling underneath the dinghy and attach to the base of the mast. This will act as an extra secure point of attachment. If the dinghy is on the heavier side, consider installing lifting eyes or short straps to the sides of the dinghy for easy lifting. Lastly, check the lines, fenders, and lifting straps for tightness every time you use the dinghy.
Can you store a dinghy on its side?
It is possible to store a dinghy on its side, but it is not recommended. The best practice for storing dinghies is upright in an area that is well-protected from the elements. This will help ensure its structural integrity is maintained for as long as possible.
Why is dinghy moving around alot ion trailer?
This could be caused by a number of things, such as an improperly balanced trailer, incorrect trailer tire pressure, poor quality trailer tires, or worn trailer suspension components. If the trailer is weighted improperly, the uneven distribution of weight can cause the dinghy to move around while it is being towed. Improper strap or chain tension may also cause the dinghy to move around on the trailer. It is important to ensure that the trailer is properly balanced and the trailer tires are properly inflated before towing the dinghy. Additionally, any straps or chains used to secure the dinghy to the trailer should be tightly secured.
How to transport dinghy in pickup trucks?
Secure the boat onto the bed of the pickup truck. Use at least four tie-down straps and secure them to the boat and the truck bed. Make sure the straps are very taut and secure so the boat does not move during transport. Place the outboard motor in the box of the truck or on the floor in the back seat. You should preferably secure it to the inside of the vehicle using straps. Place any other accessories related to the dinghy in the cab of the truck or in the bed. Be sure to secure any loose items so they don't move around during transit. If the truck bed is not covered, cover the boat with a tarp to keep it protected from the elements. Drive slowly and be aware of your surroundings. The extra weight of the boat means the truck will stop more slowly and take longer to accelerate.
How best to transport a topper sailing dinghy?
The best way to transport a topper sailing dinghy is by trailer. If you don't have a trailer, you can use a roof rack and some straps to secure the dinghy to your vehicle or use a dinghy trolley and pull it by hand. If you have access to a pickup truck, it is also a convenient way to transport a topper sailing dinghy.
How to transport a dinghy?
A dinghy can be transported by attaching it to a larger sailboat or motorboat, or by towing it with a car or truck using a trailer.
Can you tow dinghy van mast?
Yes, many vehicles are equipped with a tow hitch, allowing them to tow a dinghy van mast with relative ease.
How to transport a mast?
To transport a mast, you can use a trailer with a tall enough A-frame to fit the mast securely. Alternatively, you can enlist the help of a crane service to hoist the mast on to a flatbed truck or a low loader. Make sure you use webbing or rope to secure the mast to the trailer or truck and drive carefully to your destination.
What happens to a dinghy if you leave the bung in?
If a dinghy is left with the bung in, the dinghy will become full of water and sink.
How to transport a dinghi?
A dinghy can be transported by either towing it behind or on a trailer or a combination of both. It can also be transported using a crane or a hoist.
How do you transport dingheys?
Dinghies can be transported by trailer, truck, or boat.
How to store a sailing dinghy?
There are several ways to store a sailing dinghy, depending on the available space and resources. Here are some options: Boat storage facility: Consider renting a space in a boat storage facility or marina. These facilities provide security, protection from the elements, and access to amenities such as hoists or docks for launching. Make sure to inquire about the rates and any additional services offered. Dry storage: If you have enough space on your property, you can store the dinghy on land. Ensure the area is flat, well-drained, and away from any potential hazards. Construct a boat cradle or use boat stands to properly support the hull and avoid damage. Cover the boat with a tarp or boat cover to protect it from the weather. Garage or shed: If you have a large enough garage or shed, you can store the sailing dinghy indoors. Make sure there is sufficient space and access to maneuver the boat. Place it on a sturdy dolly or boat trailer to make it easier to move around if needed. Yacht club or sailing center: Some yacht clubs or sailing centers offer storage options for members' boats. These facilities may have dedicated dinghy racks or storage areas. Inquire with local clubs or sailing centers to see if they offer such services. Mooring: If you have access to water, you can store the dinghy on a mooring. This is a permanent anchor set in the water where you can attach the boat. Ensure that the mooring is securely anchored and that the boat is properly secured to it. Remember to properly prepare the boat for storage by removing any gear or equipment, cleaning it thoroughly, and covering it or sealing it with a boat cover. Regularly inspect and maintain the dinghy to ensure it remains in good condition during storage.
