10 Most Important Boating Accessories for All Your Boating Needs

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Who doesn’t enjoy boating? Floating on a boat in the middle of a beautiful lake at sunset is sure to give you the rejuvenation that you’ve always longed for. But when boating, safety comes first. You need to choose the right functional accessories. You do not want to be troubled by flimsy accessories and gears while boating. Boating requires you to make a quality investment in boating accessories, which would help in increasing the life of your boat in general. So, listed below are 10 key boating accessories from which you can benefit and would not want to forget while going for a trip to the waters –

  1. Personal Flotation Device (PFD) – If fishing is your hobby; a PFD cannot be dispensed with. You must have one flotation device for every person on board. Make sure that the life jacket is USCG approved. You can also keep throw cushions on your boat, which are mandatory in some states.
  2. GPS Devices – A GPS device like a GPS-Emergency Position indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) or PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) is important installations for your boat. These devices can communicate your exact location to search and rescue satellites. These work even on inland waterways. It is not uncommon for your phone’s battery to die or become dysfunctional due to an accident on the boat. These devices come handy when your phone runs out of the network coverage area.
  3. Phone Charger – It won’t be an understatement to say that our phones have become an indispensable part of our lives. The need to use it may arise anytime and so a 12-volt charger comes handy then. Some people even install solar-powered phone chargers. For Example – You may have to use your phone as a flashlight. But what if the battery of the phone runs out altogether? In this case, a phone charger or more suitably a power bank would be a helpful option.
  4. First Aid Kit – One of the most underrated items that ought to be carried are mostly the first aid kits. Do not underestimate its functionality and always keep one in your boat. It is one of the most important boating accessories. The palm-sized container can store bandages, antibiotics, antiseptics, scissors, tweezers, adhesive tapes, flexible adhesive bandages of several sizes, etc. Sterile tools are also packed and they should be used when a medical need arises.
  5. Polarized Sunglasses & Fishing Shoes – Protecting your eyes from the harmful UV rays is a must on a sunny day. There are variants of sunglasses that are available for offshore, inshore and cloudy days, which is for you to choose. You should not forget to buy a pair of anti-skid non-marking shoes. They are always better than flip-flops. They cover your feet and keep them protected from fish hooks or pokes, gears and fish fins as well. You wouldn’t want to ruin your experience because of a pair of shoes and a pair of sunglasses. Would you?
  6. Marine Radio – These are tremendously convenient devices as they are independent of a boat’s electrical system. A marine radio can transmit information about the weather, the boat traffic or the movement of large commercial vessels. Mishaps and accidents can occur in seconds and you would never want to be caught in one because of erratic weather conditions. To be self-sufficient and not dependent on the help of local authorities is a good plan. These radios come preset with major international and all local maritime frequencies.
  7. Correct Anchor – The anchor which you choose for your boat must be according to the size of your boat. You must also take into consideration the location where you plan to set sail. Preferably, you may buy an anchor which is larger than the size recommended for your boat. This is when your boat is not too tiny. Most anchors adjust to the sea bed or the floor of the lake. The length of the chain or rope is what helps to pull and fix a position for your rest. Make sure that it is adequately long. The fluke and grapnel type are recommended based on many experiences and knowledge.
  8. Waterproof Dry-Bag – This is undoubtedly one of the best companions of a sailor. It can carry your clothes, electronics, devices like phone and camera and food! These items are travel essentials and you do not want excessive sunrays, water or dust to ruin them. It is practical and thus recommended to carry them safely in a waterproof dry-bag. They come in several shapes and sizes and even high-quality ones are available for an inexpensive price.
  9. Basic Tool Kit or A Multi-Tool – A good tool kit or a set of tools is paramount and one of the best investments on boats. They contain replacement fuse, tapes, wrench, pliers and different sizes of screw nuts and bolts. They fix small problems on the spot and you can feel much relaxed and have a comfortable boating experience. They are to the boat what a Stepney toolkit is to a car. Buy a high-quality mechanical tool kit ideal for boats and marine applications.
  10. Ropes/Dock Lines – There are numerous situations when you would need ropes as boating accessories. You should keep a decent number of these on board. If anchored out with other boats, they come handy to tie-up with them. If your boat needs to be towed, a sturdy rope will be functional. It might be helpful when you need to tie your boat to a post. They will also be helpful if you are caught up in mechanical troubles.

