Cockpit bag gear organizer

[Sea Hunt Video]

I want to install some type of cockpit gear bag to organize various items and keep them from being damaged by being carelessly placed in the cockpit. The items I want to protect include:

Handheld VHF radio (Standard Horizon)
Winch handle (standard size)
Small cell phone
WM binoculars
Small individual water bottle

http://www.defender.com/expanded.jsp?pa ... &id=753120

I am looking for something like the above from Defender but wanted to obtain the suggestions of fellow CDers before purchasing anything.

I would like to find a gear organizer that I can remove and place below in the cabin when I am away from S/V Bali Ha'i.

Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions and recommendations.

[Neil Gordon]

I've done well with a shower caddie that I got from the hardware store. The suction cups hold it in place in the cockpit, but it's easy enough to pick up and move to the cabin when I leave the boat. A place like Bed, Bath & Beyond might have lots to choose from.

Be sure to bring all your gear to the store with you, so you can try each one out!

[Sea Hunt Video]

I've done well with a shower caddie that I got from the hardware store. The suction cups hold it in place in the cockpit, but it's easy enough to pick up and move to the cabin when I leave the boat. A place like Bed, Bath & Beyond might have lots to choose from.

Be sure to bring all your gear to the store with you, so you can try each one out!

My good friend Neil:

Sometimes it is difficult for me (and many of your friends who care about you) to know whether you are being serious or offering yet another one of your comical, belly busting "funnies".

Until proven otherwise by objective contrary evidence I will assume that "bring my gear to BB & B" is one of your better belly busting "funnies". Good one.

[Neil Gordon]

Until proven otherwise by objective contrary evidence I will assume that "bring my gear to BB & B" is one of your better belly busting "funnies". Good one.

Okay, but don't blame me when it doesn't all fit exactly right.

[Joe Myerson]

Roberto,
It can often be difficult to take Neil seriously, but he really does use a BB & B shower caddy. It holds his binoculars, if I recall correctly.

I was inspired to do the same, only instead of relying on the suction cups, which never seemed to work for me, I removed the suction cups and screwed it to the back of a board roughly half the size of my smallest companionway drop board, put a small shelf on the outside of the board, where I mounted my chart plotter and my iPhone. There's also a spot for my VHF mic. It helps me keep lots of stuff close at hand, just inside the companionway.

I also use a Blue winch handle pocket, mounted in the center of my bridge deck.

It keeps most things close at hand. One problem: Climbing in and out of the companionway can be tricky.

Will try to post a picture of this set up later.

--Joe

[Neil Gordon]

Roberto,
It can often be difficult to take Neil seriously, but he really does use a BB & B shower caddy. It holds his binoculars, if I recall correctly.

Binoculars, pencils, note pad, glasses (sun & reading), iPhone, and more.

[Carl Thunberg]

For this application, a shower caddy works perfectly. Not everything on a boat needs to be "marine grade" or made from canvas or teak.

[rjnale]

I 2nd the shower caddy! Been using one on my Typhoon Daysailer to hold sunglasses, cellphone, binoculars and GPS.
Also I use a cleaning product bin/tote as a tool tote. It is oval about 18"x10"x6"deep with a raised handle in the middle and unbreakable plastic so no worry of gouges or scratches in wood trim or fiberglass when setting it down or knocking it. Deep and long enough to hold hammers, wrenches, screwdrivers... The area in the middle under the handle is a separate deep little compartment for the assortment of screws, nails, cotter pins, extra sail slides, and elec tape... Also translucent so you can see up through the bottom to see what's in the bottom. I think I paid $6 at Wallymart for it.

[Sea Hunt Video]

I will admit to not being very "domesticated" and not familiar with a "shower caddy". That said, I went to Bed Bath and Beyond's website to look for them.

The ones I saw were too large (that is, too long) for my cockpit. The cockpit depth on S/V Bali Ha'i is only 14". All of the shower caddy designs I saw had measurements of 20" - 25" in length.

Perhaps someone (Neil, Joe, Carl, et. al.) could post a link to a shower caddy they are using in their cockpit for binoculars, winch handle, water bottle, etc.

Thanks in advance for any additional information.

[tjr818]

Maybe the ones from BB&B work,but I have tried several "suction cup" gear holders and cannot get them to stay secured. Does that mean that the suck or that they do not suck I'm not sure but the never stay fastened for me, even with a clean and polished bulkhead to suck to.

[rjnale]

I'm with you that suction cups do suck or don't stuck!
I use the 3m Command hangers for a lot of boat hanging stuff.
Sorry Roberto I should have added "mesh" hanging shower caddy. Search on amazon or google. The one I use is about 12"w x 14" L +/-has 3 large compartments on the lower that holds water bottle, small binoculars, IPhone, top row has smaller pockets for GPS, jerky, sunglasses, sun block.. I think I paid $6. There is a bunch of different ones. Made out of polyester and nylon so reasonably durable.
I hang it on 3m Commander hangers. They come in a couple different sizes and hold very well. I like them because you can remove them without ruining the finish if you want to move them and they come with extra sticky strips.
Also search college dorm bath or storage caddy. There is some nice SS and chrome hanging baskets type holders that would hang over a handrail or companion way bottom for under $15. I remember seeing them when the daughter was heading to college and needed something.
I hope this helps
Rick

[mgphl52]

I've tried the sucky suction-cup stuff also... I suspect they didn't stick well because of oxidation & lack of waxing... I have a (great) bad habit of sailing more than buffing & waxing...