If you’ve ever gone on a road trip, even for a day, you know the importance of packing the car with plenty of goodies, entertainment and safety items. With so many Minnesotans hitting area lakes and rivers for summertime fun, it’s just as crucial to pack a boat with items needed for a successful day on the water. We’ve culled a list of items, from area retailers, that will help keep your day “on an even keel.”
Here are our top picks for the best boating gear and accessories from local shops.
Whether you’re using it as sunshade, protecting your hair from wind and sun or are amping up your cute factor, be on theme and pick up a Lake Effect billed hat, which reads Lake Day. $25.95; Lotus Lake Gifts + Décor, Chanhassen
There’s nothing like a sunset (or sunrise, for that matter) cruise on the water. But we all know, once the sun hovers around the horizon, temps can dip, too. Get cozy with a sweatshirt-material, anchor- or Minnesota-themed blanket from Marnee Shepard. $39.95; Lotus Lake Gifts + Décor, Chanhassen
Say, “Skol” with Minnesota- or fished-themed 10-ounce lowball tumblers. Custom by Patina, the BPA and lead free, stainless steel and double insulated vessels keep cold items chilled for 10 hours or hot beverages toasty for six hours. $19.95; Patina, Eden Prairie
If it’s a little breezy, grab a cover-up that’s as cute as it is functional. The floral kimono by Gentle Fawn is perfect for tossing over your suit on the boat (or at the beach). $58; Merilou Boutique, Wayzata
Neoprene has long been the fabric of choice for durability and water-resistance (think wetsuits). It’s now being made into items that are as chic as they are practical, like a Haute Shore tote that can snap up for storage and expand to hold towels, spare outfits, snacks and more. $97; Merilou Boutique, Wayzata
Martin’s boutique is just a couple of blocks from Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior. Their signature line of lake-inspired tumblers, wineglasses, hats, hoodies and more feature one-of-a-kind designs that make great gifts for out-of-town visitors (or devoted locals). North Shore Apparel gear, prices vary. Martin’s, Excelsior
Protect your pups from accidents with a Cabela’s life jacket—adults and kiddos need them, so why not the dogs, too? Though not required by law, the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water highly recommends pet flotation devices. $39.99; Cabela’s, Rogers and Woodbury
Let’s face it—accidents happen, especially in the land of 10,000 lakes. Seal up your important belongings (phone, wallet, keys and fishing license) in a YETI dry case for a worry-free day on the water. $49.99; Frattallone's Ace Hardware, Minnetonka
Let the good times … fly with a Bora 5 kite (5 square feet of ripstop material) from Prism Kite Technology. Hold onto the parafoil kite, or attach it to a pole (fishing or otherwise) on your boat, and let the forward momentum of your boat set the kite into the air. $34.99; Grey Duck Toys and Games, Maple Grove
Keep it cool and cheeky with these adorable fishing bobber-inspired beverage coolers from Bigmouth Inc. Use them on the boat, or take them into the water when you beach it and float around the bay or down the river. $9.95; GoodThings, Maple Grove
