On the smaller boats (and in most all casses) we gear up before heading out. BC, tank and reg are put in as one unit (Wt. pockets filled or belt goes on boat). Depending on weather, exposure suit is half or fully on. That just leaves mask, fins, hood and gloves in a net type bag of similar, for each person. As mentioned prior, taking your BC off in the water (inflate and clip it to a line) is a good idea, then retrive it once on board. Getting in the habbit of stowing your gear right away (back into the bag) once on board, reduces clutter in small places, keeps Your gear together, and will be appreciated when diving on others boats. (I don’t mean to sound snobish about this - it is just what I do and really appreciate seeing others doing it too.)
I have friends that still bring all their gear along in a big tote, and that is fine when there is only a couple diving. And by the way... even tho I have a swim platform on my boat, I still love the "back roll"... watching the surface and bubbles going up as I am upside down on entry.