Boat Storage on the deck/dancefloor

Finished Business

Finished Business

Well-Known Member
I am tossing around the idea of eliminating my original idea of having fixed seat/storage boxes on my boat. I want to have as much deck space as possible as I've grown quite fond of all the room.

I am just wondering what are some of the important items you guys think should be within reach from the deck while you are fishing. (assuming everyone is wearing their PFD)

here's my list...am I missing something?(in no particular order)

1. Rods and Tackle
2. Gaff and or Net
3. Lead wieghts/downrigger balls
4. Knives and Pliers
5. Smaller cooler for the days drinks and food.
6. Boat towel
7. Wood shampoo
8. Small cooler for baits
9. Downrigger accessories (clips stoppers ect)

.....what else?

I am trying to decide with the storage space I have available currently (gunnels ect) whether it is a must to have fixed storage boxes on the deck. After mulling it over with a few folks I'm leaning towards it NOT being a necessity, unless someone has something I am missing or why it would be beneficial to have that much storage space...

I would more than likely use the commercial ice totes for fish and gear storage when I need it, as I can take it on and off the boat quite easily.

Thoughts???

'Preciate it!

FB
 
+1 for a cooler for bait rather than built in. Much easier to clean, can be moved out of the way if required.
 
you'll want some fire extinguishers
throwing/heaving bag is nice to have
had to use one off ambleside last spring for a couple kids in an overturned canoe
 
Deal with the two front seats in the cab as number one priority and then deal with the rest. For fishing you won't want more than 4 people on board for a serious fishing trip in that size of boat. Your cuddy will be used very little and can be used for storing most of your stuff. When you want to use the cuddy (very few times) you can then make some other arrangements.

I think I finally get where your going with this and I agree that more deck space is nice for serious fishing. You mentioned seating for six in our phone conversation but in reality those extra two can sit on the engine box for all we care lol.
 
haha here here sculpin!! This ain't pleasure boating! lol

great notes Hookin' Up. Sculps mentioned the Throw/Ditch bag...what are some typical items that should be included in the bag?

THanks!
 
one thing everyone seems to forget in the ditch bag is- MONEY! I'm not joking, it's an important thing to have if your rescuers drop you back in civilization which may be far from home--All the life saving stuff can now be listed---A very good policy when you take friends/relatives or clients on your boat is to have them all deposit there wallet in the ditch bag and show them where it is placed...this insures that in the case that you are injured or incapacitated that they will know how important it is and where it is!
 
Jon got his hourston setup pretty slick this summer and i did the same on my rig. Two gaffs (use as bonker) with one hanging in each corner for easy access. A knife and pliers both in a sheath that can hang somewhere in the back for easy access. You can see it in the second picture hanging from the door on the back right. Makes it easy when things get chaotic your not looking for items.

You can also see along both gunnels there is space to store whatever you need (small cooler, towel, down rigger clips). I love having this as you can toss whatever you need for the day in there and then clean it at the end. Rods are best kept in rocket launchers, the net can go on the roof or rocket launcher. Definitely recommend storage in the deck and chairs. You can see in the third picture that the seats fold over to expose a big storage area. There are also a bunch of tackle trays installed into the sea box upfront for easy access.

a36.jpg


a41.jpg


a23.jpg
 
Add to your list of storage items the minimum required safety gear.

Bailing Buckets
Paddle or Anchor
Fire Extinguisher (Required on your boat because you have an inboard with an inboard tank)
Floating Flashlight
50ft floating line
Noise making device (horn or whistle)
Extra life-jackets (always a good idea)

Pleasure craft operators license;)

Oh an if you are fishing with me and cam you will need more than a small cooler for the days drinks and food;)

Cheers
 
A scrub brush and soap for the middle photo above, lol.

I find you can never have enough small towels/rags on board, they always come in handy.
 
hambone said:
A scrub brush and soap for the middle photo above, lol.

I find you can never have enough small towels/rags on board, they always come in handy.
Click to expand...

Haha you can see the wash down hose in the gunnel on the back left corner. It's nice to have it there as it's out of the way but easy to access. Also the back hatches open to access alot of things like batteries, electrical but its also a good spot to store extra cannonballs. My favourite spot to store cannonballs attached to the rigger is the pod or swim grid. They can bounce out of their holders in really crappy weather though. Another option is to mount a holder on the rail of the boat like i had below but it's kind of ugly and in the way.

284784_10152061404060007_261320758_n.jpg
 
As far as a scrub brush goes....I've ordered the jabsco 5.0gpm washdown which pumps a good spray, but I've read if you put an aerator pump inline (first) with your washdown pump pressure increases considerably. They also came out with a 7.0gpm pump, but the PSI (@43ish) is little to no different than the 5.0, so I didn't see the point in spending an extra 60% more. If that fails, I plan to source a small hobby gas powered pressure washer and carry it on board for those major cleanups. I know they make electric ones @ 1200psi that are quite small...wondering if there is a gas version.

Kelly, do you know where Jon had his access doors made for the transom access?? Cost to build them? I am getting a quote Monday but am curious as to what it cost...if you know or can find out..too much and I...yup, build em myself lol.

great ideas and gear guys. All mentioned are a pretty much a must, a few of which I overlooked for sure!
 
hambone said:
A scrub brush and soap for the middle photo above, lol.

I find you can never have enough small towels/rags on board, they always come in handy.
Click to expand...

X2 Keeping the boat clean and tidy (and safe) takes constant effort. Having a place for garbage is a must. A lot of it - packaging - can be left at the dock before boarding. I installed a dedicated bin, tucked between the hull and the liner for the rest. We also prefer all beverages in cans because they can be crushed when empty.

Other ideas?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
I find a lot of good pricing between amazon, iboats, boatsurplus, greatlakesfisherman when I'm doing my online accessory shopping...
 
good gawd thats a gluttonous haul! haha I have 3 of the large costco coolers already. They are awesome...hold 9 to 10 tuna on ice depending on packing when loading the cooler.
 
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