DaveInRI
Member
- Joined
- Aug 5, 2024
- Messages
- 149
- Reaction score
- 19
- Location
- Narragansett Bay
- C Dory Year
- 2005
- C Dory Model
- 22 Cruiser
- Hull Identification Number
- CDO22275K405
- Vessel Name
- Once
Much to my surprise, there is not a single mention (per the search anyways) of MOLLE or PALS panels on this forum (said, "molly" like the name). Although the letters don't line up, MOLLE stands for "modular lightweight load-carrying equipment"-- the "O" must have been added; PALS = pouch attachment ladder system. These are ubiquitous in the offroad / Jeep community (I'm looking to add some presently to inside my Gladiator bed and on my seat backs), and I thought for sure someone on here would have mounted some inside their C-Dory. They very well may have, but zero hits on the search. They'd probably work great in the v-berth, cabin, and cockpit. For the woodworkers among us, think of it as a fancy French cleat organization system, using straps instead. So again, the MOLLE panel is the grid of hollow spaces, and a PALS panel is a velcro/nylon grid through which you weave strapping. Depending on where you are, some people call both "MOLLE" panels but they are similar but different pieces of equipment. The concept is the same, though.
For attaching items to the panels, it's largely a choose your own adventure situation, and does differ between the types of panel. For a true MOLLE panel, you can use a webbing like the PALS to weave through and make tight-tight. If you're looking to mix and match, and don't need rock hard, there are stretchy straps, carabeaners, and all sorts of straps to suit what you're trying to hang. There's also MOLLE nuts, which let you bolt backing plates and all sorts of heavy duty things onto them (these are not netting, mind you, but equipment panels).
Are they pretty? Not really, but it does give you fully customizable storage space on any flat surface (there are also "corner" panels and rounded ones and triangle and other shapes designed to fit any nook and cranny in off road vehicles), without the need for woodworking or "ah darn, I made my shelf 4" and wish I made it 5" for my new binoculars etc.". But then, I know some of you glue your shelves to the boat rather than drill, and that has an advantage (maybe there's a way to stick some pucks to a molle / pals panel and glue it on, I haven't thought much about it).
It's mostly for things you need quick access to without searching through a box, or things that don't really fit into a box, but you can use it for whatever fits.
I may or may not add some on mine, but will certainly keep it in mind as I get out there. Back to 35 degrees this morning (hit 80 last week; false alarm), so that'll have to wait.
If you use MOLLE or PALS systems on your boat-- or tried and stopped-- can you please share your experiences and ideally pics? Here are some pics from the internet I grabbed to support this post-- they're not mine.
For attaching items to the panels, it's largely a choose your own adventure situation, and does differ between the types of panel. For a true MOLLE panel, you can use a webbing like the PALS to weave through and make tight-tight. If you're looking to mix and match, and don't need rock hard, there are stretchy straps, carabeaners, and all sorts of straps to suit what you're trying to hang. There's also MOLLE nuts, which let you bolt backing plates and all sorts of heavy duty things onto them (these are not netting, mind you, but equipment panels).
Are they pretty? Not really, but it does give you fully customizable storage space on any flat surface (there are also "corner" panels and rounded ones and triangle and other shapes designed to fit any nook and cranny in off road vehicles), without the need for woodworking or "ah darn, I made my shelf 4" and wish I made it 5" for my new binoculars etc.". But then, I know some of you glue your shelves to the boat rather than drill, and that has an advantage (maybe there's a way to stick some pucks to a molle / pals panel and glue it on, I haven't thought much about it).
It's mostly for things you need quick access to without searching through a box, or things that don't really fit into a box, but you can use it for whatever fits.
I may or may not add some on mine, but will certainly keep it in mind as I get out there. Back to 35 degrees this morning (hit 80 last week; false alarm), so that'll have to wait.
If you use MOLLE or PALS systems on your boat-- or tried and stopped-- can you please share your experiences and ideally pics? Here are some pics from the internet I grabbed to support this post-- they're not mine.