Summer is around the corner, and boaters are gearing up for a season of sunshine, warm-weather fishing, and lounging on the boat. To summon good summer vibes, it’s time to prepare your summer boating essentials. With the proper boating gear, you’ll be ready for those sweet summer days – and nights – of angling, sailing, and simply hanging out on the deck with friends and family. 

1. Pelican: 70-Quart Elite Cooler

In the heat of summer, no boat is fully equipped without an insulated cooler. We love Pelican’s 70-Quart Elite Cooler, which reportedly can withstand the jaws of a grizzly bear: while we don’t expect this level of damage on a boating trip, we appreciate that this cooler is bear-approved. Featuring extreme ice retention, a built-in bottle opener, and easy press & pull latches, this boating cooler is guaranteed to last for a lifetime of summers. 

Summer Essentials: Our Top 5 Picks Of Things You Need To Check Out Before The Summer! | Uncustomary

2. Ugly Stik®: GX2™ Spinning Rod and Reel Combo

If you’re taking the whole family on the boat this summer, it’s an ideal time to teach young anglers the foundations of fishing. For seasoned fishermen, this spinning rod is perfect for casting a line off the deck. Its soft touch handle knobs and instant anti-reverse reel are ideal for novice anglers as they learn the basic motions of fishing. With the toughest spinning reel on the market and a durable graphite and fiberglass blank, the Ugly Stik® can secure fish up to 15 pounds, allowing fishermen to sneak in some quality angling practice – and maybe even catch lunch for the crew. 

3. West Marine: Cabo Gas Grill

Is it really summer without a barbeque? Bring the tastes of summer onto your boat with this versatile gas grill: the large, domed lid allows seafaring chefs to grill, roast, or even back foods with efficiency. The stainless steel construction is corrosion resistant – an essential for boating – and will withstand many summers of good eats. For larger crews, take note: the grilling surface measures 162 sq.in., which is large enough to cook dinner and snacks for a full party of summertime boaters. Faithful grill owners rave about its easy clean-up and simple installation with a rod holder mount

4. Stream2Sea: Sunscreen

Summertime boating combines some of our favorite things: open water, direct sunlight, and hours on the deck. Forget the sunscreen, and this becomes a recipe for a good time and a pesky sunburn. Protect your skin and the streams with this eco-friendly and mineral-based sunscreen, which provides water-resistant protection against harmful UV rays. The SPF 30 lotion is reef safe and fragrance-free for sensitive skin. Today, Stream2Sea offers the only mineral based sunscreen that is tested and proven safe for freshwater fish, saltwater fish, and coral larvae, and has passed the stringent HEL Labs Protect Land + Sea certification.

Summer Essentials: Our Top 5 Picks Of Things You Need To Check Out Before The Summer! | Uncustomary

5. Costa Del Mar: Polarized Sunglasses

With sunscreen, a personalized boat shirt, and these polarized sunglasses, you’ll be styled for summertime boating. These sunglasses are essential for boaters when navigating waters in direct sunlight. Among Costa’s varied offerings, we love the Rincon glasses for their classic West Coast style, 100% UV protection, and premium lenses that filter reflective glare. Costa lenses are considered among the best polarized sunglasses for boating, and for good reason: they’re highly durable, attractive, and available in both men’s and women’s frames.

Our top 5 summertime boating essentials will help you make waves and memories. Between sun protection and summertime grilling, any combination of these products will prepare boaters for a summer of on-the-water adventure.