Need or Want? Sometimes, it’s too close to call. Boating enthusiasts are not immune to clever marketing and the promotion of gadgets manufacturers say you can’t live without.

We’ve cut through the hype and honed in on a selection of the best boat accessories out there; ones that we believe will have a positive impact on your boating experience.

Read on for the top boating accessories carefully chosen by your favourite Redlands boat mechanic.

Paper Charts or Chartplotters

Paper charts or chartplotters are a bit like maps that display the lay of the land; only they do the same for water. They’ll tell you the water depth, danger spots en route and places where it’s safe to anchor. The latest chartplotter devices combine GPS data with an electronic navigational chart (ENC).

Nautical charts will keep you safer. Boaters use them to plan their trips, so they always choose the best and most economical routes. Once on the water, the charts act as invaluable guides that keep you on course.

Chartplotters can glean lots of additional information from radars and sensors. Not all are equal in functionality, so it pays to check with the experts for recommendations that offer the very latest technology.

Autopilot

Autopilots are one of the best boat accessories money can buy. These electronic self-steering systems can control your boat’s direction of travel but not its speed. Most autopilot systems use GPS or chartplotter devices to steer the boat along your chosen route.

Autopilots will hold a steady course in moderate or light conditions with very little helm movement. They allow you to work on other tasks, such as fishing (or relaxing). The good news is they can also reduce your fuel consumption. Installing a marine radar, as well, will alert you to any potential collision dangers.

Anchor Winches

Anchor winches are a superb, back-saving investment that allows you to raise and lower the anchor with ease. There is a plethora of makes and models out there. Some people swear by electrical winches, while others prefer their hydraulic or capstan-style cousins.

The efficiency of your anchor system will depend on:

  • The winch design
  • The chain’s weight
  • The setup of the anchor
  • The size of your boat and where you plan to keep it

If you’re thinking of buying a new winch, talk to Mike’s Marine, who’ll be able to take you through all the dependencies so that you can find the right anchor winch for you.

Fish Finders

These game-changing instruments are a fisherman’s dream. They use reflected sonar energy to inform you about where fish are hanging out. They can also provide details of the water depth and temperature and tell you how many fish there are and their size.

They work through electrical impulses from a transmitter that emits sound to the bottom of the water. When the sonar waves hit a fish, the sound gets reflected back, displaying the fish’s shape, composition and size.

The latest fish finders come with integrated marine radar and GPS navigation. These can help you with navigation issues and to find fish. They come into their own when there’s poor visibility above and below the water. GPS integration will also let you bookmark hotpots for later use.

A Waterproof Sound System and Underwater Lighting

Next on our list of top boating accessories is your sound system, and it has to offer multi-functionality by allowing you to:

  • Check the latest weather conditions
  • Listen to your favourite tunes
  • Use Bluetooth to connect to your smartphone without the need for a USB cable

Always ensure your sound system is waterproof and weatherproof so you’re never without the most recent updates or your favourite tracks.

The same applies to underwater lighting. There are lots of cheap and substandard products out there that won’t stand the rigour of a harsh underwater environment.

Check with Mike’s Marine for built-to-last lighting systems. Soon, you could be enjoying your boating experience even more by lighting up the water around you.

Dual Battery and VSR System

Many boats have both a starting battery to give a blast of power for a short space of time as well as a second deep-cycle battery that can withstand lots of discharging and recharging.

You should consider a dual battery if you have a boat with two similar batteries for starting and housing electrical loads. Dual-purpose batteries can tolerate deep discharges that could damage a starting battery.

Automated Launching

Products that can do this are among the best boat accessories on the market. They turn boat launching and retrieving your boat on a ramp into a breeze. Once installed, you’ll never have to stand on a ramp again. Wave goodbye to wet feet, slippery ramps (and family arguments). Think of the time you’ll save, too.

These devices boost safety and reduce the stress of launching your boat. You’ll find a heavy-duty pin that secures the boat on the trailer. Some boats may need a minor modification so the system gets installed correctly. Talk to Mike’s Marine, your preferred Redlands boat mechanic, about the latest fixtures and fittings.

Ballast Bags or Fat Sacs

Wakeboard Ballast Bags or Fat Sacs are inflatables that hold water for additional weight. To create a bigger wake, you’ll need a heavier load on your boat. A simple way to achieve this is by adding ballast bags.

For the best wakes, you’ll need to put most of your ballast at the back of the boat and on one side. These bags come in various weights and sizes, but, as a rule of thumb, the higher the weight, the bigger the wake. These are top accessories for all wakeboarders out there.

Time For an Upgrade?

Aside from the fun stuff, it may be time to upgrade some of the essentials you already have on board. You should regularly check lifejackets, fire extinguishers, waterproof torches, anchors & chains, bilge pumping systems, distress flares and radio systems.

If you’re unsure if they’re up to scratch, ask one of the experts at Mike’s Marine for a second opinion. The team will ensure you’re “good to go.”

Installing the Best Boat Accessories

After investing in the top boating accessories, you’ll need to get them fitted. Talk to Mike’s Marine, the best Redlands boat mechanic, and get the job done properly. Get in touch today.