Galley Aids

BAR ONBOARD

Storage for liquor, wine and glassware makes use of unused space and adds a touch of class to your “floating” bar.

CONSERVE WATER

Use seawater for clean-up jobs in the galley. If your boat has a washdown system, tee off the discharge side of the pump and hook up the hose to a manual pump or a kitchen-type sprayer mounted in a convenient place in the galley.

COOK’S AIDS

A stove with oven, double sink, freezer and built-in microwave are standard on lots of boats today. Add a trash compactor, icemaker and dishwasher and you’ve got the makings of a small apartment kitchen.

COOL COUNTERTOPS

A solid surface countertop, such as Corian, or stainless steel adds a modern touch on newer boats while a tiled countertop might suit a classic boat or appeal as a traditional look. Unlike conventional laminated countertops (e.g., Formica) these materials are heat-resistant to damage from hot dishes just out of the oven.

FIRE FIGHTING

For safety, keep a fire blanket in a handy compartment to throw over a fire. Fire fighting equipment should always be within arm’s reach in every galley and not tucked away inside a locker where it can be buried from view.

FRIDGE BOUQUET

To help eliminate odors in your boat’s refrigerator, fill some paper coffee filters with 1/2 cup of baking soda, tie securely with string, and place one on each shelf.

GALLEY DISINFECTANT

According to a study conducted by the Hospitality Institute of Technology and Management in St. Paul, Minn., the most effective way to wash and remove potentially harmful bacteria on cutting boards and galley countertops is to mix a solution of one part 5% white vinegar with four parts water applied from a squirt bottle.

KNIFE STORAGE

Most galleys have unused counter space. Take a few inches from under counter galley drawers to make a handy knife holder.

MANAGING AIR FLOW

Adding powered vents or a range hood removes heat created from cooking and reduces condensation build-up in the cabin.

MUSTY COOLERS

Sprinkle baking soda inside empty iceboxes and coolers to keep them fresh and odor-free.

NO SURPRISE PACKAGES

Using a permanent marker, write the contents of containers, as well as the date the food was packaged, on a piece of tape, then stick the tape to the container. This will reduce search time and help ensure that you use the food before it spoils.

RECYCLE AFTER DRINKING

Refill empty wine foil bags with drinking water then place flat in the freezer. Once frozen, you’ll have ice that lasts longer, drinking water as it melts and a very efficient foil blanket for your ice box when the bag is empty.

RECYCLE FOIL

After you used aluminum foil to wrap food in for cooking on the barbecue, don’t toss it away. Clean the foil, crumple into a tight ball and use as a steel wool substitute for cleaning pots and pans.

SAFETY FIRST

Plates, glasses, mugs and cutlery all need a dedicated space where they cannot shift or become airborne in rough weather.

SAVING ENERGY

To reduce the swinging-door syndrome at mealtimes, store like foods such as salad fixings, fresh veggies, meats, cheeses, fruits and condiments together in large, shallow plastic trays before transferring them to the fridge, ice box or cooler. When you need them, you can quickly remove only the necessary containers, then repack and return them after use.

SECURE STORAGE

At the very least, you’ll want secure storage for dishes and cutlery so they stay put. Spice racks, knife storage, liquor cabinet, wine glasses and bottle racks add utility and tasteful touches.

SPACE SAVERS

Small, folding side or drop-leaf tables make perfect temporary workstations or counters without sacrificing space.

STAIN-FREE TOPS

To remove stains on plastic countertops rub with a damp cloth and baking soda. For more stubborn stains, dab a little toothpaste on the stain and rub lightly with your finger. Don’t use abrasive pads or powers as these surfaces are easily scratched.

STAY FRESH

Fruits and vegetables stay fresh longer in Evert-Fresh reusable storage bags, which absorb and remove the ethylene gas released by the produce. Bags are sold in packages of 10, in medium and large sizes, and are available from health food stores and marine chandleries.

STORAGE IDEAS

In a well-planned galley everything has a place. Such as wire rack shelving and below stove drawers; plastic tubs built into the cabin sole; pantry for storage of dry goods; and plastic and foil wraps are easy to access yet cleverly mounted so they are hidden from view.

TRASH OUT

Most boats don’t have provisions for garbage. A tall, narrow space in a corner galley countertop works as a deep, trash bin.