Good Galley: Food Storage Ideas for Small Spaces and Aquatic Climates

Everything tastes better on a boat. Unless, of course, it’s damp and soggy from inadequate storage (or simply because of all that water that’s typically found around boats). Food storage on board a boat can be tricky not just because of the limited space, but also because of the potential for dampness.

Nobody likes soggy crackers or spoiled seafood, so today we’re going to discuss some ideas for storing food, beverages and other kitchen staples in small spaces aboard a boat. Unless you have a 60-foot motor yacht with a full-size galley, state-of-the-art appliances and cherry-finished cabinets straight out of HGTV, this is an issue that you’ll want to check out. And if you do have that yacht, how about inviting us over?

Cabinet Drawers

Due to movement – you’re on a boat, remember – you’ll want to make sure items are stored securely. Use Velcro fasteners to hold down boxes and other items in drawers. Simply attach one side to the drawer and the other to the bottom of the box. This keeps things from sliding around in the drawer while underway or tied up at the private dock rental.

Small Items

Photo: via Facebook

Hanging shoe holders can be cut into smaller sections and fit into drawers to keep things in place. Don’t forget to put a piece of that Velcro on the bottom to keep in place. This system also works just fine as is when hung in a closet for water shoes, toys, snorkel gear and other small items.

Dishware Storage

Photo: via Facebook

To prevent breakage – and to make the most of a small space - use magazine files to store dishes and other flat items. They can be stashed under the sink or in another such cabinet for easy-to-access use at the boat slip rental when you’re ready to serve all the fish you’ve caught that day.

Fruits and Vegetables

Photo: Instagram

To keep fruits and vegetables fresh and free from rolling onto the floor, use macramé “hammocks.” Hang them under shelves, which actually helps to keep them fresher longer as it’s a darker space than being out in the direct sunlight. This can also be used for chips, bread and other things that can get squished in small cramped spaces.

Resealable Plastic Bags

Photo: via Facebook

My number one boat storage solution is the resealable plastic bag. More than just a sandwich holder, these handy bags can be used for everything from the kids’ snacks and cereal to meats, vegetables and all sorts of other things. I recommend the freezer variety for extra stability.

Plastic Storage Bins

Plastic storage bins are great for vegetables, fruit or really anything you want to fill them with, especially canned items. If you’ve ever opened a galley cabinet and had a boatload of cans fly straight at your head, you’ll quickly invest in storage bins. They can be kept in a closet or under the sink. I like the ones with the holes along the sides. This keeps air-flow going and allows water to be poured out.

Plastic Food Storage Containers with Lids

Plastic food storage containers like Rubbermaid, Tupperware and the like can be used for everything from leftovers and weekly meal prep to dried items like herbs and spices. Lids are a must for freshness. Keep them in the fridge or cooler for maximum freshness. Non-perishable items can be stored in the above-mentioned shoe hangers.

Cooler

Photo: Engel Coolers Facebook

Speaking of coolers, a good cooler is a necessity. Most boat refrigerators aren’t big enough for much more than a few beverage cans, packages of lunch meat, a jar of ketchup and maybe a small bottle of milk. If you spend a lot of time aboard your boat, are traveling the Great Loop or cruising to the Bahamas, you’ll want a top-quality cooler. The great thing about coolers is that they can be moved to other areas besides the galley, making for an unobstructed path and more workspace.

You don’t need a high-dollar Yeti, though, they do get rave reviews. There are lots of great coolers that will keep things like meat, hot dogs, lunch meats and drinks ice cold and protected from spoiling. Coleman, Igloo, Orca and Engel are just a few that come to mind.

Earth-Friendly Food Protection Tips

Bug spray is a no-brainer, but sometimes being proactive has its benefits. Plus, you really don’t want to be spraying insect repellent around your food, do you? Here are a couple of easy tips to keep bugs out of your staples, in an eco-friendly way, whether you’re out cruising the ICW or hanging out at the boat lift for rent.

• When salt gets soggy, it’s impossible to even pour out of the shaker. Put some grains of rice in the container to keep it flowing freely.
• Bay leaves in flour will help keep out critters like weevils.
• Cloves (whole or ground) naturally deter ants.
  
  

Have you gathered some good ideas to keep your snacks and drinks cold and mold-free at the boat dock rental, on the Gulf or along the river? Did we miss anything? Feel free to let us know any great ideas you have for food storage on board a boat. Happy boating!