The answer to whether you should have a vacuum sealer on you boat is complicated. But hopefully I can give you a few ideas of what to think about before you decide for yourself.
Podcast Summary
Over the years, many readers asked me about vacuum sealers for boats. I had one aboard two different cruising boats. And although I liked mine, I still consider them a luxury item.
Here’s what you should know if you’re thinking of buying one.
The Positives
Vacuum sealers preserve food better than zipper bags. They remove more air, their bags are tougher, and they won’t open unexpectedly if you seal the bags properly. If you’re a weekend or part-time cruiser and use it at home, it’s great for preparing meals or snacks in advance.
Full-time cruisers are more likely to use them at a big provisioning stop. And, if you catch more fish than you can eat right away, a vacuum sealer is a great way to ensure the fillets last and retain a good texture.
The Negatives
But not all vacuum sealers work consistently. And that can drive you nuts on a boat. Especially if you’re used to having one and can’t replace it when it fails.
A quality home-rated vacuum sealer costs around $150 and bags are upwards of 15 cents a piece. Small commercial units work better but are double the price.
Finally, they do take some power (although for a short time). I used mine the most often in a marina, hooked up to shore power. If you’re planning on using it away from the dock, make sure your inverter is large enough for the unit you buy.
My final comment is that vacuum sealers are great on a boat if you get a good one. But they’re still a luxury. And if money is tight, they might not rise to the top of your list.
If you want a vacuum sealer for your boat, listen to the full podcast or read Do You Need a Vacuum Sealer on Your Boat on The Boat Galley website to learn the 5 factors you need to consider first.
Today’s episode of The Boat Galley Podcast is sponsored by MantusMarine.com, maker of the Mantus anchor, now available in models with and without a roll bar. Proven to set reliably in the most challenging bottoms, the Mantus anchor digs like no other, making anchoring safer and boating more enjoyable. Mantus Marine brings to market practical, durable and affordable marine products, including: anchoring gear, scuba diving accessories, and rechargeable waterproof headlamp for hands-free lighting and solar charging Navigation light. Visit MantusMarine.com and see for yourself!
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Music: “Slow Down” by Yvette Craig
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Carolyn Shearlock has lived aboard full-time for 17 years, splitting her time between a Tayana 37 monohull and a Gemini 105 catamaran. She’s cruised over 14,000 miles, from Pacific Mexico and Central America to Florida and the Bahamas, gaining firsthand experience with the joys and challenges of life on the water.
Through The Boat Galley, Carolyn has helped thousands of people explore, prepare for, and enjoy life afloat. She shares her expertise as an instructor at Cruisers University, in leading boating publications, and through her bestselling book, The Boat Galley Cookbook. She is passionate about helping others embark on their liveaboard journey—making life on the water simpler, safer, and more enjoyable.
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