Space Saving Ideas

A

avpilot

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 4, 2012
Messages
64
Fluid Motion Model
C-26
Vessel Name
Santolina (2013)
The time is fast approaching when we will take possession of Santolina, our 2013 R25SC. We’re trying to plan ahead regarding space-saving equipment. Dale and Karin (owners of R27 Tangent) told us about GCI chairs that compactly fold. Galley gadgets such as collapsible bowls, etc, made by Progressive International (www. progressiveintl.com/) appear to be a good idea – although they are a bit pricey. Does anyone have recommendations for compactly-stored (collapsible/stackable/foldable) items we should consider acquiring and adding to our tug inventory?

We look forward to our first major cruise on Santolina, Desolation Sound.

Gregg and Kathy
Santolina, R 25SC
Justin, TX
 
1) Buy a collapsible tote box and a wheel dolly. This can be used at marinas you stop at when hauling grocery items back to the boat. You could buy new or used one.

2) Foldable seats are really personal... comfort vs. utility. The comfy ones tend to be more bulky... let your seat be the best judge for this.

3) I'm not a fan of the collapsible bowls... as you say they are expensive. You can get several sized bowls that simply fit inside of each other. Plus, I think the non-collapsible bowls are sturdier.

4) I pay close attention to the weight of items as well as how they may be stored. Weight on the boat is a killer on fuel burn rates. 😉
 
We enjoy the PICO chairs from GCI. they fold up as small as a laptop case.

The nesting cookset from Magma is a good spacesaver; though if you really want compact, check out some of the backpacker's nesting cooksets.

We got regular bowls and plates, but did get a collapsible dish tub and drainer. And while weird looking, the silicone collapsible tea kettle for boiling water is a spacesaver too.

One of the posts on a similar subject said to try and ensure everything can have multiple uses.

Stuff has a habit of growing, and i'm going to see next trip how much it all might weigh.

Oh, and while First Mate doesn't like them, the microfiber towels save space and dry quicker than ordinary terry cloth towels.

With the exception of some short cruises, Desolation Sound will be our first major cruise as well.

I'm sure other folks have some good ideas too!
 
Some great suggestions. I agree that single-use items should be avoided.

I had never heard of a collapsible tea kettle! Indeed, it looks weird but it seems ingeniously usable. Here's a link to it. http://www.betterhouseware.com/node/356. I bet there are several sources.

The collapsible rolling cart will top my "to-purchase" list. Great suggestion. Are there specific brands that are particularly light-weight, yet durable?

Keep those ideas coming.

Kathy and Gregg
R25SC Santolina
 
Have goggles, flippers and snorkel handy for those times you have to take a dip to untangle a crab pot line from your propeller. 😱 It can happen to any of us...
 
avpilot":1lg3rnza said:
Some great suggestions. I agree that single-use items should be avoided.

I had never heard of a collapsible tea kettle! Indeed, it looks weird but it seems ingeniously usable. Here's a link to it. http://www.betterhouseware.com/node/356. I bet there are several sources.

The collapsible rolling cart will top my "to-purchase" list. Great suggestion. Are there specific brands that are particularly light-weight, yet durable?

Keep those ideas coming.

Kathy and Gregg
R25SC Santolina
Click to expand...

See the 'smart-cart-folding-cart' at http://www.boatshowproducts.com/smart-cart-folding-cart and is on sale for $21.95 + S&H.
 
I dont know if you have a Camper World near you, its part of the RV sams club, but weve found several things there as the items used in campers are similar to our needs. We found the chairs there that fold up to about briefcase size and they are pretty comfortable and easy to both store and set up. I believe they have an on line store too. Other purchases I liked was a flat white hose on a reel that is compact for freshwater use, folding carry basket, holding tank antifreeze/deoderizer, long handled brush, clamp on fan and kitchen items.
 
We purchased and installed two under table drawers from Camping World. They are so great for little items. We have them opening toward the aisle, and they fit perfectly under the dinette. We both are tall, and there is no interference from them when we sit at the table, you would never know the drawers are there.

Dan and Lois Cheney
Hoku Kai R25SC
 
From Camping World

Collapseable dish rack

50 ft collapseable hose on a reel suitable for drinking water

Frank & Dawn-Marie
Blue Horizons R31
 
We just took possession of Santolina, our new R-25SC. Before coming to WA we purchased a few items that would come in handy for our initial break-in cruise - collapsible dish drainer, tub, and teapot. They all worked as predicted and will efficiently store.

We will head back to TX, boat in tow, and begin outfitting Santolina in earnest. Keep those suggestions coming! Fortunately, we have a Camping World near us. Mother's Day is fast approaching and a wish list will be distributed to our kids 😉 We're not looking forward to the drive, but we are enthusiastic about bring the tug back to WA in July for the Desolation Sound cruise. What a great opportunity to tap into the cumulative expertise of other Ranger owners!

Gregg and Kathy
 
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