Sailboat Storage Ideas For The Organised Sailor!
Before we moved on board I was not the tidiest of people, and sailboat storage ideas were far from the number one thing on my Pinterest boards! I would describe myself as somewhat chaotic. I have an idea, I pull out the things I need and I’m in such a rush that I just don’t have time to put them away again.
Unfortunately living on a sailboat does not allow for unorganised sailors. I quickly learned that pulling something out and not putting it away again meant that either I couldn’t sit down for the rest of the day, or it ended up broken.
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To help me in my endeavor to become a boat storage ideas pro I sought the help of the internet, and of my inventive other half (let’s face it, devising clever boat storage systems worked in his favour too!)
We have slowly but surely developed some great boat storage ideas, going from a sailboat that continuously looked like it had only just survived a hurricane, to one that I’m pretty proud of!
🏆 Our favourite bit of sailing gear 🏆 The Helly Hansen Skagen jacket
Tips And Tricks For Sailboat Storage
It took a while to train ourselves to keep tidy when living on a boat. Sailboat storage is great, but it’s not good at all if you don’t use it. There are a few things I have made myself get into the habit of doing while living on a boat.
Tidy It Away
Firstly, I tidy away anything breakable straight away. For example, as soon as I’ve finished my cup of tea it goes in the sink, where it’s safe to rock around a little. I don’t necessarily wash it up straight away (I’m not a tidy person remember!) but I make sure it’s not going to fly across the boat if a speedboat jets past in a quiet anchorage.
Give It A Home
Secondly, everything has a ‘home’. As soon as something new arrives on the boat, Adam and I decide where it’s going to live. That means it’s easy to out away and find again. When we get this wrong, we end up forgetting where it is and having to pull apart every cupboard on the boat to find it. So it’s a good time saver in the long run!
At the end of every day I spend a few minutes putting any stray items back into their ‘home’.
If we’re having a day of DIY then the boat ends up an absolute tip, so if we’re somewhere safe like a marina or on the hard, then I allow a few days of mess before a big tidy up, as we’re using the same tools over and over. But here, the rule is that the tools in use live on the pilot birth sofa. That way, we know where they straight away, and it saves seating space for us to actually live in!
Be Ruthless
Let’s face it, the less you have on board, the less there is to tidy away. I’m the worst at this, but I’ve got a lot better since moving on board. Go through your boat a cupboard at a time, and simply get rid of anything you don’t use.
Most marinas have a place you can leave unwanted goods – just don’t come back with armfuls of things others are getting rid of! Be ruthless!
Sailboat Storage Ideas
There is no doubt that having a decent sailboat storage system does wonders for your organisation when living aboard. The great thing is, you shouldn’t have to spend too much money to get your boat well organised and easy to maintain.
We have shared our handy tips below for all of you who aren’t the domestic gods and goddesses that you wish you were.
Existing Sailboat Storage Ideas
If your boat is anything like ours, it came complete with a wealth of hidden shelves and cupboards. When I saw how much storage there was on Hot Chocolate I wondered what all the fuss was about. I could easily keep my stuff tidy, there was enough cupboards by far to store all of my worldy possessions and I’d have no problem keeping the boat tidy.
Oh how wrong I was.
I very quickly realised that although there are clever little hidey holes all over the sailboat, they are not user friendly in the slightest. They are hard to get into, too deep, too shallow, too hot, too cold-you name it.
The biggest problem with existing boat storage is that they are hard to get into, and too deep. We tried to be systematic in our approach to storing things, putting away the things we thought we would use least at the bottom or the back of the cupboard. But obviously it rarely works, so we end up pulling everything out just to get to one tiny thing.
Over time I have learnt to optimise these spaces to make sure I get the most from every nook and cranny. We have made use of the boat storage ideas below to help us overcome the problems with our existing boat storage.
