Locker in the boat: types and manufacturing features
To make a bow locker in a PVC boat with your own hands is quite within the power of even beginner water motorists. Such a device will allow you to put things in order on the boat, and it’s not very pleasant to look at gear getting under your feet. But in order for the locker to be done well, you need to know some subtleties and nuances.
How is the locker bag arranged?
This is the name of a special container that is hung under the bench. Such placement allows you to save space as much as possible. In the vast majority of cases, a bag measuring 63x20x22 cm is enough. It should contain:
- large internal compartment with a zipper around the entire perimeter;
- three pockets with plastic fasteners on the opposite side;
- handles for transportation;
- Removable shoulder strap for carrying the bag on the shoulder
- fastenings of the "shelter" type, allowing you to put the locker on the bench as needed.
A good material for such a design would be nylon "Oxford 1000", plined with PVC. Threads can also be taken nylon. The footage of the belt tape is calculated individually. You can make a locker with your own hands in 10-12 hours without any problems. But you can try another option - a universal locker under the seat, suitable for any boats and motor boats.
In this case the length and width of the structure are the same (35 cm), and its height is 26 cm. An aluminum corner 25x25 mm is suitable as a frame.
Outside, the locker is sheathed with moisture-resistant plywood 6 mm thick. For pasting take carpet or awning materials of various colors. Chest locks are made of stainless steel.
Primary requirements
You can not be limited to the designs described above, but change them to your liking or even come up with original options. But in any case, there are basic points that must be observed when designing a locker for a plastic boat. It is placed on board so that there are no accidental shifts either when fishing or when swimming. The less the locker takes up useful space in the boat, the better. The ideal set of compartments is as follows:
- for spare parts;
- for battery;
- for cables;
- for various small things;
- main compartment (largest capacity).
It is very good if it will be possible to charge the battery without removing it from the outside. At the same time, it is necessary to make a locker so that it has as few "cling" corners as possible. Optional but desirable requirements:
- holders for echo sounders and spinning rods;
- horizontal "table" on hinges;
- the absence of any wires or loops outside the locker;
- production of transport handles from waterproof stainless material;
- the presence of an ashtray.
What other options might there be?
Not all people are satisfied with designs that can be placed under or on a chair. A sofa locker can be quite an attractive option. It is easiest to make it from PVC. Locker sofas do not always have a back. If it is, then it is usually made toggle, as on the DR-10 model. A rubber seal is usually placed in the opening to avoid unnecessary creaking.
Another type of locker is a simple anchor box. It will store not only the anchor itself, but also the rope. The dimensions of the box and the place of its installation are selected individually. Experts advise preparing a reliable lid with a lock that will not open on its own.
Important: since the anchor and rope are usually placed inside when wet, it is better to make all parts of the anchor locker from stainless steel or aluminum, and not from wood or ferrous metal.
How to make a locker for a boat with your own hands, see the next video.
