6 Quick Hacks for Better Boat Life

Looking to enjoy a better boat life? Here are six simple things that will make boat life just a little easier.

DIY Immersion Blender

Create your own with a cordless drill and single beater or wire whisk. It won’t have the chop function. But if you already have a cordless drill, it’s a space saver and money-saver.

Liquid Hand Soap

Use liquid soap instead of bar soap in the head (both sink and shower). It greatly lessens the chances of clogged drains. Bar soap can congeal in drain hoses; liquid soap won’t.

Non-slip Mats

Put them under all rugs that aren’t rubber backed to reduce the risk of falls. Spare pieces also work well in lockers to keep galley gear and bins from sliding.

Auto on/off Anchor Light

Never again remember to turn the light on or off – or remember to turn it on before leaving the boat if you’ll be gone at sundown. No extra power usage either! We like the Davis light with a bright LED hanging just above the boom. It’s easier for other boaters to see than at the mast head (this placement was recommended by FWC officers in the Florida Keys).

Cruising Solutions also sells one that can be hard wired or plugged into a cigarette lighter outlet.

Bug Spray

Squirt a bit into your trash bag every time you get a new one out. Makes a huge difference in the number of bugs aboard.

Better WiFi

Put your phone or router in a dry bag and hoist it to the top of the mast (or highest spot on power boats). Attach it to an external battery and it’ll have all-day power. This usually gains 2 bars of signal strength. A halyard can haul it up. Add a second line to use as a downhaul and cleat it off tightly so that the dry bag won’t beat against the mast.

Hopefully these easy hacks will help you have a better boat life. They can make a huge difference.

Here’s your “Quick Start” to everything you need to know when living on a boat: