Storage, organizing and other customization ideas

S

Sweet_Pea

Well-known member
Joined
May 24, 2012
Messages
106
Fluid Motion Model
C-28
Non-Fluid Motion Model
R25 SC (sold)
Vessel Name
Sweet Pea (2024)
Thought we’d share some storage and organizing ideas that help us maximize space and add creature comfort, with links to items that work on our R27-OB, if you’re interested. Many of these ideas could work on other models as well.

Feel free to post other ideas and solutions you've found.

**NOTE: Links provided for info...you might find better prices elsewhere.**



SAFETY EQUIPMENT
We mounted fire extinguishers in the v-berth, at the helm and in the cockpit. These locations keep the extinguishers accessible yet out of the way.

The throwable ring is light enough that we could mount it under the center lazarette lid.

PHOTOS
Fire extinguisher locations
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/br3l...ey=fo73w4e8gfndysbb7jpp43or7&st=uhv6xhnd&dl=0

Throwable ring
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/k9ds...ey=vk4vdcfcmzhdlqnvveh9qwhby&st=ou49o65h&dl=0



STERN REEL
Our boat came from the factory with an engine mount that we don’t use since we store a Torqueedo in the center lazaretto. We repurposed it as a mounting place for our stern reel.

PHOTO
Stern reel
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/cw4c...ey=xzxhrjwqlwdd40lomc8oes7oq&st=cwesw5i5&dl=0



WINDSHIELD PRIVACY CURTAINS
Screen out sun glare and heat inside the cabin while adding privacy. A single, 8-foot Recmar curtain track fits perfectly and comes in a kit with almost all required parts. No cutting needed. You’ll need bend the track at each end by the windows and bend away sufficiently around the wood covers behind the windshield wipers to enable the curtain to slide freely. Before mounting the end brackets, we slid the curtain on the track to ensure it didn’t get hung up around the curves.

The most difficult install issue is reach. We used our cooler on the v-berth step and in the helm area as a stepstool. Also, make sure to stuff towels along the windshield to prevent screws from dropping in the crevasse. (Lesson learned!)

The curtain fabric should be light-weight. We lined ours for privacy. Shackles are placed every 6 inches. We needed extra shackles, as 16 was not quite enough. Also, in the design detail photos, you’ll see that simply suspending a curtain exposes the track and leaves a visual gap between the top of the track and the ceiling. We installed a decorative topper to address these issues and tacked it to the curtain to keep it upright. We used exterior strength velcro to affix the tiebacks to the window sill. Alternatively, snaps on the wall would work as well.

PHOTOS
Installed curtain track
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/pb6h...ey=zkcjjqpbg84f0g3kdc4qhpaif&st=fu9kvclw&dl=0

Curtain at night
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/jz34...ey=67mctegxvtrygehl1a9bslr38&st=u7dia4hk&dl=0

Curtain design detail (before topper was installed)
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/8mpr...ey=kt357ou6jt0oz2wi2sc8g8dym&st=5c1tfb8q&dl=0

Velcro tie backs and center join
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/i2xn...ey=itl7ynmsln24acvkn2jtu4pv0&st=3zj8hxtj&dl=0

Towel in the gap to catch screws
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/kzff...ey=asw86n0byjknust2hafetgdry&st=5ner4ywa&dl=0


PARTS LIST
4396 RECMAR Deluxe Shower Curtain Kit - Flexible - 8 Feet includes:
https://www.curtain-tracks.com/recmar-4396-deluxe-shower-curtain-kit-flexible.html
----8 foot Track (1)
----Ceiling Brackets (8) - SKU 4126
----End Stops (2) - SKU 4134
----Wheel Carriers w/ Shackle and set screws (16) - SKU 103967

103967 RECMAR I Beam Nylon Wheel Carrier With Shackle (pack of 10) SKU
https://www.sailrite.com/RECMAR-4121-I-Beam-Nylon-Wheel-Carrier-with-Shackle

Fire-retardant polyester faux dupioni silk in Gold (2 yards, 120 in wide)
https://mytextilefabric.com/products/ifr-faux-dupioni-silk-120-wide



PHYFERTEX COCKPIT SUN SCREEN ENCLOSURE
Clay at Churchill Brothers Upholstery in Anacortes created a sun shade for our cockpit (Note: lead time of 6 months). The Phyfertex allows us to see out while still blocking sun. Each side has two, roll-up, zippered sections and the back has three sections. Clay created a pass-through for the dinghy line with brass turn buckles. When fully deployed, the Phyfertex cuts down wind and helps repel some rain. Cockpit is damp, but not soaked in the rain. In hot weather, sides opposite the sun will need to be rolled up for ventilation.

