Are you eagerly planning and dreaming of your next boat trip?
Remember the right gear can make all the difference between a smooth, enjoyable experience and a day on the water plagued with hassle and inconvenience. Whether you're navigating hidden coves or enjoying a tranquil day of fishing, being well-prepared maximizes fun and ensures safety for everyone on board.
We want to help you make the most of your time on the water, so check out our list of boat essentials, organized by different activities. Whatever your plans, here’s everything you need for a seamless and unforgettable day on the water.
How to Choose the Best Boat for You
If you’re still undecided on what boat you want, we have a helpful guide to choosing the right boat for your activity and lifestyle. This guide gets into the different types of boats - human-powered, inflatable, and speed boats - and the pros and cons of each option.
If your heart is already set on an inflatable boat for convenience and portability, we’re excited to tell you about our recently launched high-performance inflatable boats. The first is our E-Assist Motors which is a fantastic way to power your manual SUP or kayak adventures so you can go further and faster on your trips. It’s also a great leg up for beginners paddling with more experienced kayakers as they can keep up endurance-wise.
We also recently launched the Flywater, an ultra-durable inflatable kayak and micro-skiff hybrid. It’s speedy over shallow waters and can nimbly navigate tight waterways. You’ll love using it for stealth fishing or fun recreational boating for 1 to 2 people. It’s the world’s most rigid inflatable and is 3-5 X more rigid than typical inflatables on the market.
Now comes the fun part - stocking it up with all the gear and tech you need to maximize your fun while preventing any accidents on the water.
If you’re just getting started on boating, check out our How to Boat guide which covers how to boat, knot tying, etiquette, and safety tips.
Boating Essentials
These are the recommended boat must-haves for all activities so that you can get out on the water safely. While this list may be overwhelming, remember that most of these items can be used for years when cared for properly. Remember it’s important to regularly check and maintain your gear to ensure it's in good working condition before every trip.
Boating Gear
Anchors: keep your boat stationary, necessary for fishing, swimming, or in an emergency
Ropes: required to secure the boat to docks, other boats, or buoys
Fenders: protect your boat from damage when docking or tying up next to other boats
Dock Lines: strong and durable lines are used to secure your boat to a dock
Bailing Devices or Bilge Pumps: remove water from the boat to prevent flooding
Tool Kit: make minor repairs and adjustments while on the water
Boat Hook: helps with docking and retrieving items from the water
Extra Fuel: ensures you have enough fuel for the journey and emergencies
Weather Gear: rain jackets and waterproof gear
Flashlights or Headlamps: crucial for visibility during nighttime or low-light conditions
Electric Motor: don’t forget your motor if you’re planning for an e-assisted SUP or kayak adventure
Dry Bag: to keep all your important things safe and dry (wallets, cameras, phones)
Phone with Waterproof Holder: protect your phone and your photos
Food and Water: essential for staying hydrated and energized, especially on longer trips
Sun Protection: bring hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against harmful UV rays. Try UV clothing if you don’t like the feel of sunscreen all over your body
Safety Equipment
Life jackets (PFDs): mandatory for the safety of everyone on board - you must have a life jacket for every single person on board
Fire Extinguishers: fires are a major hazard on a boat. So make sure you have fire extinguishers handy.
First Aid Kits: essential for treating any medical issues that may come up. It’s especially critical if you’re on multi-day trips in remote areas
Emergency Signaling Devices: devices include whistles, flares, and distress flags to signal for help in case of an emergency
Navigation Tools
Maps: Essential for understanding your location and planning your route. Make sure you review and do research on conditions before your trip
Compass: Reliable for navigation, especially if electronic devices are not working
GPS Devices: provides precise location and route information
Marine Radios: If you’re taking engine-powered boats out, we highly recommend a radio as it’s vital for communication with other boats and emergency services, especially in remote areas
Stock up on the items above to ensure your boating experience is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable.
On top of all these items, we have some specific accessories and must-haves depending on your boating activity.
Fishing Essentials
Below are all the must-haves for fishing on your boat:
Harbor Folding Fishing Crate: has everything you need to store your catch and organize your gear. Includes an innovative folding milk crate for structure and sturdiness, or remove it and use the included wall stiffeners. Features two-rod holders, tool pockets with elastic security bands, one large velcro-closure pocket, and one large mesh storage pocket. Optimized for use with the ISLE-LINK connect system featured on the Switch and Pro Series inflatable paddle board kayak hybrid models but compatible with all ISLE boards and kayaks
Have you ever thought about fishing on a SUP or kayak? Not only is it a stealthy way to fish, but you get a higher viewpoint and you can easily access shallow waters. Don’t forget our Anchor Kit so that you can stay in place while fishing in stronger currents or winds.
Extra Hooks: Carry a variety of hooks (Circle Hooks, J-Hooks) for different fishing needs
Extra Lines: Bring different lines suitable for various water conditions and fish
Bobbers and floaters are visual indicators that tell you when you’re getting bites from fish. If the bobber starts to jostle or move underwater, it’s time to reel in your catch. Most people are familiar with the classic red and white snap-on spheres, but modern bobbers offer high-tech options like active sonar technology compatible with iOS and Android phones to give details of the water under your board. If you’re looking to maximize your limited time on the water, getting a good idea of where the fish are is always helpful
Fish Finders: Use portable fish finders to locate fish
Fishing Rod Holders: Secure your rod with holders, especially when paddling or waiting for bites. These are included in our Harbor Fishing Crate
Line Cutters: Bring this tool for cutting lines and tippets easily
Lures: Select lures based on water clarity and target fish species
Needle Nose Pliers: Versatile tool for hook removal and other uses
Sinkers: For the classic approach to fishing with a simple live worm and hook, you will need a way to get your bait down to where the fish are searching for food. Using a weight or “sinker” is the simple solution. Most sinkers feature lead, but if you have environmental concerns you can always purchase lead alternatives made from brass, tungsten, and steel.
Electric Pump: inflate your kayak quickly with our specially-designed pump
Link-Up Board Connector Straps: If you want to SUP with a friend or lounge on a mobile dock, try the. You can connect two or as many boards as you like for side-along SUP when you attach two straps along the front and back of the ISLE-LINK system. You can also attach them when they are converted into kayaks
Gear for Boating & Cruising
If you’re planning to swim, lounge, and have fun on the water, don’t forget these summer essentials
Floaties or Tubes: Our Tube-o-line is designed for chills and thrills. You can either relax in the tube or flip it over and use it as a mini-trampoline.
Inflatable dock: if your group likes to lounge, try our inflatable dock which can easily hold
Speaker: enjoy lounging and swimming in the water while listening to your favorite tunes. Just don’t forget to
With the right gear and preparation, your time on the water will be smooth, safe, and full of memories. Whether casting a line, paddling through serene waters, or enjoying a day of swimming, the right equipment ensures you’re ready for anything. So, stock up, plan, and get ready for an unforgettable day on the water!
