⚓ Masterclass: The "Digital Boathouse" System

Managing gear for a family on a boat can quickly turn into chaos. "I have it... but I don't know where it is" is the most dangerous phrase on the water. Here is the step-by-step system used by long-distance cruisers to track every spare part, toy, and tool.

1. Map Your Zones (The Physical Layer)
   Before downloading any app, you must label your physical spaces. Use blue painter's tape or a label maker.
   Example: Label the cabinet under the sink "Galley-A1". Label the port cockpit locker "Cockpit-P1". Every hole on the boat needs a name.
2. Choose Your "Brain" (The Digital Layer)
   You don't need expensive marine software. Use a simple inventory app like Sortly, BoxHero, or even a shared Google Sheet.
   The Setup: Create "Folders" in the app that match your physical labels (e.g., Folder "Galley-A1").
3. The "Check-In" Ritual
   When you buy a spare water pump or a box of sunscreen, open the app. Scan the barcode (if using Sortly) or type the name, then assign it to "Cockpit-P1". Throw the item in the bin.
   The Result: Next time you need a fuel filter in an emergency, you search "Filter" in the app, and it tells you exactly which locker it's in. No more digging.