May242026

“What should I use for this-that and the other thing” is on our list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) from Boat Owners who seek guidance and expertise. Our notes and links below will help you navigate the process of adding value to your boat with products from maintenance to the newest gadgets. Please send us a note if you have a suggestion to add to our Amazon Associates recommendation list.

Some of the recommended items below are for informational purposes and do not include an Amazon Associates purchase link. All items linked below have been purchased and tested by our team before recommendations are made.

Every vessel should consider having the following aboard:

 

Chart Table

 

 

    • Caliper – 150mm / 5.9-inch Plastic Measuring Tool for Precision Measurements
    • Carpenter Pencils – 5 Pack of Bright Orange Swanson Carpenter Pencils with Black Graphite
    • Deck Key – Davis Instruments 382 Deck Tool Multi-Key. Every boat needs this stainless steel tool to open deck fills, pull zippers, and open snaps…
    • Magnifying Ruler – 2X Magnification, 1/16-Inch & Tenths Scales, 12-Inch
    • Sharpie – Permanent Chisel Tip Marker Set, 8 Count
    • Waterproof Notebook – Must have item; Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Side Spiral Notebook, 8.5″ x 11″, Yellow Cover
    • Waterproof Pen: Rite in the Rain; The permanent ink writes through water, grease, and mud without clumping or smearing.

 

Cleaning Supplies, Tips & Hacks

 

 

    • Amazon Storefront – Star Bright – Consistently effective cleaning products.
    • Brush – Cleaning Shore Power Cable – Shurhold Rope and Cord Brush – Flexible Wraparound Design for Dock Lines, Rigging, Hoses & Cables
    • Brushes – Nylon Detail – Small Cleaning Brushes for Tight Spaces, pack of 3
    • Boat Brush, STAR BRITE Boaters Combo Set – Boat Hook, Telescoping Handle, Boat Scuff Eraser 2 Pack & Giant Sponge
    • Bucket with Rope Handle – iSMART 5 Gallon Rope and Two Side Handles, no rust, robust handle for dunking while underway.  Stanton Murray’s recommendation.
    • Bucket, Collapsible 5 Gallon, Foldable, Portable Water Storage Container – 5 Gallon Bucket
    • Heat – Use your boat’s hot water for cleaning – Hot water cleans better than cold because heat increases the kinetic energy of molecules, which makes oils, fats, and grease melt into a fluid state. This high temperature lowers water’s surface tension, allowing soaps to penetrate pores, dissolve grime faster, and lift soils away without reattaching to the surface.
    • Heat – Purchase a used Crock Pot at Goodwill (from Team Member Robert Baricev) and keep it in your dock box – Add Vinegar and Baking Soda to clean Stainless Steel, Copper, Brass, Bronze, Chrome parts. Note: Do not soak unfinished Aluminum in acid
    • Hose, Water – 5/8″ x 50ft zero-G Lightweight Hose, Kink Free Hose
    • Hose, Nozzle -HEAVY DUTY FIREMAN HOSE NOZZLE: Constructed with a premium aluminum alloy core and wrapped in TPR rubber, the AUTOMAN garden hose nozzle is sturdy enough to withstand daily drops, rust, corrosion, and wear. It’s a reliable tool you can trust for years.
    • Hose Shut Off Valve, 4 x Water Hose Turn Off Valve Connector Set with Rubber Gaskets + Leak-Free Ball Valve Standard 3/4″ Thread
    • Mold – NosGuard – Fast Release Vapor System Eliminates Odors in 4-6 Hours (from Star Bright) – uses chlorine dioxide vapor to target severe mold, mildew, pet, and smoke odors in boats. We use and recommend this product.
    • Oxalic Acid for Wood Bleach, Rust & Bow Mustache Removal – 1 lb 99.9% Pure Fine Powder – Highly Effective Multipurpose Cleaner – Oxalic acid is the primary active ingredient used in marine hull cleaners, rust stain removers, and teak wood brighteners including FSR, Barkeeper’s Friend, Star Brite Instant Hull Cleaner, Sudbury Hull Cleaner & Stain Remove – Used as a Wood Stain Remover and Rust Remover – Note: Because oxalic acid strips wax and protective finishes, we suggest re-waxing the hull immediately after cleaning.
    • Peppermint Essential Oil – Spider & Wasp Control: a few drops in your air conditioning intake, and add to a spray bottle with water to spray docklines and dock boxes. Repels spiders & wasps, controls spider poop
    • Plexiglas Cleaner & Polish, Hatch Cleaner – Corrosion Technologies A-Plex Anti-Static; MIL-C-878937 Type II Approved Surface Protection for Marine Windows
    • RejeX Polymer Coating – an alternative to wax. Amazing product recommended by Team Murray Yacht Sales and brought to you by the CorrisionX Team. Low man-hours, strong results! Please read the instructions carefully. High Gloss Finish That Protects, Long-Lasting Polymer Coating for Boats, Glass, Painted Metal, Fiberglass, Acrylic, Gel Coat & Plastic Surface, 12 Fl Oz
    • Sponge – Microfiber – Applicator Pads, Scratch-Free Boat Wash, 5”x3”, X 8
    • Spray Bottle – ZEP Professional Sprayer Bottle – 32 oz; Versatile Adjustable Nozzle Spray Bottles with a Fine Mist or Powerful Spray, Refillable for Diluted Concentrate, pack of 3
    • Teak Cleaner: (1 Gallon Hot water / I Cup Vinegar / 1 Cup OxiClean) Scrub across the grain – OxiClean White Revive Laundry Whitener and Stain Remover Powder, For teak Decks and Cockpits – Alternative to Bleach, 5 lb
    • Vinegar – Skip harsh chemicals and use plain white vinegar in a spray bottle to clean, deodorize, and kill mold. It is inexpensive, eco-friendly, and safe for marine upholstery.Vinegar Industrial Strength – Carry 9 Gallons of regular vinegar (5% acetic acid) aboard in a one-gallon container… (45% acetic acid) Vinegar Industrial Strength Concentrate – Extra Strength – 9X Stronger Than Regular Vinegar

