12 must-have boating accessories to upgrade your time on the water
As a responsible boater, it's important to ensure that your vessel meets the US Coast Guard (USCG) equipment requirements for recreational vessels. Whether you're outfitting a new boat or upgrading an existing one, the right marine accessories can make a measurable difference in safety, comfort, and enjoyment on the water. From essential boat safety gear like crew overboard alarms and first aid kits, to performance upgrades like electric outboard motors and underwater lighting, this guide covers 12 expert-recommended boating accessories for every type of recreational boater.
Colored underwater boat lights
Adding a set of colored underwater boat lights is a great way to add ambience and brighten your nights on the water. Along with nighttime ambience, underwater lights also aid in visibility while at the dock, underway, or while anchored—and they can be very helpful when fishing at night, since they attract plankton which in turn attract bait fish. Bring the fish to you and make your night fishing adventures more successful. Popular brands of marine underwater lights found at West Marine include Lumishore, Lumitec Lighting, Marine Sport Lighting, Seavolt, and West Marine.
Marine grill for cooking aboard your boat
There is nothing quite like dropping anchor in a serene cove and firing up the grill. Mounted on the stern rail or gunwale, a marine grill can be ready at a moment’s notice. Marine grills feature corrosion-resistant, double-wall stainless steel construction that protects against grease leaks and keeps the outside cooler to the touch. Choose from rectangular and round grills with convenient options like instant-on piezo ignition, warmer racks, and hinged, stay-put lids. Mounting options include rail mounts, gunwale mounts, and fishing rod holder mounts.
Water cannons, toys, and games for the boat
When the summer heat arrives, boaters multiply their on-the-water fun with water toys and games. West Marine carries all the necessities, including water guns, sand castle kits, water balloons, and water balloon launchers. Just looking to relax while catching some rays? Check out our water mats and our selection of waterproof sunscreen. For fashionable beach apparel and accessories, browse our Swim Shop for bathing suits, sunglasses, beach hats, and everything else you’ll need on the water.
Digital fish scale for accurate catch weighing
For anglers who want honest records, we offer Rapala’s super-accurate Sportsman’s Digital Fish Scale with a 50-pound capacity. This pocket-sized scale features a digital display and can weigh your catch in pounds or kilograms. The water-resistant design operates on a 9V battery with a 500-hour battery life. Accurate to within one ounce, it’s an essential tool for catch-and-release anglers and competitive tournament fishermen alike.
SeaQualizer pressure-activated fish descending tool
If you enjoy bottom fishing, consider the SeaQualizer Pressure-Activated Descending Tool. Offered as a conservation-minded alternative to the invasive practice of venting, this recompression tool enables release of out-of-season or undersized fish at depth. According to NOAA Fisheries guidance on descending devices, fish experiencing barotrauma should be returned to depth rather than vented whenever possible. The SeaQualizer releases fish at a depth of your choosing — once it reaches your target depth, the jaws pop open, allowing the fish to return to the bottom on its own.
Marine first aid kit for on-the-water emergencies
A well-stocked marine first aid kit can reduce the impact of the unexpected on the water. While a boat first aid kit is not federally mandated by the USCG, it is strongly recommended — and required in some state jurisdictions. An entry-level marine first aid kit typically includes motion sickness tablets and treatments for minor injuries such as bee stings, minor cuts, jellyfish stings, and headaches. More comprehensive kits cover trauma, large cuts, sprains, dislocations, and eye injuries. All but the simplest kits should include an instruction manual to guide crew members through treatment procedures.
Related: View the complete USCG safety equipment checklist for recreational boats →
Crew overboard alarm system for boat safety
Losing a crewmember overboard is every boater’s worst nightmare. That’s why West Marine offers crew overboard alarm systems by 1st Mate, Fell Marine, and ACR Electronics. These man overboard (MOB) detection systems consist of a base unit and a wearable fob for each crew member. Each fob is electronically “tethered” to the base unit — if a crew member falls overboard, the system sounds an alarm. Systems by 1st Mate and Fell Marine also stop the boat’s engine automatically. The ACR Electronics MOB alarm connects to a smartphone and offers the option of an engine-stopping base station for added redundancy.
Boom brake for sailboats — prevent uncontrolled gybes
An uncontrolled gybe is one of the most dangerous situations on a sailboat. The Gyb’Easy Boom Brake was developed using technology from Wichard’s Simond mountaineering division, applying the same friction-brake principle that climbers use during a rappel. This device safely controls boom speed during a gybe and can lock the boom in position. Three settings allow adjustment for different loads, with configurations of one, two, or three line wraps available. Recommended for mainsails up to 500 square feet, it comes with 52 feet of 3/8" Gyb’Flex shock-absorbing line.
