[C320-list] Rear Storage in Catalina 320

[RONALD HODEL]

Hi,

First, I concur with Jack. We didn’t store our Honda generator below decks. We covered it and kept it tied to the pedestal while underway when we were in Mexico. We ran it only at anchor making sure the exhaust wasn’t entering the boat or cockpit. (I used CO alarms to verify and we never left it running unattended nor while we were sleeping.) All spare diesel fuel (20 gallons in 5 gallon containers) were strapped to the lifeline stanchion gates (port and starboard. We used plastic boards u-bolted to the stanchion to create secure places to mount the diesel containers and covered them to protect them from the hot sun.) 

I’d be interested in the pluses and minuses of storing small gasoline cans in the anchor locker.  I have to go forward to drop the anchor anyway so I could take them out before anchoring. As I think about it, the running light wires run up there so if there’s a short in the wires, that might not be a good idea. Just wondering.

In my port aft locker we keep things relatively clear as well. I store water maker supplies and engine filters, supplies and parts in fairly flat rectangular boxes which stack neatly behind the rudder quadrant. Under the aft step area is our rocker stopper and our spare propellor. I’ve glassed in a large pvc pipe with an access plate above (accessible via an access port in the stern) where we store 50’ of 1/4 chain for our stern anchor. In the HUGE section I use 4 large plastic waste baskets to store assorted things (dinghy supplies, spare lines, etc.) They are easy to take out if access is needed below and they keep the area neat and tidy.

In the monstrous port locker we store our emergency life raft, beaching wheels for the dinghy, all the boat covers (kept in a net bag to coral them in one place) as well as junk towels and clean rags also in net bags. Our spinnaker, lines and turning blocks are stowed in there as well. Spare life jackets, emergency tiller, etc. On top of the ‘bread box’ I have strapped 2 plastic organizer type boxes where I store spare fuses, zip ties, assorted fasteners, various kinds of tape, glues and caulking . . . all the tiny little stuff that normally gets stuffed into the tool bag or chart table. The boxes are bungeed (sp) so that they won’t fall off when heeling. The boxes are strapped together with long pieces of Velcro which both secure the boxes closed and sections can be cut off as necessary. 

Ron Hodel
Lokomaikai #1070

Sent from my iPad

> On Oct 11, 2020, at 6:05 AM, Jack Brennan <jackbrennan at bellsouth.net> wrote:
> 
> Hi Tom:
> 
> I keep the port stern locker relatively clear because it provides important access to many critical items – refrigeration, the steering column, fuel shutoff, the digital compass for my EV-100 autopilot, a Racor 500 fuel filter I installed to replace the headachy shorty filter under the aft bunk, wiring, etc.
> 
> You need to be able to get in and out of there quickly. On cruises, I do put garbage bags down there.
> 
> The stern locker holds items I need only occasionally. A big bag of used line. A big bag of lifejackets. The 110-volt cord. Extra fenders. Spare cushions. As well as some other stuff I probably will find some day and go, “Aha, that’s where it is.”
> 
> I would be careful about adding permanent shelving because you will also need to crawl down there some day for access to hoses, the fuel tank and some other things.
> 
> Lastly, I would be very, very careful about storing a generator or anything else gasoline-related down there. That’s a big fire hazard because fumes or leaks could turn your boat into one large bomb. I don’t believe the fridge or other electronics down there are ignition-protected.
> 
> Google gas explosion boat and you will see startling photos of boats with their decks blown off from small gasoline or propane leaks that encountered a sparky piece of electronics. Your insurance company would consider citing it as a reason not to pay you in the event if an explosion.
> 
> I have a board I installed along the port side between the stern rail and a stanchion. I use it to tie fuel canisters and an extra water jug on trips. If I had a generator, I would put it in a bag and tie along there, too. 
> 
> Jack Brennan
> Sonas, 1998 Catalina 320
> Tierra Verde, Fl.
> Dolphon Cruising Club of Tampa Bay
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Sent from Mail for Windows 10
> 
> From: Tom Grass
> Sent: Sunday, October 11, 2020 12:05 AM
> To: C320-List at catalina320.com
> Subject: [C320-list] Rear Storage in Catalina 320
> 
> J
>