Binoculars
Marine binoculars were designed to withstand harsh environments while offering superior optics to deal with super-bright and low-light conditions. These binoculars are also waterproof and resist fogging. The two numbers you need to be aware of include power (magnification) enhanced by (expressed as An x) the objective lens size–7×42 or 8×50 are the most common sizes of marine binoculars. For instance. Some models include a compass and rangefinder. Popular brands are Steiner, Swarovski, Zeiss, Bushnell, Nikon, Pentax, West Marine, and others.
GPS/Fish Finder
Electronics designed for boating anglers include GPS and radar/fishfinder technology to help anglers not only navigate but also find areas of habitat for fish, or see the screen view of the fish underwater. The newest product to be released in 2022 is Simrad’s NSX Chartplotter and fish-finder, an ultra-modern electronic console.
Motion Sickness Products
With the waves and wind, and constant motion on boats, it’s almost inevitable that someone aboard will experience motion sickness. Stock wearable wristbands that use a type of acupressure to help quell motion-sickness-induced nausea, or stock vertigo-relief pills or Dramamine.
First Aid Kit
Many kinds of accidents could happen on a boat–from sliding across slippery decks and opening an injury, to having an eel hook stuck to the skin to slicing your skin off the line of a fishing or dock line. Make sure you have a kit of dressings and bandages including antibacterial ointments, and antiseptic wipes, as well as others. Pay attention to minor medical issues on the boat to prevent an evacuation in the event of an emergency.
Paddle
People-power is at play as you maneuver into the dock, keeping the boat with a steady hand while looking at a mooring line — or in the event of engine failure. A paddle is propulsion insurance. Some paddles are telescoping and also have a hook handle, so the paddle does double duty as a boat hook.
Cut Resistant Gloves
Wearing a protective glove is sensible. Get some protective gloves for the time you’re using knives, fishing hooks, or even a metal anchor (which may come with sharp edges).
Boat Grill
There’s nothing better than cooking up your fishing catch or tossing some shrimp over the barbecue while you’re relaxing on your boat. Think about a grill that is mounted on a rail or with legs on the deck. With gas or charcoal, you’re ready to go.
Telescopic Boat Hook
While you’re in your floating area, it’s not uncommon to reach out and secure an object on top of the water, or grab it using a docking ball or mooring rod that you keep with rod holders and make use of it to release the fishing line that you’ve gotten caught in. The telescoping boat hook is an essential piece of equipment for any boat.
Life Vests
The U.S. Coast Guard requires that personal flotation devices be provided to all boat passengers and crew, including your pet dogs; Federal law requires that children who are younger than 13 wear a safety jacket when a vessel is operating. The best choice is a cushion or vest that is Coast Guard-approved and suitable to the circumstances. For instance, the Type III inflatable PDF (below, to the left) has a comfortable fit (most are self-inflating when submerged, or the wearer pulls a cord to increase the inflating). However, they’re not suitable for water sports such as waterskiing or wakeboarding.
Water Bailing Containers/Safety Kits
This dual-purpose accessory will provide your safety on board with its self-contained collection of safety-related items for boats like a waterproof flashlight, marine rope with a buoy attached, and a safety whistle to let you know when you’re in distress. These items are in a bailing jar. Just empty the contents and use the container to drain out the water from your boat.