Longer days and warmer weather mean more time on the water, whether that’s for leisure or racing events, and prepping your boat for summer is the best way to make sure you’re ready for it. From shade in the cockpit to essential safety gear, here’s a look at ten products boat owners are turning to as part of their summer prep, along with what to check before you buy.
1. Sun shades and awnings
A bit of shade makes a real difference on a hot day. Sun shades and awnings help protect crew from UV exposure and keep the cockpit more comfortable on longer trips.
Before choosing one, think about how your cockpit is laid out and whether you need a free-standing shade, an awning, or something that fits an existing frame. Check the covered area against where you actually sit, and look at fixings and support poles, as these vary between boats.
- Measure your cockpit or helm area before choosing a shade size
- Check whether you need a free-standing shade or one that fits an existing frame
- Look at fixing points and support pole compatibility
- Consider a fabric protector or cleaner to extend the life of the material
- Check whether side panels or extensions are available for extra coverage
2. Fixed and handheld VHF radios
A reliable VHF radio is one of the most important pieces of safety equipment onboard, whether it’s a fixed set wired into the boat or a handheld unit you can grab in an emergency.
Fixed radios generally offer greater range and are tied to the vessel’s own MMSI number, while handheld sets are useful as a backup, or for tenders and dinghies. Think about what you already have onboard and where the gap is before buying.
- Decide whether you need a fixed radio, a handheld, or both
- Check the radio includes DSC if you want distress calling functionality
- Confirm battery life and charging options for handheld units
- Check waterproof and floating ratings if it may end up in the water
- Contact the Marine Scene team if you’re unsure which radio suits your setup
Shop Fixed & Handheld VHF Radios
3. August Race Liquid Rib
If you run an inflatable or RIB, tube condition affects both looks and performance. August Race Liquid Rib is designed to clean PVC and Hypalon tubes, lifting the grime and discolouration that builds up over a season on the water.
A clean tube also makes it easier to spot small issues, such as scuffs or lifting seams, before they turn into bigger repairs.
- Clean tubes before applying any UV protectant or coating
- Check whether your tubes are PVC or Hypalon before choosing a product
- Inspect seams and valves while cleaning for early signs of wear
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for contact time and rinsing
- Store cleaning products away from direct heat and out of reach of children
4. Seago lifejackets
Seago’s lifejacket range covers everything from entry-level inflatables to jackets with an integrated harness for offshore use. Checking your lifejackets before the season starts is one of the simplest ways to stay safety-conscious on the water.
Make sure every jacket fits the person wearing it, and check the firing mechanism, cylinder and indicator window if it’s an inflatable model.
- Confirm you have a correctly sized lifejacket for everyone onboard
- Check the CO2 cylinder and firing mechanism on inflatable models
- Look at the indicator window to confirm the jacket is ready for use
- Inspect straps, buckles and stitching for wear
- Contact the Marine Scene team if you need help choosing the right model
5. Baltic lifejackets and buoyancy aids
Baltic covers a wide range of lifejackets and buoyancy aids, from compact inflatables for cruising to buoyancy aids suited to dinghy sailing, kayaking and other watersports.
Lifejackets and buoyancy aids serve different purposes, so it’s worth checking which classification suits the activity, along with sizing for both adults and children.
- Check whether a lifejacket or buoyancy aid is right for the activity
- Confirm sizing, particularly for children’s and junior models
- Inspect existing kit for UV damage, tears or buckle wear
- Check re-arming kit compatibility if replacing a spent cylinder
- Store lifejackets somewhere accessible and easy to grab in an emergency
6. IBS glues for PVC and Hypalon
Keeping repair essentials onboard makes sense if you use an inflatable or RIB regularly. IBS adhesives are designed for PVC and Hypalon tubes, so it’s worth knowing which material your boat uses before you buy.
Small scuffs and lifting seams are far easier to deal with early, before they turn into a larger repair or a slow leak.
- Check whether your tubes are PVC or Hypalon before choosing an adhesive
- Keep the correct adhesive onboard alongside a basic repair kit
- Clean and dry the area fully before attempting any repair
- Follow instructions carefully on mixing ratios and cure times for two-part adhesives
- Store adhesives securely and away from heat sources
7. Horseshoe sets
A horseshoe lifebuoy is one of the most straightforward ways to help retrieve someone from the water quickly, and having one mounted and ready is a basic safety expectation on most boats.
Check the bracket suits your guard rail or pushpit, and that the light and any reflective elements are in good condition before the season gets underway.
- Check the mounting bracket suits your boat’s rail or pushpit
- Test that the light activates correctly, if fitted
- Look for UV damage or a perished cover on the lifebuoy itself
- Confirm the lifebuoy is easily accessible in an emergency, not stowed away
- Replace worn brackets, lights or covers as needed
8. Lalizas brush cleaning sets
A proper cleaning set makes routine boat washing far easier, particularly for reaching hull sides, deck edges and awkward spots around fittings. Lalizas cleaning sets combine a wash brush, scrub brush and hook with a telescopic handle.
Having the right brush for the job also protects gelcoat and paintwork, since a stiffer brush suited to stubborn dirt can mark softer surfaces if used everywhere.
- Use a softer brush for general washing and a stiffer one for stubborn dirt
- Check the telescopic handle extends far enough for your boat’s freeboard
- Rinse brushes after use to stop salt and grit building up in the bristles
- Use the hook attachment carefully around fittings to avoid scratches
- Store cleaning kit somewhere dry between uses
9. Star Brite range
Star Brite’s range covers cleaning, polishing and fabric care, useful for keeping fibreglass, vinyl and canvas looking presentable throughout the season. Products such as boat wash, marine polish and fabric cleaners each target a slightly different job.
Working through a wash, polish and protect routine helps prevent the kind of chalking, staining and fading that’s harder to reverse later in the season.
- Wash the boat before applying any polish, wax or protector
- Match the product to the surface, such as fibreglass, vinyl or fabric
- Apply polish in small sections and buff off as instructed
- Check UV protectants are suitable for the material before applying
- Reapply protection periodically through the season rather than once
10. South Pacific windlasses and accessories
A windlass takes the effort out of anchoring, and South Pacific’s range covers both vertical and horizontal models suited to different boat sizes and anchor weights.
Getting the right windlass depends on your boat’s size, anchor weight and the type of chain or rope you’re running, so it’s worth checking these details, or speaking to the team, before choosing a model.
- Check your boat’s length and anchor weight against the windlass rating
- Confirm whether you need a vertical or horizontal model for your deck layout
- Check the gypsy size matches your chain or rope diameter
- Inspect wiring, switches and circuit breakers as part of routine maintenance
- Contact the Marine Scene team for help choosing the correct model
Marine Scene summer boating essentials collection
From shade and safety kit to cleaning products and anchoring gear, these are some of the products helping boat owners with prepping their boat for summer. Browse the full range in our Summer Boating Essentials collection, or order online for UK delivery or Click and Collect from South Cornelly near Porthcawl.