Sailboat Storage Ideas-Utilising Space
Top tip: When ever you are invited onto someone elses boat, ask them about their storage. Trust me, people love to show off their ideas, and we got so many of our boat storage tips from being nosey! You can check out our boat here and feel free to steal some of our storage ideas!
Canvas Storage Baskets
Durable storage baskets are one of the best sailboat storage ideas ever invented. They fit easily inside cupboards, maximising strange shapes and curves, in a way that rigid containers just can’t do. They can squeeze up if they don’t quite fit, making it easy to pull them in and out of cupboards.
Storing your things inside canvas storage baskets tucked away in the cupboard means that you don’t have to pull every little thing out to find something, you just pull out the bag containing the things you might need, and then shove the bag back in again. Easy!
I have even labelled the bags so that we are 100% sure of where to put it away again after, meaning we never lose anything! And I think they look pretty too.
We use them in most of our cupboards. The only place they aren’t so useful is the fridge, where we use rigid, washable containers (see below).
Packing Cubes Are A Great Sailboat Storage Idea
Not only a travel essential for me, these packing cubes have become a sailboat storage essential too. They are perfect for storing clothes neatly in cupboards and keep them from flying out into a heap on the cupboard floor after a day of sailing.
You can also get hanging packing cubes designed to be hung from a rail or hook. We’ve found these are great for storing toiletries, but they’re a handy shape for so many purposes!
If you want to do your bit for the environment then consider these packing cubes instead. They’re made from recycled plastic bottles (that’s less in our oceans!) and they’re also better quality, with compression pouches to really maximise space.
Top Tip: Packing cubes are great for any friends or crew that are visiting. Encourage them to pack their clothes into these and provide them with some handy S-hooks so they can hang their packing cubes from a shelf or wardrobe. They’ll save a load of space and it will make life a lot easier for people who aren’t used to living in a small space!
Tupperware Storage
We use canvas bag storage for everything other than in the galley and to organise our cleaning products. For this we use good old Tupperware. It’s washable and long lasting.
If you have a bin style fridge then you’ll probably end up like us-tearing your hair out after a week of using it and wondering how anyone copes with all their food being in a big pile on top of each other. The answer is Tupperware .
We bought four large containers. The two at the bottom of the fridge serve as long term storage. We keep long life milk here, or emergency water (beer) supplies that we don’t need to access very often. Then we stack two other large containers on top and they are for our fresh veg and other cold goods.
It means we can actually reach our food, but we aren’t wasting space and nothing gets lost in the bottomless pit of a fridge.
We can easily pull out a container when we’re cooking and shove it back in again when we’re done, saving us from the frustrations of having chopped up the veg on the fridge work surface and then realising we’ve forgotten a vital ingredient from inside and having to move everything to get back in!
Mesh Storage Bags
These. Are. Awesome. We use these mesh storage bags in the fridge, along with the tupperware, or we hang them up in the galley if we’re short on space. They are washable, so they’re perfect for food, and they fill the space in a way that tupperware can’t.
For me, the best thing about these bags is that you can take them to the supermarket with you. Instead of using the little plastic bags to gather up the tomatoes or spinach, we use these. Then we can just chuck them straight into the fridge when we get back.
You can actually use these bags for a load of different purposes on a sailboat and once you have them you’ll start to wonder how you lived without them!
Boat Storage Ideas-Creating Space
One of the best ways to get extra storage from your boat is to create it. With a few carefully placed items your boat storage can be really maximised!
Adding more space to your boat storage system is win win. You can create the storage where you want it and how you want it, and you’ll feel so much more organised once you’ve done it!
Hooks For Sailboat Storage
Having some carefully placed hooks on a sailboat makes storing certain things a whole lot easier. When we first moved on board we were hanging wet towels from the fruit basket and stacking hats on top of electrical cables. It was absolute chaos!
We soon invested in some pretty hooks so now not only do the walls look a little less bare but our stuff is stowed away nicely and easy to grab when we need it.
The only thing to bare in mind when choosing where to put your hooks is that you don’t want them to be anywhere you could poke an eye out if you fell. With a rolly sailboat it’s all too easy to lose your footing, so make sure those hooks are high up or on the inside of cubby holes!