PHOTOS
Starboard side Enclosure
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/pfbz...ey=wovjfo7zpnd4ytwvl831yygk3&st=39gindup&dl=0

Port side Enclosure
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/qpl8...ey=yp4oydu9cxp6p5k5toksiif8c&st=7xzwre5h&dl=0

Dinghy line pass-through detail
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/uvus...ey=b5m4xnyihhpo9zdh0ajte0qjz&st=el16vxyb&dl=0


TEXTILES
Phyfertex (color: Burlap)
https://www.sailrite.com/Phifertex-Plus-Mesh-Burlap

Bias tape edge in Sunbrella Toast, to match bimini
https://www.sailrite.com/Binding-Acrylic-Toast-1



COCKPIT COAMING BOLSTER COVERS
To keep the upholstery clean, we covered the coaming bolsters with matching canvas. Secured to the back side with Velcro.

PHOTO
Port and Starboard bolsters
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/cymy...ey=znjp5jbfdcrukabq7tr4heswr&st=eu96t4or&dl=0

FABRIC
Sunbrella Marine Grade 6028-0000 Toast 60" Fabric
https://www.sailrite.com/Sunbrella-6028-0000-Toast-60



INTERIOR WINDOW & CEILING HATCH COVERINGS
We used fire-retardant, marine-grade vinyl to make interior coverings for the stern windows, door and window over the galley. The 3/8” adhesive Velcro on the window frames is discreet. Velcro is sewn onto the vinyl coverings for strength.

All the coverings roll up and store in a single, adjustable length drafting tube that we hung under the aft galley seat. (To prevent the Veclro strap ends from pulling monkey fur, we Velcro’d a 16x24” piece of vinyl on the wall behind the tubes.) We added a second tube to store a canvas screen door covering that we velcro to the inside door frame. The screen was made for our R25-SC and fits the R27-OB.

To cut glare and heat from the ceiling hatch windows, we cut a piece of vinyl to lay on top of the screen when the hatch is closed. When open, we remove the vinyl and store it.

PHOTOS
Vinyl window coverings - will post soon
Canvas door screen - will post soon

Vinyl ceiling hatch shade
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/uhq8...ey=fnw2n0c95cjd1mm307z4nqu4s&st=q6gdr478&dl=0

Storage tube (4.88"L x 4.88"W x 30.25”H)
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/tts7...ey=ymwrr4g8rj3tlkhgfwydvgqad&st=fwq59mm3&dl=0

MATERIALS
Storage Tube
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B013PAXM74/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

UV & Fire resistant, marine grade vinyl (4 yards, 54” wide). Color used is cream:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079HH52ZB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1



BINOCULAR & HEADSET RACKS
A second teak binocular rack is perfect to hold our headsets, keeping both items handy at the helm. NOTE: there are two sizes for the rack. We ordered the small 4-7/8"x3-1/2"x8-3/4". Inside dimensions: 7-7/8”L x 4-3/8”H x 2-7/8”D.

PHOTO
Teak binocular rack
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/xfb5...ey=hd8m2bkcoshlhg6l4at26efnt&st=s2f9n9u1&dl=0

ITEM
SeaTeak 62702 Binocular Rack
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00429YGKU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1



HELM FAN
A marine mechanic wired a fan to the unused accessory switch on the helm dashboard. This helps with interior ventilation and swivels to help clear fog on the windshield when needed.

PHOTO
Helm fan
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/dy79...ey=75azfdyq3lhdhud7b2d665tsy&st=yk8js8fs&dl=0

ITEM
Caframo Ultimate 757 12V 2-Speed 7 inch Fan - Direct Wire Black
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00NYTN6LE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1



GALLEY ORGANIZATION
It took a while to figure out, but we’ve maximized space in the galley. Bins make it easy to pull items out with a gap left along the side for slipping narrow items. Stacking glasses help fit more behind the fiddle.

