Whether you enjoy sailing on a tranquil sea or powering through rivers and bays, your boat must be well-equipped. The right boat accessories help you and your favorite people stay safe no matter how many miles you are from the shore. Make a comprehensive kit before stepping off dry land again.

Top 7 Boat Accessories You Should Never Leave Behind

1. Life Jackets & Rafts

Never go boating without plenty of life jackets and rafts on board, no matter how strong of a swimmer everyone is. It takes less than a second for something to happen that sends someone overboard, such as a strong gust of wind or quickly steering out of the way of an oncoming jet ski or cabin cruiser. Have everyone wear their jackets and keep rafts within reach during every excursion.

2. First Aid Kit

Compile a first aid kit and update it as necessary. Recommended items include bandages, gauze, antiseptic ointment, bug spray, sunblock, OTC painkillers, scissors, tape, tweezers, antihistamine, cleansing wipes, and rash ointment. Additional suggestions include eyewash and disposable sterile gloves.

3. Extra Rope

Keep 10 to 20 feet of extra rope in your boat to tie your vessel to a marina dock or tow another boat. It is also a safety accessory for anyone who falls overboard.

4. White Vinegar

Use white vinegar for bug bite and jellyfish sting relief. The non-toxic, inexpensive liquid also serves as an all-purpose cleaner and disinfectant that keeps drains clear and prevents windshield ice in the winter.

5. Water

Always have a few cases of water onboard to keep everyone hydrated and avoid the effects of dehydration, including severe headaches and confusion. You can never have enough drinking water on your boat, especially if you enjoy sailing in the heat of summer.

6. Fire Extinguisher

Ensure your fire extinguisher works and replace it as necessary. While most boats are no longer made of wood, they often feature wooden interiors. Fire extinguishers are mandatory even if your boat mainly sits in a marina, as fire on one vessel quickly spreads due to wooden docks.

7. Emergency Flares

Purchase three to five emergency flares to alert the coast guard in the event of an emergency, such as your boat running out of gas on a windless day. Look for flares that send clear signals during the day and night.

Dewey’s Cook Inlet, Inc. provides boaters throughout Anchorage, AK, with the high-quality boat accessories they need for successful days on the water. Serving the region for over 50 years, the largest marine dealer in the state also specializes in affordable boat sales from top brands. Call (907) 344-5092 with questions or visit the dealer online to review available boat accessories and vessels. Learn about the latest boats for sale on Facebook.