6 Best Marine Chart Plotter Dry Bags to Maximize Small Spaces

You’ve finally found the perfect spot for your coffee cup at the helm, only to realize it’s the only spot, and it’s currently occupied by a bulky, fixed-mount chart plotter. In a small boat, RV, or any compact living space, every square inch of flat surface is prime real estate. This is where rethinking how you protect and mount your essential electronics becomes a game-changer for livability.

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Protecting Plotters in Tight, Wet Quarters

A permanent, bracket-mounted chart plotter is a space commitment. It dictates how you use your helm or dash, turning a potentially multi-use surface into a single-purpose station. For those of us living and working in tight quarters, that’s a luxury we often can’t afford. It’s the equivalent of installing a built-in desk in a tiny home when a fold-down table would serve ten other functions.

The solution is to decouple the plotter from the boat. By using a portable plotter or a tablet running navigation software, you regain that valuable surface area. When you’re navigating, the device is out. When you’re at anchor and want to use that space for dinner prep or a chart table, the device gets stowed. This simple shift in thinking transforms a static helm into a dynamic, multi-functional workspace.

This approach requires one crucial piece of gear: a high-quality, waterproof bag. This isn’t just about splash protection; it’s about creating a secure, temporary home for your most critical piece of safety equipment. The right bag allows you to mount your plotter securely to a grab rail, bulkhead, or pedestal, keeping it visible and accessible without drilling a single hole. It’s the ultimate expression of small-space efficiency—maximum function with a minimal, non-permanent footprint.

Sea to Summit View: Crystal-Clear Navigation

The single most important feature of any plotter bag is the window. If you can’t clearly see the screen or operate the touchscreen, the bag is worse than useless. Sea to Summit nails this with their View Dry Sack. The window is made from a high-quality thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) that resists yellowing from UV exposure and, crucially, doesn’t interfere with capacitive touchscreens.

This bag is all about minimalist efficiency. The roll-top closure is a time-tested waterproof seal, and the welded seams mean there are no stitch holes to fail or leak over time. Its slim, cylindrical shape means it doesn’t add a ton of bulk to your device, making it easy to lash to a steering pedestal or stuff into a crowded cubby.

The attachment points are simple D-rings, which I actually prefer. It gives you the flexibility to use your own bungee cords, Velcro straps, or rope to secure it exactly how you need to. This adaptability is key in a custom-built space where standard mounting solutions rarely fit perfectly.

SealLine Map Case: Low-Profile & Waterproof

Sometimes, the slimmest possible profile is the top priority. The SealLine Map Case is essentially a heavy-duty, waterproof envelope designed for charts, but it’s brilliant for tablets or thin, modern plotters. It forgoes the bulk of a roll-top closure for a robust, press-seal closure similar to a high-end freezer bag, but far more durable.

This design makes it incredibly low-profile. You can slide it behind seat cushions or into a narrow slot where a thicker bag just wouldn’t go. For a tiller-steered sailboat or a small center console with virtually no dash space, this minimalist approach is a lifesaver. You can hang it from a lifeline or bulkhead without it becoming a clumsy, swinging obstacle.

The tradeoff is impact protection. This is not the bag you want if you’re likely to be slamming into waves and tossing gear around. It offers excellent waterproofing and abrasion resistance, but very little padding. You’re choosing sleekness over armor, a common and often necessary compromise in small-space design.

Aqua Quest Storm for Ultimate Durability

If your version of "small space" is an open-cockpit boat, a RIB, or an overlanding rig that sees heavy action, you need to prioritize durability. The Aqua Quest Storm is built for abuse. It uses a tough 420D Ripstop fabric with a dual coating of TPU and DWR, which is a fancy way of saying it’s designed to shed water, resist punctures, and survive being scraped against non-skid decks.

This isn’t just a bag; it’s a piece of expedition gear. The welded seams and roll-top closure provide a fully submersible waterproof seal you can trust with expensive electronics. It’s the kind of bag you grab when you know everything is going to get wet, and failure is not an option.

The Storm’s multiple D-rings and external webbing loops make it incredibly versatile. It can be your plotter case on the dash, but it can also be the electronics pouch for your ditch bag or a waterproof organizer inside a larger backpack. In a small living environment, every piece of gear should be able to serve at least two purposes, and the Storm’s rugged, adaptable design makes it a multi-tasking champion.

Earth Pak Waterproof Pouch for Compact Units

Not everyone is running a 12-inch multifunction display. For smaller 5- or 7-inch plotters, or even just a large smartphone running Navionics, a massive bag is overkill. The Earth Pak Waterproof Pouch is a simple, effective, and budget-friendly solution for smaller devices. It’s the perfect example of buying only what you need.

The design is straightforward, usually featuring a triple-seal press-lock system with a Velcro flap for added security. It’s not as quick to open and close as a roll-top, but it’s very secure and keeps the overall package incredibly thin and light. It often comes with a simple lanyard, making it easy to carry your device around the boat or ashore without worrying about dropping it.

Be realistic about the materials at this price point. The clear window will be functional, but it might have more glare or feel slightly less responsive than the premium TPU on more expensive bags. For casual use or as a backup, it’s an unbeatable value. It proves that a smart, space-saving solution doesn’t have to be an expensive one.

OverBoard Pro-Vis: High Visibility Safety

In a small, cluttered space, finding things quickly is a constant challenge. The OverBoard Pro-Vis bag addresses this with a simple, brilliant feature: it’s bright yellow or orange. This isn’t just an aesthetic choice; it’s a practical safety feature. When the light is fading and the cockpit is a mess of ropes and jackets, you’ll be able to spot your navigation unit instantly.

Beyond the color, it’s a well-built dry bag. It uses a standard roll-top closure and high-frequency welded seams for a reliable waterproof seal (rated to IP66). It’s tough enough for daily use on a working boat. The high-visibility color is a feature you don’t appreciate until you desperately need it.

This bag highlights a core principle of organization in small spaces: use visual cues to your advantage. Instead of digging through a pile of black and grey bags, the high-vis color makes your critical gear stand out. Think of it as color-coding your safety equipment. It’s a simple idea that has a huge impact on efficiency and peace of mind in a stressful situation.

Gill Marine Navigator Bag: Multi-Mount System

While many dry bags can be adapted for plotter use, the Gill Marine Navigator Bag is one of the few designed specifically for the job. This purpose-built design is immediately obvious in its mounting system. Instead of just a couple of D-rings, it features a series of robust, adjustable Velcro straps and attachment points.

These integrated straps are a game-changer for creating a stable, semi-permanent mount without drilling holes. You can wrap them securely around a steering pedestal, a grab rail, or a stanchion, and the plotter won’t swing or bounce around in a seaway. This stability is crucial for being able to read and operate the screen when conditions get rough.

The bag also includes thoughtful details born from real-world use, like a touch-screen compatible window and often a small internal pocket for a charging cable or backup battery. It might be slightly bulkier than a generic dry bag, but that extra structure provides better protection and a much more secure mount. It’s the most "plug-and-play" solution on the list.

Choosing Your Plotter Bag: Key Features

When you’re making a final decision, focus on the fundamentals. Everything starts and ends with the window. If you can’t see the screen clearly due to glare or use the touchscreen reliably, the bag has failed its primary mission. Look for high-quality, non-PVC materials like TPU, which offer better clarity and durability.

Next, honestly assess your need for waterproofing. An IPX6 rating is fine for protection from heavy spray and rain. If there’s a real chance the unit could go for a swim, you need an IPX7 or IPX8 rating, which typically requires a secure roll-top closure. Don’t overbuy, but don’t underestimate the sea, either. A single rogue wave can ruin your day and your electronics.

Evaluate the mounting system in the context of your specific boat.

• D-Rings: Offer maximum flexibility but require you to provide your own straps or line.
• Integrated Straps: Provide a very secure, purpose-built fit for standard rails and pedestals but may not work for odd-sized or custom attachment points.
• Lanyard: Good for portability and small devices, but not a secure mounting solution for navigation.

Finally, consider the overall size and profile. Get a bag that fits your device snugly without a lot of extra material. In a compact helm, every inch of clearance matters. A bag that is 10% less padded but 100% more likely to fit in the one available spot is the better choice. It’s a balancing act between protection and practicality, the defining challenge of living and thriving in a small space.

Ultimately, swapping a fixed plotter for a portable unit in a dry bag is more than just a gear choice. It’s a strategic decision to prioritize flexibility, reclaim valuable space, and adapt your environment to your needs—the very essence of successful small-space living.