We found a plastic bin for that spot, we attach it to a hook with a small bungee loop to stop it falling off in a seaway. The bin holds WD40, rags and other handy stuff - but takes only a second or two to move when we need to access the engine.

Hard to think of a permanent solution that wouldn't add too much weight to the engine cover...

There is an article in the Technical - Upgrades section somewhere that shows a very nice drawer that makes that a useable space. I'm not sure who wrote the article, but you'll have to look through what's there. Our Technical Library has grown HUGE over the years, and it is still accessable only by Members (capital M), that is by paid up Members of C36/375IA.

That cubbie under the oven holds a fire extinguisher rather nicely.

I use this space by the companionway for a small folding step for when at a dock, a toolbox for various tools, and my binocular case.

I use the space under the stove as a drawer that I fabricated from the upgrade articles Larry mentioned. In this drawer I keep the bag liners for my trash can which you will find under Trash management article I contributed to upgrades. I also keep some regular trash bags as well.

Under the stairs is where I stick the sail cover while sailing.

On my last 36, which I lived aboard, I built a teak cabinet that took up the space under the ladder. It was great for holding tall things like cereal boxes, etc, and the door was facing the icebox on the side. I made it freestanding with sliding bolts to hold it in place. That way I could move it easily when getting to the engine. Wish I had pics, but that was all before digital photos. I think the space under the stove was intended for an extinguisher, but the drawer is a better idea, IMO. You want your extinguishers in an area away from potential fire hazards like stoves and engines so you can get to them. One thing you didn't mention which I've found very useful is enclosing the aft cabin pass-through to create a cabinet. I just fastened two pieces of starboard from the back in the aft cabin to enclose it and the sliding door is already there. I keep all my cleaning supplies there which keeps them away from foodstuffs. I did a write up on it and it's in the Upgrades section here somewhere.

Mike

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That's where I keep our grill when its not in use. I don't like a bunch of stuff hanging off the rail and that's one less thing that has to be there all the time.

The space behind the stairs is where my garbage can lives. Standard blue Rubbermaid waste basket just fits, can't fall over and is easily reached from cockpit or galley.

The best use of the cubbyhole under the stove is to mount fresh water valves there. I have not moved mine there yet but, saw the installation here on our forum, mine are mounted below the outboard aft corner of the port setee, a real pain to get to.

[QUOTE=Steve Frost;9913]The space behind the stairs is where my garbage can lives. Standard blue Rubbermaid waste basket just fits, can't fall over and is easily reached from cockpit or galley.

The best use of the cubbyhole under the stove is to mount fresh water valves there. I have not moved mine there yet but, saw the installation here on our forum, mine are mounted below the outboard aft corner of the port setee, a real pain to get to.[/QUOTE]

I've been thinking of doing that also.

I echo Mike's good comment that placing a fire extinguisher under the stove is a bad idea. You need your extinguisher to be close, but far enough away that you don't have to reach into a hazard to get it.

And, of course, you should have at least 3 extinguishers accessible from various locations on board (cockpit, galley area, v-berth), in my opinion.

My boat is a MKII and I have lots of room there. That is really a handy place to utilize isn't it? Behind my companionway I place my toolbox. I also keep all of my flags, penants and burgees there as well.

For the space behind the sliding door, I got heavy vinyl cloth in white from a sewing store, cut it to shape, put on some snap fastners to hold it around the trim that is on the cover over the engine to keep my cleaning stuff from flying around and it works great (and it was cheap). Thre vinyl snaps off whenever I need to access the engine.

Re the space under the stove where the fire extinguisher was, I built and put the water tank manifold in there as was suggested and it's great as I can move from tank to tank simply by bending down. Someone on this site (and I apologize for forgetting who) has a step-by-step with pictures and parts list for making this improvement. WELL worth it!

I added a door that drops down on that strange storage space beneath the stove and oven. The first mate uses that space for additional spices.

[QUOTE=bboggs;9909]That's where I keep our grill when its not in use. I don't like a bunch of stuff hanging off the rail and that's one less thing that has to be there all the time.[/QUOTE]

We've carried our BBQ grill over 6000 Nm and not used it :o But my wife is keen to keep it (it's in the lazarette). Sure if I deep 6 it our main oven will break down...