Boaters are constantly on the lookout for ways to improve their time on the water, whether it be by making boating tasks simpler, easier, or more pleasurable — or a combination of all three.
Since it can be time-consuming to track down products that tick all these boxes in the veritable ocean of available consumer products, we went looking on your behalf and made a detailed list of what we found. Items as varied as a Garmin wristwatch and a satellite communication enabler are mixed in with more pedestrian objects like a hammock and a waterproof camera float. When you check out what we’ve selected, you’re likely to find that a number of them are useful to you.
Have a look through our list of innovative boating gadgets, and see what appeals to you:
Garmin Quatix 7 Series
Seafarers have flocked to Garmin’s Quatix watches for years, and the latest 7 Series models are the most advanced ever. Everything you need to operate your boat, including charts, navigation, a personal health monitor, and more, is all right in one place on your wrist. From $599.99 to $1,099.99 on https://www.garmin.com/en-US/p/818387.
Siren Marine Siren 3 Pro
The maritime and boating industries have benefited greatly from technological developments, and one of them is the ability to remotely watch over your boat’s internal systems. With Siren Marine, you can monitor your boat’s battery life, bilge activity, engine temperature and performance, GPS position and movement, and more, all from the comfort of your smartphone. $796.86 for the main monitoring device; service plans start at $180 per year on https://sirenmarine.com/products/siren-3-pro.
Rod Holder Cutting Board
A cutting board secured to a fishing rod holder allows you to have everything you need to prepare your day’s catch for cooking close at hand. This cutting board, constructed of marine-grade plastic, is ideal for prepping fish by slicing, filleting, and chopping. It can also be used to serve food and beverages (although probably not simultaneously!).
Slots for knives and holders for hooks and lures prevent gear from cluttering up your deck. With the built-in 40-centimeter ruler, measuring your catches is a breeze. With this handy gadget, your cutting board tray can be rotated a full 180 degrees to fit perfectly into the fishing rod holders on your boat. Its ability to rotate on two independent joints sets it apart from competing items. Plus, it can be put away and cleaned without any hassle. $75.99 on https://betterboat.com/products/boat-cutting-board.
Kemimoto Boat Caddy Organizer/Cupholder
Do you wish you could set your drinks or your tools down on a flat surface of your boat, but they keep sliding off? With screw-on construction and molded sections, the Kemimoto Boat Caddy Organizer/Cupholder will store many items simply and securely. $19.99 on https://www.kemimoto.com/products/boat-universal-caddy-organizer-cup-holder?variant=41968033366207.
ACR Bivy Stick
When sailing far from land and mobile phone coverage, it’s always a good idea to take extra precautions. You can connect with a worldwide satellite network using the Bivy Stick and the Bivy App on your phone to engage in two-way texting, SOS, share your location, check in with one touch, and receive comprehensive weather reporting. $299.95 (not including a data plan) on https://www.acrartex.com/products/bivy-stick/.
Dog Boat Ladder
Have you ever attempted to pull a soaking-wet, 60-pound dog onto a boat? Why is it that the 60-pounders are the ones that like playing in the water? It’s never the five-pound “cotton balls” that need a helping hand.
The unpredictable swaying from waves and boat wakes, in addition to a dog’s weight and wiggle, can make the job of getting them on board your boat very difficult. A pet ladder can be quite useful if your dog is a frequent boat passenger. The Paws Aboard Ladder is compact and lightweight enough to bring aboard on a trip to the beach or a cruise on the open sea. It can be easily fastened to the boat’s existing boarding ladder. Your pet will appreciate it… your back will, too! $264.39 on https://www.skamper-ramp-store.com/paws-aboard-ladder.html.
Liquid Force Wakesurf Edge Mega Folding Wake Shaper
If your boat doesn’t have automatic wave-shaping technology, a detachable shaping device is the quickest and simplest method to ride big, exciting, limitless waves. The Mega Folding Wake Shaper from Liquid Force is simple to set up and modify, has a big face for moving plenty of water, and folds up for easy storage. $349.99 on https://www.liquidforce.com/products/wse-mega-folding-wake-shaper-250?variant=44677004099877.
