18+ Must Have Boat Accessories – Don’t Leave Without Them
Love boating? Then as boat owners, you know the importance of having the right accessories (whether for safety, comfort, or fun). How well you prep can make or break your trip. So next time you prepare for cruising, fishing, or relaxing aboard your boat, use this list of must-have boat accessories. You may never want to leave without them again. Without further ado, here’s our list of the best boating accessories beyond the basic stuff like sun protection and towels.
Must-Have Boating Accessories for a Great Day on the Water
Stocking up on fun and practical boating accessories makes for a great day on the water. Let’s start with the practical stuff.
Boat Captain Must-Haves: Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs, AKA Life Jackets)
We bring up life jackets first because your life vest is easily one of the most critical items you will have on board. They can help save your life in an accident or emergency, and they are usually a legal requirement, often needing to be Coast Guard approved. They can help you stay afloat and prevent drowning if someone falls overboard or if the boat capsizes.
Life jackets come in different sizes, colors, and styles to fit different ages, weights, activities, and preferences. There are even specific life jackets for activities, like kayaking, fishing, skiing, and more. Learn about How to Store A Kayak & SUP here.
First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is another essential safety item every boater should have on board their vessel. Make sure it contains medical supplies like bandages, antiseptics, pain relievers, and more. A well-prepared boat captain always keeps the first aid kit fully stocked and easily accessible.
Throwable Flotation Device
A throwable flotation device is life-saving equipment you can throw to someone who has fallen overboard. It can provide temporary flotation until help arrives. A throwable flotation device is a legal must on boats over a certain size. And this applies to most boats.
Navigation Lights, Spotlight, Signal Flares & Other Safety Gear
Typical boating safety equipment includes the items we’ve mentioned, sound-producing devices, and visual distress signals. Navigation lights, spotlights, and signal flares all have their unique uses. But they carry one thing in common: your safety.
You can use a spotlight or navigation lights to guide your way if it gets dark. Flares and other signaling devices are vital for night-time operations. If you get lost in the water, signal flares can help draw attention to your location.
Personal Locator Beacon
Enjoy peace of mind on your next boating trip, and bring a personal locator beacon. This handy device will send your location to emergency rescue teams when activated.
Extra Food, Drink & Snacks
Bringing drinks, food and snacks is vital for three reasons. One – they’re delicious and fun. Two – they give you the energy to enjoy a long, excursion-filled day on the water. And three? Friends and family bond over food – eating food together is one of the oldest and most important things people do together to enjoy their time together and bond.
Sound Signaling Devices
These are essential safety items you’ll need on any boat, as they allow you to signal your presence and warn other boaters of potential hazards. While most boats have a built-in horn, it is always a good idea to have a backup in case of a malfunction or a dead battery.
A handheld horn is an example of a portable and affordable option that you can easily store on your boat and use whenever needed. You can find handheld horns at most marine supply stores or online. Alongside your life jacket(s), this is an essential safety device for any boat.
Motion Sickness Products
Nothing puts a damper on your boating trip like a bout of motion sickness! Bring along motion sickness products to prevent cutting your trip short.
Motion sickness remedies like wristbands, patches, or non-drowsy medications can help you stay comfortable and enjoy the entire day on the water. These will help you and your crew have fun instead of nausea.
Emergency Tool Kit + Tow Boat
Carry a quality tool kit on board to use in emergencies. You never know when you might need it! It’s essential for quick fixes and unexpected repairs.
Here’s what you can include:
- Wrenches & Screwdrivers
- Pliers
- Hammer
- Multi-Tool
- Electrical Tape
- Spare Parts
In addition to your tool kit, make sure you have fire extinguishers on board to handle any potential fire hazards. While it’s not a physical “tool” exactly, a subscription to a tow boat service and a VHF radio can provide peace of mind and assistance in an emergency situation.
You might want some gloves too…
Cut Resistant Gloves
Boaters and anglers are prone to pesky cuts and scratches, especially on the hands! Fish hooks, knives, sharp edges on metal anchors – there are many potential dangers to guard your hands from. Save yourself the trouble and come prepared with a pair of cut-resistant gloves.
Paddles
Your boat paddle isn’t just a tool. It’s your guarantee of smooth sailing. Some paddles even extend the realms of functionality with cleverly integrated hooked handles. This turns a simple paddle into a versatile boat hook, ready to tackle multiple tasks at sea.
Whether propelling your boat forward or ensuring a steady grip at the dock, your boat paddle is a reliable partner in your aquatic adventure. Some paddles even have features to help manage fishing lines, making them versatile tools for any boating activity.
Telescopic Boat Hook
And speaking of hooks… If your paddle doesn’t have an innovative hook design, make sure you bring that boat hook! When you’re boating, you’ll inevitably need to hook something eventually. You’ll need to grab something that fell out of the boat, latch onto the side of the dock, or pick up your mooring ball. Having a boat hook on board is a must!
