From watching the sunset on the water with friends to enjoying adrenaline-inducing water sports, boats let you do so much. Given the sea of options available, it’s no wonder that the boating industry sells $42 billion worth of boats and marine products each year.
However, as any boat owner knows, there are always things you can add to your boat to heighten the experience. So if you are looking to make boating even more fun, what upgrades should you get?
Keep reading to learn about ten boat upgrades that will make any boat feel like a luxurious private yacht.
1. Leather Upholstery
If your boat still has cloth upholstery, it’s time to give your vessel a much-needed upgrade. Aside from creating a swanky aesthetic, leather adds practicality to your boat, as well.
Leather is a durable option, especially when compared to traditional cloth. It will hold up better to stains, as well as general-wear or tear. You also won’t have to worry about maintaining it, which means that it’s well worth the investment.
2. Solar Panels
While a traditional electronic cleanse may sound appealing, reality often demands otherwise. If you’re struggling with staying connected while on your boat, consider installing solar panels to help cover all of your technological needs.
Aside from being eco-friendly and helping cut down on any electrical costs, solar panels will ensure that you have no issues when it comes to powering your different devices. You might even be able to get some LED lights, TVs, and other gadgets.
3. USB Charging Ports
If installing solar panels is out of the question, there are easier ways to provide your boat with the power sources you need. Adding USB ports is a smile and cheap way to make sure that your phone never runs out of power again.
You can find double-port receptacles for around $20. To install one, you won’t need to do anything more than drill a standard hole and connect it to your boat’s 12-volt power system.
4. Extra Cupholders
Regardless of whether you throw massive ragers or just have the occasional classy evening with two friends, most boat owners agree that they wish their boats came with additional cupholders. Luckily, these are cheap, easy to install, and can make a world of difference.
Different models allow you to suction or stick them onto different surfaces. Consider adding several extra cupholders to the high traffic areas of your boat.
5. A Rear-View Mirror
Do you use your boat for water sports with friends or family? If you do, make sure to get a rear-view mirror if your boat doesn’t have one. This will keep you from having to turn your head around to check how the person behind is doing.
You can find a quality rear-view mirror for less than $100. You can mount them to your boat’s windshield in seconds, then secure them with screw clamps.
6. The Right Lights
As with any space, the right lights will make you and any guests feel comfortable and at home, while the wrong ones will look out of place and awkward. Make sure to invest in lighting that’s in line with your aesthetic requirements.
LED lights are eco-friendly and long-lasting, meaning you won’t have to worry about replacing any bulbs for a while. For a true mood setter, look into getting colored bulbs to string around your boat.
7. Solid Speakers
No party boat is complete without the right set of quality speakers. These will allow you to blast your choice of music out onto the water, whether that means reggae or EDM.
Wake tower speakers are one example of a solid type of speaker. They can play music over large areas and are also durable and water-resistant.
8. Hidden Trash Cans
Most boats don’t have trash cans built into them. As a result, finding a place to store empty bottles can be a bit of an odyssey. At the same time, you don’t want to have a giant can on the middle of your boat deck.
Make the searching process easy for you and everyone else by adding some hidden trash cans that provide functionality without being an eye-sore. Many trash cans can clip on to cabinet doors, which means that you won’t have to worry about any installation.
9. A Better Fish Finder
If you use your boat for fishing, consider investing in a better and more modern fish finder. Odds are, you’ll find a host of features you didn’t know existed that you can advantage of once you upgrade.
If dropping money on new hardware is out of the question, consider updating your system’s software. This is a cheap and fast process that can make a world of difference.
10. Extra Fishing Rod Holders
Aside from upgrading your boat’s fish finder, you can also look at adding extra rod holders. Most anglers agree that your vessel can never have too many rod holders, so feel free to go crazy.
Clamp-on rail mounts make it easy to add fishing rod holders all over your boat, ensuring that you never miss out on another catch again.
Make Any Boat a Private Yacht
Regardless of what type of boat you own, the right upgrades can make riding on it a more enjoyable experience for everyone. By adding some of the different features mentioned in this guide to your boat, you’ll be able to create your own private yacht for a fraction of the cost.
Do you have a better idea of how the right boat upgrades can make any vessel feel like a swanky yacht? If you do, make sure to check out some of our other posts for more guides and tips on how to live your best life.
