This was the galley on our first houseboat, and I absolutely loved it. We made the most of the storage we had, and it was more than enough for our weekend trips. If you're looking for an easy way to update your galley, try peel-and-stick wallpaper on your refrigerator. It's an inexpensive upgrade that adds personality without taking away from the space.
Not all boats have galleys. It mainly depends on the make and size of the boat and whether it has a cuddy cabin. If you have a large houseboat, you probably have plenty of room in your galley for cooking and storage. But what if you don’t have that luxury? Where do you store everything? That’s a challenge many boat owners face, but there are several ways to maximize your space and make your galley more efficient.
Even on smaller boats, you may have a compact galley with a few cabinets, a small under-counter refrigerator, limited countertop space, and perhaps an overhead microwave. While it may seem cramped, a little planning can go a long way.
Meal Prep
If you’re a weekend boater like I am, I recommend bringing only what you’ll need for the trip and taking home anything you don’t use. One of the biggest space-saving tips is to prep your meals before you arrive at the marina. Chop vegetables, marinate meats, and portion ingredients into zip-top bags or reusable food storage bags. They take up far less room in the refrigerator than bulky food packaging.
Storage Solutions
Hanging fruit baskets are another great storage solution. They aren’t just for fruit—you can also use them for vegetables, chips, snacks, or even bread. Keeping these items off the counter instantly makes your galley feel larger and more organized.
If your marina allows it, consider keeping a small refrigerator on your dock. It’s a great place to store drinks, bottled water, and extra food, leaving more room inside your boat’s refrigerator for the essentials.
Collapsible containers, mixing bowls, and colanders are absolute game changers. They fold flat when not in use, freeing up valuable cabinet space while still giving you everything you need to prepare meals.
Don’t overlook the inside of your cabinet doors. Install small adhesive hooks to hang measuring cups, measuring spoons, oven mitts, or lightweight kitchen utensils. I even use small clips to hold packets of seasonings and spices, making them easy to grab without taking up shelf space.
Many cabin boats have hidden storage that often goes unused. Check under your dinette seating, benches, and beds—you may be surprised by how much extra storage is available.
Cookware
When shopping for cookware, look for nesting pots and pans or cookware with removable handles. They store much more easily than traditional cookware with fixed handles and are perfect for small galleys.
You also don’t need to stock your boat with heavy ceramic dishes and glassware. Lightweight melamine dishes, plastic cups, and durable reusable flatware are safer on the water and much easier to store. If you don’t have enough room onboard, keep them in a storage container in the trunk of your car or, if you have one, in a dock box inside a sealed tote.
Outdoor Cooking
If your galley feels too small to comfortably cook in, don’t forget about your grill. Your grill can become your best friend during mealtime. You can prepare almost your entire meal outdoors, especially if your grill has a side burner. If it doesn’t, a portable electric cooktop works just as well. Even though my boat has a full stove, I still prefer using portable electric cooktops whenever possible. I simply feel more comfortable cooking with electricity than propane while on the boat.
If your marina allows grilling on the dock, consider adding a portable prep station or a portable sink with a small countertop. It gives you extra workspace for meal preparation and makes outdoor cooking even easier.
One of the biggest benefits of cooking outside is keeping the heat, steam, and cooking odors out of your boat. Your galley stays cleaner, your cabin stays cooler, and you get to enjoy one of the best parts of boating—a front-row seat to life on the water while you cook.
Spice Storage
Magnetic spice jars are another excellent space-saving solution. Simply fill the jars with your favorite seasonings, label them, and attach them to the side of your refrigerator. They don't take up valuable cabinet space, they're easy to access while cooking, and they can even add a decorative touch to your galley.
Plan Before You Pack
One of the best ways to save space is to avoid bringing more than you need. Before every trip, plan your meals and make a shopping list based on those meals. This simple habit keeps you from overbuying and packing unnecessary items.
A few days before we head to the boat, I already know what we're going to eat for the weekend. Then, every Sunday before we head home, I make a list of what we'll need for our next trip. That way, when it's time to shop, I'm not guessing or buying things we already have. It saves money, reduces food waste, and keeps our boat from becoming overcrowded with groceries.
Final Thoughts
A small boat galley doesn't have to limit your time on the water. With a little planning, smart organization, and a few space-saving ideas, you can create a galley that works just as hard as you do. The goal isn't to have the biggest kitchen—it's to make the most of the one you have.
Over the years, I've learned that being prepared before arriving at the boat makes all the difference. Meal planning, using the right storage solutions, and keeping only what you need onboard allows you to spend less time searching for things and more time enjoying lake life with family and friends.
Remember, every boat is different, so don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for your space and your boating lifestyle. Happy cooking, safe boating, and I'll see you on the water!
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