Storage idea for starboard stern locker on walk-thru transom catalina 34

[noworries]

The seats on both sides of the helm at the stern of the boat open up.  On port there's the propane locker.  On starboard there's the compressor unit for the refer, but there's plenty of space above it.

Is that a common place for it?  Has anybody figured out a good way to utilize that space above it?  I wouldn't want to put anything that would drip saltwater on the refer hardware.  What would be ideal would be a tray that would sit in there, I guess I could build one out of wood but a plastic solution would be great but probably impossible to find.

Anybody do anything creative with this space?

[Ken Juul]

Remember in your design that the compresser needs air flow to keep it cool.  Can't close it up completely.  Several folks have attached large canvas bags to the comings, drop fenders, lines, etc into the bags.  There have been a several different threads about how best to use the space, maybe even something in the wiki.

[noworries]

Is there a name for that locker that I could search for?

I thought about hanging fenders but was afraid they might be wet sometime and drip.  Since the compressor is in the bilge I'm sure there's plenty of air in there.  I was hoping somebody would say "I found a <trash can, storage container, etc> at <Home Depot, Walmart, etc> that fits perfectly!

Maybe I'll just hang extra lines from the lid.

[Ken Juul]

Couple of ideas for you.  Add a plywood partition to cover the compressor.  I've seen the compressor mounted in a couple different places, either down low in the bilge (example A) or hard against the outside of the hull (B).

In diagram A, the plywood should be solid, angle the attachment point on the hull so that any water will drain into the bilge under the water tank.

In diagram B, drill several 1" holes in the vertical piece to help with ventilation.

If your location is between A & B, adjust the partition as necessary to protect the compressor.

I've given up hope of any meaningful organization of the "pit".  I try to keep the spare docklines outboard, bumpers inboard.  But it is still a jumble.  Fortunately I have nothing else back there so it really doesn't matter.

[Jim Hardesty]

Shamrock is a MKll, so there is a difference.   I store fenders in there, not room for much else.  I worry about rope getting tangled with the steering gear.
Jim