Who says you can’t find a great deal on accessories for boats? Yes, it’s true: a lot of marine accessories cost a pretty penny, but there are plenty of great products that don’t break the bank. Whether you’re searching for fun boating accessories or something a little more practical, both can be found at a reasonable price.
Below you’ll find our 30 best boat accessories that cost under $30. You may consider some of the items to be must-have products, while others are just cool gadgets to keep on board. Either way, we think the majority are worth more than their price tag indicates.
West Marine Flip Lock Drain Plug
If you’ve ever forgotten to put the plug in, then you know it makes sense to keep a few drain plugs handy.
Taylor Made Port and Starboard Mini Keychain Floats
Red, right, return? Keep track of port and starboard with these keychain floats.
Benetech GM816 Handheld Anemometer
Need a wind reading? Yes, there’s an app for that. But to get accurate real-time wind measurements at your location, a handheld anemometer is the boat accessory you really need.
Survival Puck First-Aid Kit
Space is always at a premium on boats and personal watercraft, which is why this compact first-aid kit is great to bring aboard. The palm-size container holds bandages, antibiotics, antiseptics and sterile tools to use should a medical need arise.
Sea to Summit 20-Liter Dry Sack
This lightweight, waterproof bag has taped seams and a roll-top clip system to keep your gear safe from water. It’s available in five different colors.
Overton’s Four-Buckle Nylon Vest
These closed-cell foam flotation vests come in different colors and can be used on board or during watersports.
Davis Queaz-Away Relief Bands
Slip on these wristbands to apply acupressure to your wrists to help combat seasickness symptoms while at sea.
Rite in the Rain Large Waterproof Spiral Notebook
Some of us still like to keep manual ship’s logs or maintenance logs. Whatever your need, a waterproof notebook is the right way to go on a boat.
Flambeau 14-Inch Marine Dry Box
This hard case has a water-resistant O-ring seal that, when latched down, keeps the gear inside dry.
Olixar X-Ranger iPhone X Survival Case
Keep your iPhone protected with this rugged case that has a flip-out kickstand and a concealed multitool that’s about the size of a credit card.
NoCry Cut-Resistant Gloves
If you plan on working with knives or sharp tools on your boat, these gloves will protect your digits. Made from polyethylene, fiberglass and spandex, they are cut-resistant and machine-washable.
HUK Watch Cap
Made from 100 percent acrylic fabric, this classic cap will help any boater keep his head in the game while venturing offshore in cooler climes.
Pelagic Gear Circle Bottle-Opener Keychain
One thing about bottle openers is when you need one, you can never find one. Change that with this keychain from Pelagic.
MagBand Magnetic Wristband
When working on boats, dropping drill bits and other tool parts into the bilge or some hard-to-reach place is always a risk. Keep them attached to you by wearing this Mag-Band magnetic wristband while you work.
Fireboy Xintex SS-775 Smoke and Fire Alarm
This general-purpose smoke and fire alarm runs on a 9-volt battery so you don’t have to hard-wire it to your boat.
Smith’s Adjustable-Angle Pull-Through Knife Sharpener
This manual sharpener lets you adjust the settings to course or fine to sharpen a wide variety of knives.
Whistles for Life Tri-Power Whistle
This clip-on emergency whistle can be added to your life jacket, used as a keychain or kept handy aboard your boat. The plastic waterproof whistle creates 120 decibels of rescuer-alerting sound.
Meguiar’s Boat/RV Air Refreshers
Use the fog canisters to get rid of annoying odors belowdecks. After fogging an enclosed area for 15 minutes, open the area and let it air out, and the odors will be gone.
Airhead Complete Folding Anchor System
This 3.5-pound four-fluke anchor is designed for use with small boats, dinghies, kayaks, canoes and PWC. Packs into a bag along with a 25-foot nylon rope and a float.
Snow Peak Titanium Spork
Eating aboard a small boat can be civilized if you pack the right cutlery. Slurp or chew with this lightweight, durable spork made from titanium.
Cleatus Cups
Cleatus cups use a 6-inch cleat as a handle, giving them the perfect nautical look while holding a 24-ounce beverage. They can be customized.
Lead Masters Stretch Wrap Finger
Protect your fingertips from line cuts or any other kind of abrasion while fishing or doing general boating maintenance.
Suunto Clipper L/B NH Compass
Underrated and under-appreciated, a magnetic compass should be part of every boater’s tool kit. Use this clip-on as a backup to your fixed mount to help find the way home.
Sheldon SFD Fish Descender
Designed to safely return fish to great depths, the Sheldon SFD Fish Descender clips to the fish’s mouth. Tie your line to one end and a heavy sinker to the other end, and send the fish back home.
Double Parachute Camping Hammock
Part of the boating life should always include a time and a place to hang a hammock by the water. This one, made of parachute nylon, squishes down into a portable sack and hangs with straps instead of ropes. Holds two adults.
Ironwood Pacific Top-Snapper Tool for Boat Snaps
Snapping and unsnapping boat canvas is a job that nobody loves. Make it easier with this snapper tool that helps align snaps for fastening and also helps unsnap without breaking snaps or tearing the canvas.
Buff Aquatic Camo Headband
Smaller than traditional Buff head wear, the headband is a great way to keep out of the sun and keep the sweat off.
AFTCO Spin Strap
Use the Spin Strap to get better pulling leverage with your spinning rod when using a harness and belt.
Dock Edge MFP Fender Line
Get this multicolored fender line to keep your fenders safe and secure at your boat or mooring. The nylon mesh rope will stand up to the elements yet remain soft and pliable.
Blacktip Vertical Three-Rod Rack
Stow rods aboard any boat with this one-piece rack made of corrosion-resistant polypropylene. It’s easy to install and lets you create space for rods on any boat.
