Skipper & navigator bags

For day trips and as a document/electronics bag, compact sizes that hold a logbook, ship’s papers, and a tablet are usually sufficient. For weekend and vacation trips, larger navigator bags make sense if you also need to pack rain gear, gloves, or spare clothing. Tip: It’s best to plan for a little extra space—a deck bag quickly becomes the “go-to spot” for many small items.

For normal daily life on board (cockpit, harbor, shore leave), water-repellent material with splash-proof details is often sufficient. If you regularly use the bag in a dinghy, in heavy spray, or on the foredeck in the rain, waterproof solutions (e.g., a dry bag or pack liner inside, or models with a roll-top closure) are the safer choice—especially for documents and electronics.

Practical features include an A4 compartment for onboard papers/manuals, a padded compartment for a tablet/binoculars, an easily accessible exterior pocket (e.g., for sunglasses/gloves), as well as a key clip and cable management. For charters and handoffs, a clear separation is recommended: “Documents” / “Electronics” / “Small Items.”

A shoulder strap plus sturdy handles work best—quickly from the car to the boat and from the dock to the cockpit. For longer distances, backpack straps are comfortable (hands-free). Attachment points (D-rings) help secure the bag inside the boat so it doesn’t slide around in rough seas.

After contact with salt and spray, rinse with fresh water, let dry open, and do not store while damp. Regularly remove sand and salt from zippers and fasteners. Clean coated surfaces only with mild soap. This will ensure that the material, seams, and zippers remain reliable for much longer.