7 Best Boat Accessories To Make Your Next Trip A Breeze. (#7 is genius)

Read our guide to the top 7 boat accessories to make your next boat trip a success.

Best boat accessories
Grab the best boat accessories to make your next trip more fun!

If you're like us, then you love spending time out on the open water fishing. There's just something about being surrounded by nature that is so peaceful and calming. However, in order to have the best fishing trip possible, you need to make sure you have the right gear. In this article, we will discuss the 7 best boat accessories for the perfect fishing trip.  (and there's not a fish finder on the list, lol)

Do you love fishing as much as we do?

Imagine reeling in that big one and being able to show it off to all your friends! With the right gear, you'll be able to catch fish like a pro. Make sure to get yourself prepared for your next fishing trip and pick up some of these essential boat accessories.

How We Choose

We know that the only thing better than having a day on the water is the peace of mind that comes with it, knowing you don’t have to worry about your gear.

Our team has read through thousands of user reviews and star ratings to come up with a list that makes it easier for you to decide what are the most essential boat accessories. Don’t bother spending lots of time reading over many many reviews, we’ve done it for you and have come up with the best boat accessories to help you get the most out of your next fishing trip.

Read below for details and you can check the price on the ones that you like.

SHBC Compact First Aid Kit (228pcs)

Best Compact First Aid Kit For Your Boat

SHBC Compact First Aid Kit For The Boat

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Why We Love It

Nothing can mess up a day on the boat like an accident.  We all know that safety is the fundamental core of every activity, and it should always come first in our minds.  Accidents can happen at any time but if you have a first aid kit handy, you'll be prepared for anything.

This first aid kit from SHBC comes with 228 pieces including bandages, gauze pads, scissors, foil blanket, various tools and more.  It's also small and compact so you can easily store it away on your boat.

It's first on our list because it's an essential for any fishing trip. You never know when you or someone else might need it.

Here's What To Know

  • 228 pieces
  • Lightweight EVA molded shockproof case
  • Smooth, waterproof surface, easy to clean
  • Small size is perfect for storage in your boat (8" x 6 7/8"x 3 2 ")
  • Wide variety of emergency supplies, first aid blankets, scissors, whistles, multi-function saber cards and bandages

Marchway Floating Waterproof Dry Bag

Compact Dry Bag That's Best For The Boat

Marchway Floating Waterproof Dry Bag

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Why We Love It

Dry bags are pretty much a must-have in a boat.  We like these because they're simple and not gimmicky.  They're tough and inexpensive, and water-resistant.  The 500D fabric can withstand most harsh conditions and the seal system makes it easy to keep your gear dry no matter what.  Just roll down the top and buckle it up for complete protection against leaks.

There's an integrated shoulder strap so you can haul this bag on and off the boat easily.  And the bag will float if it gets dumped in the water.

Here's What To Know

  • 500D ripstop tarpaulin with sturdy welded seams resists punctures and tears
  • Solid roll-top closure system provides secure watertight seal
  • Put your gear in the bag, roll down tightly and buckle to complete seal
  • Easy to wipe clean
  • Multiple sizes: 5 liter to 40 liter
  • Adjustable and removable shoulder strap for cross-body, larger sizes include two straps for backpack style carrying.

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

Best Compact Waterproof Speaker For The Boat

Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 2 Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

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Why We Love It

These little speakers pack a punch!  They're versatile, and at the size of a grapefruit, they're very portable, easy to use and they accomplish the main thing you want in a portable speaker - they sound great.

We've used The Megaboom 3 for a few years on the boat and around the office, even taken it to the pool too.  It comes in handy when you're beached and don't want to drain the boat's battery. And we can't stress the sound quality and power from these things.  We like the Wonderboom 2 because they're a little smaller, they take a beating, and they're waterproof.

You control these little party animals right from the device, with no need for an app.

Here's What To Know

  • Wireless Bluetooth speaker with surprisingly big 360-degree sound
  • Outdoor boost feature, one button increases volume for outdoor use
  • 13 hr. battery
  • Waterproof, dustproof, and it floats
  • Double up with a second Wonderboom 2
  • Easily control music right from the speaker, play/pause/skip/volume

Magma Marine Stainless Steel Kettle Gas Grill

The Best Grill For Your Boat

Magma Marine Stainless Steel Kettle Gas Grill

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Why We Love It

We love this boat grill for a lot of reasons.  It's just so convenient, and everybody needs a boat grill, right?