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Hanging Pockets
Hanging pockets add additional storage to your sailboat and brighten up the boat too. These are a brilliant boat storage idea for any size sailboat. You can get colourful designs to hang on show, for things you need to grab in a hurry, or plain and simple ones for the inside of cupboard doors.
In our opinion they work better than hooks, because you can put them anywhere without worrying about bashing into them and things won’t fall out when the boat is heeling. We even hang one from the mast in the saloon-it looks homely and is so useful.
Sailboat Storage Hammocks
Hammocks are equally as useful. One of the best things about them is how they add to the space you have around the boat by creating an extra surface. They move with the boat so you don’t have to worry about things falling off them or clattering around, and you can add them and take them away really easily. All you need is a few hooks in the wall.
We use ours for hanging fruit as it keeps it aired. We just take it down when we aren’t using it and it opens up the boat again!
Adding Shelves As Additional Boat Storage
This is a really easy way to make more storage on your boat, but you do have to commit. Once you’ve drilled screws into the walls there’s no going back. As most of the extra space we wanted was in cupboards this wasn’t such an issue.
Unused holes will be hidden if decide at any point that we don’t need the shelves anymore. What it has done is given us a whole layer of extra storage in some of our cupboards. You can make the shelf half the width of the cupboard if you need to store taller items in there too.
Top tip: Live in the boat for a good few months before you start to add things. It took us ages to decide on the best cupboards to store things in, and so our need for shelves changed over time. We moved where we stored our food several times before we were happy, and only added a shelf for our tins and jars when we were sure it was the right place!
If you aren’t keen on ruining your beautiful woodwork interior with your dodgy DIY skills (we sympathise!) then these ‘temporary’ shelves are a great idea. They clip on the side of the bed, or anywhere with a lip (which on a boat is plentiful!) and create an extra shelf that is easy to add or take away. The shelf is already boat proof, with a lip all the way round to keep your things from falling off.
One things a sailboat usually has got is ‘wall’ space. Whether that’s between cupboards, above doorways or under shelves there is always un-utilised space available to fit a hanging rail . These are great for boat storage as so many things need to be hung on a boat to stop them flying across the companionway in any big seas.
Use them for hanging pots, pans and utensils in a galley, as temporary boat storage for hanging things like towels when it’s wet outside, for tea towels and oven gloves, for face cloths or scrubbers…..the list is endless!
We even use ours for hanging herbs and more decorative items to help make the sailboat a little more homely!
Over The Cupboard Basket
These things are amazing ! You can hang them onto the back of any cupboard door (providing any shelves won’t be in the way) and you’ll have some handy extra storage. We have one on the back of a galley cupboard and it creates a whole load of extra storage.
The picture in this one shows it holding baking tins, which is exactly what we use it for. Before we had this there was literally no shelf big enough for them, so we’ve found this cupboard basket a bit of a life-saver, or a space saver at least!
Sailboat Storage Ideas-Organisation
Adding storage to your boat is all very well, but if you can’t find things easily once they’re all put away then you’re in big trouble. Trust me. Once you have emptied yet another drawer looking for something during a spot of bad weather then you’ll be cursing yourself for not investing some time into organisation.
Drawer Dividers
These things are great for keeping our drawer storage top notch! We got ourselves into a bit of a mess in galley, we could never find the forks for some reason, and it was the cause of many an argument! These bamboo drawer dividers have proved to be very useful indeed. We even got some for the bedroom for our underwear drawers!
Device Charging Station
This might be one of the coolest inventions ever. We have a lot of electrical items on the boat, and before we got a device charging station they lived, well, everywhere. All over the boat. We constantly lost the tablets we use for navigation, we lost our phones when we needed to check the weather and so on.
Now that we have this device charging station , our electrical equipment always finds its way back here to get charged. We keep it on a shelf next to the plug socket and I feel a lot less stressed knowing our electrical equipment is always charged and ready to go when we need it most.
Hanging Laundry Bags
When we first moved onto the boat I had a problem with laundry storage. Where on Earth do you put dirty clothes. In a house you can have a pretty laundry basket in the corner of a room, or even better, a whole laundry room! But on a boat there isn’t room. I tried keeping a bag at the bottom of the wardrobe, but if clothes fell off the hanger they’d end up lying on top of all the dirty clothes. It wasn’t ideal.
