More comfort, more safety, more fun, more relaxation, and obviously less stress: these are fundamentally the goals of those who purchase nautical accessories for the upcoming boating season, to make their sailing experiences even better. Therefore, companies that produce accessories for boats and more generally for boating regularly launch products on the market that increasingly meet the needs of the modern navigator. And yes, indeed, in certain cases, the right nautical accessory can truly make a difference, significantly enhancing the quality of time spent on a boat. Here in our marina in Genoa, we meet boaters of all kinds every year, each with different equipment and accessories: here are, in our opinion, some of the smartest products to have on board!
10 smart accessories to make the most of your boat
Solar panels to increase autonomy: in a list of smart accessories for boats, the presence of tools aimed at increasing sustainability on board is obvious. Solar panels allow precisely this, producing electricity from solar radiation, thus providing clean energy and greater autonomy. Of course, given the size of typical portable solar panels, one should not expect miracles, but as a supplementary energy source, they can certainly be valuable.
The portable VHF, obviously floating: beyond the obligations dictated by the Nautical Code, the VHF radio is a fundamental accessory for safe navigation and staying well-informed. We are not only talking about fixed models: there are those who, due to lack of space, can only rely on a portable model, which, however, could also be brought on board by those who want a backup marine radio, always at hand, perhaps even on the tender. On the HiNelson online store, an e-commerce specialized in selling boat accessories, you can find portable marine VHFs starting from just over 100 euros.
The mini diving tank: among the must-have accessories to bring on a boat in recent years are certainly snorkeling masks and snorkels, providing the essentials for swimming at the water’s surface and discovering underwater fauna and flora. And if one wants to go slightly deeper, without entering the realm of diving? There are aluminum cylinders on the market that allow you to breathe underwater without the need for diving equipment: they are perfect for quick work on the boat’s hull, as well as for leisurely admiring marine nature.
The emergency ladder for carefree dives: a tool as simple as it is smart. The basic concept is simple: on a regular boat, getting back on board without a ladder and without assistance is practically impossible. And what if everyone accidentally dives in for a swim at the same time, without preparing the classic ladder? And what if you fall into the sea during a solo navigation? There are indeed many good reasons to equip your boat with an emergency ladder. They come in different types, depending on the desired installation, whether recessed or not.
The portable refrigerator: on one hand, there is the boater who moves on a small boat, limited to outings of a few hours, at most half a day; on the other hand, there is the boater who spends days or entire weeks on a boat. On one side, there will be the classic coolers, designed to keep drinks cool for a short time; on the other, we will find fixed refrigerators, which have little to envy to domestic ones. And in between? There are, of course, portable refrigerators, which in recent years have become increasingly smart, allowing you to control the temperature via smartphone.
The waterproof smartphone cover: when you are surrounded by a vast expanse of water, when a moment of inattention can cause something to fall overboard, and when splashes are a daily occurrence, it is certainly advisable to secure everything, and to be even more cautious, make the most important items we keep in our pockets waterproof, starting with smartphones. But beware: why limit yourself to waterproof bags? There are waterproof covers that allow us to turn our smartphones into perfect underwater cameras!
The multi-tool pliers to have everything under control: in a list of nautical accessories populated by technological products, it is worth remembering that mechanical tools can also make a difference on board. With a multi-tool pliers at hand, you can do without – in an emergency – the toolbox.
The waterproof power bank: another valuable technological device for those who spend time on a boat and never want to run out of power. It can indeed be useful to bring a bit of electricity directly from home, ensuring that you can charge your smartphone and other electronic devices without any issues; certainly, for the boater traveling on an open boat, it would be wise to opt for a model that is water-resistant!
The portable espresso machine: for us Italians, an indispensable ritual. With a portable espresso machine – there are battery-operated models that take up little more space than a water bottle – you can make excellent coffee without stoves and without electrical outlets.
The satellite phone: finally, among the smartest nautical accessories for this summer on a boat is the satellite phone, which from 2025 in Italy presents itself as a particularly useful device. To always stay in touch with civilization, of course, but not only: it is worth remembering that with the new Implementation Regulation of the Nautical Code, it is possible to replace the EPIRB with a satellite phone equipped with an emergency button for unlimited navigation; and that a boat navigating beyond 12 miles but within the SAR Zone, if equipped with a satellite phone, can replace the ocean raft with the coastal one. Not bad!
