What is the issue?
Locker lids are heavy and awkward to deal with when open. Typically you have to hold them open with one hand whilst rummaging around with the other for what you are looking for. With deep lockers, this is particularly difficult. This is a far-from-ideal way to retrieve often awkward equipment and particularly so on a rolling boat where the seagoing rule-of-thumb is one hand for the boat, one hand for yourself. Likewise, if they were to fall upon you the heavy lids would doubtlessly cause a painful injury.There are also times you may want to get into the locker to pack or retrieve deeply stored items or carry out some work. In these circumstances, the lids have to be wedged securely open in a totally reliable fashion. As a proper seagoing lazaret lid self-fastens when it falls closed, there is the potential that you could be trapped in the locker.
Why address this?
Lazarets are in constant use on a boat. As often as not this can be when the boat is in motion and you are not feeling the best. You need to reduce as much as possible having your head down in the locker with whiffs of old diesel fuel in the air, building a mounting sense of frustration whilst rummaging around with a single hand whilst being forced with the other to hold the lid open. Anything that makes that easier is going to make a dramatic difference to life aboard. Worse a heavy lid that has not been held securely open could fall down painfully on an arm or hand.Sail with the Instincts of a Local Pro
Navigation apps only get you from A to B, leaving you guessing about the "where," the "why," and the "how." eOceanic isn't another "nav app." It's the Intelligence Uplift that enhances the tools you already use, powering up both your capabilities and understanding.
Once activated on your device, it doesn't just display data, it brings it to life with real-time situational awareness, giving you a "digital sixth sense" for the coastline.
Go beyond navigation to truly know the coast and everything it offers.
- Sail Stress-Free: Make boat handling easier with a helpful assistant and avoid "hidden" hazards with an extra set of eyes on watch for dangers along the coast.
- Discover More: Most sailors only experience a small fraction of a coastline's rewards. We unlock the "hidden gems" and local resources that create unforgettable experiences for you, your family, and your friends.
- Engage Ashore: We don't stop at the waterline; we bring you in to fully experience the best of the world waiting for you ashore.
The power of knowing. Autonomy, agency, agility and the joy of roaming free.
How to address this?
Fix a padeye to the bottom of the lazaret lids. Attach a sturdy piece of shock-chord to this with a loop on the other end that can be dropped over a nearby cleat or winch, as it was in our case, holding the lids open.
Locker lid retaining strapsPhoto: Tony Gibson
As often as not, it is the most obvious and easiest solution that is overlooked. I owned my vessel for three years and had sailed it half way around the world before I twigged this. Once I implemented it I could have kicked myself for not having done it earlier.
With thanks to:
Michael Harpur, Yacht Obsession. Photo with thanks toYacht Rent.
A photograph is worth a thousand words. We are always looking for bright sunny photographs that illustrate this experience. If you have some images that we could use please upload them here. All we need to know is how you would like to be credited for your work and a brief description of the image if it is not readily apparent. If you would like us to add a hyperlink from the image that goes back to your site please include the desired link and we will be delighted to that for you.
Add your review or comment:
Please log in to leave a review of this tip.
eOceanic makes no guarantee of the validity of this information, you must read our legal page. However, we ask you to help us increase accuracy. If you spot an inaccuracy or an omission on this page please contact us and we will be delighted to rectify it. Don't forget to help us by sharing your own experience.