Best Boat Accessories

Requirements vary by boat length and type, but the core list includes: a Coast Guard-approved life jacket (PFD) for every person aboard, a Type IV throwable device (for boats 16 ft and over), visual distress signals (flares or an approved electronic alternative), a sound-producing device (whistle or horn), a B-1 fire extinguisher if you have an enclosed fuel tank or engine compartment, and navigation lights for operation between sunset and sunrise. Check the USCG's boating safety site for your specific vessel class.

Both are excellent and the 'better' choice depends on what you value. Garmin offers the most polished interface, the best smartphone integration via ActiveCaptain, and strong cartography through Navionics and BlueChart. Lowrance has a loyal following among serious anglers for its C-MAP charts and HDS Live sonar integration. Raymarine is preferred by offshore and sailboat crews for its reliability and FLIR thermal integration. At similar price points, most users are happy with either Garmin or Lowrance—choose based on which interface feels intuitive to you and which charts cover your primary waters.

A general guideline is 2 lbs of thrust per 100 lbs of fully loaded boat weight. For a 2,000 lb bass boat, a 40–55 lb thrust motor is typically sufficient in calm water; saltwater or heavy wind requires stepping up. Minn Kota recommends their 80+ lb thrust motors for boats over 3,000 lbs. Shaft length matters too: measure from the motor mount to the waterline and add 18–20 inches. For 20-inch transoms, a 45-inch shaft is usually correct.

Most manufacturers recommend annual service or every 100 hours of operation, whichever comes first. Annual service typically includes changing the lower unit gear oil, inspecting and replacing spark plugs, replacing the fuel filter, checking the impeller (water pump), greasing all fittings, and inspecting the prop for nicks. The impeller is critical—a failed impeller causes overheating and can destroy an engine in minutes. Replace it every 200–300 hours or every 2–3 years even if it looks fine.

Combo units that integrate both on one screen have become the standard for most recreational anglers. Units like the Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra, Lowrance HDS Live, and Humminbird Helix series combine high-resolution sonar (including down imaging and side imaging) with full chartplotter functionality. Dedicated standalone units have the edge for serious tournament anglers who want maximum screen real estate for each function. For most boaters, a quality combo unit at the 9–12 inch size offers the best value.

303 Aerospace Protectant is the most widely recommended UV protectant for vinyl upholstery—apply after every few uses. For hull cleaning and oxidation removal, Meguiar's Marine products and Star Brite Boat Oxidation Remover are popular choices. A fitted boat cover significantly extends the life of all surfaces when the boat is stored. For fiberglass hulls, a paste wax (Collinite Fleet Wax is a long-lasting favorite) applied 1–2 times per season provides solid protection.