Boating is one of the most beloved pastimes in the world. Not only does it let you explore places you can’t go on foot or by car, it enhances family time, helps create memories, gets you outside, and lets you enjoy some recreational time. Don’t have a boat yet? If you’re ready to buy a boat and you need a loan, learn how we do boat loans at Trident Funding.
Boating fun often involves water toys. The answer to what boat toys do I need is really up to you and it depends on how adventurous you are, what your interests are, how many people will be onboard, where you are going to take your boat, and the type and size boat you have.
What Boat Toys Do I Need: The Details
Let’s dive right into some of the most popular categories of boat toys, where to purchase them, the best buying practices, and how to safely use them while still having fun. Some of the best water toys for boats include:
Inflatables
You’ve seen them before: the bright pink flamingo bobbing up and down in the waves, the aqua colored lounger made for two and even the tiny floating drink holder bouncing around in the water. There are so many different types, sizes, and colors of inflatables. Besides floats, there are inflatable playgrounds, inflatable mattresses, inflatable hot tubs, inflatable slides, inflatable water games, inflatable trampolines and more.
They’re often made out of some type of plastic and can be inflated and deflated with an electric pump or you can blow the small ones up with a hand pump. You can buy them almost anywhere: online, in a boating store, at a beachside shop, or at a major box store. Check for leaks and tears before using them and rinse them off after each use.
Inner Tubes
These are ideal for almost all ages and for all skill levels. Wear a life jacket whenever using an inner tube because you never know when you might fly off and need to wait in the water to be picked up by the boat. Just like with inflatables, inner tubes come in various styles; but they’re a bit more durable and are designed to be towed by a boat. You can find ones that are for solar use and ones that can hold several people. You can stick with the traditional kind or choose one that’s shaped like an animal.
When purchasing inner tubes, buy the ones designed to be towed behind boats and remember to purchase the tow line as well. Always supervise children using these and check them for damage each time you use them. You can find them online, at boating stores, and at stores that cater to outdoor activities. Sometimes big box stores carry them but not always.
Stand Up Paddle Boards
Stand up paddle boarding has taken off as one of the most popular water activities in the last decade or so. It does take some practice to get started and a lot of balance but it can be enjoyed by almost everyone. Check out inflatable paddle boards if you want a more affordable option and one that doesn’t take up much room when stored.
Paddle boards can be purchased online, from boating and specialty stores, and at outdoor retailers. Once again, definitely wear a life jacket when participating and if it’s cool, a wetsuit is recommended as well. Lots of marinas have companies that offer paddle board tours and lessons, so you can get your feet wet and see if you like it, before purchasing a board for yourself.
One thing to consider when purchasing one, is the maximum weight limit. If you buy one and plan to use it with your dog or your child, keep in mind how many pounds it can hold and its stability. Often the larger boards are more stable and can hold more weight.
Kayaks
Kayaks come in many shapes and forms and there are specific ones designed for the ocean and others that can be used on calmer bodies of water like lakes or canals. There are single and tandem kayaks and they also come in inflatable versions. One really unique type of kayak is the glass bottom one. This is amazing to use to look at coral reefs and schools of fish below the water’s surface.
It’s a good idea to purchase your first kayak in person so you can get some instructions on how to use it and how to care for it. Check out boating stores and outdoor stores. Try out the feel of a one person and a two person and remember to purchase the paddles and a cover and even a rack for your car if you need to transport it.
Wakeboards and Water Skis
Along with inner tubes, wakeboards and water skis can be towed behind a boat, if the boat has enough horsepower. Yachts, jet boats, deck boats, and even fishing boats can tow wakeboards and skiers. These activities are a bit more strenuous than inner tubing so use caution, wear a life jacket, and always inspect the equipment before using it. The boat operator should be experienced with towing too. You don’t want a first time boater to tow you while you’re water skiing.
Underwater Scooters
Also known as sea scooters and diver propulsion vehicles, underwater scooters are a great way to explore under the water’s surface. You can use them while snorkeling and even while scuba diving. They use propellers to go underwater and you hold on for the ride. Make sure your hair is tied up and you don’t have any loose clothing or jewelry that could get caught in the propellers.
Underwater scooter prices vary based on battery life, size, and speed. You can find a basic one for children starting around $400 and most other models start around $800 and go upwards of $4,000. These aren’t necessarily a cheap water toy, but are certainly a unique one. They allow you to snorkel with speed while the scooter does all the work.
Electric Surfboards
A relatively new boat toy, electric surfboards let you surf anywhere, even when the waves aren’t ideal for surfing or when you’re on a body of water that you wouldn’t usually surf on such as a river. They’re also called jet boards and they’re portable, and fast motorized boards. Some propel you through the water using jet ski propulsion and others shoot you over the water using hydrofoils. They unusually range in price from around $3,000 to over $9,000.
Miscellaneous Accessories
When you think about what boat toys do I need, you often think of the most popular ones like inner tubes that can be towed behind your boat, kayaks, and inflatable lounge chairs, but don’t forget about the smaller things like pool noodles, snorkeling gear, and beach balls. Also, remember to bring along a GoPro or another type of waterproof camera so you can still capture all the fun and the action without damaging or losing your phone in the process.
Some other things to remember to have onboard that may not be as fun as boat toys but are equally as important include:
- U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets for everyone on board in the correct sizes: infant, child, and adult etc. It’s even a good idea to have life jackets for pets if you know you’re going to bring your furry friend onboard with you.
- Sunscreen: Everyone should wear sunscreen. Look for a waterproof type with a high SPF and reapply after you get out of the water and every few hours.
- Additional sun protection: These can include things like rashguards with SPF, sunglasses, and sun hats. Keep in mind that sun protection and sunscreen are still needed on cloudy days.
- Bluetooth speaker: Most newer boats have radios and built-in bluetooth speakers, but if yours doesn’t or you want some additional options, bring a long portable bluetooth speaker. There are some pretty cool waterproof ones too that float alongside you so you can bring the music into the water with you.
- First aid kit: Water toys for boating are so fun but can also cause injuries and it’s a good idea to have a fully stocked first aid kit on board. You will want to be able to clean and bandage a minor wound and even have some pain relievers if you get a minor headache. Also, remember to include any medication you may need that day and some additional things like bug repellent, allergy medication, and seasickness preventatives.
The Wrap Up: What Boat Toys Do I Need?
Now, you know the answer to what boat toys do I need, it’s time to get out on the water and enjoy yourself. Whether you choose to purchase some inflatables like water trampolines and lounging mats, or kayaks, and underwater scooters, do your research first. Compare prices and reviews and always inspect the equipment before using it. Remember to never leave children unattended on any boat toys and clean all the toys after each use. You want them to last as long as possible so you have many more sunny days out on the boat in your future.
If you can’t wait for some boating fun, but first need to buy the boat, contact Trident Funding for boat loans. We have been around for more than three decades. We’re a reputable and knowledgeable company that helps you sail through the entire boat loan process from start to finish. You can check out our free boat loan calculator to see how much boat you can afford and then apply online for a boat loan.
Frequently Asked Questions: Water Toys for Boating
Are There Different Boat Toys for Different Types of Boats?
Just like there are so many different types of boats with different intended uses, there are also so many variations of boat toys specifically designed to be used on certain boats. For instance, jet boats, deck boats, and speed boats can all tow things behind them. So, they’re all designed to pull inner tubes, wakeboards, and even water skis. Pontoon boats may be a bit too slow to pull water skis but may be okay for inner tubes.
Yachts have the most options when it comes to boating fun. You can use an inflatable slide off the side of a boat and you have plenty of room onboard to store things like kayaks, jet skis, snorkeling gear, inflatable floats, inflatable trampolines, water games, and more. You can even get creative and invest in an inflatable hot tub or a floating bar. If you want to experience luxury and fun, then a yacht is the way to go. Trident Funding finances used and new yachts with competitive rates and flexible terms as long as 20 years.
Can Jet Skis Be Stored on a Boat?
Jet skis can definitely be stored on a boat if the boat is large enough and has the proper storage space for the jet skis. You also need to have the equipment onboard to properly lift and lower the jet skis onto the boat and into the water. Yachts often have what are called garages where jet skis can be stored inside and can be cleaned and lifted on and off the boat.
However, smaller boats aren’t going to be able to hold jet skis. For example, your jet boat or deck boat won’t have the space or the ability to store or hoist jet skis. Only store jet skis on boats that are designed to hold them.
What are the Most Affordable Boat Toys?
Some of the best water toys for boats are also the least expensive: Inflatables! There are so many options at different price points. You can find inflatable floats like unicorns or pineapples for under $50. There are also inflatable cup holders, inflatable mattresses, and inflatable loungers. These inflatable toys can usually be used in the pool as well as a lake or river. You don’t need to blow them up yourself anymore either; instead use a hand pump or an electronic pump to inflate and deflate them.
Keep in mind that most inflatables aren’t durable enough to be towed behind a boat; they’re designed more for lounging and sunbathing. However, if you want to experience some thrills, and still want an affordable boat toy, invest in an inner tube. Buy one that is especially designed to be towed by a boat and make sure it’s properly attached to the boat before you get on it. Prices of these vary based on the size and the style and how many people they hold, but you can generally find a basic model around $100.
This makes a great starter boat toy if you want to have some fun but don’t want to spend a lot. It also requires no skills other than holding on tight and not minding if you get wet. Always wear a life jacket when participating in boat activities, even if you’re a good swimmer.
