There's nothing worse than going through the process of putting your boat into the water only to realize you forgot some of your boat day essentials. Well, thankfully, we've got you covered. We've thought of everything you need to make sure your day out on the water is as fun and stress-free as possible.
Let's break down your shopping checklist…
1. Best Portable Fridge – BougeRV 23 Quart Travel Refrigerator
Let's start with the obvious: you need a quality cooler. Some boats have built-in coolers and other forms of storage, but you definitely want a quality cooler you can transport on and off the boat (especially if you want to party on the beach or a small island on the lake, for instance). Pound for pound, this little guy has everything, including the ability to be both a fridge and a freezer. Plus, it can run on a variety of power sources including solar power, a 110-220V home outlet, or 12/24 V DC power on a variety of vehicles, not just your boat. And in addition to its low noise output, it offers an ECO energy saving mode, consuming less than 1 kwh/day. Basically, this portable fridge from BougeRV is perfect for all your summer adventures.
2. Most Durable Cooler – YETI® Tundra 45
Something about being on the water makes any cold beverage taste better, are we right? The YETI® Tundra 45 Cooler holds up to 26 cans, is UV resistant and is known for being tough as hell. In other words, this thing is basically indestructible. The molded-in tie-down slots and non-slip feet make this cooler a must-have for your next water adventure. And here's an aesthetic bonus: It comes in a slew of great colors!
3. Insulated Cocktail Tumbler – Sunwill Tumbler
Prefer to sip a fancy cocktail or wine without having to dig into the cooler? The Sunwill insulated wine tumbler is the perfect option for you. It's great for cocktails, wine, champagne, beer, kombucha, coffee…basically anything you want to keep warm or cold. And, because it's pretty much a sippy cup for adults, you don't have to worry about spilling your next cocktail either. Plus, there are 12 colors to choose from, so every member of your party can choose their own color, and you won't accidentally take a sip of the wrong drink. No one wants to gulp down cold brew when you were expecting rosé.
4. Beer Can Cooler – YETI® Rambler "Colster"
There's nothing worse than a warm beer on the water. These heavy-duty can "colsters" from YETI® keep your beers cold thanks to a vacuum-sealed design that maximizes cool retention. Plus, it's dishwasher safe, so there's no hassle to keep it clean. And, did we mention YETI products are pretty much indestructible? Plus, like the Tunda 45 above, it comes in a vast array of hues. (We always end up with Colsters in our favorite team's color.)
5. Best Boat Grill – Blackstone Tailgater
Not every "tailgate" requires a truck. Carry your tailgating party straight to the water with the Blackstone tailgater combo grill. This transportable grill packs 35,000 BTUs, which is more than enough to get you going on lake day. It's a combination cooker that allows you to cook different foods at different temperatures, so while you're hanging out at the island or beach, hamburgers and hot dogs can both sizzle simultaneously while you soak up the sun.
6. Quality Sunscreen – Sun Bum Original
Yeah, yeah, yeah, it's a little boring, but it's a must. Sunburns are no joke, so if you want to spend your days on the water (and not hate your life the day after), you should pack the sunscreen. This vegan-made option is packed with vitamin E, so you can "trust the bum" to take care of you. Just don't forget to re-apply after you take a dip!
7. Quality Insect Repellent – Proven® Repellent
Another pesky part about being outside all day: bugs. This odorless, non-toxic insect repellent helps keep away mosquitoes, ticks, black flies, and an array of other insects. Plus, it's DEET free, non-toxic, and safe for children. If that's not awesome enough already, it comes in a spray and lotion formula for ease of use.
8. Portable Speaker – Bose Speaker
A lot of speakers look waterproof, but the SoundLink Micro from BOSE is actually waterproof. We're not joking. It really is. There's no outer shell that makes you cross your fingers it doesn't get destroyed with water. Instead, it's made from silicone to seal the tech from the inside out. This means you can operate your speakerphone, give SIRI commands, make voice prompts, and blast awesome tunes all summer long without worrying.
9. Portable First Aid Kit – Johnson & Johnson First Aid
If you have clumsy kids or drunk friends (or drunk friends who act like clumsy kids), a first aid kit is a must for boating day. This 140-piece kit from Johnson & Johnson is useful for the home, vehicle, camping kit or day at the lake. It's packed with cleansing wipes, various bandages, rolled gauze, antibiotic cream, itch-resistant cream, gauze pads, and everything else you need for small emergencies that may arise.
10. Waterproof Bag – HEETA Dry Bag
Last but definitely not least, you can't leave the house without a dry bag. No matter how careful you are on the water, there's always a chance of water destroying your valuables. That's where the HEETA waterproof dry bag comes in. Not only can you protect your expensive smartphone in this holder, but you can also store your wallet, keys, or other valuables as well, so everything is in one safe spot. Or you could go crazy and not bring them, but we all know that's probably not a reality. Bonus: This bag comes in a ton of color options.