Whether you’ve just purchased your own boat or you’re looking to get the boater in your life a gift, it can be extremely overwhelming looking through all of the available products. With products relating to safety, comfort, entertainment, and more, there’s literally thousands of accessories you can choose for your boat.
Before buying any accessories for your boat, you should be aware that not all of them are essential products.
Although there are some relating to safety and comfort, a lot of boating gift ideas are intended purely to increase the comfort and entertainment on board so you should be aware of what you need and what you don’t.
In addition, different types of boats will require different accessories, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with your own boat or the boat which belongs to the person you’re gifting to. As each of these models and makes have unique shapes and sizes, not all products will be ideal for them.
Once you know what you need for your boat it can be difficult finding something that’s a quality make and offered by a reputable brand. This handy buying guide can show you the best of the bunch and point out the features that you just can’t go without.
Whether you’re buying them for yourself or as a gift for someone else who loves the sea, there’s something here to suit all types of sailors.
*Notice: On mobile devices, scroll right to see entire table.
Product Name | Our Rating | Prices |
|---|---|---|
Best Boat Dockline | ||
AIRHEAD AHDL-4 Bungee Dockline | ||
Best Boating Dry Bag | ||
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag | ||
Best Life Vest | ||
ONYX MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Vest | ||
Best Fishing Boat Seat | ||
Wise 8WD588 Series Mid-Back Fishing Boat Seat | ||
Best Accessories For Boating
Although there are hundreds of marine boating accessories you can equip your vessel with, not all of them are necessary. However, we’ve compiled a list of the best boating accessories to purchase for yourself or the sailor in your life that are essential for a good boating experience.
Boat Dockline
A boating dockline is an essential accessory as this is how you’ll secure your boat to the dock or to another boat when rafting. These can either be temporary or permanent, and it will depend on your needs. A boat dockline is essential when you’re away from your own slip and need to tie up somewhere else, or permanently attached to your own mooring.
Boating Dry Bag
A boating dry bag is another essential piece of equipment and a great gift idea too, as these can hold your personal belongings in a safe and dry place. These waterproof bags come in different sizes and can keep everything safe even if they should come in contact with water.
Life Vest
This crucial piece of equipment can be purchased without knowing too much about the style of boat, as they’re made usually to suit different weight and height requirements. Life vests come in a range of colors, materials, and specifications, so it’s all about finding a quality one that will suit the user perfectly.
Fishing Boat Seat
For boats used for fishing, either commercially or recreationally, it’s ideal to have a fishing boat seat. These allow the user to get the perfect range and freedom to fish in a safe and comfortable manner, usually with a swiveling motion.
Fishing boat seats can usually be attached to your existing boat structure with a few screws or pieces that come with the package.
These accessories are some of the most desired and essential items for boating, and we’ve scoured the internet to find the very best products available in each of these areas. The following products represent the top buys for each of these accessories and all within a reasonable price range too.
Best Boat Dockline
If you’re searching for the best dockline that you can take along anywhere, you need something durable and reliable.
Temporary docklines need to be easy to attach and have enough strength behind them to secure your boat. Depending on the size and weight of your boat, your requirements for the best boat dockline will differ to the next boat owner.
AIRHEAD AHDL-4 Bungee Dockline
- Three different sizes from 5.5 feet to 9 feet;
- Suitable for boats up to 4,000lbs;
- Two foam floats to protect the boat from chafing;
- Bungee cord acts as built-in snubber;
If you’re looking for something durable to keep your boat moored, but you’re not as skilled as tying knots as some professional sailors, the KwikTek Airhead AHDL-4 Bungee Dockline is the ideal product for you.
This makes a quick and temporary way to secure your boat when you’re out and about, and you can keep it stowed away on board discreetly until you need it.
The best thing about this dockline compared to others is that it’s made from bungee material, so it stretches out even further to meet a range of uses.
Our Rating
There are three different lengths available which reach all the way up to nine feet so you can be sure that most boat sizes are covered. To ensure the best coverage, most sailors purchase a few to keep their boat docked correctly, and because they’re so affordable this is easy to do.
These cords have two foam floats around them so you won’t get any chafing against the boat which will keep it in ideal shape, and they’re so easy to use that even the most amateur sailor could benefit from them.
The KwikTek Airhead AHDL-4 Bungee Dockline is a must have accessory to keep on board and can help you out in a jam, which is exactly what every sailor needs.
Best Boating Dry Bag
A boating dry bag isn’t a product that you want to compromise on quality with, so it’s essential that you get one to tick all the boxes.
