Stowing sails (and other things) on deck

[unomio]

Just to get a thread started--how do you stow things on deck? How do you make sure they don't get washed away by a particularly nasty wave?

One thing we've done is to create a couple of canvas (Sunbrella) bags that hang on the lifelines. We put the big gennaker, oars, boat hook, long lines for various things, and other stuff. They hold the pump for the dink, the anchor windlass remote--the list goes on.

We threaded both the upper and lower lifelines through the bags (thre are reinforcing tapes and grommets as well as "tubes" of chafe-resistant fabric). The bottom is Phifertex mesh so that the bags will drain and allow some air circulation.

I posted photos for anyone interested at

http://www.sailnet.com/photogallery/...t=603&ppuser=0

Does anyone else have some on-deck stowage solutions?

Sue
PSC 40#60 Fugue

[arisatx]

Great thread idea Sue.

Your canvaswork skills put my Spray Dodger accomplishments to shame .

I've been pondering sewing up a new "burrito bag" for my inflatable, as I'm never able to fold it as compactly as it came from the factory to fit into the stock bag and to be able to lash it on the top of the forward cabin.

Also wondering how best to secure the 5g diesel fuel cans on deck.

Have seen some ideas for lashing:

[Plumper]

With bags hanging on the lifelines or jerry cans lashed to them you are risking having the whole works ripped off and carried away on a bad day. I had a genoa lashed down on deck on a windy day and we went through a large wave which broke the lashings and carried the genoa over the side and ripped all the lifelines and stanchions off one side of the boat. It wasn't even a particularily bad day, 30 knots of wind and funny waves. I would not lash anything to the lifelines if you are going where the wind and waves could be a factor.
Besides that, it looks like the Beverly Hillbillies gone sailing.

[unomio]

I know what you mean about looking like the Beverly Hillbillies--I think we're already there--but it's put it on deck or don't carry it at all. There's just no room in the lazarette and none below decks. I suppose we'd have to put it below and simply stomp on it in a real blow, or donate it to Neptune.

That being the case, any ideas for a tiedown that's as secure as possible?

Sue

[Plumper]

If you have to carry things on deck, lash them down to very stout points like eye pads or purposely fitted points. They should be located where they are least likely to take the full strength of a wave. I now lash a spare headsail down tight behind my mast where it is somewhat protected. It makes me worry though.

[JohnRPollard]

I'm going to back Plumper on this one. Although it's a clever idea and your stitching is impressive, I would REALLY worry about losing the arrangement to a boarding sea -- and I'd worry even more about taking a stanchion or two along with it, as well as the lifelines.

The 40 is a good sized boat. How many crew do you usually have aboard? Maybe you could go through your equipment and try to pair it down a bit, to eliminate gear that you don't really need. This might free up more space in the lazarettes. It would be nice to keep the deck and lifelines as clear as possible of obstructions.

You can tie down bulky items like oars to the hand rails, or even mount them on the stanchions (much like a whisker/spin pole) without worry. A rolled up soft inflatable would probably go best on the foredeck, in it's bag, secured tightly against the leading edge of the coachroof, via a series of folding pad-eyes (it would appear almost like an extension of the coachroof).

Unless you're primarily sailing in protected waters -- in which case you'll be fine. But most folks with a PSC 40 have more ambitious plans.