Having the right boat accessories can make being out on the water more fun and enjoyable. Thankfully, there are so many cool gadgets to enhance every aspect of your boating experience. From increased safety to high-tech fishing gear, these products were designed to turn any outing into an exciting maritime adventure.
Whether you’re heading out with friends or planning a vacation with family, here are must-have accessories for any boater!
The Best Boat Accessories and Gadgets
WOW Cosmo Island 10 x 9 Ft. Fun Dock
If you plan on spending time on the water this summer, why limit the party to just your boat? With the WOW Cosmo Island 10 x 9 Ft. Fun Dock from Sam’s Club, you and your friends will be able to enjoy the water while continuing to relax in the sun. The dock features a U-shaped design large enough to fit many adults. It also serves as a great launching pad for people who love to jump in and out of the water!
Boat Top
Have you every been out on a boat and wanted a little break from the sun? A detachable boat top helps you easily install a canopy for your floating palace! All you need to do is attach the top to your boat and enjoy the shade!
Boat Bumpers
It pays off to have bumpers for your boat. When you attach them to the sides, you protect your boat from damage. The bumpers prevent your boat from grating up against the sides of a dock, leaving scratches and dents. It can also partially protect your boat if someone else sails too close to it.
Cooler
On a warm day, it’s important to stay fed and hydrated while you’re out on the water. And this YETI Roader Cooler is the best way to keep your drinks and snacks nice and cold. In fact, it’s capable of keeping your ice cold for days at a time! However, this specific cooler is the perfect size for half or full-day outings. It’s compact enough to be portable but spacious enough to hold multiple bottles of water, soda, or beer. For longer outings, we recommend the YETI 45 or the YETI 65 coolers.
Life Jackets
Every boater knows the importance of having life jackets on board. As such, you should have one for everyone you’re taking out. The Astral EV PFD is a great lightweight option (it’s made with a revolutionary fabric that allows it to be fully breathable). If you’re going out with kids, you’ll also want to have child or youth life jackets with you. There are also some models that are made specifically for toddlers or infants as well.
Boating Grill
Ready to turn a day out on the lake into a gastronomic adventure? The Kuuma Stow N’ Go 160 Gas Grill will allow you to whip up whatever gourmet delicacy you can imagine. Just mount it to your boat and attach it to a high-pressure propane tank. In just a few minutes, you’ll have the perfect BBQ grill for burgers, hot dogs, veggies, and more.
Looking for a grill to take with you camping? Here is a list of the best camper grills for outdoor cooking.
Fish Finder
If you’re an avid angler, you already know the importance of using a fish finder. Tools like the Garmin ECHOMAP can make it easier than ever to see what’s happening underneath the water’s surface. It features a sunlight-readable 9” touch screen with vivid scanning-sonar color palettes. It’s also preloaded with Garmin Navionics+ U.S. Coastal and Great Lakes Mapping to help make cruising simpler and safer.
Inflatable Toys and Towables
No day out on the lake would be complete without some fun and games! You can transform your boat into a waterpark with inflatable toys, like this Pontoon Zip Slide. Or you can always attach a towable for a high-speed, thrill-seeking adventure the whole family can enjoy. There are single tubes, two-person couches, or even sombrero-shaped five-person towables!
Bluetooth Speaker
A built-in Bluetooth speaker is one of those must-have boat accessories for entertaining. If you want to take your music to the next level, we highly recommend this Boss Bluetooth Receiver Package. It has a USB input, SD card, and wireless Bluetooth connectivity. Or you can simply set it to your favorite AM/FM radio station of choice. And with four 6.5” dual cone speakers, you’ll enjoy clear, crisp sound from anywhere on the boat.
Bean Bag Chair
If you’re not a fan of uncomfy boat seats or benches, this bean bag chair will be a game changing purchase. It’s made with water-resistant and repellent fabric (the same material used in OEM marine seating). Therefore, you won’t have to worry about it getting wet or splashed while you’re cruising across the lake. It’s also perfect for relaxing or sunbathing, as the chair conforms to your body and provides neck and back support.
Safety and Emergency Kit
Although accidents are rare, they can still happen at any time while you’re out on the water. Make sure you’re prepared for any situation with this Marine First Aid Kit. And don’t forget about bringing aboard a Coastal Alerter Kit too. It includes a flare gun, a signal mirror, a floating storage container, and a SOLAS-approved whistle.
Dry Bag
A dry bag is one of the most useful boat accessories that you can have. It keeps your valuables dry and safe even if completely submerged or soaked in water. Ideally, you’ll want to look for a bag made from high-quality PVC material that won’t rip or shred easily. We also prefer dry bags with a roll-top (instead of a zipper) as it creates a tough seal that keeps moisture out.
LED Lighting
Planning to take your boat out at night? Then make sure you have navigational lighting to help light the way. This globe light comes with four different shaft lengths to help illuminate where you’re going. For stronger visibility, you can also hook up a remote spotlight. A flexible LED lighting strip can also add some fun and flair to your journey.
Handheld Marine Radio
Safety is key, which is why all boaters should have a handheld marine radio when they go out. The Cobra MRHH350 is one of the best, as it floats and can be submerged to one meter for up to 30 minutes. You’ll have instant access to national weather and hazard channels and can even set up alerts with a visual and audible alarm. Even if you never have to use it, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
That wraps up our list of fun gadgets and boat accessories. While some of them are necessities (like life jackets and safety kits), others are more recreational to make your outing more fun. Either way, they make great gifts for any outdoor enthusiast or nature lover!
