Man, I needed a way to keep my life vests organized on my boat, and after looking around, I decided to make a storage rack myself. It’s a pain when they’re all over the place, especially when you need them in a hurry.
First, I gathered all the life vests. I had a bunch of Type II ones, you know, the kind that’s good for calm water and great for the kids since they offer extra head support. I also had a few Type III vests, which are also for calm waters. I wanted to make sure the rack could hold them all without being too bulky.
I started by sketching out a simple design. The idea was to create something that could hang on the T-top of my boat. I thought about using some heavy-duty fabric, like that 600D Oxford stuff. It’s tough and can handle being out in the elements. I measured the T-top and made sure the rack wouldn’t be too big or too small. It had to fit just right.
Next, I got to work on cutting the fabric. I used a big piece for the main body and smaller pieces for the pockets. I wanted to make sure each life vest had its own spot. I also thought about adding a separate compartment for a trash bag because, you know, it’s always good to keep the boat tidy. I sewed the pieces together, making sure the seams were strong. This was the most time-consuming part, but I wanted it to last.
Once the main structure was done, I added some straps with buckles so I could hang it securely on the T-top. I tested it out, and it fit perfectly. It was sturdy and didn’t move around too much, even when the boat was rocking. I also made sure there was enough space between each pocket so the life vests could dry properly. This is important because if they stay wet, they can get all mildewy and gross.
- Gathering the life vests: Collected all the Type II and Type III vests.
- Sketching the design: Drew a simple plan for a hanging rack on the boat’s T-top.
- Choosing the fabric: Opted for 600D Oxford fabric for its durability.
- Cutting and sewing: Cut the fabric and sewed it together, creating pockets for each vest.
- Adding straps: Attached straps with buckles to hang the rack securely.
- Testing it out: Made sure the rack fit well and held the vests properly.
After using it for a few trips, I’m pretty happy with how it turned out. It keeps the life vests organized and out of the way, but still easy to grab when needed. Plus, it looks pretty neat, and I didn’t have to spend a ton of money on those pre-made storage bags. I saw some online, like the VEVOR one or the Lainin T-Top bag, but making my own was way more satisfying and cost a lot less. I just made sure to store it in a cool, dry place when not in use, to keep it in good shape.
I did some research online and saw that some people use zippered pouches or plastic toolboxes to store their life vests. And well, those are good ideas to keep them dry and prevent mildew. But for me, having them easily accessible on a rack works best. I just make sure that if any of the vests get wet, I hang them out to dry completely before putting them back on the rack. Safety first, right?
So, yeah, that’s my little DIY project for the boat. It’s not perfect, but it gets the job done, and I’m pretty proud of it. If you’re looking for a way to organize your life vests, maybe give this a try. It’s a fun little project, and you’ll be glad to have everything in its place when you’re out on the water.