The radiant plate heat distribution system creates hot even temperatures and doesn't use much fuel.   It's made of 18-9 mirror polished stainless steel, so it looks great, and it will be durable too. With Magma's highly efficient radiant plate heat distribution system in conjunction with the convection heating, this grill delivers hot even temperatures no matter what kind or size food is being cooked.  And you can grill steaks on medium heat then turn it up for a nice high heat sear.

This grill does just about everything right, and only weighs about 11 pounds.  Easy breezy.

Here's What To Know

  • 100% 18-9 mirror polished stainless steel
  • "Easy to clean" grease catch pan acts as a wind baffle
  • Hinged lid won't slam shut
  • "Stay cool" handle with air cooled supports.
  • Cooking grill diameter: 13 inches
  • Swiveling, windproof turbo venturi & control valve virtually eliminate blowouts
  • Bowl and lid can act as a windshield for lighting in windy conditions
  • Uses both radiant and convection cooking with burner and hi-tech radiant plate heat distribution, quickly comes to temperature
  • Uses standard, disposable 1-lb. propane canisters or adapts to on-board LPG (propane) or CNG (natural gas) systems

GearLight LED Flashlight 2- Pack

Best Little Flashlight For The Boat - 2 Pack

Gearlight LED Flashlight 2-Pack For The Boat

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Why We Love It

This is a great value for both of these little flashlights that come as a 2-pack.  They're super bright, and what we like is you can use multiple modes depending on what you need, but this compact little flashlight can be your best friend in time of need.

They're great to store on the boat or go camping with you - it fits right into any pocket but is powerful enough that will light up virtually anything.  It's also adjustable between pinpoint beam which allows small details to stand out better as well as wide open mode which lights up everything.

We know there are a lot of flashlights out there.  The point here is that you need a small, powerful flashlight on your boat for both general use and emergency use.  These are a great choice, but yes, there are lots of options.

Here's What To Know

  • The S1000 easily lights up an entire room
  • Virtually indestructible military-grade aluminum
  • Water-resistant
  • Strong enough to survive a 10-foot drop
  • Fits in your pocket or boat storage area
  • High lumen flashlight set includes (2) S1000 flashlights, (2) AAA battery holders (batteries not included), (2) 18650 battery tubes, (2) lanyards, (2) holsters, and (1) user manual
  • Compact ‎6.1 x 1.57 x 1.57 inches
  • Great for everyday or as emergency light

Onyx Unisex Belt Pack Manual Inflatable Life Jacket (PFD)

Best Compact Inflatable Life Preserver (PFD)

Onyx Unisex Belt Pack Inflatable Life Jacket (PFC)

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Why We Love It

Gotta have a life jacket!  We're choosing this because it's small, lightweight and comfortable.  The M-16 inflatable belt pack provides manual inflation where the wearer pulls on an inflation handle, and a CO2 cartridge inflates the vest.  Then there's a manual inflation tube you can blow into to provide additional buoyancy.  It's extremely low profile, weighing less than 1lb.  It's a great way to carry your life jacket without knowing you're wearing one.

The vest can be rearmed after use so it's ready for the next time you need it.

It's first on our list because it's an essential for any fishing trip. You never know when you or someone else might need it.   And relying on something like a pool noodle is NOT an option here, you must have life jackets as they're a Coast Guard requirement.

Here's What To Know

  • Buckle closure
  • U.S. Coast Guard approved inflatable belt pack
  • 16-gram CO2 charge provides 17 lbs. of buoyancy
  • Oral inflation tube can be used to provide additional buoyancy up to 26.5 lbs.
  • Secure pull clips to life jacket
  • Low profile design does

Ironwood Pacific Top-Snapper Tool for Boat Canvas Snaps

Ironwood Pacific Top Snapper Tool For Boat Canvas

Ironwood Pacific Top Snapper Tool For Boat Canvas

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Why We Love It

When you see this tool, it's one that you look at and say, "holy cow, where has that been?"  It's so obvious, but not something that everybody has.

How many times have you not been able to unsnap a snap on your boat canvas?   Is there anything more frustrating than trying to put your boat cover on in the springtime?   This handy, simple tool uses leverage to help out, so you don't break fingers or fingernails. With this tool, now you'll be able to spend less time monkeying around with your snaps.

