Rig Rite Boatgo Storage Net Review

Hands-On with the Rig Rite Boatgo Storage Net

As someone who’s spent over a decade wrestling with gear in every conceivable environment – from the sterile quiet of a lab to the unforgiving grit of a workshop and the open expanse of the field – I approach any new piece of equipment with a healthy dose of scrutiny. My recent acquisition, the Rig Rite Boatgo Storage Net, falls into the category of simple, seemingly straightforward items that often prove their worth through sheer utility. My need for this particular net arose from a common boating frustration: the constant battle against items flying out of the boat, especially during choppy conditions or sharp turns. Life jackets, tackle boxes, towels, and even simple hats would become airborne projectiles, leading to lost gear and safety concerns. I’d previously tried bungee cords and generic cargo nets, but they often lacked the specific tension or coverage needed for a boat environment. This Rig Rite model caught my eye due to its advertised stretchability and specific sizing options, promising a more tailored solution. My initial impression upon unboxing was one of pragmatic simplicity; the material felt robust, and the elastic cords seemed sturdy, not flimsy. It offered a stark contrast to some overly engineered, yet less effective, storage solutions I’ve encountered. A quick glance at some online forums showed a few mentions of similar nets from generic brands, but the Rig Rite brand has a reputation for marine-specific accessories, which gave me a degree of confidence. My first reaction was a quiet sense of relief, a feeling that this might just be the straightforward fix I’d been searching for.

Real-World Testing: Putting Rig Rite Boatgo Storage Net to the Test

First Use Experience

My testing grounds for this storage net were primarily the stern of my moderately sized fishing boat, often navigating the chop of a local lake and occasionally venturing onto larger, more open waters. I loaded it with a mix of bulky life vests, soft-sided tackle bags, a rolled-up fishing towel, and even a sun hat that habitually attempted escape. The initial installation was straightforward; the integrated hooks on the elastic cords attached easily to existing cleats and railings around the boat’s perimeter. Performance under light conditions, with calm waters, was as expected – items stayed put. However, the true test came during a particularly windy afternoon with significant wave action. The net stretched and flexed considerably, holding all the items securely without excessive strain.

Ease of use was a definite strong suit. There was no complex setup or learning curve involved; it was a matter of hooking it in place and loading it up. The elasticity of the net meant it conformed well to varying shapes and sizes of gear, which was a pleasant surprise. One minor quirk I noticed on the very first outing was that when fully stretched, the Rig Rite Boatgo Storage Net could allow smaller, lighter items to shift slightly more than I initially anticipated. This wasn’t a failure to retain, but rather a slight jiggle that I’ll address later.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, traversing various water conditions and enduring the typical salt-spray and sun exposure of boating, the storage net has held up remarkably well. There are no visible signs of cracking in the elastic cords, nor have the attachment points shown any degradation. The material of the net itself, a durable mesh, has resisted snagging and tearing from hooks or abrasive surfaces found on tackle boxes. It’s proven to be a reliable fixture for keeping essential gear accessible yet secured, preventing those frantic searches for items that have slid under seats or over the side.

Maintenance has been minimal; a quick rinse with fresh water after a saltwater outing is usually sufficient, and it dries quickly thanks to the mesh construction. I haven’t encountered any stiffness or loss of elasticity, which is a common failure point in lesser quality elastic products. Compared to the numerous bungee cords I used to manage, this single net solution is far superior in terms of both organization and security. While it might not be as heavy-duty as a custom-fitted cargo net system for larger vessels, for a boat of my size, it has easily outperformed my expectations and the budget alternatives I’ve tried in the past.

Breaking Down the Features of Rig Rite Boatgo Storage Net

Specifications

The Rig Rite Boatgo Storage Net is designed with practical marine storage in mind, offering a balance of expandability and secure containment. The key specification is its width which can stretch from 10″ to 16″, allowing it to adapt to different storage needs and boat configurations. This stretchability is crucial for accommodating various items, from slender fishing rods to bulkier life jackets. Rig Rite offers this net in three distinct sizes: 32″, 42″, and 52″ in length, ensuring there’s a fit for most boat widths. The construction utilizes a durable, elastic mesh material designed to withstand UV exposure and saltwater. The integrated attachment points appear to be robust, though their specific material composition isn’t detailed, they feel like a durable composite.

The stretchability is perhaps its most vital feature, enabling it to secure items of varying sizes and shapes within its frame. For instance, a 32″ net could easily be stretched to cover a 10″ wide opening, providing significant tension, or expanded to 16″ for a wider, less taut application. The availability of multiple sizes is a significant advantage, allowing boaters to choose the optimal fit for their specific storage areas, whether it’s a small compartment or a larger gunwale space. The elastic nature means you aren’t locked into rigid dimensions, offering a forgiving installation.