But gathering these one by one would be a tedious and time taking task. So where do you go? A one-stop destination for all your boating accessories is RS Marine. They provide high-quality products with unparalleled functionality. They build tools for boating enthusiasts which are realistic, resourceful and reliable.

 

How To Choose The Right Boat Hook

Boat owners need a lot of tools and equipment so that the boat functions as expected. Right form oars and engine fuel to boat hooks, every element needs to come together well so that the boat’s performance is as per the owner’s needs.

If you have been out sailing or have some experience on a boat, you must have understood the need for boat hooks. Boat hooks are an important aid for pushing, pulling and retrieval of objects from the sea. These not only help in retaining ropes, objects or boats in the water but are also used for docking and undocking the boat. With the wide range of features and functions available with the boat hooks, it becomes easy to get objects that are submerged below the sea level.

How to choose the right boat hook

Aside from docking and undocking, you can use these boat hooks for the following purposes:

  • Fishing objects out of the water, like buckets, hats, or any of your much-loved things. Generally, it happens more than you would think
  • When you want to pass objects to someone else on your boat
  • Cutting through objects
  • When you want to test water depth
  • Pushing yourself off boats that you have drifted too close to
  • Putting ropes on bollards that you cannot reach
  • Pushing yourself off the dock when there is a blustery weather
  • Passing rope up to your lock assistant
  • To grab objects those are rung on walls

Different boats have different requirements. It is, therefore, important to choose the boat hook suitable for your boat. Be it boat loops or electrical remote hooks, every type of boat hook perform a separate set of function. Selecting the right boat hook could be confusing if you are new to this. Here are a few boat hooks for you to choose from:

  1. Boat Loops: Boat loops are gaining a lot of popularity as boating equipment these days. Boat loops are very versatile and can be used for commercial or recreational purposes alike. The boat loops usually have a hook attached to them which helps in launching or retrieving things out of the water. The boat loops by RS Marine have a quick lock and release hook mechanism along with a flexible loop. You can order these great quality boat loops from rsmarine.com.
  2. Telescopic Boat Hooks: Telescopic boat hooks are designed for heavy boats. These boat hooks can stand a lot of force and don’t break easily. These boat hooks are of either 4 or 6 feet and can be extended to a length of 8 and 12 feet. You should buy a telescopic boat hook if you are using a heavy boat, to maximize effectiveness. This type of boat hook can be used for docking, undocking, and pulling up lines. This type of tough boat lock is a valuable asset when launching, docking, or retrieving your favorite things.
  3. Electrical Remote Hooks: Remote hooks have an electric system along with a controlling remote which is used to lift as well as perform other functions. The biggest advantage of such boat hooks is that the owner doesn’t have to be present near the hook all the time. Choose an electrical remote hook if you don’t have enough manpower on the boat.
  4. Economy Boat Hooks: If you have a small boat, this could be the best option for you. These boat hooks are lightweight and have special air chambers which make it easy to float. Economy boat hooks are relatively cheaper and are the best option available for people with small boats.
  5. Snap Hooks: Snap hooks are the best option for you if you use sailboats. Snap hooks function best for mooring as well as fastening purposes. These are made of stainless steel and have a spring for quick attachment and release. These are very versatile but work best for all the needs of a sailboat. If you own a sailboat and want to make mooring easier, snap-hooks could be the right thing for you.

Where can you buy them?

Any store that carries boating equipment should have a selection of hooks. If not then you can always buy them online from websites like eBay, Amazon.

To conclude

Different boats require different types of boat hooks. However, if you are new, it might be difficult to understand what boat hooks work best for your boat. In such cases, the boat loop is a savior.

Boat loops can be used on any kind of boat and perform a range of functions like mooring, docking, and revival of objects. The boat loops on sale by RS Marine are not only of great quality but are also priced reasonably. Get a boat loop today to make your boating experience a lot more relaxed and easy.