One issue that commonly generates hours of heated debate is how best to stow expensive fishing tackle on board. On most boats, fishing tackle is an afterthought and is stored wherever space can be found, generally in the aft peak or lazarette. Only occasionally is a dedicated spot reserved for this equipment, but it invariably takes up space in a location that often can only be accessed through a transom door, which is not an ideal situation when operating at sea.

Some owners, however, give the matter more consideration. Tackle aboard the Vic Franck 81 Bella Rosa (SBI, January 2005) is stowed in weather-tight lockers built into the aft deck’s overhead, a solution that keeps the equipment dry and accessible, and takes advantage of space that often goes unused.

Henry Luken has taken this concept one step further, equipping Liquidity with what could well be the most luxurious tackle locker ever aboard a yacht. The boat’s aft deck is finished in beautiful raised-panel teak joinery and the entire starboard section is devoted to tackle stowage.

The locker has three separate sections, each fitted with full-height doors. The two end units – inboard and outboard – are used for fly-fishing rods and rod tubes, allowing the rods to be removed quickly without concern for damaging surrounding finished areas. The center section, ventilated by an exhaust fan, is fitted with double doors. It has a stainless steel bar for hanging waders and drawers for stowing flies, reels and other fishing equipment. It also provides limited space to store scuba gear.