This hanging laundry bag is the answer. It sits on the inside of the wardrobe door, it’s easy to get to and shove dirty clothes into and it’s easy to take to the launderette when it’s full-no need to decant all the clothes into another bag.
If you want to go one step further then buy one of these . A laundry bag perfect for lugging to the launderette. It even has a pocket for the detergent so you don’t forget it (like we have so many times!)
Vacuum Sealed Storage Bags
These vacuum sealed clothes bags are perfect for long term sailboat storage. They really do shrink clothes down to nothing, meaning you can store so much more. In the summer we put all of our winter clothes into vacuum sealed bags and store it under the wardrobe where it’s tricky to reach.
We do the same with guest bedding that we don’t need to get out too often. That way we have all the useful space in the wardrobe for the clothes we are actually wearing.
Bedside Caddy
It just slips over the side of the bed frame and it has space for everything you could need – even a handy hole built in to pop a charging cable through. It also folds into a little bag meaning you can just grab and run with all your essentials packed inside!
Plate Stackers
If you want to make more storage inside your galley cupboards then consider getting a few of these plate stackers. It’s a great way of organising your crockery, or making more space, as it enables you to separate out different sizes of plates or bowls, or to stack cups on top of plates making more sailboat storage!
These ones have non-skid feet so they won’t fly out while the boat is heeling!
Boat Storage Ideas-DIY
A lot of boat storage ideas will come from finding your individual boats needs and coming up with a way to fix it-by yourself. I’m not the best at DIY, but sometimes the simplest of changes can make a big difference to living aboard in such a tiny space. Get inventive and you’ll be amazed by what you can achieve!
Below are some inspirational DIY boat storage ideas that you can steal and claim as your own!
Rake Head Utensil Hook
If you have an old rake lying around (or can source one off Facebook marketplace!) then you can use it as the perfect multi hook for galley utensils. You can also get old of super cheap ones from Amazon . Just attach it to a wall in your galley and hang all your utensils in an easy to store, easy to reach space! Beats trying to cram them into tiny boat storage drawers like we used to do!
Bungee Cord Shoe Rack
We love bungee cords and aren’t ashamed to say that we use them to fix all kinds of things on the sailboat. One of their best uses is to aid boat storage. We have attached a bungee cord to the outside of the basket storage in our cockpit and it is the perfect place to tuck away our flip flops when we aren’t using them.
We have also wrapped one around the side of the stairs to store random bits and bobs that we want to be easily accessible while we are sailing, such as head torches. We have even used them in the cockpit lockers to hang up spare lines!
String Sunglasses Holder
If you’ve watched any of our sailing videos then you will know how many pairs of sunglasses Adam has lost so far this season. For that reason we stock bought a load of cheap sunglasses from the internet as back ups (we really can’t do without them while we’re sailing!).
We now have about five different pairs of sunglasses, the ones we actually use and several spare ones for when Adam throws his in the sea!
Storing sunglasses is difficult though, as the last thing you want to do is chuck them in a drawer where they’ll get scratched. You also don’t want to be spending ages carefully pulling them out of three different cases while there is sailing to be done.
To solve this problem we used an off cut of our fruit hammock to make a hanging string for sunglasses. We have attached it in the companion way so that whenever we have to step outside, they are right there for us to grab.
Further reading:
Recently moved onto a sailboat? Here are some more handy tips for full time (and part time!) sailboat living!
- How much does it really cost to live aboard?
- Saving water on a sailboat
- What’s it really like to live on a sailboat?
- How to get the internet on a sailboat
- Anchoring for idiots
If you’ve got any more smart storage ideas for living on a sailboat then we would love to hear about them below (the quest for even better boat storage ideas continues!) Follow us on social media for more sailing inspiration!
For the short version check out our sailboat storage story
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Dealing With Dinghy Davits
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If dinghy storage is lacking on your boat, the wide range of davits now available can offer a solution.
