When Storage Didn't Matter

[Bud Kennedy]

One of the inconveniences of a vintage age boat is that they were not designed for the compliment of tackle normally carried by today's angler.  My boat is a 1991 Ranger 365V that was built in September 1990.  Those were the days of shorter rods and as a result the rod lockers are worthless for anything over 6- 1/2 ft.  The depth of the lockers also indicate they did not expect to have many extra rods as they are quite shallow of course  without any protection for the rods except carpet.  My front deck is also short since the boat is a dual console and any rod longer than 7 ft does not really fit.  I always have to be very careful if carrying a 7'3" rod as it might be easily damaged by stepping on it.  Oh yeah the front decks are not all that wide either so you really have to manage available space carefully and at all times be careful where you step

I guess boating anglers of 29 years ago were a lot more frugal with their tackle.  I know I was but my previous ranger was single console and the port rod locker was at least somewhat useable.  Then again the rods I was using then were a lot shorter than they are now.  The old boat only has three dry storage lockers.  One on the center of the front deck that I use to store plastics in soft tackle bags and two on the back deck.  The starboard locker contains 12 plano boxes and the port side is where the pfds, a couple of towels and bow tie down ropes are kept.  As you see not a lot of convenience space in those days.  At least I use the rod lockers for things like measuring board, throwable pfd, spare tackle and of course the plug in running lights.  Not much room for anything else.

[Smallie_Stalker]

Today's boats have become moving storage units. And anglers seem to find ways to fill that space with some still wishing for more. That's not a negative comment just an observation.

Aside from the limited rod lengths I think limited storage space could have its advantages. It would force us as anglers to think hard about tackle necessity for a given day rather than filling the boat with everything we own for those "just in case I need it" thoughts that often fill our heads.

Limited storage space could be a good thing. With less options to choose from it can force us to focus more on what we have and not be changing techniques and presentations if we don't get bit fast enough.

Sometimes less really is more.

Sent from my SM-G970U using Tapatalk

[Pferox]

My old Flair was a Skiff, it had no storage because it was just a Fiberglass shell, it looked more like a big row boat than anything else.   

My storage came from a 48 quart cooler, what was on the transom plate (enough for 2 batteries and a 6 gallon fuel Tank), and the 8 shotgun rod holders I was able to mount on the console.

My seats behind the consul were also my casting deck, the trolling motor was also on the back of the boat. I had to leave it behind when I moved from Florida. 

I fished for everything with it.  It was the perfect drifting boat for speckled perch (crappie), I could actually move stuff around so I could cast over the bow for bass and other lure presentations, and man did I catch a lot that way.  I was also positioned where I could get a follow up cast as the stern passed the point.

It held up very well considering it was over 20 years old when I got it, although it was showing it's age.  I hope somebody is still getting to use it, because I sure do miss that boat.

[SteveTX]

My boat is a 19 yr old boat. And the storage is as basic as it gets. Up front only one compartment dead center not counting the rod locker and it is not very convenient. The seat post is right in front of where it opens. The area behind it has a one of the two live wells I never use. It will become new storage compartments when its redesigned.

I'm hoping maybe in the next year or two to redesign at least the front deck. I plan to add a sunken foot control area and to make the extended deck I added of wood a factory like conversion with the single sheet of aluminum. So no better time than to redesign it all. Since my deck is one sheet of aluminum it should be a pretty straight forward redesign. I plan to try and copy some of the more modern layouts making use of all reasonably convertible unused space.

Fortunately my single rod locker can hold my 7'11" flipping rod and more rods than I can reasonably use in a day of day of fishing. It might hold 8ft rods but I dont see me buying any so it's plenty good.

I want more storage generally for organizing and convenience not so much to haul more stuff. I already haul more tackle than 4 pros can use.