5 Best Boating Accessories for Summer Fun on the Water

By Debbie Hanson

Aug 21, 2023

List of best boating accessories for summer that make boat days feel like mini vacations, contribute to comfort, feel-good boating experiences with family

When warm weather arrives, consider bringing along some of the best boating accessories for summer to make your days on the water feel like a mini vacation. Check out a few accessories that can contribute to comfort, fun, and feel-good experiences with the family.

 

1. Oversized Microfiber Beach Towels

Oversized beach towels that are made from microfiber with quick-drying qualities are essential boating accessories for summer. Look for large, luxurious towels (size 73" x 35") that are durable, packable, and have excellent absorbency. Aside from the luxurious resort towel feel, another major bonus of microfiber towels is that dirt and sand will shake right off. Less sand and dirt on the boat means less time spent scrubbing and cleaning.

 

2. Underwater LED Lights

When it comes to must-have boating gear for summer, underwater LED lights have recently earned a spot on the list. From the added safety that comes with the increased visibility of your boat to the fact that baitfish are attracted to sources of light at night (bait fish, in turn attract bigger game fish), there are many benefits that come with installing underwater LED boat lights. LED lights have quickly become some of the most popular boating accessories for summer.

 

3. Floating Water Mat

Floating foam or inflatable water mats always up the “fun factor” when boating. You can use floating mats to cool off and lounge (kind of like your own personal island), do yoga, or have a balancing competition with your friends. Look for floating water mats that are made with heavy-duty durable plastic grommets (instead of metal) that won’t do damage to the gel coat on your boat or have the potential to cause injuries.

 

4. Large Dry Bag

When planning a summer family day on the water, a large dry bag (20 liters) is a must-have. Dry bags are waterproof bags that keep your belongings dry and safe (think cell phones, towels, keys, wallets, cameras, sunscreen). They are made with lightweight waterproof materials like PVC and most have a roll-top with buckle closure. Look for a large dry bag that has an adjustable shoulder strap so it's easy to carry on and off the boat.

 

5.Sea Sickness Relief Bands

Add a few relief bands to your summer boating accessories checklist. You can wear these wristbands to apply acupressure to your wrists, which helps to ward off seasickness symptoms while on the water. Having a few relief bands on board can keep your boat guests feeling good without seasickness pills and that drowsy feeling (it’s no fun being queasy on your summer offshore boating adventures).

 

Whether it’s an oversized beach towel to keep you comfy or a floating water mat that you can share with your boat buddies, the best boating accessories for summer will have you feeling all the happy boat life vibes.

Debbie Hanson
Debbie Hanson
Debbie Hanson is an award-winning outdoor writer, women’s sport fishing advocate, IGFA world record holder, and freshwater guide living in Southwest Florida. Hanson’s written work has appeared in publications such as Florida Game & Fish Magazine, BoatUS Magazine, and USA Today Hunt & Fish. To learn more about her work, visit shefishes2.com or follow her on Instagram @shefishes2.