Dry bags should be reliable, waterproof, varying sizes, and have a handy carry strap that makes them easy to transport. No sailor should leave land without a secure dry bag to store their possessions in to keep them protected from the water.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
- Waterproof protection for all of your belongings;
- IPX8 certified waterproof phone case attached;
- Comes in sizes from 10L – 40L for all needs;
- Single strap or backpack strap varieties;
If you’re looking for a reliable dry bag for yourself or as a gift, you can’t go past the Earth Pak range.
These nationally recognized bags are a must have for any sailor and they have all the right accessories to give you peace of mind that your belongings are safe. Depending on what you need to store safely, there’s a bag and design in this range to keep you covered.
The EarthPark Waterproof Dry Bags come in sizes 10L, 20L, 30L, and 40L so there’s an adequate choice for all types of sailors.
Our Rating
The 10L and 20L have a single strap function whereas the larger ones can be worn like backpacks, so they’re easy to transport should you have the need. No boat is complete without a safe dry bag for your important accessories, and this one ticks all of the boxes.
This backpack not only can keep your larger items safe but it’s included with an IPX8 certified waterproof phone case that can fit even the largest of phones.
This ensures your main mode of communication is safe should it become submerged, so you have the double protection of the bag and phone case to keep you safe.
Best Life Vest For Boating
A life vest is an absolute must for all people on the boat, and not just the owner. There are hundreds of varieties of life vest intended for all users and uses, so you need one that provides general coverage. These make great gift ideas for boat owners as you can never have too many quality life vests aboard your vessel.
ONYX MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Vest
- Shoulder adjustments and neoprene pads;
- Comes in sizes from extra small to extra-extra large;
- SOLAS grade reflective material;
- Heavy duty nylon fabric;
For a life vest that conforms to your body like a glove, the clear choice is the Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Vest.
This amazing life vest can fit all types of bodies and every size and shape will feel as comfortable as the next. The shoulder adjustments and neoprene shoulder pads make it a luxury to wear, and it has vented panels to keep you cool while in the water.
Although life vests are great for emergency situations, this one can also be worn while paddling so if you’re unsure about your swimming skills or want to keep everyone protected they’re ideal.
Our Rating
The Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Paddle Sports Life Vest is made from heavy duty nylon fabric so it’s durable but lightweight too, exactly what you need in a life vest.
To suit all passengers on your boat, you can purchase these in different sizes ranging from extra small to extra-extra large, and because they can be adjusted they can suit a wider range of user too.
Everything in this product has been specifically designed for safety but without compromising anything on comfort, so it’s our top choice for a life vest. For a simple but effective life vest to keep on your boat, it has to be the Onyx MoveVent.
Best Fishing Boat Seat
On a long fishing trip the last thing you want is back pain. Get a fishing boat seat to feel relaxed and comfortable.
Wise 8WD588 Series Mid-Back Fishing Boat Seat
- Four mounting screws to attach;
- High compression foam padding for comfort;
- Marine grade 28oz vinyl with mildew and UV inhibitors;
- High back design and injection molded seat frame;
Even if you don’t consider your boat a fishing vessel as such, it’s always handy to have a quality fishing boat seat on board should the mood ever strike you.
The Wise 8WD588 Series Mid Back Fishing Boat Seat is the ideal choice for all types of fishermen, from the amateur to the professional, and has everything you need to make fishing more enjoyable from your boat.
This boat seat has been designed with both comfort and functionality in mind, with high compression foam padding in the seat to give you a luxurious seat all day long. The back has been designed high to offer support and it has an injection molded seat frame for extra comfort.
Our Rating
This seat is usually far more comfortable than any other on your boat, even if you don’t decide to use it for fishing specifically.
The Wise 8WD588 Series Mid Back Fishing Boat Seat is covered with marine grade 28oz vinyl which makes it durable and tough, and it also features UV and mildew resistance.
This means the seat will last for many years in salt and freshwater conditions, depending one where you boat, and because it uses just four mounting screws to attach you can enjoy your fishing boat seat in no time at all.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re shopping around for yourself or looking for an ideal boating gift for someone special in your life, any of these options would be a great place to start.
There are countless products and accessories that have been made to enhance the boating experience, so it all depends on what you think would suit your loved one or your own boat best.
If you think someone would appreciate a fishing related gift or something for safety such as a life vest, there’s sure to be a product here to suit. Our top picks have been chosen for quality, longevity, and comfort, all designed to make your boating experience even more enjoyable.
No matter if you’re shopping for comfort, safety, entertainment, or looks, any of the products listed in the boating accessories buying guide would be an ideal choice. All you need to do is find one that suits your pride and joy, and then you can begin decking it out with the latest and greatest boating accessories.