Must-Have Accessories for Every Boat

What you carry onboard your boat is just as important as the boat itself. After all, what good is owning a boat if you don't have essential supplies to make your trips enjoyable?

The subject of what boat accessories are absolutely essential can be subjective, but most of the items on this list are either required by law or just common sense. Seasoned boaters will probably already have these “must have” accessories, but for novice boaters who are still learning the nautical ropes, here’s our list of essential boat accessories. 

Personal Flotation Devices

Even the most capable swimmers are capable of drowning, so perhaps the most essential boating accessory is the life jacket or vest. Personal flotation devices on a boat are not only important for the safety of you and your passengers, but they’re required by law. 

Most states require at least one lifejacket on board for each person, but it’s always a good idea to have some spares available just in case. Lifejackets come in a variety of styles and materials, some more comfortable (and expensive) than others. Know your state’s life preserver requirements and abide by them, and check the requirements of the US Coast Guard as well before equipping your boat. Also, have throwable cushions or life rings on board for man-overboard emergencies. 

First Aid Kit 

It’s always a good idea to have a first-aid kit anywhere, but especially on a boat in case somebody gets injured. You never know when somebody will cut themselves, so having a first aid kit on board helps ensure you don’t have to cut your boating time short over any minor injuries that don’t require professional medical attention. This portable must-have boating accessory can be stored easily in a compartment, so don’t leave shore without one. 

General Safety Kit

Much like a first-aid kit, a general safety kit is an essential boat accessory to have readily available during unexpected emergencies. You can buy ready-made safety kits or customize one of your own. 

If you decide to put one together yourself, there are several items you should include:

• Emergency signaling items such as flares, whistles and air horns
• A marine VHF radio with batteries if you don't already have one mounted
• Flashlights (preferably crank-powered) in case you get stranded at night
• Goggles or masks in case you have to find someone or something underwater
• Plenty of sunscreen and bug repellent to protect your skin 
• A good knife and a basic multi-tool set for unexpected obstacles
• Foldable paddles and inflatable rafts in case you have to abandon ship

These accessories are always good to have in case of emergencies, and some USCG approved boat kits come equipped with essentials like life vests and fire extinguishers. If you decide to prepare your own safety kit, the next items on our list will come in handy as well.

Fire Extinguisher

A fire extinguisher is another essential accessory for your boat. Your watercraft should already come with a fire extinguisher (and other fire suppression accessories), but if it doesn't, don't go offshore until you get one. You never know when a fire will break out on board or on a nearby boat, so you should always have an extinguisher handy. Fire extinguishers are a standard requirement on boats, and the US Coast Guard has varying fire extinguisher requirements for different sized vessels. Familiarize yourself with the USCG fire extinguisher requirements before choosing yours.

Battery Charger

When your car battery dies, it’s a lot easier to ask passersby to give you a jump start. Out on the water? Not so much. Make sure you have a good battery charger handy if your boat’s battery dies. Chargers are a relatively inexpensive portable boat accessory. Some chargers even come with extras such as USB portals to charge your phone and other electronic devices. 

Marine GPS

Yes, most cell phones today come standard with GPS technology built in. However, when you’re somewhere far out on the water, you might not always get a signal. That’s where the marine GPS comes in. Today’s marine GPS technology offers more than what the run-of-the-mill GPS on your phone provides. From electronic charts to geocaching, fish finders, sonar and more, marine GPS technology has improved significantly over the years. 

The biggest benefit to marine GPS is that it can help you navigate unfamiliar waters, and pinpoint hazards such as channel markers in a way the standard GPS on your phone might not be able to. And like most technology that's been around for a while, it has become more affordable as well.

Cooler

This boating accessory is pretty obvious, but a day out at sea is much more enjoyable with a cooler on board. You want to have one available for keeping plenty of drinking water to keep you hydrated during hot days offshore. And if you get stranded out at sea, it’s good to have plenty of food and water in a cooler until help arrives. Consider buying a cooler mounting kit for your boat as well. These kits allow you to have a permanent cooler on board that keeps it from sliding around, and eliminates the inconvenience of carrying a loaded cooler around or forgetting to bring one.

Dock Lines, Fenders and Cleats

This trio of boat accessories are basic essentials for any boat. Fenders and dock lines work together to protect your boat while docking. The fenders (or bumpers) protect your boat from chafing while docked, and the dock lines keep your boat from drifting away.

Fenders hang off the side of your boat and come in various sizes for different boat types. Hang 2-3 bumpers off each side of your boat at different points where it could make direct contact with the dock. You can buy dock lines pretty cheap, but it’s better to spend a little extra on high endurance lines to ensure your boat is secured. Dock lines are also great to have onboard in case your boat needs towing. Buy some extra cleats for your boat too in case the ones it has fitted on break off. 

Anchors

This boat accessory doesn’t require a lot of explanation, but anchors are a must for any watercraft. It’s impossible to keep your boat secured in one spot on the water for too long without one. For safety reasons, an anchor also helps prevent your boat from drifting into rocks and other hazardous obstacles when stranded. Anchors come in a variety of shapes and sizes for different waterbodies, so you might want to buy more than one anchor type for your boat. 

Marine Compass

Before the miracle of GPS technology, sailors relied heavily on their compass to navigate the seas. A compass might seem obsolete today with the advent of GPS navigation, but it doesn’t hurt to have one on your boat to help you find your way home if GPS technology fails. Marine compasses might seem like outdated relics, but modern compasses have a little technology behind them, such as illumination for nighttime navigation. They’re also inexpensive, and it never hurts to have one handy. 

Dry Sack/Dry Box

To keep your safety and personal items dry, it’s a good idea to have a dry sack on board. A dry box is a great boating accessory for protecting your phone and other electronic devices on board, but it’s not ideal for carrying your stuff off the boat. That’s where the dry sack or dry bag comes in handy. If you plan on walking from your boat to shore or carrying your stuff around at a sandbar, always have a dry sack on board. 

Bimini Top

No list of accessories for boats would be complete without the Bimini top. This must-have accessory provides protection and comfortable shade from the blazing sun and cold rain. Bimini tops are available for varying boat sizes and coverage areas, and can be custom made for your boat’s specific needs. When choosing a Bimini top, there are many factors to consider, including dimensions, frame types and colors. The main benefit of having one is for the protection it provides you, your passengers, and the equipment on your boat.

We hope this list of essential boating accessories helps make your offshore experiences safer and more enjoyable. Don't leave shore without them.