A well-organized and tidy sailboat is not only essential for life on board, but also a guarantee of safety. Organizing and tidying the saloon and cabins allows for a more peaceful cruising experience, even coastal cruising, and also makes it easier to find emergency equipment when needed. Here’s a short guide, based on my experience as a coastal sailor who, when it comes to organization, does far more than I do at home.
When you own a sailboat, optimizing onboard space is essential, especially on smaller sailboats, let’s say under 9 or 10 meters. Whether for reasons of comfort, safety, or efficiency, a well-organized interior will allow you to fully enjoy your time at sea, whether for a weekend getaway or a summer cruise. We’ll therefore review the different living spaces to see how to optimize each one, with a few helpful tips. to save space and optimize comfort on board the boat.
Define storage areas in the boat
To begin, let’s determine the different storage areas on board our boat. Each area must be clearly identified and used for a specific type of equipment or gear:
- The kitchen This area must contain everything necessary for preparing and storing food, as well as kitchen utensils. Nothing else
- The square This is the central space on the sailboat where you relax, eat, and socialize. It must be comfortable and functional. Storage consists of lockers and bench seats.
- The cabins They must offer sufficient storage space for everyone’s clothes and personal belongings. The storage compartments under the bench seats are the most difficult to optimize.
- The bathroom It must contain all hygiene and toiletry products, as well as towels and bath linen. It may also hold damp raincoats.
- Technical boxes They must be reserved for navigation equipment, tools, and safety gear. I’m referring to cockpit lockers (see The article on cockpit layout is here.), but not only that. I’m thinking of the chart table, the coffin berth, possibly, or even the aft cabin.
Tips for optimizing storage in the kitchen
The galley on a sailboat is usually small and cramped. It’s therefore essential to organize storage spaces well to be able to cook easily and quickly, but still simply (well, almost). Here are a few tips:
- Use airtight containers To store dry goods (pasta, rice, flour, etc.) and prevent moisture, this is all I have. Plus, it reduces waste.
- Opt for multi-functional utensils., like a soup spoon that can also be used as a ladle or a multi-purpose knife. These can be found in camping stores.
- Opt for collapsible or stackable dishes and bowls to save space in the cupboards. For my part, I use flexible plastic containers that fold down.
- Hang up your pots and pans Use hooks to free up space in the drawers. If you can find a set that nests inside each other, that’s ideal.
For the rest, it’s mostly a matter of organization. No, you’ll never have 10 people on board. So don’t bring cutlery for 10.
Optimize the layout of the square
The saloon is a central space on a sailboat where it’s important to feel comfortable. Here are some tips to optimize its layout:
- Install shelves, nets, and storage compartments for storing books, games and other personal items.
- Choose cushions and blankets They are designed for the marine environment, meaning they are moisture-resistant and easy to clean. Personally, I’ve gone camping this year.
- Consider adding cup holders. to avoid spilled drinks during rough sailing.
- Set up a fastening system For items that might move around while sailing, such as cell phones, sunglasses, or electronic devices, there are convenient storage compartments. Alternatively, Velcro is very practical.
- Remember to balance the weights in the cockpit. If your water tank is on the starboard side, remember to put heavy items in the port-side lockers. Each locker should be reserved for a specific purpose (canned goods, navigation equipment, cleaning supplies, etc.).
Tips for organizing cabins
The cabins on a sailboat must offer sufficient storage space for each crew member to stow their personal belongings. Here are a few tips:
- Use hanging storage bags to save space in cupboards and drawers;
- Opt for mattress and duvet covers Specifically designed for the marine environment, to protect your bedding from moisture. Once again, I’ve gone into camping mode.
- Install coat hooks and pegs. for hanging clothes and towels.
- Install storage compartments under the bunks to store clothes and personal belongings that you use the least. (The more you use them, the less you need to lift the benches).
- If you are sailing with children, dedicate a cabin to them, or they can do whatever they want, without being told ” Don’t touch this, don’t touch that…”
Managing storage space in the bathroom
A sailboat’s bathroom needs to be functional and well-organized. To achieve this, follow these tips:
- Use waterproof bags to store your hygiene and toiletry products.
- Set up a fastening system for items that can move during navigation, such as toothbrushes or razors.
- Opt for accessories specifically designed for camping or motorhomes.such as anti-fog mirrors or anti-slip mats.
Storage of technical and safety equipment
Finally, it is essential to properly organize the storage of technical and safety equipment on board your sailboat. Here are a few tips:
- There card table is the domain of navigation, or even DIY, and NOTHING ELSE.
- Dedicate a specific chest to navigation equipment (maps, compass, GPS…);
- Put away the life jackets and harnesses in a location easily accessible in case of emergency;
- Keep the tools and spare parts in a waterproof and well-organised toolbox;
- Make sure that the fire extinguishers and smoke detectors are in good working order and easily accessible.
By following these tips and tricks, you can easily organize and tidy the interior of your sailboat, optimizing space, safety, and organization on board. Take advantage of this to renovate the boat cabin and fully enjoy your sea outings in the best possible conditions!