Photo: Bill Parlatore
When a boat is large enough for even the occasional overnight, the need for a dinghy becomes almost mandatory. But where do you put that all-important link to shore for lunch, dinner, shopping for supplies, walking the dog, seeing the sights, exploring the shoreline, or visiting neighboring boats? Fortunately, when it comes to davits, we have many choices to suit needs and budgets. Considering the variables when comparing davit systems, and finding the best system may take some research, but there are solutions to fit every boat. The goal is to find the one that works best for your boat and makes your day on the water easy and fun.
Whether you have an express cruiser, trawler, sport cruiser, picnic boat, or other style of craft, before you jump in, make a realistic assessment of your dinghy because its size, weight, and that of its outboard will have a significant impact on davit choices. While a large rigid inflatable boat (RIB) with a 50-hp outboard might be great fun on the family vacation, there are likely serious limitations for a davit system to fit such a boat. Dinghy size and weight may impact trim, performance, and the structural integrity of your mother ship. While some boat owners get around this by towing their large dinghy, it's not a safe or practical solution for anything more than a short hop from one anchorage to another. TowBoatUS and the BoatUS Marine Insurance Program get dozens of calls each year after a towed dinghy has done damage to itself or the boat towing it.
Keith Olver of davit manufacturer KATO Marine says the question of what dinghy you want comes with an important caveat. "It's harder for us to design for what owners want, rather than selecting a dinghy for what is possible." If you've already got a dinghy, you may be able to build a system to fit it. If not, the next step is to find a system that works for your boat type, knowing that the system you choose will box in the size and weight of the dinghy.
Traditional Davit Arms
Davit arms work best on boats with vertical transoms or sterns with railings strong enough to be the basis of support for the davit arms, such as a lobster boat or trawler-style cruiser. The arms mount onto the top of the transom and extend out behind the boat, clearing the swim platform, if there is one. Additional bracing of the transom area is sometimes required to reinforce the hull from the shock loading of a bouncing dinghy in rough weather.
Traditional davit arms offer a reliable solution, but the dinghy does block access to the swim platform. (Photo: Joe Marin)
Weight is important when planning a traditional davit-hanging system. Selecting a pair of davit arms each rated for a maximum of 300 pounds doesn't mean it's safe to carry a 600-pound dinghy. Up to 75 percent of the total weight of the dinghy and outboard is in the stern. So one davit arm will always be loaded much more heavily than the other and may need to be reinforced if there's any question of its ultimate integrity.
Other configurations attach the davit arms directly to the stern rail with additional bracing to strengthen the railing support. Olver says it's essential to strengthen the stern rail to handle the increased weight of the dinghy hanging from the davit. It's also important to stabilize the davit arms so they can't move from side to side as the boat moves. This lateral support is often done by connecting the davit arms with rigid support between the two.
The dinghy must be stabilized to prevent motion when stored. The weight of gravity pulling the dinghy down becomes a compound set of forces when the boat is moving, and every effort must be made to steady and eliminate all movement. Most davit systems that fail do so because the dinghy was allowed to swing underway, or it comes loose, and the combination of side-to-side and up-and-down movements creates complex loads beyond the engineered capacity of the davit system. The twin-davit-arm system is a proven approach for handling the dinghy and has much to recommend it. Some companies offer removable arms that can be taken off and stowed when necessary, such as those from St. Croix Marine.
Swing-Up/Snap Davits
Another system that's been around for a long time was pioneered by Weaver Industries. Called the Weaver Snap Davits, the system involves attaching connecting hardware to both the dinghy and swim platform. The dinghy fittings snap into those on the swim platform and you pull the dinghy up vertically onto the swim platform, either manually or electrically, and secure it in a near-vertical position with standoff brackets or ties. St. Croix Marine Products and Sea Wise Marine are manufacturers of similar systems, and an optional hydraulic operation is even offered.
Swing-up or snap davits are easy to install yourself, and work best with light inflatables powered by small outboards.
Most dinghy installations require the removal of the outboard engine from the dinghy, although these companies have optional equipment that can be added to allow the outboard to remain on the dinghy and swivel as the dinghy swings up. Using a smaller and lighter outboard might make sense for this system if you intend to remove the engine each time the dinghy is secured.
Snap davits are popular with owners of smaller boats that have a swim platform, or on boats with large cockpits, such as the picnic-style powerboat or express cruiser, where it's about the only way to carry a dinghy. These are generally good do-it-yourself install projects and relatively inexpensive.
