15 Weird Boat Accessories for the Novice Captain

More than 87 million adults in America participate in recreational boating. In 2015, there were 11.87 million registered recreational boating vessels.

Are you new to boating and not sure what else you need to accessorize your boat?

Or, did your friend recently acquired a new boat and you want to get him or her the perfect weird gift for their boat?

We’ve got you covered, captain. Check out this guide of 15 weird boat accessories to deck out your boat.

1. Under Deck Lighting

Want to make your next boat party more fun? Install lighting under your boat deck to get the party started.

With under-deck lighting, you can light up the water underneath the boat for a cool effect. It will also be useful to have extra lighting at night since your surroundings can get dark and scary.

Under deck lighting is great for parties, holidays, or special events when you want to celebrate out on the water.

2. A Barbecue Grill

Sick of soggy sandwiches or lazy lunches? Is it too expensive to bring catered food? In the spirit of keeping your boat party going, you can get a barbecue grill for your boat.

There are a couple of different types. You can get one that mounts on a pole that fits in your drink table hole. Another type is one that mounts to your fencing.

Now you can have freshly cooked burgers and hot dogs while enjoying the water.

3. A Diving Board

Sometimes, conversations on the boat can get a little stale. You see your guests becoming quiet. Is it time to head back to the docks?

Not quite! One way to drum up excitement is to get a diving board for your boat.

Instead of lounging around on the deck all day, you can hold competitions for the best dive. The kids will have a blast taking turns diving.

4. Waterproof Notebook

Are you a thoughtful daydreamer who likes to write while on your boat? The water can be pensive and calming. However, the water can also ruin your notebook and smudge your writing.

Another cool boat accessory is a waterproof notebook. This notebook can be handy in writing down your innermost thoughts and dreams.

Also, you can use your waterproof notebook to log any important information such as maintenance logs.

5. Bumpers For Your Deck Corners

Harsh waves can move your boat around and slam it against the dock. If you don’t dock correctly, you could hit the dock.

You spent a lot of money on your new boat, and you don’t want to see any damage to it. One weird solution, get bumpers for your corners.

There are bumpers for boats that have square corners and ones for boats that have rounded corners.

6. Boat Shoes

They’re not only for style. Boat shoes are important in preventing slips and keeping your feet dry.

When choosing boat shoes, you can look for the following features.

Are the Soles Non-Slip?

To keep your traction on slippery decks, make sure your boat shoes have a rubber sole. Rubber is the best material in preventing slips. Also, look for grooves in the shoe sole which can grip the deck better.

Material

Most boat shoe material is canvas, leather, suede, or other synthetic materials. Choose the material that is most comfortable for you.

Size

Boat shoes are not sized the same as regular shoes. To figure out your size, use a size chart from the company you are purchasing from.

Uppers

Uppers in boat shoes help wick water away to keep the footbed dry. There are uppers made out of leather. There are also ones made from synthetic materials, which dry quicker.

7. A Bottle Opener

Imagine you and your friends are on the boat. It’s a hot day. You grab a few glass bottled drinks from the cooler.

Then you come to the realization that you don’t have a bottle opener.

Get a small, inexpensive bottle opener and keep it somewhere safe and accessible on your boat.

8. A Waterproof Case For Your Cell Phone

Sometimes you want your phone on hand to take cool pictures of the water or play some music. You could try keeping it tucked in your pocket. Then a large wave hits the desk and soaks you. Or, you forget that it’s in your pocket and you try to take a swim.

You can leave your phone behind, but no one wants to be without a phone these days.

One cool boat accessory: a waterproof case for your phone. You can get a case that allows you to use the touchscreen capabilities through the plastic cover. It’ll keep your phone dry and on hand when you need it.

9. Seasickness Relief Bands

Motion sickness will turn your mood as quickly as your stomach. By having acupressure wristbands on board, you can help your guests, or yourself, avoid nausea. If you’ve ever experienced seasickness before, you know it can happen at any time and anyone is susceptible.

Motion sickness on a boat happens as a physiological reaction to the water’s movement.

Your eyes don’t see any movement while on the boat, but your inner ear knows that the water is moving you. These confusing signals sent to your brain result in symptoms of seasickness such as nausea, vomiting, and headaches.

The wristbands work by applying pressure to a specific point on your wrist. That pressure helps stave off feelings of motion sickness.

There are also a few other tips you can try to avoid seasickness.

Try Ginger or Peppermint

Ginger is a natural remedy for seasickness. You can also try peppermint which can calm your stomach. Also, eat light, bland meals so that you don’t go on the boat with an empty stomach.

Get Fresh Air

Fresh air can help. Get out on the deck and try looking in the direction of the horizon. This can help you see the motion and balance the mixed signals sent to your brain.

Stay Near the Middle of the Boat

You will feel the least movement toward the middle of the boat.

10. A Generator

Want air conditioning or heating on your boat? You’ll need a generator, also called a genset, for that type of power.

When purchasing a generator you should consider the following factors.

Wattage

There are generators that range from 2,000 – 3,500 watts and ones at higher ranges from 7,000 – 10,000 watts.

Maintenance

What kind of fuel does the generator need? It’s easier to maintain if it’s the same fuel you use for your boat engine.

Sound

You don’t want a noisy generator ruining the fun of your boating trip. Consider a model that runs quietly.

Size

Your boat has precious limited space, so keep in mind the size of the genset when you buy it.

Interested in a generator for your boat? You can do a little research and discover more information about how to choose the best generator.

11. A Waterproof Bluetooth Stereo

Sometimes you need music to set the mood. You can try playing on your phone, but the speakers won’t be loud enough. Consider investing in a waterproof Bluetooth stereo.

12. An Inflatable Kayak

Do you enjoy exploring the open water? How about an inflatable kayak? It won’t take up much space when you bring it on board.

Want to take a closer look at the beautiful body of water surrounding you? All you have to do is take the kayak out, inflate it, and hop on.

13. Emergency Lighting

If for some reason the lighting on your boats fails, you’ll be grateful to have an emergency light.

One must-have boat accessory is a portable, battery-powered light to use in case of emergencies.

14. Waterproof Bag

You have a waterproof case for your phone, but what about the rest of your stuff? You can get a waterproof bag to protect your belongings.

You can keep your sweater in there for when it cools down at night. You can also keep important items such as your glasses, your sunscreen, and any other small electronics in there.

15. A Personal Flotation Device

This last item may not be weird, but it is important. If you’re out on the water, you need a personal flotation device also known as a PFD.

In fact, a boat has to have one U.S. Coast Guard Approved life jacket for every individual on board. Boats 16 feet and longer also have to have a Type IV throwable device. Furthermore, each state has different legal rulings for children wearing lifejackets.

Go Try Your New Boat Accessories Out

Excited to customize your boat? Now it’s time to invite your friends and family and try out your new cool boat accessories. Maybe you’ll even want to throw a party on your boat.

Want to learn about more weird products? Read our weird products blog.

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