Hi Max,

Options are pretty limited on a boat as small as mine, this is the best solution for me...

Out of the way, yet readily accessible. Occupies otherwise "dead space", reduces the volume of the cockpit in the event of pooping, and the dyform wire that secures the cannister can be padlocked, as a deterrent to theft... Only real downside, it puts weight near the stern, but - all in all, the best solution on my boat... By a very fortuitous coincidence, the case just happens to wedge itself into that spot with about 1/8" to spare on either side...

The raft is a Winslow, stored inside one of their dedicated airtight cases made by Pelican, then covered with a Stamoid UV/water cover... I HIGHLY recommend this combination, my raft still looks brand-new after living inside this case for over a decade (it's been re-certified during that time, of course)... Another nice thing about the Pelican case, in the event of an abandonment, it could make a very handy - not to mention, rather voluminous - catch-all/watertight floating compartment for any loose items not already packed in a ditch bag, and for a secure, dry storage compartment once aboard the raft... Assuming I had the time, I'd sure like to have the option of grabbing stuff like my computer, camera equipment, and other valuable odds & ends that would otherwise not survive exposure to the elements during an abandonment, or a prolonged period in a raft... So, a watertight case like my Pelican affords that option, could be really nice to have in such an emergency...

I also have a 55 litre Vetus flexible, portable water tank that I sometimes use for toting water from shore in a place like the Bahamas... It's mostly filled with water on a passage, as well, a very handy item to have aboard, and more convenient on a small boat like mine than rigid water jugs...

best regards,

Jon