For women who love spending time on the water, having the right accessories can make all the difference. Here are some of the most popular accessories I’ve found that women love to have on a boat.
1. Boat Bag
A good boating bag is a must-have for any woman who spends time on the water. The ideal bag should be both stylish and functional, offering enough space to carry all your essentials while being durable enough to withstand the marine environment. My family has fallen in love with the Bogg Bag—it carries all three of our towels, sunscreen, and snacks. The bag is very easy to clean and is water-resistant.
Key Features to Look For:
- Waterproof or Water-Resistant Material: Protect your belongings from water.
- Space: Make sure the bag you choose can fit your most important items, so you have a grab-and-go bag.
Top Picks:
- Bogg Bag: Seems like everyone wants one of these and they are good, little pricey for my taste but keeps the family happy.
- Amazon beach bag: This waterproof bag is $40 cheaper and has great reviews.
2. Sun Protection
When the June or July Florida heat kicks in, good sun protection is a must. Besides bringing sunscreen, you should also have a good hat to keep the sun from frying you. A bucket hat is our top choice—it has UPF protection and vents for airflow.
Must-Have Items:
- Good Hat: One of the most effective ways to protect your face, neck, and ears from the sun is by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
- UV Clothing: Find a good long sleeve shirt with UPF 50+ to add to the protection.
Top Picks:
- Bucket Hat: This one is priced well and seems to do the job just fine.
- UV-Protection Swim Shirts: This sun shirt is what I would recommend, it is thinner than a traditional UV shirt and more comfortable.
3. Glasses
Protecting your eyes from the sun’s glare off the water is essential for safety and the ability to see. Look for sunglasses that reduce harmful UV rays and add comfort. We opted for a pair that works for both boating and running.
What to Look For:
- Polarized Lenses: Polarized lenses reduce glare from the water and is almost a must for us when we go boating.
- 100% UV Protection: Ensure the sunglasses offer 100% protection against UV rays.
Top Picks:
- Oakley: These are our go-to for boating and running. Dual purpose which makes the price a little better.
- Shady Rays: A more affordable alternative to Oakley that is also very comfortable.
4. Shade on the boat
Comfort is key when spending extended periods on a boat. On hot days with no breeze, finding shade can be challenging. Everyone tries to find shady spots, and we often have to rotate who sits where. If shade is a priority, I would avoid a center console, as most hardtops only cover the helm seat, though you can get a shade extender.
What to Look For:
- Boat: A boat with a good sized hard top or bimini.
- Time of day: The position of the sun affects the amount of shade. For example, if we take out a deck boat with a Bimini located near the stern, that area will get shade when the sun is directly overhead. In the late afternoon, the Bimini provides almost no shade.
How we deal with shade:
- Beach umbrella: A quick and easy solution—just stick it in the rod holder for instant shade.
- Sun Shade Canopy: There are many options here, but most will take up rod holder spots.
5. Boating shoes
If you swim a lot while boating and boat in different areas, I highly recommend getting a pair of boating shoes. There’s a big difference between boating on the Intracoastal Waterway and the St. Johns River. The St. Johns tends to have a lot of soft mud or silt bottoms. We also have regular boat shoes for when we’re not swimming, maybe just fishing or cruising.
Key Features:
- Rubber sole: This should be a top priority—you want as much grip as possible. Boats can get wet and slippery, so having a good shoe is essential.
- Comfort: Choose a shoe that is comfortable to wear for long periods. Be cautious with too much rubber, as it can make the shoe feel stiff.
Top Picks:
- Columbia: This brand is my first pick—they make quality products that last.
- Water shoes: A cheap pair of water shoes is also worth investing in, especially if you deal with muddy or silt bottoms.
Final thoughts
Boating is a fantastic way to create lasting memories with your family and friends. While it’s important to have the right gear to stay comfortable and safe, remember that the true value of these experiences is in the time you spend together on the water. Investing in quality accessories enhances your outings, making each trip more enjoyable and stress-free. However, it’s not about having the most expensive gear—it’s about finding what works best for your needs and helps you make the most of every adventure. So gear up, stay safe, and focus on the moments that matter.