Seat Stowage

As a boat owner, you understand that space onboard is at a real premium, particularly if you’re readying your vessel for a long trip. The Seat Organizer from Boatmates ($27.99) is a great space-saving tool: It lets you keep your boat organized without eating up extra room. This heavy-mesh pocket organizer with tab zippers can be mounted on just about any seat back via snap fasteners and quick-release straps. It’s a perfect place to stash sunscreen, radios, pliers, lines, or anything else that’s likely to cause clutter.

Boatmates
(877) 234-7466

A Compact Clean

Seasoned passagemakers know that when you’re on an extended cruise, you’ll be doing a whole heap of cleaning. But finding room for all those products and tools can be a real bear. The Swobbit Deluxe Watercraft Cleaning Kit ($236.95) includes a telescoping handle, soft washing tool, quick-dry water blade, soft flagged deck brush, terry microfiber towel, and more. All those cleaning goodies fit in the accompanying zippered acrylic bag, which features a mesh bottom for easy drainage and pouches that hold liquid cleaners. Now that’s one seriously compact cleaning kit.

Swobbit
(203) 453-3090

Vacuum Control

Okay, I’ll admit it: I’m an overpacker. Yes, I’m that person—the one hauling five bags for a two-day trip. Which is why I swear by the vacuum-seal storage bags from Space Bag, which come in a wide range of sizes and prices. These airtight, waterproof sacks are great for storing all that extra clothing or bedding you’ve got onboard. Just pack ’em, seal ’em, and then use any old vacuum hose to suck out the extra air. According to Space Bag, you’ll gain up to three times more stowage space in your staterooms, which is no small thing. Overpackers, rejoice!

Space Bag
(800) 617-4190

Deflating Fenders

There’s no denying that fenders are an absolute necessity, but they sure do take up a lot of room. Well, not the Inflatable Stow Away Boat Fenders from DACA Innovations. They inflate in seconds and roll up for easy stowage. They’re available in small, medium, large, and extra large. You can order them individually if you only need one or two extras or opt for one of the company’s Fender Kits (approximately $120), which come with four fenders, a compact foot pump, and a storage bag. The Fenders work with most electric inflators.

StowAway Boat Fenders
(239) 541-5356

This article originally appeared in the July 2008 issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine.