3 Boat Accessories You Can’t Afford Not to Have

Purchasing a boat is an exciting thing. But it’s also a major investment. Why wouldn’t you want to protect that investment and get the most out of it any way you can?

There are three key boat accessories that you really can’t afford not to have if you’re a boat owner. While some protect your boat itself, others protect you while you’re out on the water. Each accessory is indispensable in its own way. Trust us, you’ll thank us later.

1. A Good Bilge Pump

All boats end up with unwanted water in the bilge that needs to be removed. It’s just a fact of being a boat owner. There’s really no one way that it happens: it can get in through leaky seams or portlights, it can seep in through a propeller shaft packing gland, or it can even simply melt from your icebox. No matter how it happens, the key is to remove the water so that you’re not left with damaging, irreversible effects to your boat. The easiest and most efficient way to do this is by installing a quality pump, like the Attwood bilge pump.

A bilge sub pump’s primary function is to get this “nuisance water” out of your boat.

And the best bilge pump could also give you just enough time to get to shore if your boat is sinking. It’s an affordable safety measure that you shouldn’t think twice about installing.

Just keep in mind two very important facts:

1. No bilge pump system is large enough to keep up with a leak stemming from hull damage. Bilge sub pumps are designed to remove small quantities of water and should not in any way be considered damage control pumps.
2. You should never leave a boat with a known leak alone with a bilge pump. You shouldn’t rely on a bilge pump to keep your boat afloat if you have a leak. Get it fixed by a professional ASAP.

2. A Properly Fitting Boat Cover

Another accessory that is vital if you’re the owner of a boat is a well-fitting boat cover. If you don’t properly cover your boat, you can face numerous maintenance problems while simultaneously shortening the lifespan of your vessel. Boat covers are especially important when traveling and before you put your boat away for the winter.

There Are Countless Reasons Why Utilizing a Boat Cover Is a Smart Idea Including:

• Keeping out bugs and critters while also protecting your boat from bird droppings and debris
• Preventing dents, scratches and premature fading from sun damage
• Cutting down on repair and replacement costs
• Ensures a longer life and higher resale value for your boat
• Helps prevent casual theft of various parts and equipment
• Reduces time spent cleaning prior to launching your boat

In order to get a perfectly fitting boat cover, you need to make sure you measure your boat properly. This involves a few measurements on your part:

1. First, make sure that you’re always measuring in a straight line.
2. Measure the length from the tip of the bow to the center of the transom.
3. Then, measure the beam at the widest most point of the hull.
4. Next, if you have a swim step, measure from the point of the bow to the back center of the step.
5. Lastly, measure the length, height and width of your trolling motor, jack plate, center console, pulpit or anchor davit.

It’s extremely important to get exact measurements so you have a properly fitting boat cover. So, make sure to measure a couple times before ordering your new boat cover.

3. A Compact Boat Refrigerator

While a boat refrigerator might seem like a costly extra that isn’t necessary, think about this: If you’re out on the water for hours at a time under the hot sun, you need to stay hydrated. A compact boat refrigerator will keep your water, beverages and food items nice and cool all day long.

If you have a boat locker, you should first check with your boatbuilder to see if they’re able to tell you which model of refrigerator was intended for the space.

If you don’t have the designated space already, it’s time to get a little creative. Make sure you have an empty space in the cockpit that’s large enough and allows for adequate ventilation. Which style or size you get really depends on your need and how much space you have.

• If you don’t have that much space or don’t want to install a permanent refrigerator, you may opt for a portable cooler.
• If you want something permanent but aren’t working with a lot of space, you might want to consider a drawer fridge.
• And if you want a full boat refrigerator and you have the space, why not upgrade to a built-in refrigerator?

Boats & RV Accessories carries some of the best boat covers, refrigerators and bilge pumps on the market. Browse our entire selection of boat accessories today. Have a question or need more information? Be sure to reach out to us today!