20 Must-Have Boating Accessories NZ Skippers Need in 2025

Kiwis never need an excuse to get out on the water, but having the right kit on board can be the difference between a magic day and a mayday. Whether you skipper a 5-metre alloy runabout on Lake Taupō or helm a 40-footer punching through the Bay of Islands swell, the accessories you choose have to handle local conditions, satisfy Maritime NZ rules and fit easily into our sometimes limited cockpit space. We’ve sifted through the current catalogue and next-year releases to identify the twenty pieces of gear every New Zealand boat should carry in 2025.

From multi-function displays that combine radar and CHIRP sonar to inflatable lifejackets your crew will actually wear, each pick in the list tackles a core area: safety, navigation, power management, comfort or connectivity. You’ll also see quick buying tips, local pricing clues and fresh 2025 tech twists—think Return Link Service beacons and Class B+ AIS—that let you make confident decisions before the next weather window opens. Read on and get your shopping list sorted before you back down the ramp.

1. Multi-Function Display (MFD) with CHIRP Fish Finder

Today’s touchscreen combo units squeeze chartplotter, CHIRP sonar, radar overlay and engine instruments into one slab of glass, saving precious helm real estate on everything from alloy runabouts to launch flybridges. 2025 models step it up again with quad-core processors that redraw charts instantly, 1200-nit IPS screens you can read through polarised sunnies, and wireless cloud backup that safeguards your waypoints when the SD card takes a swim. For skippers shopping boating accessories NZ wide, an up-to-date MFD is the electronic hub every other gadget talks to.

Why every skipper needs advanced sonar in 2025

Storm-driven seabed shifts have created new sand waves and snags. CHIRP and side-scan reveal bait balls in the Hauraki Gulf, show kingfish arches off Mayor Island and highlight hazards before they kiss the keel, making route planning and collision avoidance a breeze.

Key features to compare

• Screen size: 7″, 9″, 12″ or 16″
• Power output: 600 W–1 kW
• Charts: pre-loaded C-Map vs Navionics+
• Connectivity: built-in Wi-Fi/Bluetooth, NMEA 2000, Ethernet

Installation & integration tips for Kiwi boats

Mount transducers at 3–5° down angle on alloy hull steps to stop aeration. Run a dedicated NMEA 2000 backbone with fused 12 V feed, and use a gasketed dash bracket if your cockpit is open to Rangitoto’s southerly spray. Seal all cable glands with neutral cure silicone.

2. DSC-Enabled VHF Radio with Built-In GPS

A reliable VHF is non-negotiable on any NZ boat, and the 2025 crop folds Digital Selective Calling, a 72-channel GPS and even a built-in AIS receiver into a palm-sized unit. Push the red distress button and your MMSI, lat/long and nature of emergency beam straight to Rescue Coordination Centre NZ and every DSC-equipped vessel within range—far quicker and clearer than a shouted Mayday. New wireless remote handsets let you helm from the bow while keeping channel 16 in your ear, and noise-cancelling mics cut through wind roaring off the Kaipara bar.

Legal and safety advantages in NZ waters

• Maritime Rules Part 91 demands a suitable life-saving radio; DSC satisfies the “continuous watch” requirement.
• One-touch distress plus automated position updates slash response times when visibility drops in Cook Strait.

Must-have specs and latest 2025 tech

• 25 W transmit power, IPX7 waterproofing, GNSS antenna inside the chassis.
• Dual-watch, GPS time synchronisation, Bluetooth app for firmware updates and waypoint transfer.

Pro installation vs DIY: cost & time

Expect about $150 for DIY (bracket, fused 12 V feed, terminate PL-259) or $450 for a marine sparkie who’ll tune SWR, mount antenna 2 m above waterline and log a free Coastguard radio check.

3. AIS Transceiver Class B+

Even on a quiet weekday, Auckland Harbour and the Marlborough Sounds can resemble a floating motorway. Fitting a Class B+ AIS transceiver puts your boat on every commercial skipper’s screen and shows their heading, speed and CPA on yours. The newer 5 W SOTDMA protocol broadcasts more frequently than legacy Class B, so ferries emerging from Tory Channel or container ships off Tauranga get an update every five seconds—vital when the mist rolls in.

Collision avoidance in busy Gulf & Sounds

Skippers report spotting Interislander ferries three miles out in thick fog and altering course long before horns start blaring. CPA and TCPA alarms on your MFD buy precious reaction time when game-fishing lines are still in the water.

Choosing between receive-only and transceiver

Setup requirements and antenna positioning

• Dedicated VHF whip at least 60 cm from voice antenna, or use a quality splitter.
• GPS puck clear of stainless bimini frames for sub-5 m accuracy.
• NMEA 2000 cable length under 6 m to avoid voltage drop—important for small trailer boats stocking other power-hungry boating accessories NZ buyers love.

4. Inflatable Lifejackets with Integrated Harness

Bulky foam jackets left under the seat won’t save anyone. Slim inflatable PFDs with built-in harness loops are comfortable enough to wear all day, making them one of the smartest boating accessories NZ skippers can buy while satisfying Maritime NZ rules. In 12-degree spring water hypothermia starts fast, and the harness ring lets you tether in rough bar crossings or night passages.

NZ Maritime rules you must meet

Rule 91: one lifejacket each, worn on boats under 6 m and in any high-risk situation.

Auto vs manual inflation pros & cons

Auto fires underwater—great if knocked out—yet can trigger in driving rain; manual needs a pull but won’t false-inflate.

Sizing, servicing and repacking frequency

150 N suits most coastal trips, 275 N for offshore. Log an annual service and swap the 33 g CO₂ cylinder after activation.

5. EPIRB with Return Link Service (RLS)

A 406 MHz EPIRB is still the gold-standard distress beacon, but 2025 units add Return Link Service—an LED flash that tells you the satellite network has received your SOS. That closed loop trims anxiety for crew and buys confidence while Rescue Coordination Centre NZ lines up the chopper. Modern models pack a 10-year battery, float-free bracket and NFC phone pairing for easy self-tests, making them one of the first safety-critical boating accessories NZ skippers should budget for.

How RLS gives confirmation signals

Beacon → MEOSAR satellite → ground station → satellite → beacon. When the loop closes the blue LED blinks every 30 s, confirming receipt.

Battery life, registration & compliance

Register free at beacons.org.nz; fines apply if unregistered. Replace battery at 10 years or after activation to stay COSPAS-SARSAT compliant.

Mounting positions to avoid false activation

Install above deck with clear sky view, away from flare boxes and fuel lines; locking float-free bracket prevents accidental switch-ons in sloppy seas.

6. Personal Locator Beacons for Crew and Pets

If a crew member, kid or labradoodle goes over the side at 15 knots, a personal locator beacon (PLB) is the fastest way to get them back. These 406 MHz devices send the same COSPAS-SARSAT signal as an EPIRB but tie the distress to the person, not the boat. 2025 models weigh 70 g, float unaided and pair with your phone for self-tests—easy additions to any boating accessories NZ checklist.

When PLBs make sense over EPIRBs

Instant alert if wearers fall overboard or head ashore exploring coves.

Wearability: wrist, belt, PFD clips

Choose wrist straps for kids, belt holsters for adults, clip-on dog PFD tags.

Registration and test procedures NZ

Register free online; run monthly self-tests until two LEDs confirm pass.

7. LiFePO4 House Battery Bank

Lead-acid still starts engines, but as a house bank it’s a lump of lead that delivers barely 50 % of its stickered amp-hours. Drop-in LiFePO4 modules shed around 60 % of the weight, free up fish-bin space and maintain a flat 13.2 V curve right down to 10 % State-of-Charge—ideal for trailer rigs flirting with tow limits or launches hiding out in Dusky Sound for a week. For skippers shopping serious boating accessories NZ wide, lithium is the game-changer.

Why lithium is taking over lead-acid in 2025

• 3 000–5 000 cycles vs 400 for AGM
• 98 % charge efficiency, so solar harvest isn’t wasted
• No sulphation during winter lay-ups
• Built-in BMS prevents over-discharge or thermal runaway

Capacity calculation for common NZ trailer boats & launches

Daily draw × 1.3 = usable capacity with 30 % emergency reserve:
(Fridge 35 Ah + Lights 10 Ah + Electronics 15 Ah) × 1.3 ≈ 78 Ah
Round up to the next standard size—e.g., 100 Ah module.

Safety management: BMS, ventilation

• Ensure each pack has a certified BMS with low-temperature charge cut-off (<0 °C).
• Mount in a ventilated locker, strapped low and amidships.
• Fit a 100 A resettable breaker within 20 cm of the positive terminal and label isolation switches clearly for first responders.

8. Smart Battery Monitoring System

Like many boating accessories NZ skippers are eyeing for 2025, a smart battery monitor bolts a Bluetooth shunt to the negative bus and streams live data to your phone, MFD or the cloud—no more guessing by voltage.

Real-time data on your phone

Get push alerts when SOC hits 20 %, see charge rate from the solar array while you fish Barrier Island, and share stats with crew planning the next trip.

Key metrics: SOC, cycles, temperature

• State of Charge (SOC): percent remaining at any moment.
• Cycle Count: tracks battery wear for warranty claims.
• Temperature: warns when lithium falls below 0 °C or overheats.

Wiring tips to avoid shunt errors

Run every negative load through the shunt, crimp and heat-shrink lugs, and keep sensor and starter grounds separate to avoid noisy readings.

9. Solar Panel & MPPT Charging Kit

A decent solar array means the fridge keeps humming while you chase hapuku and there’s still juice for the anchor winch at dusk. With marine solar imports GST-free since late 2024, panels are finally as affordable as they are reliable.

Modern kits pair high-efficiency mono cells with smart MPPT controllers that squeeze 20–30 % more energy from our bright but chilly Kiwi daylight, perfect for winter missions to Stewart Island.