As popular as these swing-up systems are, I find it frustrating to overtake a boat when its dinghy is carried vertically on the swim platform, covering the boat's name and hailing port and making that VHF call for a portside pass challenging. Some boat owners paint the boat's name on the bottom of the dinghy for this reason. Rear visibility from some helms can be an issue when the dinghy is vertical on the swim platform, and, of course, using the swim platform is harder when a dinghy is stored on it. If you choose one of these systems, make sure the dinghy will not obscure your stern light when stowed.
Pull-Up, Slide-Up Davits
These davit systems offer a low-tech approach to handling the dinghy. The pull- or slide-up davits have two hinged cradle arms mounted onto the swim platform. When you want to get the dinghy aboard, the hinged arms tilt out to the water from the swim platform, and you pull the dinghy sideways onto the cradle arms.
Pull- or slide-up davits work best on boats with wider swim platforms, and allow you to leave the outboard in place.
As the center of weight comes aboard, the hinged arms come back to rest on the swim platform and the dinghy is then secured with straps on the swim platform. The outboard doesn't have to be removed. These davits can be used on most swim platforms wider than 18 inches and work best if the top of the swim platform is relatively close to the water. If the platform is too high, it can be difficult to manually pull a dinghy aboard. An electric winch can be used to accomplish this on some vessels.
Lifting Platforms
I recently spoke with Steve Wallace, manager of Zimmerman Marine at Southport Marina n North Carolina. His facility is located along the Intracoastal Waterway in a town that is a safe haven from the ocean, giving Steve the opportunity to talk to many hundreds of cruisers passing through Southport. "The key to happiness is ease of use," Steve said. "Boaters want to push a button and just go."
Hydraulic lifting arms and platforms are convenient but expensive.
Hydraulic and electric platforms with cradles have really come into their own in the last decade, especially with electronic controls and refined engineering. The concept of a lifting swim platform or cradle really resonates with powerboat owners no longer wanting traditional block-and-tackle systems. These hydraulic lifts can handle much greater weight, and you can opt for some form of sport boat instead of a traditional inflatable dinghy, while retaining easy launch and retrieve capability using a remote. As you might imagine, installing a lifting swim platform is best done during construction. One can be added as an aftermarket project, but it depends on the boat. That is perhaps why more builders offer a lifting swim platform as an option on a new boat when access is best before steering, exhaust, and machinery systems go in.
Lifting Cranes
If the cost of a lifting platform is beyond reach, or it can't easily be retrofitted to an existing boat, a lifting crane may be an option, using hydraulic, electric, pneumatic, or manual power.
Lifting cranes can help you store your dinghy up on the flybridge or hardtop out of the way, reducing the chance of theft or damage, but usually require significant structural reinforcement during installation.
A standpipe is installed in the boat, firmly attached to the hull and deck structure, and a telescoping crane fits into it. The crane lifts the dinghy off its cradle, and the boom swings out over the side of the boat to lower the dinghy into the water. Lifting cranes used to be seen only on very large yachts, but now they can be found on boats under 40 feet.
- Weaver Marine Products
- St. Croix Marine Products
- Kato Marine
- Hurley Marine
- FreedomLift
- Trick Davit
- Atkins & Hoyle, Ltd.
- Olsson Mfg.
- LaConner Maritime Service
- Sea Wise Marine
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Bill Parlatore
Contributor, BoatUS Magazine
Bill Parlatore is the founding editor of PassageMaker magazine with his wife, Laurene.
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Dinghy Storage on a Sailboat. Tenders are an essential part of the cruising life, but can be cumbersome to carry. Here are five basic options. By Dan Spurr. Updated: August 28, 2020. As proved in the 2020 Boat of the Year competition, drop-down transoms and dinghy garages are now "a thing.". The Bavaria C57 includes space for life-raft stowage.
Dinghy sailboats can be stored in a variety of places depending on the availability of space and the individual's preferences. Here are some common storage options for dinghy sailboats: Garage or shed: If you have enough space, you can store the dinghy sailboat in a garage or shed to protect it from the elements and keep it secure.
