There is a wide range of accessories available in the market for boat owners. There are a few essential items that all boat owners must invest in. Some of them enhance the safety of the riders while others can be useful in emergency situations. Here are the ten best “must have” boat accessories that every boat owner should consider buying.
1. Stearns Adult Classic Series Life Vest
While most people who go on boat rides know swimming, it is still wise to wear a lifejacket. It may be mandatory by law to wear a life jacket while going on a pontoon or other boat. The Stearns Adult Classic Series life vest is a well-reviewed option when it comes to the ten best “must have” boat accessories. It is made from durable nylon and polyester foam and will last for years to come. The vest is comfortable to wear and has three buckles for securing it in place. The Classic Series life vest is approved by the US Coast Guard.
2. Be Smart Get Prepared 100 Piece First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is a necessary item on the list of ten best “must have” boat accessories. It is essential especially for individuals who take their kids along with them on pontoon trips. The Be Smart Get Prepared 100 Piece first aid kit is a great choice for most people. It contains a wide variety of items including antiseptic wipes, ointments, adhesive bandages and a cold compress for treating injuries. The kit comes in a compact plastic case that is impact resistant and easy to carry while travelling and occupies minimum space.
3. Garmin Striker 4
Individuals who like to explore new waters must include a GPS in their ten best “must have” boat accessories list. A GPS can be helpful when venturing into unknown water bodies and assist in navigation, especially at night. The Garmin Striker 4 is an affordable and feature-packed option. The Striker 4 allows you to set up a waypoint map with locations for easier navigation. It also acts as a fishfinder and comes with a CHIRP sonar transducer that can also show data in flasher format. It has a 3.5” screen with dedicated buttons making it easy to use.
4. SeaSense 74538 Navy Anchor 20Lbs
People who like to fish or park their boats over water would require an anchor to keep it from drifting with the water current. The SeaSense Navy Anchor (74358) is one of the ten best “must have” boat accessories for these people. It weighs 20lbs and has flukes both of which contribute to hold the boat in place. It can be used for sandy and muddy riverbeds. The anchor is made from cast iron and is coated with vinyl. A fouled anchor can be retrieved easily by pivoting the shank. The Navy Anchor will be suitable for a wide range of boats.
5. Attwood Emergency Telescoping Paddle (11828-1)
People who own boats with electric or gas motors should also consider buying a paddle when it comes to the ten best “must have” boat accessories. A paddle can be used for rowing the boat in case it runs out of gas or electric charge for its motor. The emergency telescoping paddle from Attwood is a suitable option for such situations. It is a collapsible paddle having a length of 42” when extended and 20-3/4” when retracted. The paddle has an aluminum shaft and a sturdy plastic blade. It weighs only one pound, and its retraction capability makes it easy to store.
6. First Alert Fire Extinguisher (FE1A10GR)
A marine fire extinguisher is another safety item when it comes to the ten best “must have” boat accessories. It can be handy to have in case of emergencies such as an electrical short-circuit or gasoline fires. The First Alert FE1A10GR is a marine fire extinguisher designed for boats. It has a commercial grade valve and trigger and can be recharged after use. A metal pull pin with safety seal prevents tampering or accidental discharge. The extinguisher is approved by the US Coast Guard and comes with a certified mounting bracket and strap.
7. Cal June Ring Buoy
Owners of pontoon or other boats who have quite a few persons onboard, especially children, will find a ring buoy to be one of the best “must have” boat accessories. Ring buoys can be a lifesaver if someone falls off the boat or gets caught in a strong current. Cal June ring buoy is a popular choice of boat owners and also has excellent reviews. It is round shaped and comes with a throw line. The buoy is approved by the US Coast Guard and is available in multiple sizes.
8. Outdoor Products Waterproof Dry Sack
Boat owners must invest in a dry bag to protect their important items such as documents and electronic gadgets from the water. The Outdoor Products Waterproof Dry Sack is a great option for people considering the ten best “must have” boat accessories. It is made from 500-denier PVC and is rugged and durable. It has a roll-down top and a splash-proof outer zip pocket for smaller items. A reflective trim makes it easy to spot in the dark. The bag is available in 10-liter and 20-liter sizes as well as a wide variety of colors. It comes with a sling shoulder strap for easy carriage.
9. Ritchie B-51 Navigation Explorer Compass
While GPS-based navigation can be a boon to have, there may be days when a person might be forced to navigate old-school style. The GPS may malfunction, or its batteries may die. A navigation compass can be a handy boat accessory to have at such a time. The Ritchie B-51 navigation explorer compass is a great option for boat owners. It has a large 2-3/4” dial with green illumination for night time use. The B-51 explorer compass has a scientifically matched sapphire jewel along with a hardened steel pivot dial movement. It comes with built-in compensators for maximum accuracy.
10. Standard Horizon HX300 Handheld VHF Marine Radio
A VHF Marine Radio is a must have boat accessory for people who traverse in large bodies of water. It allows you to get information regarding the position of different vessels and upcoming weather conditions as well as send out a distress signal or call for help during emergencies. The HX300 is a handheld VHF marine radio from Standard Horizon that will suit the needs of most boat owners. It has a large 1.75” LCD for providing information. The radio supports a wide range of scanning functions including priority scan and dual/tri watch mode. It is powered by a rechargeable 1650 mAh 3.7V Li-ion battery.
