she likes knowing what to pack for a day on the boat.
I didn’t grow up in a boating family, but moving to where I now live on the lake, it wasn’t long before it became apart of my life! After a few years of trial and error that sounded a lot like “Oh crap, we forgot ____” and “Why the heck did we bring this, it takes up so much space”, I’ve perfected my boat bag that contains everything I need for a fun day out on the water. Everything is linked for your convenience!
Did I mention we have 2 little furry things that join us for boat days? Adds an extra layer of fun, and planning! Stay tuned for a blog on must haves for boating with dogs, there’s a lot of neat hacks we’ve discovered that help make our lives a little easier.
Our boat has a cuddy cabin, which is helpful for getting away with extra storage space, but beware of the temptation to overpack. There’s nothing worse than an overcrowded boat digging through bags and bags of items looking for something. Stick to the essentials and you’ll be saving yourself and others elbow room when cruising the water.
I limit myself one bag of items to come with me. This Yeti bag has been a game changer compared to other totes as it’s waterproof, durable, keeps things cool or warm, and holds a LOT!
10/10 recommend; I think my next one will be the Yeti Hopper M30 Soft Cooler, as that one zips completely shut to act as both tote AND cooler!
Whether the Fourth of July or a Sunday morning cruise, my boat bag essentials don’t typically change. So whatever type of boater you may be, here are a few items I would consider adding to your list of must have’s when hitting the water. I linked all of my favorites!
Boat Bag Essentials:
Sunscreen - If you’re one to be known for putting the swim ladder to use and enjoy cooling off in the water, a spray SPF is an easy way to re-apply fast and effectively. I typically like a lotion based SPF for my face, so don’t be afraid to pack more than one if it means you’ll use it!
Chapstick - If you can score lip balm with SPF in it — even better!
Sunglasses - I’ve been there.. you’re just getting out of the marina before you realize you left your trusty sunnies on the dash of your vehicle. It’s a long day squinting without them! Linked is my favorite pair— fashionable to wear on and off the boat.
Beach Towel - This is the first thing that goes in my bag, it won’t take up extra space if it’s folded at the bottom of the bag!
Bluetooth Speaker - We love using a bluetooth speaker so we can listen to our own playlists, music is a must when anchoring at a sandbar, or fishing off the swim deck. Do yourself a favor and invest in a waterproof option! I have wasted more money than I’d like to admit on water damaged speakers.
First aid kit - You don’t need something the size of a suitcase, but a small compact kit that has the essentials i.e. Advil, Neosporin, bandaids, etc. is absolutely necessary when out on the water.
Phone Charging Block - It’s a bad day on the lake when you forget this. Your battery can drain fast when using it for the bluetooth speaker, using apps to navigate the water, or I’m even convinced the hot sun drains my battery more
Hair brush - Ladies, if your hair has ever been personally victimized by going 30 MPH on an open boat, you’ll know why I included hair brush. The Wet Brush is my favorite for painless brushing!
Can Insulator - I never thought this would be high priority, but it’s something that just adds to the convenience of the day. Drinks do not stay cold for long once you take them out to enjoy. All the planning that goes into a boat day, you might as well enjoy a cold drink while you’re out there.
Liquid IV - I used to waste so much cooler space packing gatorade bottles, as electrolytes are a must while you’re out in the sun all day and/ or enjoying alcoholic beverages.
Garbage Bags - Another silly item you don’t think is important until everyone is done with lunch and needs to throw their paper plates and empty cans away.
Pouch for Essential Items - We have a small zipper bag that is our designated “essentials” bag. Keys, phones, wallets, etc. all go in this bag so at the end of the day we don’t hear “Wait where’s my wallet” while docking up.
Sweatpants & Sweatshirt - Even on 90 degree days, those evening rides back at 35 MPH with wet hair can be chilly! I always slip on sweats and a sweater to cozy up on the ride back
Entertainment - For those few hours spent anchored at a sand bar, a frisbee, deck of cards, or book can be the simplest and easy to pack form of entertainment. Our favorite find has been this inflatable drink pong game!
Water shoes/ Waterproof sandal - When launching or docking your boat, you better be ready to hop in the water with no questions asked, best to have a waterproof shoe on with some good grip. Or if you choose to explore an island near where you’re anchored, you’ll want a shoe you can walk through the water in and take on the trek of island forrest!
What Not to Bring:
Loose fitting/ expensive hats - Your captain will be first to tell you, they are not responsible for the loss of any items flying off your head when open cruising the water at high speed
Glass items - Plates, cups, bottles, leave it at home and go the paper/ reusable plastic route. Not worth the worry of it breaking and dealing with a sharp mess with no way to clean it up!
Valuables - Understanding keys and wallets are necessary and can be safely stored, don't plan on bringing anything of high value in the case it should fall in the water or become lost
Excessive toys - Small, simple items for entertainment like frisbees, deck of cards, or swim goggles are all you really need. Don’t clutter a small space with bulky toys for young kids!
Bad attitude - I giggle at this one, but I honestly do share it when I host guests on the lake. Boating can be stressful and a lot of work, and you have to take what the day dishes you sometimes, but a positive attitude can change the whole outlook of your day.