 

Dinghy / Tender / SUP / Blow-up Toys – Supplies

 

 

 

Electrical

 

Electronics

 

  • Antenna – VHF – Shakespeare 5242-A 36″ Stainless Steel Antenna with Quick Disconnect

  • Battery – Rugged Power Bank, 15000mAh Outdoor Charger, 32W USB C Fast Charging PD, Waterproof IP67, Heavy Duty Shockproof, Tactical Battery Pack – ELECOM NESTOUT
  • Camera – Borescope Camera with Light,1920P HD Borescope with 8 Adjustable LED Lights, Semi-Rigid Snake Camera, iOS and Android-16.4ft Single Lens. Attach to a boathook to inspect propellers.
  • Radio – VHF – Handheld – You can spend a lot more on a radio, but we like the Cobra BlueBound 150 VHF Handheld because it is Small, it Floats and charges with a USB-C port (we have radios on the shelf with missing chargers), IPX7 Waterproof, USB-C, Submersible, LCD Screen, Belt Clip

Engine Service Items

 

Engine Service Items outgrew this page.  Click Here for the Dedicated Page

 

Fishing Equipment

 

 

    • Fishing Shears – Beyond Fishing 6.5″ Pro Fishing Shears Dual Serrated Blades, Fishing Braided Line Scissors with Titanium Coating, Non-Slip Grip & Multifunction Tool, Includes Hard Molded Locking Sheath

    • Gerber Gear Fish Kit – We love Gerber tools! This Multipurpose Fishing Tool Set with Hemoplier, Defender Tether & Controller Folding Fillet Knife – is our go-to personal fishing tool set.

    • ReelX and ReelX Grease – Kit contains 1 each of ReelX and ReelX Grease with precision applicator tips. Marine-Grade Anti-Rust Lubricant for Bearings, Spinning, Baitcasting, Spincast, Fly, Trolling & Electric Reels, Corrosion Prevention & Control; 1 oz bottles

 

Galley Accessories

 

 

    • Ice – Ice Cube Molds – 2-Pack Silicone Trays for 8 Large Square Cubes – Slow-Melt Ice for Whiskey, Cocktails, Coffee & More

    • Ice – Ice Maker – Countertop Crunchy Chewable Nugget Ice Maker, Heavy, and doesn’t store ice – but worth the compromise on a hot day – 44lbs per Day, Auto Self Cleaning, 2.0 Gen, Black – FRIGIDAIRE
    • Jar Opener – Non-metallic, No Rust – Otstar Jar Opener & Bottle Opener; Tough to open pickle jar?, Arthritis? , Mutil Jar Opener Get Lids Off Easily

    • Kettle – 110v Collapsible Travel Kettle – Portable Foldable Kettle for Boiling 700 ml of Water 

    • Spice Rack – Smoked Garlic Salt Infused with Dried Garlic – When you can’t bring the Green Egg on the cruise, blows away liquid smoke – Alderwood Smoked Salt with Smoky Flavor – 5 oz Shaker by Caravel Gourmet

    • Spice Rack – Smoked Alderwood Sea Salt – When you can’t bring the Green Egg on the cruise, blows away liquid smoke – Alderwood Smoked Salt with Savory and Smoky Flavor – 5 oz Grinder by Caravel Gourmet

