Boat Accessories: Safety List
The summer heat has finally arrived! While we would love to drop everything and head off to the lake, it’s incredibly important that you have the right gear to stay safe while on the water!
Capital Sports Sales wants to make sure you have all the necessities to keep you and your loved ones safe while having a fun day on the water! Having the correct gear and accessories is important for EVERY boat owner. If you’re new to boating, you may not know what the must-have boating accessories are.
We have collected the best boating accessories for any boat. It doesn’t matter if you have a pontoon, bowrider, or even a cruiser – anyone can benefit from the gear below.
Make sure to follow any state regulations for what you should have on your boat and safety! We are located in Boise, Idaho but many of our customers come from Montana, Wyoming, Washington, Oregon, and California. Make sure you stay up to date on your state’s regulations.
Boat Throw Cushions and Boat Life Jackets
Probably the most important accessory to have on anything that floats is life jackets, throw cushions, and other types of flotation safety gear.
You need a life jacket for every person on your boat. The best way to go about this is to buy more than you think you need just in case you have any extra, unplanned passengers.
We have a great collection of life vests from Full Throttle! Stop by or call our Parts Department to learn more.
9900 W Fairview Ave
Boise, ID 83704
(208) 323-1500
A good throw cushion is a must-have, too. Many states actually require you to have a throw cushion on board.
Boat Towing Membership
If you’re on a lake (or saltwater) you can get a local tow boating membership! This service that can get you out of a pickle.
Trust us, it’s better to be a member of this type of service because if you need a tow and you’re not a member it can get very costly.
You may never use their service, but if you ever do it will be worth every penny. Trust us, it sucks getting stuck in the middle of the lake because something happens to your boat.
First Aid Kit and Safety Kit
No one wants anything bad to happen when you’re enjoying a day on the lake, but you need to be prepared for accidents. Just in case someone gets hurt, make sure you get a first aid kit with a bunch of supplies and one that has a solid case.
Here is a list of items you should consider placing in a safety kit:
Boat Flares
Air Horn and Whistle
Boat VHF Radio
Trash Bags
Boating Knife
Duct Tape
Boating Goggles
Zip Ties
Flashlight
Spare T-Shirt and Gym Shorts
Basic Tool Kit
Towels
Sunscreen and Bug Repellent
Just place these items in a dry storage box and keep it on your boat. We sell most of these items at Bretz Capital Sports Sales, reach out to our parts department to learn more.
Boat Fire Extinguisher
If your boat did not come with a fire extinguisher then you NEED to pick one up. Not just any fire extinguisher will do, you need a marine fire extinguisher.
A fire extinguisher needs to be on everyone’s must-have boating accessories list. Reach out to our team about procuring a fire extinguisher today.
Boat Paddle
You never know when you’ll need a paddle! A paddle is the best thing if your engine stops and you need to get to shore.
It’s best to get two folding paddles so that you’ll be covered and they don’t take up too much space.
Solar Panel for Charging the Boats Battery
Having a solar panel is one of the best things you can buy for any boat or pontoon. Batteries go flat or die when they are not used. A solar panel will keep that battery alive and ready for your next boating adventure. We usually have some of these in stock so call our parts department to learn more.
A solar panel is no replacement for other battery chargers especially since boat batteries are so big, but it does keep the battery from dying when you’re not using them.
Jump Pack for Boats
Since we’re talking about keeping a battery from going flat, a good jump pack is always a good idea to carry with you. There is nothing worse than going to the boat launch and you back your boat in, only to find that your battery is dead.
Likewise, it’s no fun to be on the water all day listening to music, to find that your battery is dead when you are ready to leave. Unfortunately, a solar panel isn’t strong enough to power a radio all day.
The great thing about modern-day jump starters is that they’re small and have many different features. We’ve seen many of these jump starters with flashlights and ways to charge USB devices.
Boating Dock Line – Anchor – Fenders
Every boat needs a dock line, fenders, and an anchor. What you buy depends on what size boat you have.
Dock line
Up to 24 Foot use 3/8″ diameter dock line
Up to 35 Foot use 1/2″ diameter dock line
Dry Box or Dry Bag
You’ll need a place to keep your phone and other items you don’t want to get wet. A dry box or dry bag works great for this.
Phone Charger
Our phones have become a big part of our lives and it’s no surprise that we carry them on our boat with us. It’s important to have a 12-volt charger on board your boat that can charge any phone.
Your phone can be your GPS or a way to call for help, so it’s important that it stays charged. Your phone can also act as a flashlight. It’s very important that you have a way to charge your phone for emergencies.
Looking for the perfect place to find all of your boat accessory needs? We’re here to help! Visit us at 9900 W Fairview Ave, Boise, ID 83704. Or call us at (208) 323-1500 today!
