How do you make a boating trip more exciting and safe? There are many boating accessories to choose from. We will give you a complete list of the most highly rated boating must-haves.
Whether you have a sailboat, yacht, pontoon boat, bass boat, or any other marine vessel, here are our top 16 things to have on a boat:
- Water boards: ZUP Boards – Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
- Underwater Camera, Selfie Stick, and Binoculars: Bushnell Waterproof/Fogproof Roof Prism Binoculars – Click here to see it on Amazon
- Bluetooth Speaker: JBL Charge 3 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- Board and Card Games
- Air-tight Coolers: Coleman Rolling Cooler
- Fishing Gear
- Tracker Device: Spot Satellite GPS Messenger
- Clipper Compass
- Cut-resistant Gloves
- Scuba Mask and Snorkel Set: Cressi Italian Design Boutique Collection
- Food and Snacks
- Towels and Extra Clothes
- Sunscreen and Sunglasses
- Dry Bags
- Emergency Kit
- First Aid Kit: Lightning X Deluxe Stocked Large EMT First Aid Kit
Read on to learn more about each of these things and how they can make your boating experience safer and more memorable.
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 our top 3 things to have on your boat, take a look at the following:
Click here to see it on Amazon.
16 Things to Have on a Boat – for Fun and Safety
1. Water Boards
On your next boating trip with friends or family, the first thing you should put on the list of fun things to have on a boat is to bring your water boards – surfboard, wakeboard, tubes, ZUP Boards, water skis, Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board, etc. The list goes on!
Click here to see it on Amazon.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
Water boards are designed for smooth edging on the waking surface and will give you a soft landing. Depending on what you wish to experience, each type of water board has its own features that will provide you with the kind of thrill you seek.
2. Underwater Camera, Selfie Stick, and Binoculars
Because of today’s social media influence, more and more people have been documenting and sharing their hobbies, trips, and adventures online. To make your boating trip memorable, pack up your water-proof cameras and selfie sticks to capture the moments.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
Bushnell Waterproof/Fogproof Roof Prism Binoculars allow you to see far into the distance for obstructions or watch out for your friends or family.
Many affordable but durable waterproof digital cameras allow you to capture photos and videos in specified water depth. Underwater photography has been considered an enjoyable water activity, and it is gaining popularity among water enthusiasts.
Click here to see these Waterproof Digital Cameras on Amazon.
Of course, you must take a groupie photo using your selfie stick to include everyone, especially you! Everyone needs to be in the photo. You cannot miss the fun times, and it is worth preserving the moment. So take as many pictures as you can. Hey, at least it doesn’t hurt the sea creatures.
3. Music Player or Bluetooth Speaker
Feel-good tunes are instrumental in turning the fun up a notch higher. You don’t need a lot to get great music out at sea.
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Play music from your phone or mp3 player, along with a waterproof portable Bluetooth speaker like the JBL Charge 3 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker, and pump up the volume.
Don’t forget to bring along a portable battery charger too! Playing music during your boating experience is definitely one of the many fun things to have on a boat.
4. Board and Card Games
There is no denying that Mother Nature can sometimes be teasing when it comes to the weather. One time the sun’s up and glaring. The next time, dark clouds are forming. You can never accurately predict the weather, especially if you are on a boat trip.
To keep the spirit of fun alive, bring along some board games and card games that everyone can join.
While staying inside the cabin and waiting for the rain to stop, play some poker games with your fishing friends or Crazy 8’s with your loved ones, and enjoy the laughter and giggles on their faces.
5. Air-tight Coolers
One of the most important things to have on a boat is an insulated cooler like the Coleman Rolling Cooler. Fill in with ice and everyone’s favorite drink to quench your thirst when you’re out there in the open sea.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
Sometimes, it can become too hot on the boat, and a cold drink is the best way to cool down, especially when you haven’t caught any fish sitting for long hours.
Are you an avid wine drinker? Keeping your wine bottles inside the cooler will do the trick. Chill down while sipping your favorite wine and laze around the boat for the day.
To keep your bottle and stemware steady while on the boat, a Robocup Multipurpose Cup Holder will do the trick.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
6. Fishing Gear
Most boating enthusiasts love to go fishing in the deep. So if you are bringing along family or friends who are first-timers of the hobby, bring along your rods and reels plus flies, terminal tackles, lures, line and reader, and other fishing gear. Bring an extra set for your family member or friend too.
7. Tracker Device
When you want to try out new water destinations, take precautions in navigation. A useful tracking device is one of the most important things to have on a boat and may save you and your family’s life.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
Pack with you a Garmin GPSMAP 86i, Floating Handheld GPS, and don’t leave the dock without it.
8. Clipper Compass
A compass is often underappreciated and underrated. Every boater should include a compass in their kit. When charting new waters with your friends, a compass is a handy tool that will keep you stay on track.
