Out of all the summer activities, fishing always seemed to be one of the most common and favorite of all time. Especially in a summer-oriented country like UAE, fishing is a common activity.
Today, we will talk about the essential boat equipment and supplies you must have in your boat. You can even buy boat equipment online nowadays.
Boat Accessories
Boat Flags
It does not matter what size or kind of boat you have, but your country's flag is a must. This flag will help the surveillance guards understand your nationality and save you if you are in danger. If your boat ends up in some other country by accident, the port surveillance system will know where you belong and immediately will contact the port surveillance of your country.
Boat rod holders
Among all your other fishing boat accessories, rod holders are another necessity. These rod holders will really make your work easier. Rod holders will also provide space in your boat for multiple fishing rods. Most of the time, boats themselves come with a rod holder, in case your boat lacks it, don’t forget to buy one before your trip.
Downriggers
Holding a fishing rod for hours can be quite a hard job and can take the fun out of your relaxing trip. That is where downriggers come in handy. Do take downriggers on your fishing trip as well. You can set the fishing rod at a convenient angle and relax until a fish is caught.
Inflatable boats
The sea is definitely one of the most unpredictable things. You can never foresee the danger in the sea. Thus it is better to take precautions beforehand. Always make sure to have inflatable boats in your sailing one. You will need a license for that as well, so take action beforehand according to that.
There are different kinds of inflatable boats you can choose from:
- Inflatable pontoon boat: This boat is a common choice for fishers because it is specifically designed for fishing. It comes with a number of fishing accessories like a rod holder, transport wheel, etc.
- Inflatable fishing kayaks: It is famous among fishers because of its versatility. It is suited more for almost any kind of water body, from pond to sea.
- Inflatable fishing rafts: It is also a favorite of many, having seats for two people and incredible weight endurance.
- Inflatable canoes: This banana-shaped boat is famous for its efficiency along with low cost.
- Inflatable fishing SUP: This boat is perfect for spending lazy paddling fishing time.
Buoy
After you reach a destination and dock the boat, to make sure your ship’s body and the dock do not crash into each other, docking buoys are a must-have. Docking buoys are inflated balloon-like things hung when they are docked to restrain crashes between the dock and boat.
Using them is very easy as well, you’ll just have to put them in the areas you find are likely to crash with the dock. Once you have put it up you will not have to worry about the sea current moving your ship here and there anymore but in case you haven’t some major damages may take place because the water will be constantly moving the boat. Thus it is a necessity for your boat as well.
Steering wheels
When choosing a boat, it is better to go for a boat with steering wheels as it would be easier for you to change direction or operate the boat because it is quite similar to driving a car. So if you already know to drive a car, getting a boat with steering wheels is the best option for you.
Anchors
Anchors are used to tying the boat to keep it in one place while fishing or otherwise. Before starting your journey, make sure to have at least two anchors in your boat so that you can rely upon another one in case the first one fails to provide support. Now, the different types of anchors are used for different water bottoms. Here is a list of which anchor fits for what kind of water bottom.
- Mud bottoms: Fluke, Delta, and Bruce anchors
- Grass bottoms: Modern, Delta, and CQR
- Rock bottoms: Delta and modern
Fillet and bait tables
Fillet and bait table is a portable cutting board for boats which is a must-have. It will do cleaning and preparing the fillet easier. After a good catch, preparing the meal should be just as much pleasurable as catching it. Having to prepare on a random surface of the boat after a good catch, can be quite a mood spoiler, thus don’t forget to take a bait table on your fishing trip as well.
Underwater Boat Lights
On streets, just like we use different kinds of lights to understand different kinds of situations, the sea routes have a similar ruling. Different kinds of boat lighting are used to determine or let others know about different kinds of situations. Let us know about some of them:
- Underwater lights: Boat underwater lighting works as headlights do in cars. It helps to see the path ahead and lets other boats know about its existence to avoid clashes.
