Where the heck is it!

[smurphny]

Went over to the sleeping boat-in-the-snow to get a sail to work on and assorted stuff to do the job the other day, dug around in lockers, floorboards, and shelves for a couple of hours and STILL came home without everything needed because I just couldn't find some stuff that I KNOW is SOMEWHERE on the damned boat. Of the things I dislike about a boat, all the places for things to purposely hide tops the list. Does anyone have a good way to maybe maintain a list of where things are so as to avoid the constant digging, dragging things out of lockers, repeating, with expletives, "I know it was here somewhere," many times over? The things that seem to be most proficient at finding places where they are never seen again are small tools and spare parts. Some of these things I know I now have at LEAST two of.....somewhere.

[treilley]

We have divided tools and parts into plastic containers. Each container has a number on it. We then keep track of what is in each container in a spreadsheet that can be searched. Every container is mapped out on a cabin plan of the boat.

[sawingknots]

i feel your pain,i've tryed repeatedly to store certain type things in somesort of logical areas,works well for about 2 minutes,i often bring things home that i think will least likely to be needed and ofcoarse those are the next thing i will need,now i have no idea what is on the boat and what is at home,my boat is currently slipped about 1-1/2 hours away,too far to just come home to get what i forgot so i have to put that project on hold and start a new one and the looking,digging searching continues,bigger boat or just more places for stuff to hide

[bljones]

I keep the tools in front of the rum bottles. Nobody ever loses track of where the rum is.

[CaptainForce]

Originally Posted by treilley

We have divided tools and parts into plastic containers. Each container has a number on it. We then keep track of what is in each container in a spreadsheet that can be searched. Every container is mapped out on a cabin plan of the boat.

I've been living aboard and cruising the same boat since 1985. I think I have three remnants of plans such as this. About twenty years ago I was home sick and with some kind of cabin-fever delerium I taped notes on the front edge of every shelf and locker with a detailed list of contents. Many of these tags are still there, but useless as I've changed too much over the years. I just found a pair of digital calipers that I haven't seen for a few months. Your plan excels, but few are disciplined enough to keep it updated. Take care and joy, Aythya crew

[neverknow]

Originally Posted by CaptainForce

I've been living aboard and cruising the same boat since 1985. I think I have three remnants of plans such as this. About twenty years ago I was home sick and with some kind of cabin-fever delerium I taped notes on the front edge of every shelf and locker with a detailed list of contents. Many of these tags are still there, but useless as I've changed too much over the years. I just found a pair of digital calipers that I haven't seen for a few months. Your plan excels, but few are disciplined enough to keep it updated. Take care and joy, Aythya crew

LOL I was just going to ask treilley if he'd like to come over to my shop sometime and organize it???

I think what's just as bad as not being able to find something is finding it tangled in a ball of wires or rope. I'm sure my death will have something to do with a hopeless mess of wires.

[smurphny]

Have thought about doing an Excel file but I know it would soon become outdated because it requires remembering to change it every time something is moved. Am thinking maybe erasable lists taped inside locker doors and hatches that can be easily changed (if I can find that stupid pencil). These could also indicate when something was taken home. They would at least indicate where to start digging.

[CapnBones]

Harbour Freight has very inexpensive plastic containers with the little dividers in them, I used them to organize many of the small bolts, spare parts, electrical connectors, sail repair parts, and engine spares. I have them stacked together and it is just a matter of knowing what I am trying to do to select the right box. I still have shelves full of "stuff" that I have limited idea of, and that is before the admiral moves it haha but the important stuff is at least in some semblance of order. I spent $15 bucks I think on the containers totally worth it!

[bljones]

Originally Posted by CapnBones

Harbour Freight has very inexpensive plastic containers with the little dividers in them, I used them to organize many of the small bolts, spare parts, electrical connectors, sail repair parts, and engine spares.

I do this as well. the only downside is that now, instead of just losing my little pill bottle of snap rings, I lose a case with snap rings, o-rings, crush washers, spring washers, nylock nuts and grommets.

I solved the problem by buying more rum to hide behind the small parts boxes.

[Lake Superior Sailor]

If you just would quit looking for a "better" way : I might be able to find it! When you get to the end of your rope tie a knot & hang on! ...Dale