So, you've got the boat (and congrats, we're insanely jealous!). What's next? Well, aside from finding your favorite place to cruise along, you've got to stock your boat with some key boat accessories. You likely already know all the top safety items you definitely want onboard your first aid and safety kit. You've likely already got the spot to store all of that, too. Fire extinguisher? Check. Radio? Check. Flares? Check. But what else? Well, when it comes to boat accessories, you might just find that it takes a couple of times out on the water to really pinpoint what it is you need. If you're looking for some suggestions, however, this list is a great place to start. STANLEY Fatmax Rechargeable LED Spotlight Flashlight The Ultimate SpotlightEvery boat needs a long-lasting, high-quality, totally-waterproof flashlight. Best OverallFind on Amazon If you want to get just one boat accessory and nothing else, let this be the thing you get. Seriously. A high quality flashlight that’s waterproof, rechargeable, and long-lasting will come in handy more times than you can count. Made to be submersible up to 6 feet (and to still work after the fact), this flashlight features a comfy, ergonomically grip with a pistol-style grip that’s much easier to hold than the average bulky, comparable flashlight. Our favorite feature? The lithium ion battery doesn’t have to be recharged until, on average, the 60th day. It comes in a bright yellow and black color, so you won’t easily misplace it, either. It’s exactly what you need to find everything else you need when you need it most. Pros: LED light source that runs up to 10 hours on a lower setting. Only needs to be recharged about every two months (and you can recharge it in your car). Thinner handle which is easier to hold compared to similar models. 3-position trigger. Cons: The on-off button is like a dial, which means you can’t just squeeze it on or off when you need to. ROBOCUP Cup Holder The Ultimate CupholderMore than just a cupholder, the ROBOCUP is exactly what you need for holding, well, just about anything. Best Cup HolderFind on Amazon Enjoy buzzing around the bay with a few brews? You’ll want a steady, sturdy place to store your open container, then. Not into that? No worries, this cup holder also moonlights as a portable caddy, has a clamp on holder for two fishing poles, gear, drum sticks, tools, phone, keys…the list is endless, actually. With a slip-resistant grip and hardware that won’t rust, you’ll be able to keep everything you need right there on deck with you. Pros: Zero tools required for installation. Just clamp and be done with it. The poly material has built-in UV inhibitors, which means that even out on the open water, your ROBOCUP will be well protected and long-lasting. Cons: Any extra accessories (holsters, etc.) are not included. Garmin Striker 4 GPS Fishfinder Here Fishy FishyFinding Nemo just got easier...catching him? That parts up to you. Best Fish FinderFind on Amazon Okay, so the fun of fishing is in the process, we know. But it’s also just really delightful to tool around in your boat, tracking fish and dropping a line where it’s hot. With clear scanning sonars that show, in detail, exactly what’s under your boat, gliding along on top of the water just got a whole lot more fun. The Waypoint Map also helps in more shallow waters, as you can easily see sunken logs or other objects that are underneath you. This helps to keep you and your boat much safer. With a maximum depth of 1600 feet (freshwater) and 750 feet (saltwater), you’ll find your fish in no time. Catching it? Well, that’s entirely up to you. Pros: Very clear, precise images help to locate whatever it is you’re after or floating over. Chirp Sonar offers a wider range of information and input. With a built-in Flasher View, you can use this for ice-fishing or vertical jigging, as well. Easy navigation with a highly sensitive GPS. Cons: This unit needs to be connected to a 12v power source in order to use. VIFUUR Water Sports Shoes Steady FootingWorried about what's in the water? Need a steady foot on deck? These water shoes will take you from the deck to the dock, no problem. Best Water ShoesFind on Amazon Maybe these aren’t as stylish as boat shoes, but lemme tell you: the grip is out of this world, and you can even jump overboard without worrying about ruining them. With a rubber sole and a highly breathable upper, you’ll walk around in a water shoe that feels like a sock but with the added benefit of being completely and totally waterproof. These water-friendly shoes are extremely flexible, yet the rubber outsole offers unparalleled foot safety. If you tend to hop from the boat to the next best thing, these shoes will work for whatever activities you have planned. You can wear them wakeboarding, surfing, kayaking, or even just swimming in a rocky river location. Because they fit like a sock, you don’t have to worry about rocks getting stuck in your shoe, either. Pros: Multitude of designs and colors available for just about every style. Smooth neck design equals much less chafing (a blessing when it comes to water shoes). Variety of sizes available for the entire family. Excellent to keep on board in your boat accessory box…they quickly dry, so you don’t need to worry about mold or mildew. Cons: These water shoes are so comfortable, you might forget you’re wearing them. This is great, except for when you wash ashore. They’re not exactly the most fashionable statement ever. attwood Emergency Telescoping Paddle Paddle AwayNever leave the shore without an emergency paddle. This one is about as reliable as they come. Best Emergency PaddleFind on Amazon If you have a boat, you likely already know that carrying an emergency paddle on board is an absolute must. But choosing the right emergency paddle? Well, that’s a bit tougher. This boat accessory is a necessary, potentially life-saving boat accessory, so it makes the cut. Built with a telescoping design, this bright orange paddle goes from 20 inches to 42 inches as quickly as you need it to. With a corrosion-resistant aluminum shaft, you don’t need to worry about it rusting out on your either. The blade end of this paddle is wide and responsive, making it easy to paddle and handle. It’s lightweight, too, which means it’s child-friendly and easy to handle. You’ll want a few of these on board, no doubt. Pros: Easily stored (just 20 inches when compact). The paddle floats…an essential bonus for such a necessary boat accessory. This paddle will lock at any needed length, not just at 42 inches. Cons: Users noted that water got inside the paddle somewhat easily. Eventually, it dries out, but in the meantime it makes it impossible to close. Frequently Asked Questions What is the best place to keep your boat accessories? The answer to this question, of course, depends. If it’s a paddle, you’ll want it easily within reach or in a universal spot so that anyone can grab it. If it’s a cupholder, you’ll want to keep it whoever you find yourself needing to place your drink. Once you’re on your boat, you’ll figure these finer details out, of course. But if you’re looking to store a random assortment of boat accessories, a waterproof, lockable and bolt-able box is highly recommended. You’ll be able to store necessary supplies (a first aid kit, for example, or non-perishable and other such snacks and drinks) without the worry of losing them overboard or fear of them getting wet. What’s the most important boat accessory of all? Rather than just one item, we’re going to answer this by saying simply, “safety gear”. Although boats often come equipped with fire extinguishers (you’ll want to double check), you’ll want to add in a few key boat accessories yourself. This means a high-quality, well-stocked first aid kit. You’ll also want some extras on board such as duct tape, an extra line, a high quality flashlight, and a sharp knife.