LED boat lights are usually the first choice of boat owners as they are affordable, long-lasting, and do a great job attracting the fish because of their bright colours. LED lights are perfect for the boat underwater lighting, making your nights in the boat brighter and providing you with the best nighttime fishing experience.
- Marine lights: Just like on roads, we often get into traffic jams, and to make us get through hassle-free and easily, traffic lights are maintained. Likewise, boat navigation lights are used. But on the sea route there, traffic is barely found, thus the use of navigation lights. These are high-ranged lights used to let other boats know about their existence beforehand to avoid clashes.
Three colours are internationally chosen for this purpose: Red, Green, and White.
A fishing boat has to display red light over the green, and vice versa has to be done in the case of a passenger boat.
- Anchor light: These lights are used at night, usually when a fishing boat or a boat is anchored and about to spend the night in that place. An anchor light is supposed to be white. Apart from the law, this anchor light ensures safety and aware other boats to adjust their path beforehand.
- Floodlights: LED floodlights are used inside the boat to make things visible and attractive.
Boat Electronics
In the case of electronics as well, there are some boat electronics you must have in your boat which will make your boat experience much more efficient and enjoyable.
Boat stereo system
- Marine speaker: Now, a lot of people feel marine speakers are a waste of money, and the car speaker can easily be used in boats. However, a marine speaker would be better for the long run as they are designed to be played on a boat. They are waterproof, can restrain water waves, can endure different humidity, and are more durable.
The environment of a car and boat is completely different, and both types of equipment are made, keeping that in mind accordingly.
- Tower speakers: Tower speakers are speakers that are mounted at the top of the boat for the sound/music to reach a greater distance with greater volume. If you are planning to throw a party in your boat or yacht. A tower speaker is a must for your sound system.
The music will not only fill the whole boat, but outside of it as well, other boats will be able to hear you, and you can do fun activities outside the boat like skiing while listening to music.
- Boat subwoofers: Doesn’t music feel lifeless without bass? To ensure a lively party at your boat, add boat subwoofers. These are designed to ensure the bass of boat music by removing some extra background noise.
- Amplifiers: Amplifiers will boost the sound and bass of music in the boat. So if you are planning to throw a happening party in your boat, don’t forget to complete your sound system with an amplifier.
Wireless chargers
Out of all the boat electrical equipment, I would say wireless chargers are most important. Most devices mentioned above are designed for boats and come wireless Undoubtedly, most phones your guests buy and you won’t. Thus it is better to make the arrangement of wireless charging.
Boat fans
Boat fans are used to keep you cool as well as needed for ventilation in the boat. Now, if you are throwing a party, undoubtedly, at one point, the people will start feeling hot and stuff; that is where boat fans are going to be needed.
Boat safety equipment kit
Going on a fishing trip or planning a party, we should never overshadow the fact that any event can turn disastrous, and accidents may occur. Before arranging other boat accessories, it is better to arrange for the boat emergency equipment. Here is a list of boat safety equipment; make sure every member of the boat knows the use of them:
- Lifejackets and PFDs(Personal Floatation Devices)
- Flotation devices like ring buoy
- Visual and sound signaling devices
- Fire extinguishers
- Medical kit
- Boat towing equipment
- Extra anchor
- Heavy-duty flashlights
Boat cleaning supplies
As trips to the water bodies aren’t frequent, It is not unusual that the boat might get dirty. And before making a trip cleaning the boat comes as essential for the sake of hygiene.
If you are planning to clean the boat yourself, you will need boat polishing equipment and teak cleaning supplies along with boat cleaning supplies. All Boat cleaning supplies are easily available in supermarkets and even online.
Now teak is a very sustainable wood used in many parts of a boat. For teak care, you will have to buy a teak wood cleaner. Do not use any other kind of cleaner in teak as it may ruin the whole wood. First, clean the teak wood with a cleaner and scrubber, then polish the surface with teak oil to restore its shine and color.
