When it comes to boat storage ideas, staying organised is all about making the most of the space you have. Whether you’re heading out for a day on the water or living aboard full-time, smart storage solutions can make a world of difference.
We’ve picked up a few tips over the years and have gathered some of the best boat storage ideas to help you get your vessel shipshape. And yes, we’ll admit, we’re a bit biased towards a few of our favourite storage solutions, but we think you’ll agree they’re worth considering!
1. Weatherproof Storage Boxes
When it comes to boating, protecting your gear from the elements is a must. Weather-proof storage boxes are an ideal solution, and they don’t come any more resilient than our Expedition 134 Heavy Duty Storage Boxes.
These heavy-duty, UV-resistant plastic storage boxes are built to handle the harshest marine conditions. They’re dust-proof, waterproof, and lockable, making them perfect for stowing anything from fishing gear to personal valuables. Their interlocking design means you can stack them securely without worrying about them sliding around. Plus, they come in a variety of colours, so you can easily organise and colour-code your items.
We might be a bit biased, but Expedition 134 boxes are hands-down one of the best boat storage boxes you’ll come across, and can be used for storing everything from food to fishing tackle.
2. Mesh Pockets for Small Items
Small items like sunscreen, sunglasses, or ropes tend to disappear into the chaos of a boat’s interior. Installing mesh pockets around your boat – under seats, on cabin walls, or even on the sides of lockers – can help you stay organised. These pockets are perfect for keeping frequently used items within arm’s reach and preventing them from getting lost in the clutter. We personally like to use these for things we grab regularly, like a phone or a small snack, without having to rummage through larger compartments.
3. Under-Seat Storage
Many boats come with built-in storage under seats, but if yours doesn’t, you can easily create your own. These compartments are ideal for stashing bulky items like life jackets, ropes, or extra clothes. You’ll free up deck space while keeping everything neatly tucked away. We’ve found under-seat storage to be a lifesaver on longer trips when we need quick access to gear without cluttering the main cabin.
4. Overhead Storage Nets
Overhead storage nets are another clever way to make use of space that’s otherwise wasted. We’ve used these nets to store lightweight items like towels, hats, and even small bags of food. They’re easy to install and allow you to keep essential items accessible but out of the way, and are especially useful in cabins or enclosed spaces where floor and wall space is limited.
If you’re worried about water damage, wrapping your gear in plastic bags will keep it protected while still allowing it to fit inside the net.
5. Sliding Drawers for Tools and Gear
If you want to keep your boat looking tidy and your tools organised, sliding drawers are a must. These drawers can be installed under benches, in the galley, or even in smaller compartments around the boat and allow you to access your gear easily without having to dig through piles of equipment. We recommend using these for storing tools, knives, kitchen supplies, or small electronics that you need to keep safe from the elements but still within easy reach.
6. Suction Cup Holders for Versatile Storage
Suction cup holders are fantastic for boats because they can be moved around as needed. Use them to hold drinks, fishing rods, or even wet towels that need drying. They’re perfect for boats with smooth surfaces such as fibreglass panels, and we’ve found them particularly useful when we need a quick and temporary storage solution within arm’s reach.
7. Rope Storage Made Easy
Rope is a boating essential, but it can be a space hog. To keep your ropes organised, install hooks or pegs on the inside of lockers or along the sidewalls of your boat. We also like to use flat rope reels, which take up less space and keep the rope tangle-free. Not only does this free up room, but it also makes it easier to grab the right rope in a hurry, instead of fumbling around with a birds nest of a tangle at the worst possible moment.
8. Collapsible Buckets
Buckets are a must-have on any boat, but they can be bulky and are better left on dry land when you’re dealing with the tiny space of a boat cabin. That’s where collapsible buckets come in handy, offering all the practicality of a regular bucket without taking up all the space. Available in canvas or PVC, collapsible buckets fold flat when you don’t need them and can be stored easily in a small compartment. We always keep a couple of these on board for cleaning, washing down the deck, or even carrying water.
9. Magnetic Knife Strips for the Galley
Knives can be tricky to store on a boat. They’re sharp, awkwardly shaped, and prone to sliding around in the swell. You could stick them in a drawer or tackle box, but that’s a quick way to end up with blunkt knives. Instead, we’ve found that magnetic strips installed in the galley are a great way to keep knives safe, sharp, secure and easily accessible. Just make sure they’re positioned away from any electronics or navigation equipment to avoid interference.
10. Labelled Storage Bins for Easy Organisation
For most boat owners, their approach to storage is to toss everything under the seats and hope they can find what they need again when the time comes. In addition to being messy and an inefficient use of space, this approach also wastes your time.
What we prefer to do is use labelled bins inside existing storage areas, such as under your seats or benches. Whether you’re storing spare parts, food, or safety equipment, having everything in clearly labelled containers saves time and prevents frustration. To make life even easier, we like to use waterproof labels to make sure they stay intact, even in damp conditions.
11. Create Extra Space with Bungee Cords
When all other options have been exhausted, bungee cords are an inexpensive and versatile way to create extra storage space on your boat. You can stretch them across the ceiling to store flat items like maps or cutting boards, or use them to secure gear to the sides of lockers and stop it shifting around. We’ve even used them to hold fishing rods in place when space was tight. The best part is that a bungee cord is flexible enough to fit in awkward spaces, making them a perfect DIY solution for the various nooks and crannies you’ll find in a boat’s interior.
Trust Expedition 134 For Unmatched Boat Storage
Whether you’re a seasoned boater or just starting out, having a well-organised boat can make all the difference. From serious long term storage solutions like our Expedition 134 boxes to simple tricks like overhead nets and collapsible buckets, these boat storage ideas will help you maximise your space and keep everything in order. Trust us, once you start implementing these ideas, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without them!
If you’re in the market for boat storage that will stand up to the toughest conditions in Australia, explore our selection of heavy duty plastic storage boxes today and find the right option for your next trip on the water.