For extra counter space, we removed and stored the stainless steel pot holders and slipped a teak cutting board on top of the stove. The heat-resistant, gray silicone bar mat on the counter contains drips from drying dishes and serves a dual purpose as a resting place for hot pots and pans.

Dishes, bowls, pots, tongs and hot mitts stack inside the oven drawer. We store baking pans, pot lids and extra items in the oven.

We used one-wrap Velcro to hang the microfiber chenille finger towel near the faucet. To keep the hand towel in place on the oven door, we use a magnetic clip. The magnet is very strong.

For trash, we installed a trash can designed for the back of a car seat at the base of the table. There was more foot area on our R25-SC than on the R27-OB, but it works.

PHOTOS
Hand towel made with love by Nita reminds us of Margarita Bob and stays secure with a magnetic clip.
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/3d0w...ey=0zl89amsjyvq9pfnqiyljmjwr&st=h9fszsgr&dl=0

Stacking glasses (photo on left)
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/zo49...ey=1xww9smjibditewpkglg2mha1&st=he2pgr9m&dl=0

Standard bottles instead of retail liquor bottles maximize space; Acrylic bins in two sizes. (3 standard wine bottles fit in a tall bin, not shown to left of liquor) (photo on right)
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/zo49...ey=1xww9smjibditewpkglg2mha1&st=wx02hib1&dl=0

Silverware drawer organizer
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/nu3r...ey=kmqpogwmnygh96z3nxz6n4c66&st=jbjf0str&dl=0

Adjustable drawer organizer (not pictured, link to item is below)

Galley trash can
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/d08w...ey=wjtl12a439a3r7q5n3kfwcklw&st=jt0qi5ev&dl=0

Cookware & serveware storage
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/5962...ey=pvkv31808j4no63b5cv86xq25&st=tha4xs2h&dl=0

Teak cutting board - photo to come


ITEMS
Stackable bins - tall (10" x 4" x 5”)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BSVSYPRT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

Stackable bins - short (16" x 4" x 3”) for liquor. Liquor bottles: we repurposed Sailor Jerry plastic rum bottles (375ml) that fit the bin width perfectly.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00UVCDFCW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

Silicone bar mat (gray or black, 12” L x 18” W)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09VCX39F5/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

Teak cutting board (16.5''L x 13''W x 1.5”Thick) - need a table saw to cut the length down by 1/4” inch to fit
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BFRGHX4H/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

Silverware drawer organizer (14"D x 10"W x 2.5"H)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CBTMHFWW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

Drawer organizer with adjustable dividers
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ALKEFDQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Magnetic towel clip
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CMQFRKLB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1



CHART STORAGE, TV & SOUND BAR, MISCELLANEOUS STORAGE
Cruise guides and folded charts fit in a teak chart rack at the first mate’s seat. Oversize charts slip along the side of a matching teak storage bin inside the hanging locker. The bin is convenient for miscellaneous items. We use clips to pin up long garments to clothes hangars.

Acrylic drawers organize small items. They are meant to stack, so the lip on the top prevents items from sliding off. The tall OXO storage containers are handy for coffee pods and other small items.

The green zippered organizer shown in hanging locker photo is a cable organizer for phone, headset and other charging cords.

The sound bar has an audio cord that plugs into the TV. We had to order a longer cord to enable the TV to pull away from the wall. We stream using ROKU, which plugs into the TV via an HDMI port.

PHOTOS
Teak chart rack and Teak bin in hanging locker
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/hkgc...ey=qcjxfdy5wtk1o2nct0ms67hqo&st=5x0bz3ew&dl=0

Hanging locker view with TV, soundbar and organizing bins and drawers
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/72of...ey=yhuhyhqjoof8incke6ivenkwq&st=avpw07gg&dl=0

ITEMS PICTURED
Whitecap 62502 Teak chart rack (29.972 cm L x 27.94 cm W x 10.921 cm H)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MYTNKOI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Teak bin (16"L x 13"W x 7"H)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MBPYVV8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Acrylic 2-drawer box (6.5" x 7" x 5”)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J5L12K2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

Acrylic 3-drawer box (6.5" x 7" x 5")
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00J5L1626/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

Car garbage can (10.5"L x 7"W x 12.5"H)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B016AOLKOE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Sound bar
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09ZQCJHVL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1



HEAD
To avoid clogs, we don’t flush paper in our head, so it’s convenient to have a trash can near by. We purchased this car trash can some years ago and it’s no longer sold, but posted a link to a similar one below.

