Looking for what boating accessories you need for your boat? Learn more about boating accessories and supplies for your boat and trailer.

 

Boating Accessories and Supplies

 

Like any other outdoor activity, boating requires a lot of equipment and gear. The sheer amount of it can get dizzying, and sometimes it’s hard to discern what’s necessary, or what kinds of just-for-fun gear you actually want. If you’re looking for what boating accessories you need for your boat, look no further to learn more about what supplies you’ll need for your boat and trailer.

 

Must-Have Boat Accessories

There are obviously some boat accessories that are absolutely necessary to have on board, for safety and legal reasons or just to make sure it’s possible to operate a boat to its full potential and keep it in good shape. Some are self-explanatory, but others, some boaters might not immediately think about when caught up in the excitement of outfitting a boat for a new summer season.

 

Anchor

Even for boaters who don’t intend to stop and take in the sights, an anchor is a vital piece of equipment to have on board. Sometimes the need for it can come out of nowhere, and it’s always better to have one and not need it than the other way around. Generally, the bigger than anchor, the better, although shape also plays a role in an anchor’s effectiveness. A boat’s size and weight is the most important determining factor when choosing an anchor. Don’t forget the line, chain or combination is equally important and the water depth, type of bottom and conditions all factor into what you’ll need.

 

Tool Kit

Similar to a car, the ability to do impromptu maintenance work on a boat can be very crucial. Like a car, you can’t fix anything without some tools readily available. To be prepared, keeping a well-equipped toolkit on board will make a huge difference for both minor issues and emergencies. At a minimum you should have some basic electrical tools such as strippers, pliers and electrical tape, and for mechanical repairs, screw drivers, a wrench and duct tape are a starting point. Familiarize yourself with the inner workings of your boat to be able to understand what is needed to get you back to land.

 

Life Jackets

It’s common knowledge that personal floatation devices are necessary to keep on board all boats. Most states legally require boat owners and operators to keep at least one on board per passenger, with special restrictions for children, plus a throwable flotation device that can even be doubled as a seat cushion. When prepping a boat, whether it’s new or just coming out of storage for the summer, getting extra life jackets should always be a priority.

 

Dock Lines & Boat Hooks

 

Docking is a hard enough part of boating even when boaters have all the necessary equipment, so it’s best to stock up on all the gear to make the process both possible and easy. Lines are necessary in order to tie the boat up, and boat hooks can help in grabbing a mooring or the occasional hat overboard. Depending on your location, three lines, at least the length of the boat is a good place to start.

 

Boat Cover

 

Whether underway or safely docked, outside forces will act on a boat’s surface. Weather, sunshine and occasional blowing debris is inevitable, and conditions are always harsher than one might expect. To keep your boat looking its best, protect it with a well-fitting, well-made boat cover.

 

 

Cool Boating Accessories

 

Of course, not all boating accessories are strictly necessary. After all, boating is supposed to be fun. Some of these boat supplies will feel necessary, though, because they’ll enhance the experience well above and beyond! You can easily find a list of boat supplies near me.

 

Coolers

 

When an entire day is planned around boating, food is an absolutely necessary consideration – and, more importantly, beverages. To keep them fresh all day long, pack them in a cooler. There are many sizes and varieties depending on what you need, and many boats nowadays have specific storage areas for them.  

 

Cup holders

 

It’s hard to steer a boat or waterski or swim with a drink in your hand. Many boats have built-in cup holders, but even so, there may not be enough for all the passengers on board. Moveable cup holders that can clip into or onto boat surfaces are readily available, and waiting to help you keep your drinks from spilling.

 

Tackle Boxes

 

Whether for brand-new or experienced anglers, fishing is often front-of-mind for many boaters. So to be fully prepared to take advantage of fishing opportunities that may crop up, keeping a fully-stocked tackle box on board is always a great idea.

 

 

Boat Trailer Accessoriess

 

Sometimes overlooked, transportation is of course a necessary part of the fabric of boating. Boat trailering is sometimes more complex than some users give it credit for, and trailers need accessories too!

 

Boat Winch

 

Winches are a very important part of trailering, especially for boaters who launch from an inclined ramp. They come in many types, including single- or two-speed depending on weight needs. These days, other varieties are available, including different crank-handle lengths and strap guides to keep the line from getting tangled in the winch drum. If your trailer already has a winch, check it over to see if it’s showing signs of age or stress and may need to be replaced.

 

Boat Trailer Parts

 

As with any boating activity, a breakdown can quickly bring a day of boating to an end. It’s always a good idea to have spare parts for your trailer in your town vehicle. At the very least, a spare tire, tail-light bulbs and maybe a good lubricant for frozen rollers and the winch.