The anticipation of summer vacation lingers in the air as you drop the boat in the water, pump up the tube and dust off the life jackets from last fall. Although summer brings a sense of excitement, organizing all of your water toys and accessories can get to be a hassle, so here are a few organizing tricks.

Boat manufacturers make extra space in your boat for a reason - use it. Storing your summer gear in your boat is a great way to save space and keep track of your things. A number of boats come with storage compartments underneath the seats or in the hull. This is a great place for life jackets, towels, towropes and even coolers. It is also a great space saver while you're cruising the lake. Most v-drives come with enough space in the back for water skis, wake boards and knee boards, and some even lock. "Storage space in boats is a huge selling point," Ross Olin, sales consultant for Minnesota Inboard Water Sports said. According to Olin, wake board racks that attach to towers have also become popular for cleaning up space on the boat while you ride or cruise the lake.

If you don't want to leave your gear on the boat, or maybe you don't have the space, try to keep your gear close by as it will make for easier clean up. Brett Niccum, of Niccum Docks, suggests fiberglass dock boxes that lock and attach directly to your dock. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Niccum Docks can even help to hang them off the edge of your dock so they don't take up space. They are extremely durable and waterproof, allowing a lot of space for life jackets, towels, and towropes. Some are even large enough to hold skis, wake boards and knee boards. Another advantage to leaving these accessories near the dock is that the kids won't trample through the house looking for them. Before purchasing a dock box, be sure to check with your Chamber of Commerce because some lakes don't allow them.

If this is the case, there is also a storage net that fits directly under the front of your boat canopy, again leaving your summer toys close by. The net is made of a durable, lightweight nylon mesh that attaches directly to your canopy with nylon straps and quick-adjust fasteners. The mesh allows items to dry, which helps reduce mold. The fact that your toys are hidden under the canopy also helps protect your gear from sun, rain and theft. The only problem is that this canopy doesn't fit on all boatlifts. Check with your local boatlift supplier, to ensure this option is right for you.

For storing skis, wake boards and other large, less compact items you can purchase a rack or storage unit that will fit safely in your garage. A model known as the Ladder Rax screws directly to your wall and holds 12 skis or six wake boards and can be purchased for under $30.

You can also dress up your lakeshore and still stay organized by using a storage bench. In most cases the seat lifts up, but some have drawers underneath. They come in a variety or colors and materials ranging from plastic to wood, depending how fancy you want to go. Plus, it's a great way to keep an eye on the kids while they swim.    

By Lyndsey Danberry