Every boater benefits from reliable gear that enhances safety, navigation, and onboard comfort. From locating fish and monitoring depth to managing power and enjoying music on the water, having the right tools makes a difference. This selection highlights versatile, marine-ready equipment suited for various needs, helping boaters stay prepared and make the most of their time offshore or along inland waterways.

1. Hawkeye DepthTrax 1H Handheld Depth Finder

This handheld device uses proprietary sonar technology, emitting 300 W pulses four times per second to accurately display depth readings without common false positives. Its design emphasizes simplicity and reliability, offering boaters a straightforward way to monitor water depth in real time.

The compact form makes it easy to stow and use as needed. Rugged construction supports rough marine conditions, helping ensure reliable readings trip after trip.

Pros:

• Quick real‑time depth data
• Compact handheld size
• Rugged marine build
• Minimal false readings
• Easy to operate

Cons:

• Basic display only

• No mapping features

• Requires batteries

• Limited range depth

• No GPS integration

2. Cummins 2,000 W Modified Sine Wave Inverter

This 12 V to 110 V power inverter delivers up to 2,000 W continuous output (and 4,000 W surge) to power AC devices while boating. It includes four AC sockets and both USB‑A and USB‑C ports, enabling use of appliances like microwaves, TVs, or charging electronics.

It offers Bluetooth-enabled operation via smartphone app to monitor battery voltage, output, and temperature remotely. The inverter also includes overload and under-voltage protections to support safe, controlled power on board.

Pros:

• Powerful 2,000 W continuous output
• Multiple AC outlets
• USB‑A & USB‑C ports
• Bluetooth control features
• Built‑in safety protections

Cons:

• Modified‑sine (not pure)
• Requires 12 V battery hookup
• Adds weight and bulk
• No marine-specific casing
• App dependency for some features

3. ECOXGEAR EcoXBT Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

This portable speaker combines Bluetooth connectivity, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and waterproof construction, making it suitable for marine conditions. It delivers wireless audio with durability, enabling playback even when splashed or tossed overboard.

Compact and rugged, its design supports easy stowage and robust use. Built specifically to withstand exposure to water and outdoor elements, it keeps beats going whether you’re steering, fishing, or relaxing deckside.

Pros:

• Fully waterproof construction
• Bluetooth wireless audio
• Rechargeable battery
• Durable rugged housing
• Easy portability

Cons:

• Limited bass output

• Bluetooth range limited

• Small size, moderate volume

• No marine mounting included

• Single color options

4. Lowrance HDS LIVE 16 Fish Finder/Chartplotter (with Active Imaging)

This advanced fish finder/chartplotter features a 16‑inch display and includes Active Imaging 3‑in‑1 transducer plus remote control. It combines multiple sonar capabilities—CHIRP, downscan, and more—for detailed underwater imaging and navigation.

Its interface allows plotting routes and viewing live sonar, enhancing situational awareness when fishing. The large screen and imaging features improve target detection and help you navigate or explore underwater structure with greater clarity.

Pros:

• Large 16″ display

• Triple‑mode sonar transducer

• Remote control included

• High-detail imaging

• Integrated chartplotting

Cons:

• High price point

• Complex setup

• Requires large mounting space

• Potential overkill for casual use

• Power-hungr

5. Garmin Striker Plus 4 Dual‑Beam Fish Finder/GPS Combo

This compact fish finder integrates a 4.3″ display, dual‑beam CHIRP sonar, high‑sensitivity GPS, and Quickdraw Contours live mapping. It creates on-the-fly 1‑foot contours across large areas and lets you mark waypoints or plot routes to fishing spots.

IPX7-rated waterproofing and rugged design suit marine environments. Despite its small size, it provides real-time sonar mapping and GPS navigation in a user‑friendly package ideal for various anglers.

Pros:

• GPS & sonar combo

• Live mapping with contours

• Compact, easy‑mount size

• Rugged waterproof build

• Waypoint routing

Cons:

• Small display area

• Basic map features

• No downscan imaging

• Limited screen info density

• No color screen enhancements

Quicksilver Oil Change Kit for Mercury Sterndrive & Inboard Engines

This kit simplifies oil changes for Mercury MerCruiser sterndrive and inboard engines by providing essential components—such as hoses, fittings, and a pump—to efficiently extract old oil. It’s specifically engineered for compatibility with these marine engines, reducing spillage and effort during routine maintenance.

Designed for ease of use, it helps boat operators maintain engine performance through cleaner oil changes, ensuring a safer and more reliable boating experience.

Pros:

• Engine‑specific design
• Cleaner oil removal
• Includes necessary fittings
• Saves time for downtime
• Compatible with common engines

Cons:

• Limited to Mercury models

• No extra filters

• Requires manual pumping

• Extra storage space needed

• Not universal fit

7. Adventure Medical Marine 200 Medical Kit

This marine-specific first aid kit includes categorized waterproof pockets containing supplies for bleeding, blisters, fractures, wounds, and medications, along with a comprehensive guide to marine medicine. It’s compact and lightweight, tailored for short boating trips with up to six passengers.

The waterproof design ensures contents remain dry and accessible in wet conditions, promoting preparedness during outdoor or emergency situations.

Pros:

• Marine‑specific supplies

• Waterproof organization

• Lightweight, portable

• Helpful reference guide

• Covers multiple injuries

Cons:

• Limited for major trauma

• Small medication quantities

• Not Coast Guard certified

• No additional trauma gear

• Bag may lack structure

8. Humminbird HELIX 8 CHIRP GPS G4N Fish Finder/Chartplotter

This fish finder/chartplotter integrates CHIRP sonar and GPS navigation into an intuitive interface. The device is designed for precise underwater targeting and easy route plotting, tailored to assist anglers in finding fish and navigating effectively on water.

Built for clear visuals and responsive controls, it enhances situational awareness and helps streamline fishing efforts through an organized, angler‑friendly display.

Pros:

• CHIRP sonar clarity

• Built‑in GPS mapping

• User‑friendly interface

• Ideal for anglers

• All‑in‑one unit

Cons:

• Display size unspecified

• Potential complexity

• Likely power‑intensive

• No external storage noted

• May require setup time

9. Bass Pro Shops Marine Battery Tray Kit

This battery tray kit secures a marine battery in place and provides protection from corrosion through a sturdy mounting solution. Designed to meet marine environment needs, it assists in containing battery acid and ensures the battery remains stable in rough conditions.

The kit supports safe battery installation on boats, and helps simplify maintenance, contributing to more reliable power management for your vessel.

Pros:

• Secures battery firmly

• Marine corrosion protection

• Simple installation

• Acid containment

• Durable tray construction

Cons:

• Tray only, no battery included

• Model may not fit all types

• Adds storage footprint

• No straps included

• Requires mounting tools

10. JBL Go 4 Ultra‑Portable Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

The JBL Go 4 offers JBL Pro Sound in a compact, ultra‑portable form. It fits easily in the palm of your hand and delivers clear, punchy bass through a rugged, waterproof, and dustproof enclosure (IP67‑rated), making it well suited to marine environments.

With up to 7 hours of playback and an additional 2 hours via Playtime Boost, it ensures long-lasting audio. Compatible with the JBL Portable app for EQ control and Auracast stereo pairing, it’s built for both convenience and performance.

Pros:

• IP67 waterproof & dustproof

• Compact and ultra‑portable

• JBL Pro Sound & punchy bass

• Extended battery with Playtime Boost

• App-enabled EQ + stereo pairing

Cons:

• Limited output power

• Small size limits loudness

• No mic or hands‑free calls

• Requires Bluetooth device to control

• Single speaker (mono) only