Our Guide to Essential Boating Gear for Summer

Summer is the perfect time to hit the water and enjoy the beauty of boating. Whether you're cruising on a serene lake or exploring coastal waters, having the right boating gear on board can make all the difference.

From safety essentials to comfort-enhancing boating accessories, these must-have boating items will prepare you and your boat for a fun, safe, and memorable summer adventure.

Essential Boating Safety Accessories

1. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

Safety on the water starts with the right life vest. These PFDs are designed to keep everyone afloat and comfortable so that your time on the water is both fun and safe.

Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Vest: Comfortable and USCG-approved.
Stearns Adult Classic Series Vest: Affordable and reliable for general boating.
O'Brien Women's Impulse Neo Life Vest: Stylish and offers great buoyancy.

2. First Aid Kit

Any first aid kit is better than none, but a marine use option is best. These kits are designed for marine use, so you'll have the right supplies in an emergency.

Adventure Medical Kits Marine 2000: Comprehensive kit designed for marine use.
Coleman All Purpose Mini First Aid Kit: Portable and perfect for smaller boats.
Surviveware Small First Aid Kit: Durable and well-organized

3. VHF Marine Radio

Staying connected and safe is essential on the water, and a VHF marine radio is a key component of your safety equipment. These radios are designed to withstand harsh marine environments and offer reliable communication.

Uniden MHS75 Handheld VHF Marine Radio: Waterproof and floatable.
Standard Horizon HX870 Floating VHF Radio: Includes DSC and GPS.
ICOM IC-M330G VHF Marine Radio: Compact and reliable with built-in GPS.

4. Marine GPS and Chartplotter

Navigate confidently using a marine GPS and Chartplotter.

Garmin GPSMAP 78sc: Waterproof and floats; includes built-in maps.
Lowrance HDS-7 Live Fish Finder/Chartplotter: Advanced features and a user-friendly interface.
Raymarine Axiom 7 Fish Finder with Built-in GPS: High-resolution display and intuitive controls.

5. Marine Binoculars

Improve your visibility and spotting abilities with marine binoculars. These binoculars provide clear, sharp images, making navigation and spotting distant objects easier.

Nikon 7440 OceanPro 7x50 Waterproof Binoculars: Durable and fog-proof with a built-in compass.
Bushnell Marine 7x50 Binocular: Waterproof and designed for rugged marine use.
Steiner Marine 7x50 Binoculars: High-quality optics and waterproof construction.

6. Anchor and Line

Secure your boat safely with a reliable anchor and line so you can stop and relax whenever needed. These anchors are designed to hold firmly in various seabed conditions.

Danforth Standard Anchor: Lightweight and effective for most seabeds.
Lewmar Claw Anchor: Great holding power in various conditions.
Seachoice Deluxe Anchor Line: Strong and durable with a thimble for easy attachment.

7. Sun Protection Gear

Spending time on the water means increased exposure to the sun's powerful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Proper sun protection is foundational to enjoying your boating adventure without compromising your health.

Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen SPF 50+: Water-resistant and effective.
Columbia Men's PFG Bahama II Long Sleeve Shirt: UPF 30 protection and quick-drying.
Maui Jim Peahi Wrap Sunglasses: They offer excellent polarization, UV protection, and clarity, making them ideal for both offshore and inshore boating.
Outdoor Research Sombriolet Sun Hat: Features UPF 50+ protection and is water-resistant.

Essential Boating Maintenance Accessories

1. Boat Cleaning Supplies

Keep your boat looking its best with these cleaning supplies. Regular maintenance will prolong your boat's life and keep it shining.

Star brite Super Orange Citrus Boat Wash: Biodegradable and effective cleaner.
3M Marine Restorer & Wax: Cleans and protects your boat's surface.
Shurhold 3100 Series Deck Brush: Perfect for scrubbing without damaging surfaces.

Must-Have Boating Comfort Accessories

1. A Quality Cooler

A good cooler is essential for keeping your drinks and food fresh and cold all day long, which keeps you and your guests hydrated and happy. These coolers are known for their durability and excellent ice retention.

YETI Tundra 65: Known for its durability and excellent ice retention.
Igloo MaxCold Cooler: Affordable with efficient insulation.
Engel ENG65 High-Performance Cooler: Features a sturdy construction and long-lasting ice retention.

2. Insulated Cups

Keep your beverages at the perfect temperature even on the hottest days at sea with these insulated cups.

YETI Rambler 20 oz Tumbler: Excellent insulation and durability.
Hydro Flask 22 oz Tumbler: Keeps drinks cold for hours and has a spill-proof lid.
RTIC 20 oz Tumbler: Affordable and highly effective at maintaining drink temperature.

3. Waterproof Bags and Containers

Keep your essentials dry with these waterproof options.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag: This bag comes in various sizes and includes a waterproof phone case.
Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Sack: Lightweight and durable for easy storage.
Pelican 1200 Case: Perfect for storing electronics and important documents.

4. Inflatable Docks

Expand your lounging area with inflatable docks. These docks are easy to set up and durable, providing extra space for relaxation and fun.

Inflatable Sport Boats Inflatable Floating Dock: Easy to inflate and very durable.
MISSION Boat Gear Reef Mat Inflatable Water Mat: Great for lounging and playing.
WOW World of Watersports Inflatable Floating Water Walkway: Perfect for connecting multiple docks.

Must-Have Entertainment Accessories

1. Towable Tubes and Water Sports Gear

Add excitement to your boating trips with towable tubes and water sports equipment.

Airhead Super Slide Towable Tube: Durable and easy to inflate.
O'Brien Super Screamer Towable Tube: Popular choice for fun rides.
WOW Watersports Macho Combo Ski Tube: Versatile and can be used for multiple activities.

2. Portable Speaker

Add some good vibes to your boating experience with a portable speaker, perfect for enjoying music on the water.

Bose SoundLink Flex Bluetooth Portable Speaker: Delivers high-quality sound and is perfect for creating a lively atmosphere on your boat.
JBL Charge 5: a powerful and versatile speaker with an impressive 20-hour battery life.
Turtlebox Gen 2: rugged durability and outstanding outdoor performance.

Must-Have Pieces Of Boating Gear For Summer

Summer is the perfect time to get out on the water and enjoy the sunshine. But having the right gear can make all the difference in your boating experience.

Essential summer Boating gear includes the basics, like safety and maintenance accessories, and warm-weather necessities, like coolers, sun protection, and even a good boating hat, which will make your summer days at sea a breeze.