Storage space life hack 1:Smooth-running drawers with Teflon hinge
The drawers on board do not have ball-bearing pull-outs or special rails, they simply rub against wood. This can cause sluggishness when the drawer is fully loaded. That's why we came up with a simple solution that didn't require us to retrofit any pull-outs. This would have meant too much conversion work, which was too time-consuming for us. Instead, we used a special adhesive tape to reduce friction. The self-adhesive, so-called high-temperature Teflon tape is very thin and has an extremely smooth surface. We applied two strips to the underside of each drawer. You can easily see where the friction is highest from the scratches caused by years of moving the boxes. This is exactly where the Teflon tape needs to be applied. The modification is quick. It takes the longest to clear out the drawers and then put everything back in again. A nice side effect: everything has been sorted and cleared out once. The result is easy to pull out and nothing gets out of place. Just under one metre of tape is needed per drawer, and a roll ten metres long costs ten to 15 euros. This makes this drawer upgrade unbeatable value for money.
Sabine and Jörg Rawolle, Buxtehude
Storage space life hack 2:Turntable for pots
If pots and pans are stored in the lowest galley compartment, they are difficult to reach and we practically had to lie on our stomachs. Especially when the crockery slipped while sailing and ended up at the back. The companionway with the engine box is in the way when installing a drawer. We have therefore designed a swivelling "drawer". The compartment, which is rounded on one side, can be swivelled open easily and the pots can be removed without straining your back.
Jürgen Sandkuhl, Weyhe
Storage space life hack 3: Utilise the space under the companionway stairs
We have fitted drawers under the steps of the companionway so that small items such as adapters for the water hose and winch cranks can be easily stowed away and the space utilised. A suitable or home-made drawer can be fitted under each step parallel to the steps using standard L-profiles and held in the guide. The drawers should not open independently in rough seas or when the companionway is removed and must be secured with latches to prevent unintentional opening.
Mathias Keim, Berlin
Storage space life hack 4:Mobile decline
Although the space under the cockpit on our Etap 23i is huge, it was hardly usable due to the fixed steps of the companionway. To improve access, we mounted the lowest step of the companionway on a roller board that can be pulled in and out like a drawer. To ensure that this drawer can also be opened when the boat is heeled, in addition to the rollers under the board, we have also fitted guide rollers on the sides that run along the seat thwarts. A locking mechanism prevents accidental opening.
Stefan Jockenhövel, Aachen
Do you have any advice for other sailors?
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