The Top-Snapper has an ergonomic rubberized handle and also features two convenient angles of leverage that make removing or replacing any type of snap easily.

Top-Snapper increases your time on the water and turns the process of removing or replacing your boat cover, bimini top, or boat carpet quick, easy, and - dare we say it - enjoyable.

This is one of the best tools we've seen in a while, it's so simple, but makes a sometimes painful task much easier.

Here's What To Know

  • Snap & unsnap boat covers with ease
  • Patented tool
  • Dual stainless-steel blades
  • Fastens and unfastens snaps from inside and outside the boat
  • Works on boat covers, tarps, and bimini tops
  • Easy grip textured ergonomic handle
  • Combine with snap lube for greater ease
  • Manufacturers lifetime warranty

What To Look For:

Convenience

Look for items that will perform multiple tasks or that will make your life easier while on the boat.  For example, a storage container or cooler that can also be used as a seat.  Or for eating, consider adding "sporks", the combo utensil that acts as both a fork and a spoon.  One tool, multiple functions.

Safety

Anything that contributes to the safety of you and those around you while on the boat is a must-have.  This includes items like first-aid kits, flares, a fire extinguisher and personal flotation devices (PFDs).

Storage

When you're out on the open water, space is limited.  You want to be sure to have items that are compact and can be stored easily and will keep your gear dry.

Space Saving

When choosing a boat accessory, you want to make sure it is something that is going to be useful and not just take up space. And think about what you will be using the accessory for and how often you will use it.  Is it totally necessary?  You'd be surprised at how many things in the glove compartment and storage areas of our boat have never been used.  Time to take inventory and do a purge!

Best Boat Accessories FAQs

Boating can be a lot of fun, but it's also important to make sure you have the right accessories with you.

Without the right boat accessories, you could find yourself in a lot of trouble.

We’ve created a buyer’s guide of frequently asked questions to help you choose the best accessories for your boat trip.  You probably still have questions, but hopefully one of these will answer yours.

What is a must to have on a boat?

Lifejackets
Throwables
Fire Extinguisher
Visual signaling device like a red flasher
Audio signaling device like an air horn

How can I make my boat more enjoyable?

Boating should be an enjoyable departure from your everyday life, and with these little tips, you'll have more fun every time you go out.

  1. Remember your safety procedures
  2. Keep the boat clean and organized
  3. Take time for different activities
  4. Listen to your passengers
  5. Choose the right boat
  6. Invite different people

When should I upgrade my boat?

Here are three major signs that change is needed:

  • #1: Your boat needs too much work
  • #2: Your boat doesn't serve your needs anymore
  • #3: You've outgrown it and no longer find it easy to use

What is the best boat for ocean and lake?

This will vary but generally cabin cruisers, center consoles, motor yachts, catamarans, sailboats, sportfishing yachts are best for either ocean or lake.

What can you not take on a boat?

Certain items can create safety issues on a boat, while other things can just be a plain mess to clean up.

  • Shoes with marking soles
  • Spray sunscreen
  • Chocolate or other messy snacks
  • Cigarettes
  • Unexpected guests
  • Perfume
  • Glass bottles or containers of any kind
  • Plastic grocery bags

What equipment must you have on board if your vessel is 16 feet or longer?

The USCG requires one approved – Type I, II, III, or V life jacket and personal floatation device per person on board. If the vessel is 16 feet or longer, one throwable floatation device – Type IV – is also required.

What do you like best about boating?

There are many reasons people like boating.

  • Relaxation and distraction. There's no better way to get away from everyday life
  • Fun for the friends and family
  • Getting outdoors
  • The difference in each trip
  • The boating community can be fun
  • Getting exercise

What are the benefits of boating?

Boating can be a getaway from daily life.  Being outdoors in fresh air and sunshine can help with your vitamin D levels, as vitamin D is often called the "sunshine vitamin".  The exercise factor in boating can also lead to better sleep.

The Best Boating Accessories - Conclusion

So, for your next boating experience, what are the best accessories you need? The answer to that may vary from person to person but we’ve tried to provide a variety of best options for you based on thousands of reviews. We hope you find this information helpful to find the accessories you need.

All you have to do now is just click the orange button to check the price on the best boating accessories for you. Thanks!

Cheers to the outdoors,

Bert

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