Lifehacks: A second life for PET bottles on board - Four useful tips from YACHT readers

Additional storage space in the cockpit

Where there used to be swallow's nests in the cockpit coaming, there is usually no storage space in modern designs. This benefits the headroom in the aft compartment below, but makes it more difficult to stow small items of equipment in the cockpit. We have come up with a simple storage solution to prevent sun cream, glasses and keys from rattling through the cockpit during manoeuvres: We cut a PET bottle in half, leaving the bottom part in the shape of a cup. We then drilled two small holes in the rim and threaded the elasticated drawstring of our halyard bag through it. The cup now hangs on the trap pocket and provides space for all kinds of small items. The solution is easy to implement with on-board equipment and only costs a 25 cent bottle deposit. Gunnar Loske, Ahrensburg

Favourable spacers against moisture

During winter storage, it is best to store the bunk cushions warm and dry in the cellar at home or in the loft. Not everyone has enough space for this, so the cushions are often left on board. However, especially in damp weather, there is a risk of condensation collecting under the bunk cushions and mould stains forming. The problem can be avoided with a few empty PET bottles. To do this, place a layer of PET bottles on the bunk surface. This ensures air circulation under the bunk cushions. Seen in England

Peace and quiet in the cupboard thanks to PET bottles

With strong winds and short, steep waves, the boat rattles violently in the lockers. If you're unlucky, you'll have a few less coffee cups and plates in the harbour in the evening. To avoid the annoying rattling, we came up with a storage solution for our cups: We cut off the top third of a PET bottle and slit the side. This allows the cups to be stacked into little towers and stored very well in the cupboard. It also puts an end to the rattling. Anni Brucks, by e-mail

The anti-duck fence

If some moorings are free in summer, this has unpleasant consequences. The ducks make themselves at home on the finger pontoons in particular and soil them with their droppings. That's why we stretch a thin line between the cleats on the free side. This successfully prevents the ducks from boarding the jetty. As soon as our neighbour is back, the problem is solved anyway. If the gaps between the cleats are so large that the line sags too much, we simply place a PET bottle between them as a support. Stefan Hoffmann, Hamburg

Do you have any advice for other sailors?

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