Performance & Functionality

In its primary role of securing items, the Rig Rite Boatgo Storage Net performs admirably for its intended purpose. It effectively keeps lighter items like hats, towels, and gloves from becoming airborne. For heavier items like life jackets or soft tackle bags, it provides a reliable barrier, preventing them from shifting dramatically during turns or waves. The elasticity is key here, allowing the net to apply constant pressure, keeping items snug.

However, there’s a definite nuance to its performance. While it keeps things from blowing out, the stretch from 10″ to 16″ means that when stretched very wide, the mesh openings can become larger, potentially allowing smaller, lighter items to wiggle more than a truly rigid net might. This is not a product defect but an inherent characteristic of its flexible design. The three different sizes are well-conceived, and selecting the appropriate size for your specific storage need is crucial for optimal performance. For instance, using a 52″ net across a 10″ gap would likely be too loose for heavier items.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Rig Rite Boatgo Storage Net is a testament to functional simplicity. The mesh construction is lightweight and unobtrusive, allowing for good airflow and quick drying. The integrated hooks are a smart design choice, eliminating the need for separate bungee cords or attachment hardware, which can be lost or break. The overall feel is one of practical durability; it doesn’t scream “high-tech,” but rather “built to do a job reliably.”

Ergonomically, it’s incredibly user-friendly. Attaching the net is as simple as hooking the elastic ends onto available points. There’s no complex setup or adjustment required beyond selecting the correct size of net to begin with. The flexibility of the elastic means it conforms to slightly uneven surfaces, making installation easier than with rigid systems. The only minor point of consideration is the thickness of the elastic; while it feels sturdy, its actual diameter isn’t specified, but it appears sufficient for the task.

Durability & Maintenance

From my experience, the Rig Rite Boatgo Storage Net appears to be built for the marine environment, suggesting good long-term durability. The elastic cords seem to be of a good quality, resisting the breakdown often seen from sun and salt. The mesh material is also resilient, showing no signs of fraying or stretching out permanently after repeated use and tension.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple, which is always a plus when dealing with boat gear. A quick rinse with fresh water after exposure to saltwater is generally all that’s needed to prevent corrosion on any metal components of the hooks. Allowing it to air dry completely prevents mildew. There are no complex parts to disassemble or lubricate, making it an extremely low-maintenance accessory. I have not encountered any specific failure points so far, but I would advise against overtightening the net to the point where the elastic is under extreme, constant strain beyond its intended stretch range.

Accessories and Customization Options

The primary “accessory” that comes with the Rig Rite Boatgo Storage Net is its own inherent design: the integrated attachment hooks. These hooks are a critical part of the net’s functionality, allowing it to be easily secured to railings, cleats, or other mounting points commonly found on boats. There are no separate needle attachments, tips, or other modular components, as this is a standalone storage solution.

Customization is limited to selecting the correct size of the net for your specific application from the available three different sizes. While you can’t change the mesh pattern or the elasticity, choosing the right length (32″, 42″, or 52″) is how you tailor its performance to your boat. It’s designed to work with standard boat hardware, so it doesn’t require proprietary mounts.

Pros and Cons of Rig Rite Boatgo Storage Net

Who Should Buy Rig Rite Boatgo Storage Net?

This storage net is an ideal solution for small to medium-sized boat owners who are looking for a simple, effective way to organize and secure gear. It’s perfect for recreational boaters, anglers, and anyone who frequently transports items like life jackets, towels, small bags, or hats and wants to prevent them from becoming projectiles. If you’re tired of items sliding around your deck or going overboard, this net offers a practical and budget-friendly solution.

Anyone who requires a highly specialized, heavy-duty cargo system for large or extremely valuable equipment might want to look at more robust, custom-fitted solutions. For those needing absolute containment of very small items, a net with smaller mesh or additional internal dividers might be more appropriate. I’d also recommend boaters consider purchasing extra mounting points if their boat lacks ample cleats or railings, as this will maximize the net’s effectiveness.

Conclusion on Rig Rite Boatgo Storage Net

The Rig Rite Boatgo Storage Net delivers precisely what it promises: a simple, elastic, and effective way to keep your boat’s gear organized and secure. Its straightforward design, coupled with the practical features like integrated hooks and a choice of sizes, makes it a valuable addition to any boater’s arsenal. While it might have minor limitations with very small, loose items at maximum stretch, its overall performance in keeping common boating essentials in place is commendable, especially considering its affordable price point. I would absolutely recommend this storage net to fellow boaters looking for a no-fuss solution to common clutter and safety concerns on the water. It’s a smart investment for anyone who values a tidier, safer vessel.