Independence Day Boating Essentials

A gorgeous day of boating under a hot summer sun. The joy of a nice refreshing swim. Grooving to lively music, with the incredible smell of burgers on the grill. Summers were meant for fun on the water, and there’s no better time to get this summer going than Independence Day weekend.

To make sure you’re ready for all the fun, make sure you have all the proper Independence Day boating essentials for a good time afloat.

Airhead Hot Dog

Just add water!

What’s Independence Day without a hot dog? The Hot Dog inflatable tow tube from Airhead holds from one to five riders at a time, so no one misses out on the fun. With great features like Airhead’s patented Kwik-Connect system for rapid rope connection, a full nylon cover, EVA padding for rider comfort and fully padded handles for a non-slip grip, the Hot Dog remains a perennial best-seller.

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Boat Dry Towel

Boats get wet, but boaters don’t have to.

Boats get wet, but boaters don’t have to. Boat Dry Towels from Better Boat are ultra-absorbent, quick-drying towels with all sorts of uses onboard, thanks to their incredible absorbing power. Super soft, lint-free and scratch-free, these gentle cloths can be used on even delicate surfaces without fear of leaving behind streaks, water marks or other residue. Made from a mold and mildew-resistant fabric, they’re even machine washable for super-easy care.

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Caframo Ultimate Fan

Keep your cool – anywhere.

Enjoy those really hot days that much more with Caframo’s Ultimate, a brilliantly designed compact fan that mounts anywhere with its suction cup base and simply plugs into a 12-volt outlet. Its minimalist, frameless design allows this fan to fit into even very tight spaces and circulate air flow wherever a breeze is needed. With two speed settings and an ultra-silent motor, the Ultimate features soft, cushioned FingerSafe blades that protect any errant fingers or tails from harm should they accidentally get in the way. Made in Canada, the Ultimate comes with a six-foot power cord and a one-year warranty.

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For The Ultimate Dog Paddle

For the truly pampered pooch.

We get it – dogs float, and yes, they did invent the dog paddle. But not all dogs are especially strong swimmers, especially older animals. Available in sizes from XXS to XL, Overton’s Dog Life Jacket keep pampered pooches and coddled cats safe while they enjoy a summer boat ride. Breathable mesh under the belly lets water out, while the vest’s bright color and reflective strip makes pets easy to spot in the water. Time to head home? A convenient grab handle makes it easy to hoist them aboard.

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Stainless Steel Flagpole Kit

Show your pride.

Show your national pride and look good doing it with a stainless steel flag pole kit, featuring a choice of an 18” or 24” pole, a top cap finial, a mounting base and a unique flag clip design that holds the flag taut so it never tangles. Works best with 12” by 18” flags, which are sold separately.

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Silipint

Love at first sip.

Made from soft, food-grade silicone that won’t ever break, crack, chip, scratch or fade, the 12 ounce Silipint tumblr is the ideal drink glass for use on boats. Easy to clean, the tumblr uses an innovative no-tip base design to keep drinks upright while underway, while its silicone construction is both antimicrobial and fully non-slip to prevent drinks from sliding around on even wet tables. Dishwasher safe, the Silipint insulates cold or hot drinks over a temperature range of -58F to 450F, and accepts a companion silicone travel lid.

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Steiner Marine 7×50 Binoculars

Never miss a turn again.

High quality, waterproof and fogproof binoculars are essential on any boat, and especially in summer when plenty of boat traffic makes it more important than ever to be able to read those marker buoys and other navigation aids long before you reach them. Steiner’s Marine 7×50 binoculars provide super-sharp, high contrast images in even low light, while their floating prism design absorbs bumps and shocks easily. Waterproof and rubber armored, they even feature Steiner’s Sports Auto Focus System where you focus each eyepiece once, then enjoy razor sharp images from 20 yards to infinity without having to change focus on moving objects.

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Vulcan Anchor

Get a grip.

Most boat anchors hold well on some types of bottom but not on others, making them a pain because secure holds can never be assured. The fish hook-shaped Vulcan from Rocna Anchors is uniquely designed to provide a sure grip on a wide variety of bottom types, including mud, sand, gravel and rock while still popping out easily when pulled from the reverse direction. Available in 10 sizes from 9 to 191 pounds, Vulcan anchors are made for a wide variety of boats from small runabouts to yachts. Both stainless steel and galvanized finishes are available in all sizes.

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