There are plenty of boat upgrades that can make your water experience better, but some of them require a big budget and time commitment.
Sound System
Investing in a marine-grade sound system is a must for any boat. This includes a receiver and speakers and the proper wiring to avoid a potentially dangerous situation when water and electricity meet.
You want a system that can produce enough volume to be heard over the noise of your engine, waves, and wind. Look for speakers with plastic cones, rubber surrounds, and marine-grade speaker wire.
LED Lighting
LED lighting is an easy and affordable upgrade that can significantly improve the ambiance on your boat. LED lights are highly energy efficient, consume less power than traditional halogen bulbs, and produce little heat.
Choose from spots, floodlights, or a light bar that consolidates these two lighting instruments. Some models even come with multiple colors, making it possible to create a stunning underwater light show.
Look for lights rated IP67, ensuring they can cope with harsh marine weather conditions, including saltwater submersion. Additionally, look for LED lights that do not overheat, as this could affect the quality of your lighting.
Interior Décor
Many boat improvement projects require a significant amount of work and expense. Some, like a new stereo system or windlass at the bow, take up a lot of space and require specialized knowledge.
Interior décor upgrades like those offered by Monterey are a great way to improve the look of a boat without breaking the bank. Multicolored LED rope lights are inexpensive and easily installed by running them under gunwales, seats, or recessed cockpit surfaces.
Upgrade your galleyware to break-resistant melamine dinnerware sets that won’t chip when you hit a rogue wave. Add a few extra cup holders for passengers and guests.
Accent Lighting
Marine courtesy lights are functional and designed to illuminate walkways and other areas on your boat for maritime safety. LEDs are an excellent option as they are energy efficient and provide a brighter light output than incandescent bulbs.
Accent lighting is less about function and more about highlighting or illuminating specific areas or spaces to draw attention and create drama. Typically three times brighter than ambient lighting, this type of lighting is best accomplished with adjustable fixtures that can be angled to illuminate sensitive objects like artwork or furnishings precisely.
Bed
You want a comfortable yacht, so don’t skimp on the bed. You may be tempted to buy one of those memory foam mattresses you see vacuum-packed in a box, but that’s not what your sleep cabin needs. Look for a custom mattress manufacturer that specializes in boat mattresses.
They will have various options so you can find the perfect fit for your berth. Try to get a mattress made from natural materials to resist mold and be safe for the marine environment.
Cooler
For watersports, you’ll want to have your favorite beverages within reach. Cup holders are a helpful boat modification that can be installed quickly and easily on most boats. This upgrade will prevent accidental spillage and keep drinks upright, icy cold, and ready to enjoy.
Many boat owners install USB ports on their vessels. These marine-grade USB ports allow for onboard charging and only require a small amount of drilling and simple positive and negative battery leads to install.
