I really don't like anything on my deck except my water bottle, and
occasionally a chart and a compass. That said, these days I paddle a very low
volume kayak in which I can fit pretty much nothing inside the cockpit besides
myself. So I have a deck bag in which I carry my water bottle, pump, throw/tow
rope, a webbing loop for loop rescues, a baggie for on the water bladder
relief, a paddling jacket (if I'm not wearing it) and snacks and such. I no
longer carry a paddlefloat as I find it overly redundant for my own particular
case.
I suppose technically having a deck bag can raise the center of gravity of
the boat some, but I sure haven't felt it. And while the bag is waterproof, I
never think of it as such and don't put anything in it that I am concerned
about getting wet unless it is in a separate waterproof bag within the deckbag.

Scott
So.Cal.

Thanks for the comments guys. I am asking because I am planning a 5 to
6
day tour through the Everglades Wilderness Waterway at Christmas this
year.
So I am trying to get some ideas on how to pack for this trip. I have
a Perception Eclipse 14.5, so I have to make good use of the dry
storage areas that I have (7050 cubic inches). So I am sure I will
have a few things
topside, but want to keep it to a minimum. I agree with keeping the
deck
from getting to cluttered. Seems to be a fair amount of room behind
the seat.
I would like to take advantage of that space. Is there away to attach
a strap
to secure a dry box and maybe a small standing dry bag or two?

CB

Major issue on this trip will be fresh water. There is none available
after you leave either Chockoloskee or Flamingo. Figuring at least a
gallon per day (I've seen recommendations as high as 2 gallons per day),
this will chew up a lot of space. You want the water close to the
center of the boat and low to keep center of grav low. With that much
ballast, don't worry too much about whats on the deck (within reason).
Have done 3 one-week trips through the Everglades (prefer the north end
of Park, but there is much to see everywhere, you'll want your
binoculars on deck or close at hand), and have found that my boat is
stuffed full and that I literally eat and drink my way down into the
boat through the course of the week.

Suggest getting all your gear together, including water and a guess at
the food, and packing it in the boat on your living room (or garage)
floor. A glass or two of wine and a little bit of time may help you see
ways to pack and spaced you are not fully utilizing (.e.g., the area
between your legs high up beneath the deck...a custom bag can be fitted
here to hold charts, etc). Try using bladders from box wine to hold
water. These are remarkably tough and you can even sit on one as a
replacement seat.

If weather is good, I like the beach area better than the "inside". 60+
miles of whitesand beach and warm water for camping and you can't see
the next campfire. Clearly, don't swim in fresh water (the aligators
love the Watson Place).

One last tip. Since fresh water is rare in the 'Glades, but probing
mammals are not, you should bring your water into the tent at night.
Otherwise, the water bags may be chewed into by rats or possums or
whatever that are looking for water. Two days out and no water to drink
is no fun.

Its a great trip! Have fun!

doug m

Carl Buehler wrote:

Thanks for the comments guys. I am asking because I am planning a 5 to
6
day tour through the Everglades Wilderness Waterway at Christmas this
year.