If you own a boat, you know all too well how fun they can be. But one thing that can make them even more fun is taking advantage of cool gadgets and boat accessories.
There are so many boat gadgets and accessories out there that can take your boating experience to the next level. In fact, so many that it can often be tricky to decide which ones to invest in.
But you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, we’ll look at our top 10 must-have boat gadgets and accessories, and what makes them so.
From flashy tech to practical equipment, which of these will you be taking onboard with you?
Boat gadgets and accessories
1. Waterproof notepad
If you like to keep manual ship or maintenance logs, having an onboard notepad comes in very handy. However, finding a dry piece of paper when out on the water can prove difficult.
That’s why a waterproof notepad is ideal for several scenarios, from making pilotage notes to just playing hangman to pass the time!
The StormPad by Limitless Equipment is a great product, available on Amazon for just £7.99. It’s 100% waterproof and weatherproof and can be used with most pens.
2. The Garmin VIRB 360
Boating and photography have long gone hand-in-hand, but Garmin takes this relationship to another level. In particular, the VIRB 360 can capture a complete sphere of high resolution (4K) video and audio, as well as standard photographs.
This technology is waterproof for up to 10 metres, giving you the perfect opportunity to record your aquatic adventures. Plus, if you’re taking it onboard a sailing boat, it can be activated with voice control so your hands can stay firmly on the ropes.
This boat gadget is definitely on the pricier end of the spectrum, at £599.99 RRP, but it could be a worthy investment when you consider its capabilities.
3. A solar-powered waterproof speaker
Most of us go boating to escape the pressures of life on land and enjoy the freedom the water brings, and a bit of background music can really add to that feeling of relaxation. However, electronics don’t usually mix very well with the sea. Plus, what if the battery dies while you’re on the water and you’ve no means of charging it back up?
That’s where solar-powered waterproof speakers come into play. Our favourite is the Altec Lansing LifeJacket 3 Bluetooth Speaker, because as well as being waterproof, it’s also shockproof, dirtproof, and snowproof. You never quite know what to expect out on the water!
Thanks to its 30-hour battery life, you also won’t have to worry about it dying mid-playlist. It also floats, meaning if things get bumpy and it takes a trip overboard, it’ll stay on the water’s surface until you can retrieve it. Clever, right?
4. An amphibious drone
There are many different waterproof drones on the market nowadays, but the Splash 3 by Swellpro was the first fully amphibious quadcopter to hit the shelves.
Like the Altec Lansing LifeJacket 3, the drone also floats, so you don’t have to worry about losing it to the unforgiving mistress of the sea if you misjudge your landing!
5. Polarised sailing sunglasses
If you take your boat out on the rare occasion we’re blessed with some sun, you’ll want to make sure your eyes are adequately protected.
Unfortunately, though, your average pair of sunglasses won’t cut it while you’re onboard. Glare from the water, harsh winds, and lack of shade all mean your choice of eyewear is important.
That’s what makes a quality pair of sunglasses one of the best boat accessories to invest in. And luckily, plenty of sunglasses have been designed with boaters in mind, but make sure you go for a pair with polarised lenses.
6. An underwater scooter
An underwater scooter is the perfect boat accessory for keen swimmers, snorkellers, or divers.
The Sublue WhiteShark Mix is a great example. This super-cool gadget is equipped with double propellers to pull you effortlessly through the water and confidently explore the sea.
It also comes with a GoPro mount, perfect for capturing everything from your family holiday videos to your underwater sealife adventures.
7. An inflatable stand-up paddleboard (SUP)
Paddleboarding has so many benefits. It’s accessible, helps to reduce stress, and can also take your ocean adventures to the next level. That why an inflatable SUP is one of the best boat accessories to have on board.
There’s nothing better than dropping your anchor in a tranquil cove and taking to the water on your SUP to explore further. Plus, it’s a great workout!
We recommend inflatable paddleboards for boaters. Not only are they more portable and easier to store, but they’re usually also cheaper than their fibreglass counterparts!
8. Garmin Quatix 5
Not many brands do boat gadgets and accessories better than Garmin, which is why they’re making a second appearance on our list.
Hi-tech watches are Garmin’s specialty, and the beauty of the Quatix 5 is that, unlike many other digital marine watches, it wouldn’t look out of place back on land at your favourite restaurant. In regular mode, it looks like any other analogue watch face.
First impressions can be deceiving, though. In addition to its high sensitivity GPS tracking and navigation capabilities, the Quatix 5 is waterproof up to 100 metres and features a compass, altimeter, barometer, thermometer, and more.
Plus, if you’re into watersports, such as canoeing or kayaking, the Quatix 5 will also track your stroke, distance per stroke, and your total distance.
9. A thermal mug
You’d struggle to find a hobby that requires a good quality thermal mug more than boating.
If you’re cruising in the cold and wet, you’ll want a nice hot drink to warm you up. On the other hand, an ice-cold drink will go down a treat on a hot summer’s day. That’s where Yeti Rambler Mugs can become some of your most treasured boat accessories.
It keeps cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot, right until the last sip. It’s puncture and rust-resistant and has an extra-large handle, which is perfect if you’ve got large hands or if you’re wearing gloves onboard.
10. Full-face snorkel mask
A snorkel mask is one of the best boat accessories if you’re also into diving.
A good full-face snorkel mask will provide a 180° viewing area so you can see more of what’s around you. You can also breathe comfortably through your mouth without worrying about holding onto your snorkel.
Most full-face snorkel masks also come with a GoPro mask, so you can watch back your underwater experience in case there was any sea life you missed.
Specialist boat insurance through Insure4Boats
If you’re hitting the water with any of these boat gadgets or accessories, you may want to also consider protecting your boat through specialist boat insurance.
With Insure4Boats, you can build your own policy, so you won’t pay for cover you don’t need. You’ll also receive up to £3m Third Party Liability cover as standard, no matter what category your boat falls under.
Learn more or get a quote online today.
Please note the information provided on this page should not be taken as advice and has been written as a matter of opinion. For more on insurance cover and policy wording, see our homepage.
