Some accessories are important for a smooth and safe sailing experience, while others are just nice to have. But there are plenty of sailboat accessories on the market that perfectly combine aesthetics and functionality if you know where to look.
What cool sailboat accessories could you buy to create a stress-free and enjoyable sailing experience?
Everyone has a different definition of what’s cool. But we think we can all agree that “cool” sailboat accessories should improve the efficiency of a boat and the passenger’s overall comfort and safety. Having a cool design is just a bonus.
The choices for sailboat accessories can be overwhelming, so we did some of the work for you. Here are our top 6 cool sailboat accessories every boat needs to get:
- Great Day LP500 Pet Platform – Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
- DeLorme inReach SE Satellite Tracker – Click here to see it on Amazon
- Zircon Leak Alert + LED
- Scrubba Wash Bag
- Bright Eyes Green & Red Portable Marine LED Boating Lights
- Brondell GoSpa Travel Bidet
These products have multiple purposes. So, if you’re looking for the best value for your money, these are one of your best options. Read on to learn more about each!
Also, we hope you find the links here useful. We may get a commission if you purchase something through a link on this page, so thank you!
Also, for an excellent Pet Platform, take a look at our top pick, the Great Day LP500 Pet Platform:
Click here to see it on Amazon.
6 Cool Sailboat Accessories You Need to Get
1. Great Day LP500 Pet Platform
The Great Day LP500 Pet Platform (Load-A-Pup for Boats) fits just about any boat with a boarding ladder. So, there’s no reason you can’t bring your pet boating for fear of not being able to pull them out of the water.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
This platform is made of aviation-grade aluminum. The floor has deep grooving that allows solid footing, especially when your pet climbs back aboard after taking a dip in the water. The off-white powder coating makes it resistant to scratches, chipping, and premature fading.
Weighing 7 pounds and measuring 14 inches by 20 inches, it’s a good alternative to bulky and heavy pet boat ramps. It can support up to 200 pounds of weight, so it is plenty strong for most dogs.
Note: It covers the entire boarding ladder. Leave it hanging on the safety strap, and just put it back if your pet needs to get off or on the boat.
Top Features & Benefits:
- It saves your back from lifting your 50-pound dogs in and out of the water.
- It perfectly fits most boarding ladders. In rare instances, you might need to make a few minor tweaks to have it fit snugly.
- As advertised, it’s sturdy enough to support up to 200 pounds.
- You may use it as a step as long as you step close to the boarding ladder and are within the weight limit.
2. DeLorme inReach SE Satellite Tracker
The DeLorme inReach SE Satellite Tracker is a great tool to have if you’re going to places with poor cellular coverage. This device allows you to email, track, navigate, send and receive text messages (up to 160 characters), and trigger SOS signals anywhere in the world.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
You can even pair it with iOS and Android-enabled smartphones and tablets. With its free Earthmate app, you can use your smartphone or tablet as a satellite communication and navigation system to provide emergency communication services.
The same app captures your real-time GPS coordinates and creates a route on a digital map. Through the web-based MapShare portal, you can share your current location and movements with your family members and friends.
Find yourself in an emergency? Trigger a distress signal and maintain a 2-way text messaging conversation with Garmin’s 24/7 GEOS search and rescue monitoring team.
The DeLorme inReach SE Satellite Tracker is built to withstand the abuse of harsh environments. It’s resistant to dust, intense force, and water (can be submerged in 1 meter of water for half an hour).
It’s powered by a rechargeable lithium battery, which provides approximately 100 hours of operation. This cool tracker also comes with a wall charger and USB cord.
Top Features & Benefits:
- It receives and sends text messages fast.
- The battery can hold a charge for a long time (around four days when you’re tracking at 10 minutes intervals).
- It’s dependable and sturdy.
- It’s lightweight.
3. Zircon Leak Alert + LED
Save yourself from potentially expensive and dangerous water leaks by getting a quality water leak alarm (if you don’t have one yet). The Zircon Leak Alert + LED is a great option.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
It doesn’t have electrical wires, so you can place it almost anywhere in your boat that has a potential for leaks. A few examples are the deck, engine cooling system, exhaust system, water heater, under kitchen sinks, and bathroom.
