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I just got a 1970 nauset, and am adding the safety gear. One thing comes to mind, with the console space being somewhat limited, it got me wondering what others are doing for storage of safety gear. Things I am wondering about include fire extinguishers, throwable PFD's, flares, horns, pretty much all the stuff USCG is going to look at/for on a vessel check.
Ideass and tips woud be grealtly appreciated.
Thanks, and look forward to buggin you guys with some questions. This boat I got is gonna need some help getting back to top form, but she'll be fishing while I do it!
I have the same problem in my 78 montauk. I have an aftermarket small console with no room after i put the battery/drybox/other stuff in it. I got a cooler large enough to hold 4 lifejackets and put in front of the console. Works as storage and seat.
In a 13' there's even less space. I just put my pfd on the seat when I'm not wearing it and bring a "dry box" aboard for the small safety items. It has my paperwork in it also and spasr key, emergency compass, etc.. There is no such thing as permanent storage areas on these.
Mike
Like Moose, I to have a 13' Whaler. I have two seat cushions that are atteched to my bench seats with Velcro straps. To help with my storage issues, I was able to strap two PFDs under each bench seat simply by taking the velcro straps and strapping the PFDs under the seat. As for the fire extinguisher, I attached it to the side of my steering console. If you like, I could attach a picture of my setup and maybe that will give you a few ideas for your boat.
Cliff
Cliff
1966 13' Sport with a 1993 40hp Yamaha 2 Smoker
The"newer" consoles have a pocket on the side of the console. You may want to check out the personal pages/pictures of similar boats to see where these guys have mounted it. Where ever you choose to locate the fire extinguisher, make sure it is close at hand. You definitely want to be able to grab it in a hurry if/when you need it.
I keep the throw cushion, flares & a few pfd's in my center console.
The 18’ Outrage is a larger boat, but does not really have any better storage. I suggest using an old cooler for the front seat and storing safety/first aid gear in there so that all of your necessary items are located in one convenient spot.
Here is how my required gear is stowed:
Fire Extinguisher: I have two aboard – one is mounted directly under the leaning post. The other is in my “Gear Cooler” – in my case, also under the leaning post. Horn: My required audible signal device (an air horn) lives in the console for easy access. I also have a reserve emergency whistle that is located in the Gear Cooler. Flares: My flares are located in the Gear Cooler Other signal device: – the USCG recommends another visual signal device. I have a signal mirror, as well as an aluminum foil emergency blanket in the Gear Cooler Manual Dewatering device: I keep a boatkeeping bucket in the stern with some cleaning supplies. This can be used to dewater the boat in an emergency, and in case the bilge pumps fail. Additionally, I stow downrigger balls in this bucket when fishing to keep them from rolling around the boat. Anchor: and at least 150 ft of rode…lives in the anchor locker. First Aid Kit: I have two – the main one is in the Gear Cooler, but I also keep a small kit in my tackle box when fishing. Throwable Floatation Device is under my leaning post. Wearable PFD’s: are in the console when not being worn.
Non required, but recommended safety gear:
Paddle – goes in stern splashwell
Spare anchor with about 100 feet of rode – great for a lunch hook. – usually in splashwell, sometimes in anchor locker
Drift anchor – in anchor locker (usually)
Spare parts: for motor (i.e. spark plugs, auxiliary pull-start rope, spare prop and prop nut/cotter pin), canvas (i.e. replacement clips and appropriate sized spare screws, etc) and for electronics (i.e. fuses, nav lights, basic wiring connectors, etc)
Tools – just the basics – prop wrench, hammer, pliers, wire cutters (for downriggers and for electrical repairs) etc. Not overly extensive. My full toolbox comes aboard for big trips. Located in Gear Cooler, but sometimes in console
Handheld VHF – in Gear Cooler, fixed VHF installed on console. Cell phone in dry-bag.
Extra line – goes in Gear Cooler –useful for a variety of things, including towing other boats home.
Spotlight – goes in Gear Cooler
Extra batteries for flashlight/handheld VHF (in Gear Cooler)
Sunscreen – general use on console, emergency supply in first-aid kit. (Gear Cooler).
General: I keep a supply of epoxy, rubber gloves, Marine-TEX, a multi-meter, matches and other sundry supplies also in the Gear Cooler at all times.
I use a 128 QT Igloo for a gear cooler – this is an old cooler that is cracked, and is no longer serviceable to keep things cold, however, it does a great job keeping my stuff dry. Inside the cooler, I use some plastic bins to sort things and keep them separated and in some kind of order so I can find them easily. The cooler never leaves the boat unless it is only momentarily for a good scrubbing of the cooler or the boat.
I suggest a similar system on your boat – something that will help you be methodical so that you can have everything you need on board at all times, and so that you don’t forget something at the wrong moment (i.e., when you’re being inspected by a Coastie). I don’t expect you will go to my extreme in terms of supplies (perhaps you will)…but I think the system is proven and effective.
With a new (to you) boat, finding a good place for items take time. I played around with storing items in various places till I found a place that worked. What works on one model (Montauk) does not always work on another (Outrage 17)
One obvious item to consider is frequency of use. If an item is important but not often used, it can go in a less accessible place. Safety equipment should be the easiest to reach.
-The throwable item (prefer a square cushion) can be on the rps for you to use.
If you make everyone wear a PDF, there is no need to stow them. When parked, stow the extra PDF's under the forward seat on bungies (easy to get to)
If your fuel tank is under the RPS consider the console for your gear or under RPS if the tank is under the console.
Keep the fire extinguisher away from the engine and the tank(s).
In my 13' the safety gear fits perfectly between the battery and 6 gallon fuel tank.
Just purchase one of the four pack PFD sets from Cabela's or Bass Pro Shops. It comes in a rectangular plastic zippered bag that fits perfect under the seat.
Mount the fire extinguisher at the helm below the throttle. The rest can go in the PFD bag or at the helm.
I have the same problem on my Eastport. Take a look at my pictures link below for a few ideas:
1. Bob Younger came up with the GREAT idea of turning the "console forward bench seat "into a storage locker. I think the forward bench was an option on your model so you may not have one, but it wouldn't be too hard to make. I had the fixed bench and turning into a locker really added alot of space.
2. My Extinguisher is kept on a bracket screwed down to the "console shelf". I also made a door to close off that inner console area that allows me to keep things secure and dry that need to be accessed quickly: horn, flare, registration, binocs, camera, etc.
3. All other small items fit into a dry box that is kept on the deck under the console. Seat cusions stay on seats and PDF's stay on me.
Thans for the tips and ideas all, looks like it might be a cooler for the bulk of the stuff for me. I'll post some pics up to give you an idea what I'm dealing with. The tank is under the console, so space there is gone. The seats are not the originals, so I have no space there. The wood, well, it is a 38 year old boat, so to be expected. I think I can strip and refinish it, but we'll see. Pretty wobbly right now.
Speaking of which, what is the best glue to use for that type of a job?
