Marine & Boating Best Sellers: The Steering, Servicing and Deck Gear Kiwi Boaties Are Buying Now

October is when a lot of Kiwi boats get their proper once-over before summer. Engines get serviced, tired fittings get replaced and the gear bag gets restocked. We looked back through the last 90 days of orders in our Marine & Boating range to see what people have really been buying for that job, and picked five genuine recent sellers that cover steering, servicing, deck fit-out, anchoring and marking your gear. Chain and Danforth anchors still top the list (we covered those last time), so this round looks a bit further down the order sheet.

1. maXtek Hydraulic Outboard Steering Kit (150HP)

This is the big-ticket item on the list. If your cable steering has gone stiff or you're re-powering, a hydraulic system makes a real difference to how the boat handles. The maXtek ST150H-18 kit comes complete: a front mount 18cc helm pump, a heavy duty bullhorn mount hydraulic cylinder, 14m of hydraulic hose with crimped fittings each end, the helm pump fittings and hardware, 2L of hydraulic oil, and a funnel with an oil supply tube and bleed tube. The cylinder rod is high grade stainless and chrome plated, and the hose lines are made in Japan. The fitment guide on the product page covers a wide range of Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, Mercury, Tohatsu and Evinrude outboards, so check your motor against it before ordering.

Price: $1,694 - Hydraulic outboard steering 150HP kit. More in outboard accessories & parts.

2. Oil Extraction Pump - 4 Litre

Changing the oil yourself is a lot less messy when you can pull it out through the dipstick tube instead of fighting with a sump plug in a tight engine bay. This 4 litre extraction pump has a vacuum relief valve, an automatic shut-off valve to prevent overflow, and an easy pour spout so you can tip the old oil straight out of the container. It's a favourite with people who service their own inboards and outboards, and it gets plenty of use around the shed too.

Price: $180 - Oil extraction pump 4L. More in oil extraction pumps.

3. Nuova Rade Large Grey Deck Hatch (606 x 353mm)

Old hatches crack and leak, and spring is when most people notice. This European-made Nuova Rade hatch measures 606mm x 353mm externally and needs a 530mm x 283mm cut-out. It opens a full 180 degrees on a top hinge, so you get clear access to lockers, engine spaces or cabin storage. It's made from impact-resistant, UV-stable ASA plastic and is robust enough to be walked over, which suits a working deck. Boat builders, refitters and owners doing their own upgrades are the usual buyers.

Price: $164.99 - Nuova Rade large grey hatch. More in deck hatches & portholes.

4. Galvanised Collapsible Boat Anchors

The best seller of this five by units. These galvanised folding anchors suit smaller craft like jet skis, dinghies, small yachts and kayaks, and they're the first choice for holding onto rocks and reefs or securing nets. The small flukes hook into tight spaces and rocky bottoms, and they fold down small enough for a shallow anchor well or an inflatable. Sizes listed are 700g, 1.5kg, 2.5kg and 3.2kg.

Price: from $19.99 - Collapsible boat anchors. See the full range in Danforth & collapsible anchors.

5. 8 Inch Southern Ocean Poly Oval Float

A simple, bright yellow polystyrene float that's easy to spot from a distance. It's 8 inches long with a 25mm centre hole, and it's built for setting longlines, pots and nets. Recreational fishers pick these up in handfuls at the start of the season so every line and pot is clearly marked.

Price: $10 - 8 inch Southern Ocean oval float. More in buoys, fenders & floats.

Also popular right now

• 5 1/2 inch Round PVC Buoy ($14.99): a commercial marine grade, UV-stabilised inflatable cray buoy in five colours.
• maXtek Single Trumpet Horn ($102.99): a 12V polished stainless horn rated at 108 dB(A) at one metre, with ABS isolating mounts. More in horns & sound signals.

From NZ marinas to the Pacific

Most of these orders are from Kiwi owners getting their boats sorted before the holidays, whether it's a tinny on a trailer or a launch on a mooring. We also supply marine hardware, anchors and floats to customers in the Pacific Islands, where good gear that stands up to sun and salt is just as important. If you're not sure the steering kit suits your motor or which hatch size fits your deck, get in touch and our team will help you check.

Browse our full range at actionoutdoors.kiwi