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Cockpit storage locker ideas

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RADIOGUY
Deckhand

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9 Posts

Initially Posted - 12/12/2005 : 18:16:27

I was cleaning my new 1979 catalina and was thinking there has got to be a way to organize that port side cockpit locker/storage area. It seems to be the best place to store life jackets etc but getting at things in the space is quite difficult in my driveway let alone sailing or in an emergency. Has anyone done any modifications or has storage ideas for that space?,,pictures?

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 12/12/2005 : 19:07:14

Mine stays empty except for a few life jackets on the shelf. The rest of the volume is needed for heat dissipation by my air-conditioner.

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Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1768 Posts

Response Posted - 12/12/2005 : 19:57:57

Hi Dave,

I'm not sure, but, since your boat is a 1979 model, I think you have one BIG locker on the port side ... you don't have a separate fuel locker ... right? If so, Frank's photo probably looks strange to you, because his boat is very different (his boat has a separate fuel locker).

On my boat there is one opening hatch on the aft end of the portside cockpit bench. The fuel tank sits on a shelf just inside the hatch, and the rest of the locker continues all the way forward to the bulkhead at the back of the galley. The locker is really deep, and it is just about impossible to reach anything down in the bottom of it.

I did two things to make that huge "dumpster" more useable. First, I put a false floor in the bottom of the locker. It is made of netting material (the same kind you would use for lifeline netting). I attached two lengths of treated 1" x 2" lumber along the inside of the locker, lengthwise ... I used angle braces to attach one end to the fuel shelf, and the other end to the back of the galley bulkhead (for each piece of wood). I screwed some rubber-coated hooks into each piece of wood, spaced about a foot apart ... the netting is attached to the hooks. It is easy to change the depth of the "floor" by hooking the netting so that it is tight, or with a lot of slack in it ... either way the netting keeps stuff higher where you can reach it, and where it won't get wet if you get rainwater in the bottom of the locker. I don't have any photos of this setup ('sorry), but I think the idea is pretty straight forward.

The second thing I did was to add another hatch toward the front of the "dumpster" ... it is much easier to access the front part of the locker now ... here's a photo:

BTW, since my boat has wheel steering, I had to install a hatch that would open without hitting the pedestal guard ... if you have a tiller, it would be easy to install a bigger hatch there.

'Hope that helps ...

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 12/12/2005 : 21:52:59

I grew weary of reaching waaaay down to the bottom of the of the locker, especially for those small items. This allows me to store those infrequently used items at the bottom of the locker . . . holes make the the shelf light weight, provide finger holes to grab onto and ventilation.

Edited by - OJ on 12/15/2005 19:38:02

RADIOGUY
Deckhand

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9 Posts

Response Posted - 12/14/2005 : 23:36:16

Thanks the shelf/false bottom idea looks like a winner! The hatch idea is also good. Im thinking that would also work on the starboard side but have it encosed on the inside so that it does not access the aft "bedroom" but is maybe 5-10 inches deep maybe with shelves then I could buy more stuff to put in it. Who said guys don't like to shop?

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boatgt
Navigator

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117 Posts

Response Posted - 12/15/2005 : 00:48:02

Hey Buzz,
Where did you buy your life line netting? That sounds like a great idea!
Thanks
Gene

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Buzz Maring
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1768 Posts

Response Posted - 12/15/2005 : 08:16:19

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by boatgt
 Hey Buzz,
Where did you buy your life line netting? That sounds like a great idea!
Thanks
Gene<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Hi Gene,

I bought it on eBay. I'm sure you could find netting at just about any marine store or salvage place. Also, I'd bet you could find a suitable substitute at a place like Home Depot ... some of that orange netting used to cordon off construction sites might work ... or maybe something like a volleyball net from WalMart.

For that matter, if you're really serious about using netting, I can send you some of mine ... I don't think I'll ever get around to installing it on the lifelines like I once thought I'd do ... it would be fine with me if someone were able to put it to good use.

Let me know ... you can reply in this thread, or email me at buzzmaring at AOL.com.

Edit: My offer isn't limited to Gene ... if anyone else would like some netting for this project, I think I've got enough for several boats ... just respond in this thread, or email me ... after all, it's Christmas time!

Edited by - Buzz Maring on 12/15/2005 09:13:28

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.