How it works:
- Once you’ve identified your leak-prone area, place the alarm on its back, with the metal contacts touching the surface.
- When water touches the metal contacts, the detector will produce loud (90 decibels) alarm sounds and flickering lights for 3 days or until the batteries are depleted.
Note: One pack includes five units, five 9-volt batteries, and detailed instructions.
Top Features & Benefits:
- This detector floats on water, so you don’t have to worry about water damage.
- It gives off a warning sound when it’s time to replace the batteries.
- No electrical wires, so you can place them anywhere you want without a problem.
- It detects leaks and produces thunderous warning sounds.
4. Scrubba Wash Bag
Wondering how to fit a washing machine in a sailboat? Save yourself the headache and get the Scrubba Wash Bag.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
It weighs approximately 5 ounces (a little heavier than a deck of cards) and folds into a pocket-sized “washing machine.” This makes it convenient to bring with you during one of your boating adventures, business trips, hikes, camping trips, and other outdoor activities.
The Scrubba is the modern version of the old-fashioned washboard. It has a flexible washboard inside that allows a machine-quality wash in a few minutes.
How it works:
- Put your dirty clothes, clean water, and liquid detergent inside.
- Close, deflate, and start rubbing it from the outside for a maximum of 3 minutes. There’s a transparent window on the bag to see your clothes and the water level easily.
- Rinse your clothes and let them hang dry.
Dimensions:
- Folded: 6.3 inches by 2.4 inches by 2.4 inches
- Unfolded: 21.3 inches by 12.6 inches
Top Features & Benefits:
- It doubles as a dry bag to keep your clothes dry between washes.
- It’s easy to use and rinse your clothes in minutes.
- It’s lightweight and compact.
- It effectively washes your clothes, thanks to its internal Scrubba nodules.
5. Bright Eyes Green & Red Portable Marine LED Boating Lights
Night sailing requires red and green sidelights to keep you visible from miles away. The Bright Eyes Green & Red Portable Marine LED Boating Lights will surely keep you visible at night. It has three light modes: slow blink, strobe, and solid.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
Each portable light is enclosed in a silicone sleeve, making it water-resistant. The back has a flexible loop strap that fits most rails and piping on your boat that are at least 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.
Bright Eyes Green & Red Portable Marine LED Boating Lights are suitable for different types of boats: skeeter, pontoon, sailboat, fishing boat, and johnboat.
Note: It includes extra batteries (CR2032).
Top Features & Benefits:
- The straps are flexible enough to easily slide on tubes 1 inch to 1.5 inches in diameter.
- They’re bright (as advertised), so you can go night sailing or fishing with confidence.
- They’re easy to install and use.
- They look cool!
6. Brondell GoSpa Travel Bidet
You can’t travel anywhere without the Brondell GoSpa Travel Bidet. You can put it in your sailor bag, kit bag, or any small compartments. The nozzle’s unique design makes it easy for you to slip it back into the bottle for storage.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
And it’s easy to use. The metal airlock at the bottom of the bottle lets air in but doesn’t allow air or water out. The result is a consistent and controlled spray that requires minimal pressure. Meanwhile, the nozzle has an angled tip for perfect aim and less mess.
How it works:
- Fill the bottle with water (400 ml).
- Screw on the cap (with nozzle).
- Rotate the spray head to your desired angle.
- Then, wash.
Top Features & Benefits:
- It’s portable and discreet.
- The bottle is soft and fits comfortably in your hand.
- The angled spray head allows perfect aim.
- It’s easy to store.
Conclusion – Cool Sailboat Accessories
Again, here are five of the best, cool sailboat accessories on the market:
- Great Day LP500 Pet Platform – Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
- DeLorme inReach SE Satellite Tracker – Click here to see it on Amazon
- Zircon Leak Alert + LED
- Scrubba Wash Bag
- Bright Eyes Green & Red Portable Marine LED Boating Lights
- Brondell GoSpa Travel Bidet
These products add value and function to your sailboat and make your water adventures more comfortable and fun. That said, they may be impractical for your needs, so feel free to explore your options.
Related reading:
What Size Bimini Top Do I Need?