Mooring Whips
Mooring whips keep your boat from hitting the dock. Without them, the wind, waves, wakes, and tide can push your boat against the dock and cause damage. When you use good mooring whips correctly, you significantly minimize the risk of this type of damage to your boat. Additionally, specialized fenders can protect your swim platform from damage while docking.
Storage Solutions on the Water & off of it
Do you enjoy kayaking, wakeboarding, or paddleboarding? Do you wish you could take your favorite water toys out on the boat, far from shore? And even if there was a way, wouldn’t it take up tons of space? We have the solution!
Manta Racks allow you to transport your kayaks or boards on your boat. And with ease. They’re designed to utilize your existing rod holders, storing securely without taking up any extra room. You can even use our storage racks back on shore, storing them safely and out of the way in your garage or on your dock.
Waterproof Dry Bags
Keep your valuables dry while onboard with waterproof dry bags – even if the only thing you’re protecting is your cell phone, it’s a no-brainer. But they protect much more. These bags are perfect for storing cell phones, cameras, electronics, and other valuable items water can damage. These come in different sizes that you can store in your boat.
Boat Fenders
Fenders are rubber bumpers that protect your boat from damage when docked. They are essential for preventing scratches and dents on your boat hull. Fenders come in different sizes and shapes and can be attached to your boat.
Dock Lines
Dock lines help you easily secure your boat to a dock or another boat. They come in many sizes: perfect for your pontoon boat, speed boat, and more!
Now, boating is fun, but why not take things up a notch? With the best boat accessories on board, it’ll be even better. We’ve covered the practical stuff up to this point. Let’s take a deep dive into the fun side of things.
Portable, Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
Bluetooth speakers are perfect for playing music on your boat. They are portable and connectable to your smartphone or tablet. Bluetooth speakers are perfect for parties, gatherings, and chilling out in the middle of the cove. You don’t want to miss out on speakers, especially for a fun day out on the water!
Water Toys
Water toys like inflatable tubes, wakeboards, and water skis can add great fun to your boating experience. They are perfect for entertaining kids and adults alike and can make your boating trip more enjoyable. Learn how to Master the Wakeboarding Basics here.
Water Sports Gear
If you enjoy adrenaline, bring wakeboards, surfboards (read our surfing tips for beginners here), water skis, tubes, stand-up paddleboards, and more with your boat or fishing boat with wakeboard racks. You can also carry fishing gear to catch some fish.
Cameras and Binoculars
You don’t want to miss capturing the beautiful scenery and wildlife on your boat trip. A camera and a pair of binoculars are must-have boating accessories to help you do that.
BBQ Boat Grill
A marine grill is easily one of the best accessories you can add to your boat. With it, you can spend the morning spearfishing and fishing and the afternoon and evening grilling up and eating the freshest fish and lobster you can get your hands on. That’s boating life at its best. What better way is there to spend time with family and friends?
Fishing Rod + Fishing Line & Fish Finder
Stay busy out on the water and bring a fishing rod! Tired of waiting for the fish to bite? A fish finder takes you straight to them by detecting them underwater. Read How Wakeboard Racks for Fishing Boats Can Be Beneficial here.
Fish Cooler
Contain your catch in a spacious fishing cooler! A good fish cooler will keep your fish fresh, too. Look for a sturdy one with great insulation to make sure your catch stays fresh until you cook it.
Portable Solar Charger
Stay plugged in out on the water by using a portable solar charger. Opt for a durable, waterproof model that can withstand the elements, so you always have power, even on extended trips. You can use a solar charger to keep your items charged and ready to use!
Pocket Anemometer
A pocket anemometer is a portable device you can use to measure wind speed and sometimes other meteorological parameters as well. It’s useful for boaters to measure wind speed, and sometimes wind temperature and other conditions.
Manta Racks Systems
These racks are a breath of fresh air when your boards, mats, or skis are cluttering the deck of your boat. Your Manta Racks System gets them off the deck and securely stored, letting you transport your boards or kayaks on your boat using your existing fishing rod holder.
This system also allows you to easily store floating mats, waterboards, paddleboards, and skis on your boat using the rod holders on your boat. It fits different boards and kayaks and can rotate and lock to keep them parallel with your boat’s gunwale. Plus, it’s easy to install and remove for added convenience.
To Wrap Things Up
These are some of the must-have accessories that can make your boating experience more enjoyable and comfortable. Investing in these items can enhance your safety, convenience, and fun on the water.
Remember, federal law requires specific safety equipment on board, so make sure you are compliant to ensure a safe and enjoyable boating experience.
If you’re looking for the best boat accessories for storage, check out Manta Racks Systems and discover the convenience and benefits of our products.
Manta Racks Systems is the ultimate solution for transporting and storing water toys on your boat, and also in your garage or on your dock. Visit Manta Racks and order yours today!
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