Cabin storage bags - any suggestions?

MissFitz

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My Sonata has had its interior stripped out & I want to put in some extra storage, but I also want to keep woodwork to a minimum. I’ve seen some stripped out French race boats that have storage bags on runners along the side of the cabin, but haven’t been able to find anything similar online. Does anyone know where I could get these, or alternatively whether it would be possible to make something similar myself (probably the preferred option, actually, as I would assume the French ones aren’t cheap)? Any other suggestions also very welcome.
 
I think to get a decent result you'll have to either have them made to measure or make them yourself. If you have a sewing machine (and if not, they're not all that expensive second-hand) then simple bags like this are a pretty easy project. Lots of suppliers of acrylic canvas, tough thread, and all the associated fittings like zips, buckles, velcro, etc on eBay.

I've made a few different bags and covers, and added extra bits to our commercially-made binnacle cover and sail stackpack, and my prior level of knowledge was such that I had to post pictures of my machine on a sewing forum and ask how I was meant to rig the thread into it :)

Pete
 
I can certainly make the bags myself (well, I can try!), what I’m not sure about is how to attach them to the boat. I like the idea of runners as there are ribs along the side of the cabin I could attach them to - but I have no idea where to source either the runners or the reciprocal fittings to go on the bags.
 
You mention "runners", but do you actually want to be able to slide the storage bags along? If not, a simple secure and removeable solution would be to use turn buttons screwed on to the ribs and eyelets on the bags. These pics are from SeaScrew - www.seascrew.com

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The reason I was thinking of runners is that I thought it might spread the load better along the rib. But failing that, those fittings look good.
 
You might spread the load but avoid the hassle of fitting trackers by using bungee cord threaded through a loop in the top of each bag . This is how we rig halliard bags to give flexibility of position compared to the twist toggles shown above . Had the bags made at local chandlery
 
You may be able to use some of this motorbike stuff:

http://www.lomo.co.uk/acatalog/Motorcycle-Motorbike-Dry-bags-Accessories.html

Scroll down to view.
Excellent value, quality and waterproof to boot but you might have to alter it a bit to suit. I use a large version to lug personal stuff to the boat which then has it's own secure stowage spot.

Yes I got a large dry bag holdall, really well made. You could use ss rings on a curtain pole to attach your bags, with carabiners...
 
I think the better idea is to use netting and bungee cord through the top to keep it tight against the hull. The advantage of netting is that you can see what has been stowed. You need an attachment at the bottom to hold net in close to the hull. Perhaps a batten glued to the hull and another batten attached to that with net between the battens. At the top you need a bungee cord again perhaps attached to a batten and secured at intervals perhaps 50cms apart to permit stuff to be stowed.
Intervals too far apart mean too much sag but able to hold large items. Too close together limits the size of items. These might incluse plastic sealed boxes and water proof bags. olewill
 
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