My Guide to Boat Gear That Actually Works (And Keeps You From Calling Me)

Picture this: perfect day, sun’s out, not a cloud in the sky. You’re feeling good. Then you go to start the engine, and all you get is that sad click-click-click. I’ve seen it a hundred times. Last summer, a guy named Ray with a beautiful Sea Ray Sundancer got stranded just off Stiltsville at sunset. Battery was dead. He had a boat full of fancy toys, but not a single portable jump starter. A $100 piece of gear could have saved his entire evening and a hefty tow bill.

That’s what this is all about. It’s not the big, flashy stuff that makes a day on the water great. It’s the smart, simple accessories that keep you safe, comfortable, and out of trouble. They’re the things that prevent a minor headache from turning into a trip-ruining disaster. I’ve been fixing boats in Miami for 15 years, and I can tell you that the most prepared boaters aren’t the ones with the most expensive gear, but the ones with the right gear.

This isn’t just another list of stuff to buy. This is my breakdown of what you actually need, what’s a waste of money, and how to keep it all working so you don’t have to call a guy like me. We’re going to cover:

• The safety stuff that’s not up for debate.
• Gear for docking without looking like a rookie.
• How to keep your power on and fix minor issues yourself.
• Comfort items that are surprisingly useful.
• Making the boat yours, for fishing, cruising, or whatever you do.

Let’s start with the most important stuff: the gear that keeps you safe when things go wrong.

The Stuff That Keeps You Out of Trouble: Safety First, Always

Before you even think about cracking open a cold one, you have to have your safety gear dialed in. This isn’t just about following Coast Guard rules; it’s about having a plan when things get ugly. I’ve seen enough go wrong out there to know that foresight is your best friend.

Your Life Depends on It: PFDs

Personal Flotation Devices, or PFDs—life jackets to most people—are the single most important piece of safety equipment on your boat. The Coast Guard isn’t kidding around: you need a properly fitting, approved PFD for every single person on board, and it has to be easy to get to (see the generated image above). Don’t bury them under a pile of gear in a bow locker. Last year, I saw the FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife) stop a guy at the Haulover Sandbar and write him a ticket because his kids’ PFDs were still in the plastic wrap. Be smart.

Knowing the types helps you get the right ones:

• Type I: These are for offshore. Big, bulky, and designed to keep your face out of the water even if you’re unconscious in rough seas.
• Type II: Your basic near-shore vest. Good for calm, inland water where a quick rescue is likely.
• Type III: These are the more comfortable “flotation aids.” Think ski vests. Great for watersports where you expect to be in the water.
• Type IV: Throwable devices. That square cushion or life ring you see. You need at least one you can toss to someone immediately .
• Type V: Special-use vests, like inflatable ones. They’re comfortable, but you have to maintain them. I’ve seen plenty that wouldn’t inflate because the cartridge was old.

Make sure they fit everyone, from the biggest guy on board to the kids and even the dog.

First Aid and a Way to Call for Help

Your boat needs a real first-aid kit, not just a few band-aids from your car (see the generated image above). Get a waterproof one and stock it for things that actually happen on a boat: sunburn, cuts from fish hooks or sharp edges, and seasickness meds. I also tell everyone to have a good pair of pliers in there just for removing hooks.

And you need a way to call for help when your cell phone has no bars. A VHF radio is a lifeline . You can talk to the Coast Guard, a tow service, or other boats directly. Don’t rely on your phone. A good GPS/Chartplotter is just as critical . It shows you where you are, where the shallow spots are, and how to get home. It’s saved my bacon more times than I can count when I’ve been out on unfamiliar water. For guys going way offshore, a satellite communicator is cheap insurance for a real emergency.

Your safety gear is the best crew you’ll ever have. Don’t cheap out on it.

Anchors, Fenders, and Not Hitting the Dock

Nothing screams “rookie” more than a chaotic docking or an anchor that won’t hold. Getting the right gear for maneuvering makes you look like a pro and protects your investment.

Anchoring So You Actually Stay Put

Your anchor isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. Down here in Florida, we deal with everything from sand and mud to rock and grass. A Danforth anchor is great for sand, but it can get clogged with mud and skip. A Claw anchor is more versatile. The key is to have the right one for where you boat most often.

And you need enough rope, or “rode.” A 5:1 to 7:1 scope (that’s the ratio of rode to water depth) is what you need for a good hold. I saw a guy at Peanut Island drag anchor right into another boat because he only had a 3:1 scope out in a stiff current. A few feet of chain between the anchor and the rope also helps it dig in properly.