To mount it to the lav wall, we had to McGyevor a bit. We found that a door jamb strike plate works great to hang it from clips in the back of the trash can. You do want to make sure to hang it as close to the counter as possible, which can act as a stop and prevent the trash can from slipping off the strike plates, but still leave room to install, if that make sense?

A microfiber chenille finger towel dries quickly and kinda looks like a sea urchins suspended from the towel bar with one-wrap Velcro.

PHOTOS
microfiber chenille finger towel
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/22fq...ey=9sjmy36bqt6265f8kovujerbt&st=e601pk20&dl=0

Head trash can
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/lxnf...ey=we82i62gbe6al5jhu6tu41nuc&st=tjogvpjj&dl=0

ITEMS
Car trash can for head (10.8 in L x 6.7 in D x 11.6 in H)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BG2WMG5D/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Door jamb strike plate - 2 needed (example here…verify the size you need for your particular trash can.)
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Tell-Manufacturing-1-1-4-in-W-x-L-Stainless-Steel-Jamb/1000001056



TABLE BED DEPLOYED
We couldn’t find a photo when we purchased our boat. For new owners wondering what the table bed looks like, here’s a pic.

Table Bed
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/midv...ey=wtn7v4ii24silifd6vz44ozkl&st=fp782a8l&dl=0
 
You have been busy!! well done. this will be useful for others.
 
Is your tv sound bar mounted to the tv/bracket?
 
The sound bar is mounted on the wall. It has slots in the back that slide down over screws placed in the wall. We screwed a piece of 3/8" thick teak trim the same length as the bar just above the bar, to prevent it from bouncing off in rough water. It looks like a nice finish detail. We do have to take the trim off, though, if we need to remove the sound bar.
 
Thank you for sharing. You've been busy! The photos are very much appreciated; Do you have a link to a parent folder of all the sub-images?
 
For those of you on a diesel R25 or R27, we posted customization ideas in our photo album here https://www.tugnuts.com/gallery2.php?g2_itemId=45759

Raw water alarm https://www.tugnuts.com/gallery2.php?g2_itemId=45872

Shower curtain, Airhead composting toilet, extra teak medicine cabinet https://www.tugnuts.com/gallery2.php?g2_itemId=45840.

Repurposed virgin black waste water tank for extra water and installed a Y-valve to switch water tanks. We added a hose adapter and cap to flush the engine with fresh water. https://www.tugnuts.com/gallery2.php?g2_itemId=45876

Shelf in galley cabinet, teak racks above stove https://www.tugnuts.com/gallery2.php?g2_itemId=45792

Foot rest for 1st mate https://www.tugnuts.com/gallery2.php?g2_itemId=45820

Teak overhead fiddles by door for added storage with chart racks below, teak doors for enclosed storage above the helm and for cave access and stacking storage drawers in the cave. gallery2.php?g2_itemId=45762
 
QUICK UPDATE:
The photos posted above on DropBox have working links.
The tugnuts.com image links broke after Ranger revised the photos area on this site.

We've just uploaded all the photos to Sweet Pea's Album. We can't edit the older posts with new links, but you'll be able to identify R25SC vs R27 customizations in our Album based on the posting date. Images posted prior to 2024 are R25 images.

Some customizations work for any Ranger model. E.g. the Cord Pro electric cord organizer. On the R27-OB, we store it under the starboard cockpit window seat, which is adjacent to the shore power outlet. It comes in different sizes to accomodate length.



Smartplug & Cord organizer

Smartplug & Cord organizer

  • Media owner Sweet_Pea
  • Date added
We upgraded our shore power cord to a Smart Plug, that's more weather-proof and reduces the risk...

We replaced our shore power outlet and electric cord with SmartPlug, which twists close for a tighter fit to help prevent electric failures and fires.
Info here: https://smartplug.com/product-category/marine/.

Here are a few other ideas:

GALLEY
Remove and store the stainless steel pot holders and drop in a cutting board for extra counter space. We found one sized 16.5" x 13" x 1". It needed a generous 3/8" trimmed off the length with a table saw and now fits perfectly. Cost: under $50. If you want to get fancy, there are woodworkers who can make custom cutting boards with engraved images, your boat name, etc. Martin & LaZina on Channel Surfing (Submariner) have a pic on their website of one vendor. It looks really nice.

