Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2014 - 19

Q uick and Easy

Boat

Modifications
by Ross Robertson

photos by the author
cup that is wide enough to fit snuggly but not completely on the
bottom of the holder or floor. Punch about a dozen small holes
in the bottom of the cup with a hot needle or a small drill bit.
The holes and bottom clearance will allow water from rain or
boat spray to drain out, making items easier to find and reducing
corrosion. This is the perfect place to store pliers, cutters and
similar items, and it keeps these items from scratching your
boat's finish.

By nature, anglers seem to be tinkerers at heart. While many
projects are best left to the full-time professional boat riggers,
there are countless small projects that can help your boat
function more efficiently on your next trip. Some projects
help keep your boat more organized, while others may keep
you from breaking expensive equipment.

Marine bungee cords

These inexpensive and simple to install straps have as
many uses as Baskin-Robbins has ice cream flavors. I have
been using TH Marine Rod Tamer straps for years on my
boats. As their name states, these straps are designed to
keep your rods in place on the deck. However, with a little
creativity, there are countless other uses for them. They
can be used to hold down spare life jackets or extra clothes,
keeping them from blowing out of the boat. I also use them
to hold my planerboards in place, keeping them from getting
stepped on and from mixing the port and starboard models.
Without a storage system like this one, it is likely that you will
have items blowing out going down the road or taking up
valuable space in your storage compartments.
The supplied stainless hardware has screws small enough
that they won't penetrate the compartment lids in most boats.
If you have thinner compartment lids, substituting the screws
for small bolts and lock nuts is a good idea. Use some silicone
to ensure that the compartments remain watertight. The
whole project can be done in less than 15 minutes and for less
than $10.

Catch all cup

If you have ever looked in the glove box of an angler's
boat, you have likely seen a self-contained tornado. This
"catch all" spot seems to get loaded with items that don't
have a good storage spot or are frequently used. A great
way to keep some of these items more assessable is to make
a "catch all cup."
A "catch all cup" can be made for less than 25 cents and 5
minutes of your time. Plastic cups that fit into your boat's cup
holder can be purchased at many discount stores. Look for a
PFBC website: www.fishandboat.com

Net straps

I'm a firm believer that everything in your boat has "its
place." This not only keeps you more organized, but it keeps you
from damaging your boat or losing equipment when travelling
down the road and lake. Net straps serve as a way to secure
rods, their intended use.
The key to installing these straps is to use large washers before
securing them. On my fiberglass boat, I pre-drill the holes and
secure the straps with screws, using a large washer to keep the
cordura strap from pulling free of the screws. This project can be
done in less than 15 minutes for less than $12.

Cargo net

The cargo net can be placed on the inside of boat
compartments to hold loose items such as maps, hats or
gloves. For me, the best location is under the console of my
boat. This often unused space can be a great place to store
bulky clothing or spare life jackets that would otherwise take
up lots of compartment space. In many boats, this space is a
dry location and allows odd-shaped items to be out of the way,
yet very accessible.
When mounting the cargo net, it is often possible to do
so without drilling any additional holes. Remove the screws
that hold panels or parts on the underside of the console, and
secure the cargo net with a washer or mounting piece and
the original screw. This project can be done in less than 30
minutes and for $12.
Hopefully, these ideas will help you keep your boat
more organized, your equipment in better shape and your
gear more accessible.

Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * March/April 2014

19
http://www.fishandboat.com
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2014

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - March/April 2014