Mission Titan Fender
Everyone enjoys getting together for a pleasant boat tie-up, but these occasions can also be stressful. Standard fenders are typically overtaxed by the forces of wind, wave movements, and the rare “qualified captains” who threaten the gel coats of our prized boats. The Mission Titan Fender, which is inflatable and 10 feet in length, is an excellent solution for many of these issues. Inflate it, secure it to the sides of your boat using the ties provided, and then simply rest easy. The Titan can also serve as a decent dock fender. $299.00 on https://www.boatgear.missionoutdoor.com/products/titan-inflatable-boat-bumper.
Magma Cabo Gas Grill
Want to cook up some meat and vegetables, but don’t have a grill on your vessel? Magma makes a variety of convenient gas barbecues, including their handy Cabo Gas Grill. Invest in the associated grill mount that fits into your boat’s fishing rod holders for quick and simple installation. With this cool innovation, your boat can double as a floating restaurant serving up freshly caught seafood. $229.99 for the Cabo Gas Grill; $99.99 for the LeveLock All-Angle Rod Holder Mount on https://magmaproducts.com/products/cabo-gas-grill.
Mission Boat Hammock
Since many modern boats have towers or hardtops that inhibit the use of conventional hammocks, Mission created a hammock that can be used with these structures. You can take your lounging to a whole new level by simply attaching straps to the right places. $49.00 on https://www.boatgear.missionoutdoor.com/products/boat-hammock.
Cushioned Helm Station Pad
Standing all day at the helm of a boat can be taxing for the lower body. A SeaDek pad at your boat’s control station is both soft and comfortable. The top is embossed with a non-slip design and composed of strong EVA foam. It won’t move around, thanks to a peel-and-stick backing. For the trendy sailor, it comes in two color combinations: mocha/black and gray/black. From $184.99 on https://www.seadek.com/product/dual-density-teak-helm-pad/.
LED Rope Lights
A few years ago, it suddenly became a whole lot easier (and more exciting) to go boating after dark. Our pick for night boating is a super-cool rope light kit that includes over 30 feet of waterproof LED rope lights, a controller, and a wireless remote.
Hang them from your Bimini top or wrap them over the bow rails to create a constellation look. Experiment with a wide range of hues and intensities, from strobes to holiday hues to red night vision to a variety of white-light settings. A setup like this is perfect for a celebration or a birthday. $24.39 on http://www.amazon.com/AKEPO-Multicolored-Waterproof-Controller-Decoration/dp/B083BWFYZB.
Blendjet2
Want to pour some ice-cold mixed drinks for yourself and your passengers? Along with margaritas and daiquiris, you can mix up dips, sauces, and smoothies in this powerful blender that comes with a sixteen-ounce plastic container.
Any USB-C-compatible power source can charge the Blendjet2 blender. Its compact size makes it a good fit for the boat’s center console whenever a mixed beverage is desired. $49.95 on https://blendjet.com/products/blendjet-2?variant=32478639390786.
Tow Rope With Buoy Booster Ball
Towing water skiers, wakeboarders, and inner tubes with a giant inflatable ball bobbing behind your boat might draw some curious glances at your vessel from onlookers. But with the Airhead Buoy Booster Ball, you won’t have to worry about your tow-line dragging in the water and getting caught on your boat’s propeller. To reduce drag and spray for skiers and tubers, the Booster Ball is designed to keep the rope above the water line. Plus, it’s fun for spectators to watch as you move.
Simply inflate the Ball, then attach it to your tow-rope roughly in the middle of the rope’s length. If you don’t have access to a large quantity of compressed air, just use a foot pump to blow it up. $134.99 on https://www.airhead.com/collections/booster-balls/products/booster-ball.
Waterproof Camera Float
Before you venture out on the water to take pictures with your (hopefully) waterproof digital camera, pick up one of these brightly colored, watertight camera floats. When it comes to slippery, expensive camera gear, these foam-filled neoprene straps are a godsend. They’ll prevent your camera from sinking if it falls into the water.
These floats will work for most cameras weighing up to seven ounces and can be connected to most camera strap attachments. At this price, get a handful, and attach them anywhere you can. Or wear the wrist strap when you go overboard for hands-free snorkeling or swimming. $14.95 on https://nordicflash.com/products/nordic-flash-waterproof-camera-float-pack-of-2-bright-yellow.
Hopefully, this list will give you some ideas about gadgets you can use for all your future boating excursions. When you have the equipment you need for your next adventure, you’ll feel more confident than ever when you finally push off from the dock. With all the devices on this list, you can turn your vessel into a full-fledged “gadget boat” and unleash its true potential!