Teak-Cutting-Board.jpg

Teak-Cutting-Board.jpg

  • Media owner Sweet_Pea
  • Date added
  • Comments 1


HEAD
Install a shower strainer in the head to help prevent clogs. This one has the correct diameter. We had to trim the bottom to fit properly.

Shower-Strainer.jpg

Shower-Strainer.jpg

  • Media owner Sweet_Pea
  • Date added

We miss the medicine cabinets in our R27. To help organize toiletries, we installed acrylic holders on the shelf below the window.

Head-Organizers.jpg

Head-Organizers.jpg

  • Media owner Sweet_Pea
  • Date added



INTERIOR WINDOW COVERINGS
We hate going out in the rain to snap on privacy covers at night. We made interior covers out of marine-grade vinyl with 3/8" velcro sewn around the edge and adhesive 3/8" velcro installed on the black window and door frames. The vinyl is fire-rated, a plus., but, we don't use them when using the stove.

Vinyl-Window-Coverings.jpg

Vinyl-Window-Coverings.jpg

  • Media owner Sweet_Pea
  • Date added


SOUND BAR
Here's a shot showing the teak trim we mentioned above for the sound bar, to help keep it from popping off the wall in choppy water.

Sound-Bar-with_Teak-Trim.jpg

Sound-Bar-with_Teak-Trim.jpg

  • Media owner Sweet_Pea
  • Date added
 
We'll be at the Roche Rendez-vous next weekend if you want to see any customizations on the R27-OB. Stop by our slip!
 
All EXCELLENT ideas!! Thank you for sharing. I plan on using a few of these great ideas.
Terry
 
Sweet Pea, I wish the board had a “like” button… really well done.
I have a new to me boat and I am taking care of some major upgrades (upholstery, new Garmins + Radar, bottom painting, hull waxing, etc etc) and very soon I will be looking into efficient organizing. I’m kinda sick of the brown paper shopping bag trash can program.
 
I built a tackle box and placed it in the clothes hangar space. Fits perfectly.

IMG-5560.JPG

IMG-5560.JPG

  • Media owner ftornabe
  • Date added
Custom made tacklebox
 
PS, I decided to ditch the perfectly working ice maker and reclaim the storage. Need it for tools, spare mtc items like zincs, filters etc.
I spent a bunch of time searching this site about how people treated the replacement door and insides … but no solutions I can find.
Was hoping people who follow this great string had ideas.
 
Speaking of ice makers, we followed CaspersCruiser's recommendation for insulating the gap at the back of the freezer.

Frost was a major issue on our R25SC. Problem solved on our R27-OB. We keep the dial set to "4" and the freezer stuff stays hard, frig temperature is perfect. Don't have a pic, but we also cut a piece of insulation and put it on the back of the freezer flap. We hardly see any frost now.

FreezerInsulation.jpg

See the post here: https://www.tugnuts.com/threads/nova-kool-freezer-mod.16860/
 
Last edited:
Hey Sweet Pea, what did you use to mount the fire extinguishers?
 
instead of curtains across our front windows, we had our canvas guy make a mesh screen that uses the same snaps as our opaque screen. We can see out, but you can’t see in. Works great in bright sunshine, too.
 
Pcolapilot said:
Hey Sweet Pea, what did you use to mount the fire extinguishers?
Click to expand...
We used the plastic mounting brackets that came with the extinguishers and 5/8" screws. We placed a piece of painter's tape over the fiberglass and drilled tiny holes, then increased the bit size for the screws to help prevent cracking.
 
Darn good ideas Sweet Pea…. Kudos to you..
On the cockpit enclosures, are measurements available?
Henry & Brenda
LEONCITO - R27 OB
New Smyrna Beach, FL
 
Hensch42 said:
Darn good ideas Sweet Pea…. Kudos to you..
On the cockpit enclosures, are measurements available?
Henry & Brenda
LEONCITO - R27 OB
New Smyrna Beach, FL
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, we don't have measurements.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

  • Tugnuts.com is the community hub for Ranger Tug, Cutwater, and Solara owners. Since its inception in 2008, the Tugnuts forum has grown into an active and thriving community of more than 9,000 members. It serves as both a meeting place for the best boating community online, and an invaluable archive of information.

  • User menu
Back
Top