Docking Gear That Protects Your Hull

Docking shouldn’t be a contact sport. Your dock lines and fenders are what prevent expensive gelcoat repairs. Use good quality, nylon double-braid lines; they have some stretch to absorb shock. And for the love of all that is holy, learn how to tie a proper cleat hitch.

Boat fenders are your boat’s bodyguards. Get ones that are the right size for your boat and place them where they’ll actually do some good—at the widest point of the boat, not dangling a foot above the dock. I saw a beautiful new Contender get a nasty gash at a restaurant dock in Fort Lauderdale because the owner used undersized fenders. It’s a cheap way to prevent a very expensive mistake.

A telescopic boat hook is another one of those things you don’t think you need until you really need it. Pushing off a dock, grabbing a line you dropped, snagging your hat out of the water—it’s worth its weight in gold.

Power on Deck: Keeping Things Running

A dead boat is just a floating piece of fiberglass. Keeping your batteries charged and your systems running is what makes a day on the water convenient and safe.

This table breaks down the essentials versus the nice-to-haves from my perspective.

Accessory	My Take (Why You Need It)	What to Look For
Portable Jump Starter	This is a non-negotiable must-have. It has saved me and my clients more times than I can count. A dead battery is the #1 reason for calls to tow services.	A good lithium-ion model from a brand like NOCO. Get one with enough amps for your engine and USB ports to charge your phone.
Onboard USB Chargers	Everyone’s phone is also their camera and navigator. Keeping them charged is critical. Dead phone = no music, no pictures, no backup GPS.	Marine-grade waterproof ports. Install them where you actually hang out—at the helm and in the seating area.
Marine Toolkit	You can fix half the common problems with a few basic tools. It’s the difference between a 5-minute fix and a 3-hour wait for a tow.	Stainless steel tools that won’t rust. Get a set with wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, and zip ties. Add electrical tape.
Spare Parts	Things will break. Having a spare fuse, drain plug, or belt on board can turn a disaster into a minor inconvenience.	Know your boat. Get spares for the most common failure points on your specific engine model.

Knowing a little bit about your boat’s systems goes a long way. You don’t have to be a mechanic, but you should know where your fuses are and how to check your oil. And having those spare parts handy can save your entire trip.

The ‘Nice-to-Have’ Stuff That’s Actually Useful

Okay, not everything on a boat is about life-or-death survival. Sometimes you just want to be comfortable. These are a few accessories that people think are just for show, but I’ve found them to be surprisingly practical.

Good LED lights are a game-changer for night boating. Whether you’re docking after dark or just need to see what you’re doing on deck, they’re way better than an old, dim bulb. They use less power, too.

Non-tipping drink holders sound silly, but they’re great . Trying to find a place to set your drink on a rocking boat is a pain. Get some sturdy ones that can handle a bit of chop.

Protect your eyes. The glare off the water is brutal. A good pair of polarized, UV-protective sunglasses is an absolute must . You’ll see better into the water and your eyes won’t be fried at the end of the day.

An Eco Blast Air Horn is another one. It’s loud, it gets people’s attention, and you don’t have to keep buying those little disposable cans . For anglers, those recessed foot pedal trays for trolling motors make a huge difference in comfort over a long day .

These small things add up to a much better experience. You’re out there to relax, after all.

Making It Yours and Keeping It Working

The “best” accessories depend on what you do. An angler needs good rod holders and a livewell. A family that cruises wants a good stereo and comfortable seating. Don’t just buy stuff because you see it in a catalog; buy what makes your time on the water better.

But no matter what gear you have, you have to take care of it. This is where I see people drop the ball. They spend thousands on accessories and then let the salt and sun destroy them. Preventative maintenance is how you protect your investment. Rinse your gear with fresh water. Check electrical connections for corrosion—that green crust is a killer down here. Keep things clean and lubricated.

And know your limits. If you’re not comfortable wiring in new electronics, don’t do it. A bad wiring job can cause a fire. I’ve seen it happen. It’s cheaper to pay a pro for a few hours than to replace your boat.

My Final Take

At the end of the day, having the right gear is about confidence. It’s knowing you can handle a dead battery, anchor securely in a blow, and get home safely. It’s not about having the most stuff, it’s about having the right stuff—and knowing how to use it.

So, take a look at your boat. What’s missing from your safety kit? Could your docking situation be less stressful? Start with one or two things that will make a real difference. A small investment in the right accessories pays for itself over and over again in peace of mind. That’s the real key to enjoying your time on the water.

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Dockside FAQ: Questions I Get All the Time

Here are a few questions I get asked constantly at the marina.