Torqeedo electric outboard motor — quiet, clean propulsion
Ideal for sailboats up to 1.5 tons, Torqeedo electric outboard motors are the lightest, quietest outboards in their power class. The Travel 1103 and 603 models include a high-performance lithium-ion battery, built-in GPS, and an onboard computer displaying remaining range and charge status at a glance. The Travel 1103 is powered by a 915 watt-hour battery and weighs just 38 pounds. Weight-sensitive applications may prefer the Travel 603 (34 lbs), whose 500 watt-hour battery even floats. For boaters looking to reduce their environmental footprint without sacrificing performance, Torqeedo electric outboards are the benchmark choice.
Related: Electric outboard motors buying guide — how to choose the right model for your vessel →
Boat fillet table and bait cutting station
If you’ve been using a cooler lid or gunwale to clean fish, a dedicated boat fillet table or bait cutting station is a worthwhile upgrade. All bait cutting tables at West Marine are made of high-density, UV-resistant, FDA-approved food-safe material — extremely durable and easy to clean. Mounting options include rod holder mounts, surface brackets, and accessory rail mounts that fit kayaks. Available brands include Magma and West Marine’s own Blacktip brand, available exclusively at West Marine.
Boat organizers, waterproof storage boxes, and gear caddies
Keep your tackle, wallet, keys, and gear secured and organized with boat organizers and waterproof storage boxes. For offshore excursions and overnight trips, Yeti rugged waterproof boxes keep gear protected against whatever the sea dishes out. For small valuables, Plano Waterproof Field Storage Boxes feature an O-ring seal and snap-lock closure to keep contents dry. Additional options from Pelican, Plano, and Boat Mates include suction-cup caddies and twist ties from Nite Ize for securing individual items in place.
Buoyant floating key chain — never lose your boat keys overboard
Every year, thousands of boaters lose their keys overboard. The simplest insurance is a floating key ring. West Marine offers buoyant key rings by Taylor (including miniature Storm Guard Fender styles and Mini Tuff End Key Floats), West Marine vinyl-covered key floats, and the Cal-June Life Saver Floating Key Chain. Pro tip: test your key float in your kitchen sink to confirm it will support the total weight of all your attached keys before heading out.
Ready to upgrade your boat?
From crew overboard alarms and marine first aid kits to Torqeedo electric outboard motors and underwater boat lights, the right accessories can meaningfully improve both the safety and enjoyment of your time on the water. Before you head out, make sure your vessel meets all USCG safety equipment requirements — our full safety checklist walks you through everything your boat legally needs aboard.
Shop all boating accessories at West Marine →
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Boating accessories FAQ
All recreational boats must comply with USCG requirements for safety equipment. This typically includes life jackets (one per person aboard), visual distress signals, sound-producing devices, fire extinguishers, and navigation lights. Requirements vary by vessel length and operating area. You can find a full checklist on our Safety Equipment page or at the official USCG Boating Safety website.
While colored underwater lights do enhance the ambiance of your boat, they also serve functional purposes — aiding in night navigation, attracting baitfish for night fishing, and improving visibility at docks or anchorages.
Marine grills are built with corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel and feature designs that are safe for use in a moving marine environment. They often have secure mounting options and features like stay-put lids and grease control to prevent flare-ups on deck.
Most water toys are labeled with appropriate age ranges. Always supervise children while in the water and use flotation devices when needed. West Marine carries a wide range of toys designed with safety and fun in mind for all ages.
A digital fish scale provides accurate readings of your catch's weight, which is helpful for compliance with size limits and tournament records. It's also compact and water-resistant — ideal for life on the water.
Crew overboard alarms use wearable fobs tethered to a base unit. If someone falls overboard, the system triggers an alarm and, in some models, automatically shuts off the boat's engine. It's a critical safety tool for families or crews with children and pets.
The Gyb'Easy Boom Brake controls the motion of the boom during a gybe, reducing the risk of head injury and accidental damage. It acts as a friction brake to slow or stop the boom's swing and can be adjusted based on wind load.
Electric outboard motors from Torqeedo are efficient, eco-friendly, and quiet. They're ideal for tenders, sailboats, and small fishing boats — requiring less maintenance and easier to transport and operate than gas-powered alternatives.
Filleting tables can be mounted using rod holder mounts, surface brackets, or accessory rail attachments. Choose a mounting style that fits your boat's layout and allows for safe, convenient access while cleaning fish.
The easiest solution is a buoyant floating key chain. These floating key rings keep keys afloat if accidentally dropped overboard. Always test your key float in a sink first to confirm it supports the combined weight of all attached keys.