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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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!