    • Spice Rack – Sea Salt & Pepper Seasoning Mix – Space-saving combo – Premium Cooking Salt with Rainbow Peppercorns – 5 oz Grinder by Caravel Gourmet
    • Storage Container – Food – Plastic (5-Pack, 5.5 Cup), Airtight & Leakproof Plastic Locking BPA-Free Lids, Freezer Dishwasher Microwave Safe – Snapware

 

Interior Vessel Decor

    • Door Mat with non-slip rubber backing – for Entrance 24″x36″, Non Slip Entryway Mat, Low Profile Doormat, Unique Herringbone Design Carpet for Inside, Patio, Porch, Gray, LUMI Ultra Thin Indoor – Multiple Colors and Sizes – Pictured above aboard a Beneteau First 44 with Golden Teak wood

 

Knives: We think knives deserve their own category, don’t you agree?

 

 

    • Blunt Tip Paddle Knife – The GEAR AID Akua with Serrated Blade and Quick Release Sheath, Titanium-Coated 3” Blade has replaced my favorite discontinued boat knife, the Gerber River Shorty. Whether on your belt, strapped to the boom vang, or in the companion way, this blunt-tipped boat knife is an essential safety item while afloat.

    • Camillus Marlinspike 2.0 – My “go to” marlin spike knife. -Stanton Murray This budget-friendly tool is Compact, Durable, Corrosion-Resistant 440 Stainless Steel. Everyday Carry EDC Folding Pocket Knife with Integrated Dual Locking System

    • Harness Rescue Tool with nylon sheath – GILL Harness Rescue Tool, Titanium-coated 420 stainless steel. Shackle key, G10 Composite handle, Serrated blade edge for emergency use. Webbing cutter. Supplied with a nylon sheath.

 

Pets Aboard

 

    • Amazon Storefront – Ruffwear – Our Labradors have enjoyed Ruffwear dog products for many years.  The products are dog and water-friendly.
    • Boarding Ramp/Platform – Dog – Inflatable Pup Plank, Water Ramp for Boats & Docks, Boost Step, 220 lb Capacity – Floating Platform – 5 sizes
    • Bowl – Collapsible Dog Bowl, Ultralight Packable Water Bowl, Waterproof Coated Fabric, Packs Into Its Own Pocket, Pocket‑Friendly for On-the-Go Hydration, 4.2 Cups (1 L), – Ruffwear
    • Collar – Dog – Waterproof Dog Collar, Heavy Duty Quick Release Buckle, Odor-Resistant, Easy Clean, Adjustable with Silent ID Attachment – Multiple Sizes and Colors – by Ruffware
    • Harness – Dog – Easy lift from dinghy or water – Dog Harness, Lightweight and Reflective, Multiple Sizes and Colors – by Ruffwear
    • Lifejacket – Dog – Float Coat Life Jacket, Premium Buoyancy Swim Vest with Lift Handle, Secure Fit & Reflective Trim, Adjustable Flotation for Swimming, Boating, & Outdoor Adventures. 3 Colors, 6 Sizes. By Ruffwear
    • Towel – Quick Dry Towel for Dogs, Ideal for the boat, 24″ x 48″ – Green – by Wilderdog

 

Power Tools for your boat: We are a fan of the Ryobi 18V ecosystem: share the batteries with multiple tools…

 

 

 

Safety Equipment: USCG Compliance / ABYC required & recommended

 

 

    • Alarm – Carbon Monoxide & Smoke (10-Year Sealed Battery) – First Alert SMCO210, Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Slim Profile Design, 1-Pack

    • Alarm – High Water – SEAFLO 12v Water Alarm

    • Electronic Flare Replacement – Sirius Signal C-1003 SOS LED Distress Signal – Electronic Flare Replacement, USCG Approved, Includes Daytime Flag & Whistle

    • Sound-making Device: Vessels less than 39.4 feet: We recommend the Fox 40 Sonik Blast whistle (orange black). You must carry an “efficient sound-producing device” to signal your intentions and position. A mouth-operated whistle meets this requirement, provided it is loud enough.

    • Sound-Making Device: Vessels 39.4 feet to 65.6 feet: Vessels this size must carry an efficient sound-signaling appliance (like a compressed gas or electric horn) that meets specific technical standards. SeaSense Air Horn – Large Size (3.5 oz), 118 dB – Loud 1 Mile Range, Meets EPA & USCG Standards. Air Horn

    • Over 65.6 feet (20 meters): You are required to carry a Horn AND a bell.

