The Best Boat Accessories | 2023

Whether you’re a new boat owner or just want to plan a trip, it helps to stock up on important boat accessories before you get on the water. Some necessities make your boating trip a safer experience and can prepare you for potential emergencies. Other accessories can help help you use, secure, decorate and maintain your boat. 

Before you invest in accessories you should consider what you’ll use to transport your boat and how you’ll secure it once it arrives to your destination. Items in this category include a trailer for carrying the boat and straps for tying it down. Once you arrive, important docking items to consider include anchors, dock lines and hooks, while fenders also come in handy for preventing damage while your boat is at the dock. Don’t forget locks for your boat and any trailer used.

Safety equipment such as life vests, life rings and a first aid kit is always important. It also helps to have navigational tools such as a portable GPS unit, radar camera and compass along with a handheld radio for communications. If you plan to boat at night, make sure you get a flashlight and consider other options such as underwater lights or exterior LED lighting systems. It’s also worth getting safety flares, air horns and whistles in case of emergencies and a boat battery charger to prevent running out of power.

You might also want extra items for a more enjoyable and comfortable boating experience. A top or umbrella will help provide shade, while a cooler, grill and cup holders come in handy for staying nourished. Trash bags and dry bags will keep things tidy or dry, while a helm mat makes standing while steering the boat more comfortable. You might also like recreational items such as speakers and fish finding devices.

Don’t forget to purchase decorative accessories to help make your boat look nice. To remove marks and dirt, you’ll want a sponge, towel or cleaning mitt along with specialized cleaning chemicals and a bucket. You have many options for adding decorations, including attaching simple decals or signs or hanging flags and banners. Opting for colorful lighting is another way to get your boat noticed.

• It’s a good idea to have a tool kit on hand in case your boat gets damaged or breaks down in the water. This should include typical tools like screwdrivers, zip ties and wrenches, alongside common parts like spark plugs and fuses. Other items such as a replacement paddle, ignition key and spare oil and fuel come in handy too.
• Wear plenty of sunscreen and have water on hand when you’re out boating. If you plan to swim, consider getting a towel, pool toys and maybe even an inflatable slide you can attach to your boat.
• If you plan to bring gadgets onboard, you could install a charger on your boat or go the simpler route and buy accessories such as portable power banks and solar panels. You’ll also want to weatherproof your electronics in case it rains, water gets in the boat or a gadget falls out. Waterproof pouches that float are especially useful for phones, while waterproof cases can work for tablets and laptops.
• To keep your boat in good shape, try cleaning it after each outing when possible. You can simply wash it down with water and save the soap for more thorough cleaning tasks. Waxing your boat every few months is another good practice to adopt.
• If you’re taking your boat on a fishing trip, make sure you bring any required fishing licenses along with a tackle box and other essentials. Bringing a couple of fishing rods with plenty of line and hooks is a good idea in case one breaks or gets lost. You should also do research on the types of fish in the area so you get the right types of live and artificial bait to catch them.
• To be safe, always inspect your boat before you head out. Around once a year, consider having a mechanic do a very thorough inspection so you can get any needed repairs and maintenance work done. This will help reduce inconvenient breakdowns and safety issues on your boating trip.
• Seasickness can make your boat ride much less enjoyable, so you should prepare. One option is to add motion sickness medications or an acupressure wristband to your boat accessories list. Making sure you stay hydrated, rested and fed also helps.
• Boat security accessories can go a long way toward preventing boat theft, but you’ll want to follow best practices too. Make sure you keep everything locked and don’t keep the key in the boat’s ignition. If possible, store your boat where you can keep a close eye on it. Plus, consider anti-theft devices that alert you of activity or even keep the boat from starting.