It will help you find your way home and prevent you from getting lost. Grab one Clipper Compass by your side when you go sailing on your next boating trip.
9. Cut-resistant Gloves
If you plan to go fishing and spend some time using knives, you need some hand protection to prevent cuts and bleeding.
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Pack in some cut-resistant gloves inside your fishing tool kit so when you finally catch that big fish, you will handle it just fine.
10. Scuba Mask and Snorkel Set
Enjoy the underwater world and experience the magnificent aquatic scenery using your scuba mask and snorkel set like the Cressi Italian Design Boutique Collection. It will give you a panoramic view of the seabeds and sea creatures passing by.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
11. Food and Snacks
The most important thing to bring in every boating trip is, of course, food and snacks! A day on the boat can be tiring, so load up with some protein bars, almonds, pretzels, peanut butter snacks, and fruits.
Don’t forget to chill your drinks in your cooler! Hydrate as much as you can. Being out there in the water and under the scorching heat of the sun can deplete your body’s water level.
12. Towels and Extra Clothes
Boating trips can be fun and sometimes leaving you wet all over! There is no such thing as underpacking towels, especially when you bring along your kids!
You can use towels to lounge on the boat, dry off after a swim, and clean your kids before they jump back into the car. Bring with you at least two sets of clothes to change into. If you get wet, a spare change of clothes can come in handy.
13. Sunscreen and Sunglasses
Even if you think it’s a cloudy day, the sun still emits ultraviolet rays. So to protect your skin from these harmful UV rays, apply sunscreen generously on your face and entire body.
Reapply as often as you can if you spend, especially if you spend time in the water. Sunscreens are designed to block off the harmful rays of the sun to protect your skin from damages. Also, use UV protection sunglasses to shield your eyes from the sun’s glare.
14. Dry Bags
Secure your electronic gadgets and other valuable items in a dry bag. Dry bags are called as such because it keeps your things dry while not in use. It is a watertight container that you can use during kayaking, boating, water rafting, and other watersport activities.
15. Emergency Kit
The law requires every boat to have the following gear, tools, and equipment on board:
- Life jackets
- Fire extinguishers
- Bells and whistles
- Visual distress signals
- Ventilation
- Backfire flame arrestor
- VHF radio
- Extra fuel
- Tool kit
- A bucket to use as a bailer
- Oars or paddles
- An anchor with enough chain
16. First Aid Kit
Accidents may happen at any time and anywhere. So while you are enjoying your boat trip, it is wise to get a first aid kit with the following items in case of injuries during your stay in the water.
- Antiseptic
- Bandages to wrap sprained ankles and wrists
- Butterfly bandages to close open wounds
- Cold medications
- Gauze sponges
- Medical adhesive tape
- Motion-sickness bags
- Pieces of splint material to stabilize suspected broken bones
- Waterproof adhesive bandages
The Lightning X Deluxe Stocked Large EMT First Aid Kit has everything you need, including vital BLS supplies like gauze, wipes, bandages, gloves, BP cuff, stethoscope, C-Collar, tourniquet, splints, and more.
Click here to see it on Amazon.
To prevent injuries, make sure you wear the right gear and use the right tools and equipment when going out on the water.
In addition to the first aid kit, learn the basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) technique and other first aid training, especially when you’re on board and miles away from medical help.
Conclusion – Things to Have on Your Boat
To recap, here are our 16 things to have on a boat – for fun and safety. Write down this list and add these things to your boat to make your boating adventures much safer and more memorable.
- Water boards: ZUP Boards – Click here to see it on Amazon – Our #1 Top Pick!
- Underwater Camera, Selfie Stick, and Binoculars: Bushnell Waterproof/Fogproof Roof Prism Binoculars – Click here to see it on Amazon
- Bluetooth Speaker: JBL Charge 3 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- Board and Card Games
- Air-tight Coolers: Coleman Rolling Cooler
- Fishing Gear
- Tracker Device: Spot Satellite GPS Messenger
- Clipper Compass
- Cut-resistant Gloves
- Scuba Mask and Snorkel Set: Cressi Italian Design Boutique Collection
- Food and Snacks
- Towels and Extra Clothes
- Sunscreen and Sunglasses
- Dry Bags
- Emergency Kit
- First Aid Kit: Lightning X Deluxe Stocked Large EMT First Aid Kit
Your family and friends will truly enjoy a day well spent on the boat. The items listed here are just some of the many fun and safe things to have for this activity. Better and newer boating tools, equipment, and accessories are available to improve your outdoor water adventure.
Save a list of your personal boating must-haves and upgrade them as you go. You can grab all of the stuff listed above, but remember not to overdo it. Just keep it simple!
Related reading:
6 Cool Sailboat Accessories You Need to Get
What Should Be in an Emergency Kit for a Boat?
What Supplies Do I Need for My New Boat?