    • USCG Navigation Rules And Regulations Handbook – (Color Print): Containing – International & Inland Rules; Requirement: Vessels 12 meters or greater must have a current copy of the USDOT USCG Navigation Rules onboard

    • USCG Placard Compliance Set – USCG Placard Compliance Set (2-Placards) – 5” x 10” Marine Regulation Decals – Garbage & Oil Discharge Required Boat Placards – Waterproof UV Laminated Vinyl – Coast Guard Vessel Posting Stickers – Blue

 

Sailing Equipment

 

 

    • Lubricant – McLube One Drop – The only product that Harken recommends for travelers, battcars, and other ball bearing applications. Reduce rolling friction, condition and lubricate, and keep ball bearings clean.

    • Lubricant – McLube Sailkote – Harken McLube Sailkote Spray; easy to apply, high-tech, high-performance dry lubricant for anything that moves on your boat—sails, hulls, rigging, deck hardware, and more. Use it on anything you want to run more smoothly, work more efficiently, and last longer.

    • Tell Tails – Ronstan Tell Tails – Set of 3 Pairs
    • Winch Handle – Floating – Lewmar 8″, Locking, Lightweight, Strong Composite Design, Glass-Filled Welded Nylon Handles for Strength
    • Winch Handle – HARKEN Premium Carbo One-Touch Handle, B10HOT
    • Wind Direction Indicator – 15″ – Windex/Windtrak 15 by Davis Instruments
    • Wind Direction Indicator – 15″  Windex Antenna Mount by Davis Instruments

 

Suncare

The Murray Yacht Sales team has been using Harken Derm products since 2021. Developed by dermatologist Dr. Edit Olasz Harken (and Peter Harken’s wife), we can attest to the quality of the products. Experience the world’s first comprehensive sun protection system engineered to enhance performance rather than limit it. Revolutionary formulas that protect, hydrate, prevent, and repair – even in the most extreme conditions.

 

 

    • Mineral Sunscreen – Ultimate Shield All-Day Protection; Mineral Sunscreen by Harken Dermatology – | SPF 50 | 80 Minute Water Resistant | Face + Body | Reef Safe | Botanical Antioxidant Complex; The Murray Yacht Sales team has been using Harken Sunscreen since 2021; The brand, co-founded by board-certified dermatologist (and Peter Harken’s wife) Dr. Edit Olasz Harken, achieved a major milestone in July 2021 when it became an official partner of the US Sailing Team, supplying athletes with its signature Ultimate Shield Sunscreen SPF 50

    • Daily Skin Repair Lotion – by Harken Dermatology | Dermatologist Formulated | Antioxidant Infused Superior Hydrating Lotion | After Sun Care | 11 Botanical Ingredients

    • Removes Sunscreen (30 Extra Large Wipes) – Get rid of the shiny face for the trophy presentation; by Harken Dermatology – Fresh Face – Dermatologist Created | Removes Sunscreen, Makeup & Impurities | 100% Biodegradable Bamboo Cloths | Added Vitamin B-3 & B-5 | Hypoallergenic

 

Shore Power – Cords, Pigtails, Adaptors, Accessories (Note: Male end connects to dock pedestal, female end to vessel)

 

 

 

Tool Box

 

 

    • CorrosionX Rust Inhibitor – Our go-to product for effective corrosion prevention, lubrication, and penetration. Although it may look similar to other oil-based anti-corrosion sprays, CorrosionX actually disrupts rust and corrosion at the molecular level (displacing them from the metal surface and preventing them from spreading), and provides long-term protection against rust and corrosion on any metal surface.
    • Fuses – 12 vt – Glow Fuse Kit – Standard & Mini Blade, 56pcs Glow When Blown with 2 Pullers

    • Multimeter – Amprobe 15XP-B, the brand/model many marine professional technicians use – Amprobe 15XP-B Compact Digital Multimeter with Non-Contact Voltage Indicator and Logic Test

    • Multimeter Budget/Basic Model – AstroAI Digital Multimeter Tester 2000 Counts with DC AC Voltmeter and Ohm Volt Amp Meter; Measures Voltage, Current, Resistance, Continuity, and Diode, Black

    • Nut Bolt Thread Gauge – Measures Diameter, Thread Pitch & Length – Fractional #4 to 1″ & Metric 3mm to 22mm

    • Tape – Duck Tape – 3M All Weather – not all Duct Tapes are created equal –  1.88 in x 40 yd, 1 Roll, UV/Water Resistant, Stands up to Heat, Sunlight, Rain, Sleet & Snow, Great for Patching, Reparing Outdoor Items and Reinforcing Tools
    • Tape – Electrical Tape – Colors 6 Pack 3/4-Inch by 60 Feet
    • Wrench – Oil Filter Removal Tool – Oil Filter Pliers, Wrench Adjustable Oil Filter Removal Tool, Ideal For Engine Filters, WORKPRO 12″ Adjustable

 

XYZ General Supplies