As summer approaches, you want to make sure your boat is loaded with the latest tech gear. But you don’t want just any old thing — you want what will maximize efficiency on the water. Some additions will be more important to you than others and you’ll want to find the best ones for you and your needs.
So are you looking for some new ideas for great marine accessories? We have your ultimate list for great new high-tech gadgets every boater is sure to love. Choose from a bulk of items ranging from improved safety gear to advanced hardware — all for cheap!
Check out our list for the top seven boating gadgets:
Weatherflow Windmeter Phone Windmeter Accessory
In 2019, people are usually looking for how to best use one gadget they already have — our smartphones. A Weatherflow Windmeter is $39 and a perfect example of cheap boating gear that works best. Many boaters swear by its efficiency and convenience for their day-to-day boating needs.
It can be plugged into your phone or connected over Bluetooth. It collects real-time wind, temperature, humidity and pressure readings. The readings are then recorded and displayed right in the Wind Meter app!
Leatherman Tread Multitool Bracelet
You can never have enough boating accessories, right? Lucky for you, the people at Leatherman have created a useful bracelet with the functionality of a Leatherman tool, no matter where you go. And at $199, the Tread offers multiple tools like screwdrivers, box wrenches, Allen wrenches, and all at a moment’s notice.
It’s fully adjustable to fit any wrist size and is customizable with tools you need most. The bottle opener is a great edition, making those days out with family and food a breeze. The Tread is substantial and can provide a good workout simply from wearing it!
Nature Power Lithium-Ion Charger and Jump Starter
There are plenty of power options available throughout the last few years, such as the Weego Emergency Jump Starter and the Cyntur Jump Starter. But at $89, the Nature Power charger holds the big power in the perfect compact package. Making this a top pick for cool stuff for your boat this year!
This jump starter will both start your boat or recharge your phone quickly. Yet, can easily fit into small spaces and even comes with an LED flashlight with strobe and SOS emergency light functionality. It’s also accompanied by plenty of adapters, so you won’t have to worry about replacing them any time soon.
The M-Powered Luci Light
Luci lights are solar-powered inflatable lanterns and great marine accessories. When stored, they’re about the size of a DVD. Yet, when inflated, they provide noticeably bright light.
They make great pocket-sized lanterns, flashlights, emergency lights or backup anchor lights, all in one. They only need sunlight to remain charged and is waterproof, lightweight and very durable. They also have versions with eight colors plus a color cycling mode — all for $10 to $25!
Our suggestion is to have yours on a specific color and hang it off the back of your boat. That way, when at anchor, you can easily spot your boat when returning at night. Or you could hang them on your lifelines to charge when they’ve burnt out, though they do last long between charges.
Icom M25 VHF
Small floating VHF radios are more useful than ever. This is the type of boating gear every boater needs in their arsenal. They’re designed with DSC distress buttons on certain models like the Standard Horizon HX870 and West Marine 460.
But keeping them charged can prove to be a challenge. Luckily, the new Icom M25 offers USB charging that allows you to charge via power bank or stereo. The price is also hard to knock for the value: only $159!
Also looking for more bass on your boat? For a great selection of speakers, see here!
ACR ResQLink and Buoyant Personal Locator Beacon
It doesn’t hurt to keep an ear out about new safety devices and their benefits. We’ve discovered that the ResQLink is the best personal locating device for its compact size. In fact, it is the smallest buoyant Personal Locator Beacon you can find available today.
It is intended to be worn on your PDF. Just in case you end up overboard, you can hit a button that will extend the aerial and call for help. There is also a built-in strobe light to increase your visibility.
And the best part is it’ll only cost you $255 for the ultimate peace of mind.
Lowerance Elite 4 FishFinder
Finding the fish is not always easy, but there are fun boat accessories that can ease the way. And the Lowrance Elite 4 CHIRP is at the top of our list.
It’s a compact, inexpensive ($299) fishfinder/chart plotter device with a 4.3″ diag screen. It combines CHIRP Sonar with supreme “DownScan” imaging, making it a real contender. It comes with a vividly bright LED-backlit color display, built-in GPS antennas and mapping options in HD.
So That’s Our List of Must-Have Marine Accessories
These are the marine accessories we know and love for sailing and boating, but you may find even more uses. Most of the best gadgets are ones you can use both on the water and on land and will last you a lifetime. If you can think of additional useful boating gadgets fun boat accessories, tell us in the comments below!
And keep this article as a guide for finding the perfect boating gear essential for every traveler! Once you have your gear set, you’ll be ready to head out on the water in no time.
