This flashlight delivers a bright beam for finding your way. It floats too!
$24.99; westmarine.com
Prevent torn canvas! A little dab’ll do ya!
$7.99; westmarine.com
Boating‘s editors reach for this spray lube when protection is critical.
$18.99; boeshield.com
Is that peanut butter or a waypoint? Never be confused again.
$12.99; starbrite.com
The gelcoat-scratch repair system comes in the form of an easy-to-apply and inexpensive self-adhesive DIY kit.
$16.99; yachtpaint.com
This one may be the best gift you can give to your crew and to yourself.
Free; http://cgaux.org/vsc/
If stowage space is at a premium on board, these vinyl fenders feature a rugged nylon shell and quickly inflate or deflate. They come in red, blue, black or navy and start at $19.99 for the 6-by-18-inch version.
$19.99; westmarine.com
In an emergency, attach this to your life jacket or ring buoy and it’ll transmit light in a 2-mile radius, helping rescuers find you in an MOB situation.
$11.99; acrartex.com
The Grundens Gage deck knife sports a serrated 440 gauge stainless-steel blade and has a belt holster.
$22.00; grundens.com
These classic waterproof PVC boots have been a staple among hard-core anglers and boaters for years.
$29.99; westmarine.com
PDF versions of nautical charts are available and checked weekly for accuracy.
Free; charts.noaa.gov
Sacrificial anodes need contact with metal to provide the best protection. These masks make applying anti-fouling paints a snap.
Free; boatzincs.com
This all-natural tea-tree-oil deodorizer worked great aboard one of our boats.
$26.99; trac-online.com
Consider this gear to be essential cruising equipment.
$22.99; davisnet.com
If your keys fall in the water, the Key Buoy will automatically inflate, keeping your keys afloat.
$6.99; davisnet.com
Keep your hot drinks hot or your cool drinks cool with this stainless-steel tumbler with double-wall vacuum insulation.
$29.99; yeticoolers.com
Natural teak flagstaff lets you fly your burgee or American flag on board in style.
$29.99; westmarine.com
Survival Straps claims new frequency technology added to a section of paracord fights fatigue and boosts range of motion while wearing it.
$29.99; survivalstraps.com
Every boat should be equipped with a first-aid kit.
$24.99; westmarine.com
Spray and wipe for a quick and easy clean when your boat accumulates water deposits, dirt or salt spray. It comes in a 16-ounce bottle.
$12.74; meguiarsdirect.com
Open your bottles on board with the holding force and style of a mini Delta anchor.
$19.99; westmarine.com
This product provides distance and GPS alarms to wake you up if your anchor starts dragging while you sleep out on board.
Free; itunes.com
You may be shocked by what happens during this “almost perfect” day afloat!
Free; boatingorders.com/alpedaydvd.html
The decal affixes to the boat so everyone can know how to operate the VHF radio in an emergency.
Free; boatingorders.com/freeproducts.html
The website is the mariner’s reference for procedure and legality.
Free; navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=navRulesContent
It fits in your pocket and features a fold-out 2-inch sawing blade and also a razor blade.
$4.99; ustbrands.com
All skippers need one at their fingertips.
$13.99; ironwoodpacific.com
You have no room on the helm? Use the suction cups to mount a BoatMates Cruisin’ Caddy nearby that can hold your drink, phone, sunscreen and other accessories.
$13.99; cabelas.com
Keep your face and neck protected from the harsh effects of sunlight with a Buff. Wearing one is equivalent to wearing a 20 SPF sunscreen.
$23; buffusa.com
Protect that spare on your trailer tongue.
$14.99 to $17.99; cabelas.com
Keep your smartphone safe with this waterproof bag that helps it float and still lets you use the touch screen and the camera.
$24; amazon.com
The old saying states you may not get what you pay for, but you rarely get what you don’t pay for. That’s true in many instances. Regrettably.
Fret not! We have scoured the watery world to develop a list of free and cheap marine accessories.
This list contains a variety of accessories, services and gadgets that all cost less than $30. More importantly, Boating‘s editors have used each and every one and can endorse them for their intended purpose. Like boats, none of the things on this list will be great for everybody. But we are sure that all of them are great for somebody.
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