Marlin Storage Questions

[BGator]

Hello... Brand new to this board. I'm actively looking to upgrade into a Marlin from my old Mako 25 center console - I've always considered the Marlin my 'dream-boat'. I'm having a hard time wrapping my arms around the storage space. It almost seems as if my old Mako has more storage space - could this be? I'm talking about 'stowed away' storage, not simply storing/throwing stuff down below in the cabin. I'm thinking thru my head about things like dock bumpers (4+/-), rod-holder-mount cutting board, 2nd anchor ('back anchor' for beaching) cast-net, wreck marker buoy(s), dock-lines, ropes, duffle-bag (or 2 or 3), etc., etc.?? I notice that there is no under the deck hatches in the Marlin (nor in most Gradys for that matter, and I'm not sure why that space would be wasted??). With the exception of the aft fish box (2005 model), and a handful of tackle drawers, there doesn't seem to be 'good' storage in the helm area or in the cockpit..?? Is there storage under the v-berth? I can find zero pictures from anyone anywhere about this - even the grady white website makes no mention of this, although I do see what looks like under-Vberth-hatches on the layout sketch??. Is it just me, or is the Marlin lacking in storage space. Would love to hear from past or present Marlin owners regarding their thoughts on storage on the Marlin.. Thanks in advance.

 

[Fishtales]

You are probably correct. There is no cockpit deck storage under deck. There are dual 150 gal tanks down there, and the aft area has the access for pumps, genset, batteries, thru hulls etc. There is a lot of foam in areas for floatation as well. The boat doesn't have a lot of defined storage space, the euro transom doesn't help either. I find if you leverage the aft birth effectively it helps greatly.

The vbirth has side storage as well as storage in the bow area under the cushions. There is a additional under the cushion in the aft birth. There is a small cabinet to the right of the fridge and under the companion seat as well as 3 drawers under the helm seat.

I keep my second anchor and all tubes (umbrella rigs, tube/worm, and other larger fishing things), magma grill extra boat supplies and lines down there). I use the aft birth for my valise raft, large tackle boxes and other gear. When fishing, I usually either place the fenders on one side of the walkaround (some times tie and toss over when I get to where I plan to fish for access) and/or leave them all or some at the dock.

You can use the livewell, trash bin and aft fishbox when not planning to use. It's all a trade off with these things. I find the rigging station a nice to have, but you give up a lot of space. Suggest you take one out for a ride. I had a 282 before the 300 and the 300 rides like a much larger boat.

 

[BGator]

Thanks for the good info.. especially about the v-berth storage - is it pretty roomy under there?? Same with under aft berth storage - pretty roomy?

I do get that there are 2 150 gal fuel tanks, and flotation, but it does seem that Grady could provide some addl under deck storage.. don't get me wrong - I love Grady and the quality and good rep.. but the good storage, especially cockpit and helm area seem to be lacking.

Thanks again for response...

 

[Fishtales]

yes there is decent storage down below. like most things, there are compromises. the walk does take away cabin and storage space. the choice not to have cockpit fish boxes or storage and not have to deal with pumping out or draining into the bilge probably hurts here too.

 

[ahill]

I moved from a 25 Mako Cuddy to a 272. Wanted to get a 30 but there was no dockage available at my favorite marina, then, and they wouldn't let me put a 3' boat in the traier boat storage area so I went with the 27.
My Mako had 201 gal fuel capacity and I could load for a weekend in the Bahamas without having the stuff visible and it was all easilly accessible.
In the 272 I use the fisboxes for storage on long trips because they don't hold ice well. Under berth storage is for spare parts & seldom used items. Under the aft berth space was used but it was such a PITA to access with all the other stuff stored in the aft cabin that I quit using it.
I use the radio box and helm compartment to store often used items in plastic containers.
I cut an access door below the livewell for oil storage.
The livewell also serves as a good drink cooler on Bahama trips.
The quality, extra living area and safety outweigh the storage inconvenience.
I really miss the long skinny in deck fish boxes the most.
I bet Grady could find room for some in the deck too.

 

[REBThunderroad]

I went from a GW islander 270 to a Marlin. I find the storage space more than adequate and I go to the Bahamas and cruise on trips with my family of 5. I put bumpers in port helm area on the side of the seat and it keeps them out of the way. On the starboard helm side of you can store a couple of hoses to get them out of the way. I keep spare props in the back of the starboard cabin storage. I hate stuff on the boat with out a "space of its own". I even store all my spare parts behind the tackle box drawers on the starboard side (under the rigging station). Spare water pumps, water seperators, bilge pumps, etc...you have to unscrew the box to access but it is my emergency spare parts place. I have so much stored in my Marlin that my wife has an inventory list of where we have it. Anyway if you get creative there is a lot of space. A ton more than my 270 Islander. The Marlin is a great boat!

 

[megabytes]

Another happy Marlin owner here. Most of the large storage is in the cabin but the cockpit isn't bad either. I keep large items under the port seat. That is a one LARGE space. I stow a first aid kit, flares, spotlight, 12v fan, fighting belt, knives, and other items. Small stuff like pliers and gloves go into the drawers below the step to walkaround.

As Danny said, we both owned 272/282s and the 300 rides as the larger hull it is. Great boat. Not sure however GW will continue to offer it as the DCs seem to be the rage.