5 Must-Have Boat Accessories

Boaters always talk about the importance of having enough space onboard to stow all your gear. Let’s be honest, it doesn’t take a lot of time to fill any boat with stuff, whether it’s coolers, sports equipment and – of course – the legally required safety equipment.

But before you fill those storage lockers, make certain you have these five must-have boating essentials. While the Coast Guard doesn’t necessarily require these five essentials, they’re absolute musts in any boat.

Fire Extinguisher

Of all the potential dangers one might face on the water, none has greater destructive potential than fire. Make certain your boat has a working fire extinguisher, and make sure you know how to use it.

Fire extinguishers come in a variety of types, which douse fires with water, dry chemicals, or carbon dioxide (CO2). The C02 type is best for type B fires (for putting out burning fuel, gasoline, grease or oil) or type C fires (electrical fires) – the two most likely to occur on a boat.

It’s a good idea to have the extinguisher checked at the beginning of each boating season – your local fire department can help there. Then mount it in a convenient location. You’ll likely never need it. But if you ever do, you’ll be glad to have it.

GPS

GPS isn’t required, but it’s hard to imagine heading out now without it. There’s no better way to find your way back to the dock in the dark or in heavy fog, making GPS an incredible safety aid. And it’s great for fishing too – what better way to remember exactly where those underwater reefs, islands and other unseen hotspots are?

GPS with on-screen mapping is fantastic for keeping kids entertained on the water, especially when navigating areas with islands, wide river bends or other interesting geographic features.

Spare Prop and Wrench

Nothing stops a boat in its tracks faster than hitting a rock or a deadhead, and destroying your prop. Of course you can always paddle all those miles back to the dock, but it’s more sensible to just carry a spare prop.

It’s equally important to carry a prop wrench – a spare prop is worthless if you have no means of installing it. Don’t laugh, it happens every year.

Blankets

A couple of fast-drying blankets are essential for every boat. They’re perfect for keeping warm on those cool evening cruises, they’re ideal for impromptu picnics on remote islands, and they could be real life savers if your engine conks out and you ever wind up stuck out on the water overnight.

Choose blankets made from light synthetic materials that wick water – they take up far less room in the storage locker, they dry quickly should they get wet, and they’re every bit as warm as a traditional blanket. You can find good ones at better camping stores.

Snacks and Water

We’re not talking about the traditional soda-filled cooler that seems to be a fixture in most boats here. This is a secret stash of emergency food and water, kept specifically for emergencies.

You never know when a mechanical issue or an unexpected storm can find you stuck far from the launch for much longer than you had hoped. While you can use your radio or cell phone to call for help or at least let loved ones know you’re delayed, having water and emergency food makes even the most unpleasant situations far more bearable.

Of course no responsible boater would ever leave the dock without their required safety gear. But adding these five must-have accessories makes sense and can make your time on the water more comfortable and enjoyable.