Gear Hammocks - Hooks - Storage

Cargo Nets, Utility Hooks, and Boat Storage Hardware Resources and Information

Unsecured items on a boat can quickly become hazardous in unsteady waters. That’s why it’s important to make sure your items are safely stowed with gear hammocks, utility hooks, and boat storage hardware. Browse PartsVu’s selection of cargo nets, nylon gear hammocks and more to find the marine safety gear that’s right for your boat. 

Looking for more boating and marine products? Check out our complete selection of Products and Accessories or shop our broader category of Boating Accessories and Boating Safety Equipment.

Gear Hammocks, Utility Hooks, and Boat Storage Hardware FAQs

Why should I get a storage net for my boat? 

When not secured, the items on your boat can begin to shift around in choppy water, resulting in a potential tripping hazard or even rolling overboard. Storage nets attach to the backs and sides of boat seats to hold items in place. 

What is a gear hammock? 

A gear hammock is essentially a pouch made of loosely woven material that suspends from utility hooks. Gear hammocks are perfect for storing bulky items that otherwise aren’t easy to stow. The hammock keeps these items suspended so that they stay in place regardless of how much the boat tilts and rocks in the swells. 

Why should I get a marine first aid kit? 

Smart boating involves being prepared to address injuries or even medical emergencies out on the water. The type of first aid or medical kit needed depends on the type of boating being pursued. For example, near-shore boating in frequently traveled areas likely requires only a fairly basic first aid kit to treat minor cuts, insect stings, sunburns, and other similar injuries. However, offshore boating requires being prepared for true medical emergencies where help could be a few hours away and lives could be at stake.

PartsVu recommends the following medical kits:

• Orion Safety Products Daytripper First Aid Kit – Great for day trips

• Orion Safety Products Coastal First Aid Kit – Perfect for inshore and near-shore fisherman

• Orion Safety Products Bluewater First Aid Kit – Ideal for coastal cruisers & offshore fisherman

What are some of the most popular boating safety equipment? 

Type I, offshore life jackets provide the most buoyancy and are specifically designed for rough, open waters, where rescue might be delayed. They are also designed to turn an unconscious person face-up in the water.

Given that man-overboard situations can be sudden and deadly when boating offshore, automatically inflating PFDs are a must. Automatic inflation relies mostly on a dissolvable bobbin with a spring/pin arrangement. The water dissolves the bobbin, and the spring-powered pin punches the CO2 canister for inflation. Because the spring/pin arrangement can fail, every automatically inflating PFD has a manual cord and oral inflation tube. Many PFDs designed for offshore boating include pockets for PLBs and strobe lights.

A ditch bag must contain the items needed to call for help and to survive in a life raft while waiting for rescue. A ditch bag must be kept in an accessible location on board, ready for immediate removal should the need arise.

We recommend against trying to adapt a duffel bag or using a dry bag. Rather, we advise using bags specifically designed for abandon-ship/survival situations. What features should your ditch bag have? Floatation, water-resistance, bright colors for visibility, carrying straps, and tethers for sure. Additionally, we suggest looking for a bag with well-designed dividers so you can organize your gear. Finally, the bag must be large enough to contain survival gear plus food and water for you and all others on board.

A life raft is designed to keep the passengers of a sunk, capsized, or burned boat alive until they can be rescued. Although every offshore boater hopes to never need their life raft, it is the most important piece of equipment aboard. Life rafts leave the passengers aboard little protection from the elements but are designed for visibility to aid with rescue efforts. Although much-needed safety devices, they should only be used as a last resort. Whenever possible, it is safer to stay aboard your main vessel even if it is damaged.

Why should boaters follow U.S. Coastguard safety regulations? 

Boating on various waterways is similar to automobiles out on the roads and highways—safety devices are designed to keep people safe. Thousands of accidents occur, many of which have a high probability of injury and a substantial number of cases resulting in death.

Specifically, in 2020 the Coast Guard counted 5,265 recreational boating accidents resulting in 767 deaths, 3,191 injuries, and approximately $62.5 million of property damage. Where the cause of death was known, 75% of fatal boating accident victims drowned. Of those drowning victims with reported life jacket usage, 86% were not wearing a life jacket.

Since most accidents occur unexpectedly, there may not be sufficient time to put on a life jacket, especially when stowed away in a locker. In cases where a person is thrown overboard, it is harder than you think to get them back on board, which can be assisted with proper equipment. Always be sure personal floatation devices (PFDs) are in good and serviceable condition. For extra protection, equip your PFDs with a whistle and emergency light.

What is a float plan? 

If you are going for just a few hours on your boat, let someone know where you expect to be and when you expect to return. If you plan a longer cruise, leave a written float plan with your marina or a friend. A float plan should include a description of your boat, who is on board, the safety equipment you are carrying, where you expect to be, and when you expect to be there.

Instruct the person holding the float plan to notify the Coast Guard or other appropriate agency if you do not return within a reasonable time after your scheduled arrival (taking into account weather, etc.). When you arrive at your destination, or if your plans change, notify the person holding your float plan to avoid unnecessary worry and the possible waste of search-and-rescue resources. Float plans are not filed with the Coast Guard but that agency and other rescue authorities use them if needed. No special form or format is required for a float plan, but the Coast Guard Auxiliary offers a PDF that can be used as a guide.

As mentioned earlier in this post, our “Essential Guide to Boating Safety: Knowledge, Gear & Technologies” article discusses many safety issues that are universal to all boaters. Topics not included within this article to avoid repetition include:

• Visual distress signals
• Fire extinguishers
• GPS navigation devices
• Compasses
• Searchlights
• Navigation lights
• Anchors
• Anchor lights
• Throwables
• Engine cut-off switch lanyards
• First-aid kits

What boating safety equipment should I have on hand?

Bring a first aid kit along for all outings. This is especially important when fishing.

Since the sun reflects off the water, it is wise to consistently apply proper sun protection to make sure you don’t get burned. Sun protective clothing is a smart choice— it provides all-day protection that doesn’t need reapplying. Pro-tip: some sunscreen is toxic for the marine environment and repels fish, who can smell even trace amounts on bait. For any part of your body not covered by UPF clothing, use a sunscreen that’s both reef-safe and fish-friendly.

While some boats are simply too large for this to be practical, carrying a paddle or two on board is a good idea in many cases. Even if you can’t paddle all the way back to a marina or dock when your engine goes, you may be able to reach the closest bit of land and wait for help. A good anchor with enough chain will also be helpful.

We’ve written extensively on the importance of a VHF radio, but it simply can’t be overstated. Cell phones aren’t enough in many areas, and you’ll be glad to have the security.

Be alert to changing conditions on the water and aware of weather that can change quickly. The danger of boating in a storm is no joke!

Finally, bring plenty of drinking water for everyone on board to stay hydrated. In the face of unexpected problems, you don’t want to be caught stuck on your boat with an insufficient water supply.