Under the Cockpit Spaces: Port Side "Garage"
Our Ranger 29 has a huge amount of storage under the cockpit because there is no generator under the port side lazerette and no air conditioner on the starboard side. We try to use the container system as much as possible because it organizes, makes things portable and it protects the contents. This photo is looking down on the port side with the wing/stair open. Dubbed "The Garage," from the top and left, the orange box contains the spare engine parts (belt, filters, impeller). The white box that is open has the oil, coolant, the mooring bridle (more on that later) and extra spring lines. On top of the water heater is a Rubber Maid, Action Packer 8 gallon box, that has all the hardware supplies (screws, glues, wire, hose clamps, etc) to fix things. This box never moves because it is a perfect fit under the step. The middle Action Packer box that is next to the hot water heater, has tools that are not in the tool bag (hammer, heavy wrenches, sockets, etc. Look close at the top of the middle box and you will see wood. This a portable work bench made of three 2 by 4's attached together that can lay on the cockpit with padding that can be pounded on and drilled into.
Starboard Side
This photo is looking down on the open starboard side cock pit storage. An air conditioning unit is sometimes installed here or a water maker. On Andiamo, we use this storage for the BBQ, folding director's chairs, a small folding table from Camping World, the paddles for the inflatable kayaks (that is another story) and a 2 1/2 gallon rectangular bucket that has the brushes, soap, and collapsable hose. The bottom of this space has the interlocking "water tiles" that keeps the stuff out any standing water. Both of these storage areas are water resistant, but not water tight. You can get droplets of water in these when aggressively spraying down the cockpit.
Stern Storage
Ranger has done a nice job in engineering these spaces under the transom mounted-outside sink. In the middle is the propane locker and tank. This is a photo of the starboard side cabinet and shows the cleaning items we use. Also, there is a ziplock bag that has microfiber towels for wiping down the surfaces, another bag of absorbent pads, and another bag of those plastic rail clips that will clamp a towel down on the rail for drying. Also, one the fire extinguishers is in this cabinet and tucked into a corner. The label maker from Staples has been well used.
The port side of this cabinet is dominated by the propane locker but has a space suitable for the flares and safety equipment and a three propane bottles that the BBQ uses.
The port side of this cabinet is dominated by the propane locker but has a space suitable for the flares and safety equipment and a three propane bottles that the BBQ uses.
Where or Where to Put the Boat Hook?
When the boat hook is buried, that will be time that you will need it the most. But it also must be out of the way but still accessible. Mounted over the cabin door with two clips sold at West Marine, our boat hook is 7/8" diameter and our West Marine store has these clips in stock. Yes, you have to drill some holes but putting holes in a boat is easy after you do the first one.
Mid-Cabin State room
The mid-cabin stateroom is the size of a double bed and its spaciousness can be very tempting to use to store all sorts of stuff. Our planning assumption is keep this space reserved for a person and their stuff. So, no freezer, no inflatable kayaks, and no storage boxes. However, there is a duffle bag of more PFD's the duffle bag that holds the canvas and mosquito side curtains for the cockpit and a comforter are kept at the end of the bed.
We learned on the "Laurie Ann" that the coat rack pole strategy just did not work for us. Oak boards that were stained teak-colored, were screwed to the walls (it is not the hull here) and double coat hooks were screwed to the wood. A great place for the life jackets, hats and coats that you need as you go outside.
A shelf has easily added that attaches to the bottom of the "cubby box" on one end and the wall on the other end. This is where the Abandon Ship Bag, a daypack, and folding shopping bags are kept
You will note the flashlight on the left edge of this photo. An LED light that is bright and right next to the cabin door has come in very handy when you enter the cabin when it is dark. Also, you will see the edge of some baskets. Laurie is great about finding the right sized baskets to hold the little stuff.
We learned on the "Laurie Ann" that the coat rack pole strategy just did not work for us. Oak boards that were stained teak-colored, were screwed to the walls (it is not the hull here) and double coat hooks were screwed to the wood. A great place for the life jackets, hats and coats that you need as you go outside.
A shelf has easily added that attaches to the bottom of the "cubby box" on one end and the wall on the other end. This is where the Abandon Ship Bag, a daypack, and folding shopping bags are kept
You will note the flashlight on the left edge of this photo. An LED light that is bright and right next to the cabin door has come in very handy when you enter the cabin when it is dark. Also, you will see the edge of some baskets. Laurie is great about finding the right sized baskets to hold the little stuff.
Navigator's Space
This is mesh bag that affixes to the wall with three suction cups. The tools and things that the navigator needs to have close at hand are kept in this bag, like a tide book, chap stick and those things that we need on a frequent basis. We each have our own binoculars that are adjusted to each's vision. These binoculars are 7 by 50 which seems to be the best combination for boating; 7 power and a 50 degree view.
Master Stateroom
The closet in this space has two shelves built by the factor but cries out for more shelves as the space is too big. However, the wall on the left side of the photograph needs to be removable to access the wiring for the Fusion stereo system, the antenna and other electronic components. So, the new shelf unit had to be removable. It is set in place with two screws and makes the organization of this space more efficient.
Bedside Cabinet in the Master Stateroom
This cabinet also cried out for another shelf to make it more efficient and adding it was easy. Also, note the basket on top that is the collector for those little things that you want nearby but do not want to see it spilled on the floor. The baskets stay in place with non-skid material that is available at most hardware stores and larger general department stores.
About those baskets, Laurie had the measurements of the horizontal surfaces that were going to used for baskets and went shopping at Pier 1, Cost Plus and the larger houseware stores.
About those baskets, Laurie had the measurements of the horizontal surfaces that were going to used for baskets and went shopping at Pier 1, Cost Plus and the larger houseware stores.
EASY TO FIND OPERATING MANUALS
Andiamo has many, many devices, appliances, systems, components and equipment and each with its own manual. These manuals must be kept on board and are often the first solution to reach for when there is an alarm or something does not work. Using the briefcase from the factory and stack of file folder/envelopes, these manuals are organized by topic and can be easily found.
Andiamo has many, many devices, appliances, systems, components and equipment and each with its own manual. These manuals must be kept on board and are often the first solution to reach for when there is an alarm or something does not work. Using the briefcase from the factory and stack of file folder/envelopes, these manuals are organized by topic and can be easily found.
