Looking for storage ideas

[fred1diver]

Hello all, I would like to know where you all store your hatch umbrella and screen? We have a hatch umbrella we use when rain is forecast, but where would be a good storage location? Same thing for our weighted mosquito netting.

we are currently getting ready to make a stack pack for our boat, I was wondering if adding pockets to it to store them would be a wise idea?

 

[kappykaplan]

we are currently getting ready to make a stack pack for our boat, I was wondering if adding pockets to it to store them would be a wise idea?

My gut tells me it's a bad idea to store stuff in pockets on the stack pack.

 

[fred1diver]

Forgot to mention that I was thinking about installing them on the front flap alongside the mast

 

[kappykaplan]

Forgot to mention that I was thinking about installing them on the front flap alongside the mast

Maybe - any sketches of what you're considering?

 

[fred1diver]

Not yet, but I will work on one

 

[thinwater]

Forgot to mention that I was thinking about installing them on the front flap alongside the mast

IMO and ME stack packs are a bad idea in the first place. Heavy flappy stuff in the wrong place. I've had two and ditched them for conventional sail covers.

The answer is adding weight to a stack pack is a terrible idea. Below deck is better for practically everything. Clutter on deck is the last thing a smaller boat needs.

I've seen some lovely hatch screens that attach from the outside. Only you couldn't really get inside and then seal them easily--didn't think that through. Make sure the screens are designed for coming and going, and that they can be easily closed from the inside. Being stuck inside stinks.

 

[shemandr]

Lazarette for umbrella. Maybe I just like to spell Lazarette (Which I'm told I spell wrong). The term comes from Italian and derives from basically an insane asylum. Something like that.
Hatch screens should attach from the inside since that's where you would hide from bugs when they are out. And unprotected from the skeeters will have you in the Lazarette.

 

[fred1diver]

Just so I am clear, these are the ones we use.
So we have to go topside to install them.
That is why I was thinking about storing them outside

 

[rgranger]

For a completely different storage need (but possibly a useful solution for you as well) I used large stainless steel hose clamps (the type made for dryer exhaust hoses) to secure a 6-inch-diameter, 12-inch-long piece of PVC pipe to my stanchion. I use it to hold the fuel canister for my grill. I also set up something similar on my stern rail to store chain and a lunch-hook anchor.

Just remember to drill a few weep holes in the bottom cap so any water can drain out.

 

[fred1diver]

I could modify this idea, I like it!
Maybe similar to yours, but with a cap so water does not go in and get them wet, and of course the holes in the bottom as well.
I will look into this
Thank you so much

 

[rgranger]

I could modify this idea, I like it!
Maybe similar to yours, but with a cap so water does not go in and get them wet, and of course the holes in the bottom as well.
I will look into this
Thank you so much

Yes... I have a cap on my gas storage tube.... The cap gets tight sometimes and that makes it hard to get it off quickly. Tends to be worse when it is hot out. I have thought about taking my sander and knocking off a smidge around the rim of the tube so the cap fits a little looser. The other idea I had was to cap it with a threaded pump-out cap like this...

I have not tested it to actually know that this would be easier to open...

Another thing to consider when you set it up is to make sure your jib sheet won't get tangled up in it. Originally I had mine outboard (to keep deck clutter to a minimum) but when I tacked I got my lines caught around the bottom of the tube. So I move the tube inboard. I suppose you could also attach to the base of the mast if you have room.

 

[thinwater]

Just so I am clear, these are the ones we use.
So we have to go topside to install them.
That is why I was thinking about storing them outside

Many/most hatches have a groove for fitting screens. Likely this is what Shemandr was referring to. I find them more convenient. In the winter I fit 1/8" plex storm windows for warmth.

https://www.lippert.com/media/converted/wysiwyg/boat-hatch-accessories-680x479.webp

This one shows a clear insert for winter.

 

[thinwater]

Less on deck is better.

Gas needs to be outside for ventilation (or a locker with an over-board vent). I've had several small cylinders leak out the valve. It is also good to have caps for them. $9 for 4 on Amazon. I use them in my home shop as well.

 

[fred1diver]

I am Not able to add those types of screens on our forward hatch unfortunately, ours is molded into the deck, as in if you want to replace it y ou need the grinder and a lot of fibreglass work, not going to happen, next time I am at the boat I will take a picture, J did think to add one from the inside, but doing so would make it so that I would have to remove it to adjust the hatch when opening and closing.

yes I could mount it at the base of the mast, would make it cleaner with the lines, good idea

 

[rgranger]

Less on deck is better.

Gas needs to be outside for ventilation (or a locker with an over-board vent).

That is why they are on my stanchion and not in a locker down below. I like the idea of a cap.