103. Hunter 340 Narragansett. Sep 30, 2022. #1. I have an Achilles Haypalon dinghy. Every year, I take it home, wash and clean it, and store it, inflated on rolling plastic creeper. The kind used to get under a car. And every year I dance around with it, moving it from place to place in my very small garage. Annoying!
Builders should offer a setup with a little adjustability to cover the most common boats. Dinghy storage options vary with the size of the boat. Cruising catamarans generally have well-thought-out davit storage centered between the hulls aft. Davits can work well for monohulls too. The dinghy stays ready to deploy by installing the plug and ...
Sep 5, 2019. 39. Hunter 386 Rock Hall. Sep 14, 2019. #1. Trying to find a way to store 8hp dinghy outboard on 386. There's no long enough pipe on stern pulpit to put storage motor mount. Tried port lazarette but not quite deep enough. Trying to avoid using Davits.
Hanging Pockets. Hanging pockets add additional storage to your sailboat and brighten up the boat too. These are a brilliant boat storage idea for any size sailboat. You can get colourful designs to hang on show, for things you need to grab in a hurry, or plain and simple ones for the inside of cupboard doors.
Discounts on fuel, transient slips, repairs and more at over 1,200 businesses. Deals on cruises, charters, car rentals, hotel stays and more…. All for only $25/year! If dinghy storage is lacking on your boat, the wide range of davits now available can offer a solution.
You may have solar panels above the davits but that is not enough to keep horizontal rain or big wave breaks out of the dinghy. Bung out as well. Taking off the outboard is a good way to reduce the swinging weight of the dinghy. It can be stored on a bracket or inside a locker if you have one available.
Get your boat into ship-shape with these organization and storage tips. 1. Create Space in the Cockpit. When it comes to boat organization, we think of space as being inside or on top of something but a good eye will spot spaces that are simply created.
Limited Storage Space. Most dinghy models, especially sailing types, don't come with consoles or storage systems. Some inflatables might have storage bins in the bow of the dinghy, but they typically don't offer much storage space. Top Dinghy Boat Brands and Models Intex Excursion 5. The Intex Excursion 5 is a great example of an inflatable ...
Dinghy Storage on Top of the Boat. One of the easiest places to store a dinghy is on top of the boat. This may mean atop the house or sitting on the bow, stern, or side. This is one of the most common locations on larger boats to keep a dinghy, but it requires several key factors to be a sensible place. First, you need space.
7. Hanging Baskets. View on Amazon. While a boat might have limited drawer and cabinet space, we often have plenty of room for over-the-head storage. Indeed, overhead spaces are often the least utilized locations for storage, despite the fact that they can be a fantastic way to maximize a space's efficiency.
Hoister Direct, Small Sailboat Lift System, 75-200 pounds, 12' Lift, 7806.12. Ideal storage accessory for small sailboats (Laser, Sunfish, etc.), mount it on the ceiling in your .. $188.22. Showing 1 to 2 of 2 (1 Pages) The perfect overhead sailboat storage idea for your garage, apartment, shop or other urban location.
1. Space-saving Silicone. Silicone tools from buckets to colanders are great space savers because they're collapsible. Bulky kitchen items such as cups, bowls and even bakeware can be packed into a small cruising galley when you opt for silicone. Also, a collapsible bucket can tuck into the tiny nooks of fishing or runabout boats.
Jan 21, 2013. #3. Stretch said: Same rules here but we have a dinghy dock for storage. You will have to use a halyard for on and off most times, if you want a gunkhole dinghy. Otherwise, get the lightest one you can, so you can get it on and off with one person, just big enough to go get your stern tie.
Inside Unheated. $9.32 / sq. ft. Inside Heated. $13.20 / sq. ft. Our rates differ for trailered boats up to 26 ft. in length. These rates exclude haul out, launch, and bottom wash. Prices are listed in rate per foot of linear boat length, including overhangs, outboards, and trailers. This storage option is subject to availability.
Options for operation span from the simple and mill duty radio transmitters to robust touchscreens. 21′-42′ racks utilize bunk boards (hardware supplied, but boards and covering by owner) 42′-70′ racks utilize poured in place high density urethane foam at the keep and sideboard contact points. Options available for overhead or three ...
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