When you head out onto the water, you need to remember to bring certain safety equipment. This includes life vests, fire extinguishers, flares, and a number of other things. 

But once you pack those, it’s time to begin thinking about other boat accessories that you can also bring along. These can make your experience on the water more enjoyable. So, what should you bring?

Keep reading to learn about seven boat accessories you should never leave at home.

1. An Umbrella for Your Seat

Cruising around on the water is great, but what about the times when your boat has to sit in the same spot for a while? You don’t want to sit in the sun and bake. If your boat doesn’t have a covering over the chair you sit in, make sure you get one.

Everyone likes to get tan but understand the effects that too much sun can have on your skin. The two types of UV rays that can damage you are UVA and UVB. UVB rays are those that cause tanning and sunburns. UVA rays cause damage over time, leading to wrinkles, discoloration, and skin cancer.

Aside from wearing sunscreen, a hat, and glasses, an umbrella over your chair will keep you in the shade while on your boat. You can prop boat umbrellas up anywhere, providing you with much-needed relief from the sun’s rays. 

2. A Waterproof Bag

One of the most important boat accessories is also one of the simplest. Whenever you head out onto the water, you should make sure to bring enough waterproof bags to keep and store your most valuable items. 

Waterproof bags let you keep anything you want dry. You can store camera equipment, clothes, and extra towels without worry that they’ll get wet. If something happens and the bag falls overboard, the objects inside will be safe, as long as they don’t stay submerged for too long.

Most waterproof bags come with different color options to choose from. To make things easy, consider going with a bright color that’s easy to see. If the bag does fall overboard, you’ll have no problem finding it. 

3. A Ladder for Your Dog 

Does your family have a four-legged friend that enjoys boating as much as you? If so, you should figure out how to make their experience more enjoyable as well. A doggy ladder can make things easier for everyone.

Installing a doggy ladder onto your boat will let them jump in the water then climb back out without assistance. This means that you’ll no longer have to go through the horror of picking up an animal with claws and putting them back into the boat.

Most doggy ladders are lightweight and easy to attach or remove. This means that if your dog doesn’t come on a particular excursion, you can detach the ladder without a problem. Next time they do come, you can latch it back on.

4. A GoPro

Whether you have your boat on a lake, a river, or the ocean, there are many sights that take your breath away. To capture them, make sure that you have the right camera. A GoPro will allow you to take high-quality pictures and videos of anything you want. 

GoPros are durable and waterproof, which makes them perfect for boaters. They also come with a variety of different mounts. You can attach them to your boat, to your lifejacket, or to your dog. 

The latest models are expensive, so consider going with an older version. You can enjoy most of the same amazing features at a more affordable price.

5. A Tripod

No matter which type of camera you use, you’ll need to bring a tripod along as well. This saves you from having to waste time propping your camera up each time you want to take certain types of pictures or videos.

Most of the time, boats are not friendly to cameras. They’re unstable, wet, and don’t offer a lot of room. The right camera tripod will allow you to mount your camera without worry.

Try to find a tripod with flexible legs. You can then use it to wrap around different objects, such as deck rails and flag poles.

6. Shatterproof Cups 

If you’re someone who likes to host get-togethers on your yacht or speedboat, you’ll need to make sure you have the right tools to entertain. Cups that won’t shatter are a necessity. 

Look for non-BPA acrylic cups. These are durable and can survive a tumble but come in different design options. If you want to promote a nautical theme, consider getting cups with lighthouse or anchor patterns.

Many companies also sell matching ice buckets and coolers. Get a matching set of everything, and you’ll be the envy of all of your friends.  

7. A Set of Speakers

Some people enjoy throwing parties and entertaining on the water. Others prefer a more serene and tranquil experience. Regardless of which type of boater you are, music can help make the experience more enjoyable. Make sure that you find a quality set of speakers, as the audio from your phone won’t cut it. 

Try to find a set of speakers that are durable and can handle bumps and jolts. If the water gets choppy, you want to ensure that they won’t get damaged if they fall. They also need to be waterproof or splashproof, as this will allow them to get wet without causing you to panic.

If you’re looking for a quality set of speakers, check out the Wake Air Towers.

Don’t Forget These Seven Boat Accessories for Your Next Trip 

If you own a boat, it can be hard to remember what to bring when you head out on the water. Yet by following this guide and bringing along these seven boat accessories, you’ll be sure to have an amazing and safe time.

Do you have any other recommendations on accessories to bring out on the water? Let us know!

If you found this article to be useful, don’t forget to take a look at some of our other blog posts for more guides and tips.