Owner’s manuals are key to operating and repairing your boat’s systems. Being able to quickly lay your hands on the right one makes everything so much easier. Organizing them can seem a monumental task — here’s how I did it in just a couple hours.
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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.
Anonymous says
We just did this recently! Things were in a pile and when we would heel over it was on the floor. Only took us a year!
David Mullenix says
I took time early-on to digitize manuals left by the previous owner. I had purchased a “high speed” scanner and a paper cutter to prepare to move aboard. I scanned all of my historical paper from land life into “searchable” Adobe pdf files and stored them on my PC and copied them (as needed) to an iPad mini.
After moving aboard I did the same with all (nearly) manuals and reference materials. The iPad is easily carried to a location of need with no paper manuals to wrestle with, soak, or cover with grease. (And remember, the files are “searchable”.) I reassembled the originals into stapled packets, or binders to store in random order.
Document/manual titles are organized by general category, i.e., Radios – , Radar – , HVAC – , Water – , Generator – , and stored on both PC and iPad. Personal files carry similar category leads, i.e., Insurance – , Medical – , Retirement –
If or when I sell my boat, I will present the new owners with the digital files for their use.
Anonymous says
One for you David Scott
David Veeneman says
We got s small, portable filing box with a carrying handle, and some hanging folders. It has worked pretty well for us, particularly since we often take manuals home with us.
Carolyn Shearlock says
Another good idea for organizing your owner’s manuals, depending on what space you have aboard!