Storage under the cabin sole

[Lee Scott]

How easy is it to use the spaces under the floorboards for storage?

There are lots of nice spaces available under the floor in the sections created by the fiberglass pan, but most of them are covered by screwed down floor panels, and some of those have additional cabinetry on top of them that has to be removed to access the space.

I can only see putting stuff in there that you don't need to get to on a daily or weekly basis. Is there an easy and attractive way to make these spaces more easily accessible?

There is one floor panel in the galley that has a square teak access port to get to the space underneath, but that's the only one. My woodworking skills are probably not up to the task of duplicating that all over the boat, but something like that would be what I'm looking for.

I hate the idea of putting those round white 6" deck plates everywhere, but that's all I can come up with.

 

[Bill Roosa]

You can install access boards. I would develope a stowage plan for the entire set of compartments first then determine how big an access board you need to service the area. also consider the structure of the floor. a large board in the middle of the floor board is going to make it flex without some sort of reinforcement.
There is also the issue of water flowing through the compartment. Some compartments have water flowing all the time and some are pretty much dry except for some unusual situation.

 

[Lee Scott]

Thanks Bill,
That sounds like the best solution. The compartments I've opened up so far are totally dry - just 18 years of dust and no sign that they've ever had water in them. But, obviously, anything that gets stored in there need to be in waterproof bags just in case.

I guess the thing to do is just use the existing access board the factory installed in the galley as my pattern and hope I don't screw anything up!

 

[redhead78]

I store 2 different types of water in mine.... Red

 

[Bill Roosa]

That is what I did also. I had some bouncy boards when I got done so I ran aluminum angle underneath (3/4x3/4 "L") to stiffen up the board. Just ran it next to the access board opening and along the long axis of the board then thru bolted it at about 6" spacing.

You will want a stowage plan as most of the stuff you put in there you don't take out much. You WILL forget where you put it and have to search through every space to find it as it is always in the last place you look.

 

[Lee Scott]

I store 2 different types of water in mine.... Red

OK, I've just gotta ask.

I had no idea there was more than one type of water.

 

[Greg Reardon]

I find cabin sole storage is great for wine and all sorts of "spare" beverage containers. Wrap bottles in sleeves made from carpet anti-slip material. Keeps everything cool and out of the way and no breakage.