The Four Must-Have Boating Accessories
The right boating accessories make a voyage better. They can improve the trip's comfort, enjoyment, and even safety. There is a seemingly endless amount of options, however, which can make the shopping process overwhelming.
Here at Thayer's Marine, we strive to make your life easier. That's why we created the following guide to the four must-have boating accessories. You can always add more items later, but be sure to start with the below essentials. If you have any questions or want to explore boats for sale, head over to our boat dealership. We are located in Norwich, Connecticut, and proudly serve those in Springfield, Massachusetts as well.
Personal Flotation Device
Perhaps the most important boating accessory is the personal flotation device, also called a life jacket or life vest. It can truly save your life!
If you should fall overboard, the life jacket provides essential flotation assistance. It ensures that your head stays above water, even when you have no energy left to swim. Life jackets buy valuable time so you can either get yourself back onto the boat or get rescued.
Even strong swimmers need to always wear a life vest. There is always the chance of getting knocked unconscious or otherwise injured in a way that impedes your ability to keep yourself afloat. After all, it's much better to wear the life jacket and not need it than need it and not have it!
When shopping for life jackets, know that sizing is important. If the life vest is too large, it might slide right off. If the life vest is too tight, it becomes quite uncomfortable to wear. Make sure that every passenger on board your boat is wearing a well-fitting personal flotation device.
If there are any young children coming along, seek out life jackets with two extra features. First, get models with a crotch strap that helps prevent the life vest from coming off over their head. Second, get models that offer head flotation to help keep them righted.
Dock Lines
Upon arrival at your destination, you will need some way to secure the boat to the dock. Otherwise, your vessel could easily float away! That's where dock lines come in handy.
For a long time, the main option was using a coarse length of fibrous rope that was tied with complicated sailor's knots. Today, there are many other options available that are much easier and faster to use.
For example, there are flexible and durable bungee cord ropes. They can stretch to fit the needed distance and come in a range of standard lengths. You will likely need a few ropes to get the job done.
It's important to pick dock lines that offer enough strength to keep your boat secure. Make sure the dock lines that you use are capable of holding your boat's full weight!
A Dry Bag
An outing on the water means plenty of exposure to, well, water. There is spray from the bow. Large waves could send some water over the side. Passengers walking around right after a swim can drip water anywhere and everywhere. It's part of the boating adventure, but it can pose a threat to valuables. There are many items, such as electronics, that don't mix well with water.
A dry bag is a helpful solution. This waterproof container helps provide valuable protection from water. It's a great solution for storing electronics, wallets, identification, medications, papers, and extra clothing. Dry bags come in many different sizes, allowing you to get the options that best suit the items being stored as well as the boat's storage areas.
A Fishing Boat Seat
Anglers will want to invest in a fishing boat seat, especially those who embark on longer fishing trips. The standard boat seats are fine, but not made with fishing in mind. It's all too common for anglers to end up with back pain due to straining themselves on board.
That's why fishing boat seats offer the ability to swivel around. Cast your line in any direction and rotate as needed. It makes fishing much easier! Plus, these seats tend to offer plenty of extra comfort. The best models are high-back designs paired with high-compression foam padding. Be sure to focus on models made with marine-grade vinyl, which resists mold and mildew.
For more advice or to shop boats for sale, visit Thayer's Marine. Our friendly staff is happy to assist you with whatever you need, from answering questions to giving advice. We are a boat dealership based in Norwich, Connecticut. We also proudly serve those in Springfield, Massachusetts.