Best Boating Accessories

Taking delivery of a new boat and getting ready to go boating is always a happy day. But it’s just the start of an entire joyous process around getting that new boat set up just the way you like. Walk through any dealership or boat show and you’ll soon realize that there’s really no limit to how completely a person can accessorize their ride to make boating more fun. To help get you started, here are five of the best boating accessories you can buy right now.

Heavy Duty Bilge Pump

Attwood Sahara Mk2

Water in a boat is no laughing matter, and one of the first upgrades many new boat owners make is to install a high-end, fully automatic bilge pump. Attwood’s award-winning Sahara Mk2 automatic bilge pump uses a patented impeller design that ejects any air trapped under the pump or in the pipes to completely eliminates air locks. The Sahara uses a standard three-foot bolt pattern allows easy direct replacement for a variety of older pumps in retrofit situations, and an easy-access design that allows the service cartridge to be easily changed with only one hand – making long-term maintenance a breeze instead of a chore.

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Shallow Water Anchor

Anchoring a boat is always a stress point, and especially when you’re in shallow water where it can be hard to get a good set and harder still to get the anchor to release when you’re ready to go. That’s why hydraulic shallow water anchors like the Minn Kota Talon have become must-have items, whether you like to hold the boat steady while fishing in shallow water, or you just want to hang out at the sandbar and not have to deal with the fuss of a regular hook. The shallow water anchor deploys like a spider leg to hold the boat rock-steady in water of up to 10 feet in depth. Its ingenious design allows it to hold in even rough conditions, while deployment or retrieval involves nothing more than pushing a button on a pocket remote control. It even comes in a choice of four colors to complement any boat.

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Audiophile Stereo Systems

Infinity by Harman Wake INF-R3000

Everyone appreciates a good sound system, and boat owners have plenty of options here – including the new Infinity by Harman Wake INF-R3000. This marine-specific stereo provides high quality sound and durable construction with AM, FM and weather band radio, as well as USB and aux inputs. Or just stream the tunes directly from any phone or tablet using advanced Bluetooth 5.0 technology The compact unit delivers massive 4x55W peak power at 4 ohms, or can operate at 2 ohms to drive additional speakers without the need for an extra amplifier.

Multi-Function Cleats

Accon Marine Cleat/Rod Holder Combo

Combination fishing rod holder-fold down cleats from Accon Marine clean up a boat deck while improving overall functionality. The device combines a stainless steel fishing rod holder and a durable mooring cleat that folds flush to the deck when not required into a single, integrated device. Eliminating the need for multiple pieces of hardware, it saves deck space and preserves the boat’s clean look. What’s more, with the cleat folding flat when not in use, it eliminates a tripping hazard that can lead to painful stubbed toes, or snag wayward fishing lines. Made from polished 316 marine-grade stainless steel, it withstands loads of up 11,000 pounds for incredible strength. Installation is a simple DIY project using common household tools and four 1/4″ stainless screws.

Power Steering

SeaStar Electric Power Assist Steering from Dometic

One of the great ironies of boating is that while even the least expensive cars on the road all come with power steering, until very recently that’s one basic that even six-figure yachts don’t have. Happily, that’s now changing with Dometic’s SeaStar Electric Assist Power Steering system, which is designed specifically for boats with single outboard engines in the 90 to 200 horsepower range. The bolt-on system works with all engine brands and any existing SeaStar rack or rotary cable steering system. Once installed, operators enjoy effortless power steering for far greater comfort and control on the water.

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