Matching wattage to your boat’s daily draw

Rule of thumb: every 40 Ah you burn needs roughly 100 W of solar. Measure true usage with the battery monitor, then add 20 % headroom for cloudy days.

Fixed vs flexible panels in the NZ sun

• Fixed glass modules: cheaper, cooler running, ideal on hardtops.
• Flexible laminate: follow cabin camber, lighter, but run 8–10 °C hotter so output drops on wind-still summer days.

MPPT settings for lithium and AGM banks

Program the controller before wiring in, and always install a 30 A fuse within 150 mm of the battery positive.

10. Automatic Bilge Pump with High-Water Alarm

Storm cells dump more water into Kiwi cockpits today than they did a decade ago, and one blocked scupper can sink a trailer boat on its mooring overnight. An automatic bilge pump teamed with an audible/visual high-water alarm buys you a crucial layer of insurance—quietly clearing nuisance seepage day after day, yet screaming out when a hose lets go under the sole.

Bilge pump sizing by hull length

• Under 6 m: 1 100 GPH rated pump
• 6–8 m: 1 500 – 2 000 GPH or twin 1 100s in separate wells
• 8 m+: twin 2 000 GPH units with independent circuits and strainers
  Always mount the pickup at the keel’s lowest point and route a 1¼″ smooth-bore hose with a high loop above waterline.

Float switch vs digital sensing

Traditional float switches are cheap but can jam with bait scales or petrol residue. Solid-state digital sensors use conductivity or ultrasonic pulses—no moving parts—so they’re perfect for muddy Kaipara water, albeit at double the price.

Alarm integration with NMEA or smartphone

Wire the alarm’s dry-contact output into your MFD’s NMEA 2000 network or a Wi-Fi relay. If the bilge hits a preset height you’ll get a push notification while having coffee at the marina café, giving you time to race back before the batteries drown.

11. LED Navigation, Deck & Cabin Lighting

Swapping out old halogens for marine-rated LEDs shaves amps off the house bank and bathes your decks in crisp, shadow-free light—ideal when you’re dispatching a kingy at 2 a.m. LEDs also shrug off vibration, run cool and last up to 50 000 h, making them one of the simplest boating accessories NZ skippers can upgrade before the next night crossing.

NZ collision-prevention lighting rules

• Red port 112.5°, green starboard 112.5°, white stern 135°—all visible at 2 nm for vessels under 12 m (Maritime Rule Part 22)
• Anchor light 360° white, 2 nm range
• Mount lamps as high and outboard as practical to avoid cabin glare

Colour temperatures for tasks & ambience

12. Next-Gen Anchor (Sarca/Rocna) & Chain Combo

Born in NZ, roll-bar anchors like the Sarca Excel and Rocna Mk II set within a metre of touching down, then self-reset when wind or tide swings. Their razor-sharp flukes bite hard into everything from shell hash off Waiheke to the sticky mud of Whangārei Harbour, letting skippers actually sleep on the pick.

Holding power in NZ seabeds (mud, sand, shell)

Testing by Waikato Uni shows these designs deliver roughly 50 kg/kN of holding force in shell—double a traditional plough. Guide below:

Chain sizing and high-strength rope options

Match with 6 mm Grade L chain for boats under 7 m; step to 8 mm or 10 mm for launches. After three boat-lengths of chain, splice 8-strand nylon rode to cut weight yet keep a smooth catenary in swell.

Quick tips for safe retrieval

• Motor toward anchor until chain goes vertical
• Glove up; avoid windlass pinch
• Rinse mud off before stowing

13. Electric Anchor Winch – Drum Style

Hauling 30 m of chain by hand after a long day chasing snapper is a quick way to wreck shoulders. A drum-style electric winch stores rode neatly on its own barrel, keeps the foredeck clear and drops the pick at the push of a button—one of the most back-saving boating accessories NZ skippers can add in 2025.

Drum vs capstan: which suits alloy runabouts?

• Drum contains rope + chain on the spool—no wet pile in the anchor well.
• Lower profile than a capstan, ideal for shallow, tinnie bows.

Power draw and circuit protection

Expect 70–120 A surge; fit a resettable breaker within 200 mm of the battery and run tinned 25 mm² cables to minimise voltage drop.

Foot switch and helm controls

Install sealed deck foot pads for solo retrieval at the bow, plus a dash rocker so the skipper can “power-dip” the anchor when short-handed.

14. Portable Marine Fridge/Freezer

Few things lift morale like icy drinks and firm fillets after a 10-hour troll. A 12 V portable fridge/freezer—one of the smartest boating accessories NZ fishos can add—makes that possible, tucking under a helm seat on Bay of Plenty overnighters. Unit weight is usually 18–25 kg, still a manageable two-hand lift.

Dual-zone vs single-zone models

Dual-zone units chill beers and freeze bait simultaneously; single-zone boxes force a compromise on temperature.

Power consumption on 12 V systems

Typical draw is 45 W at −18 °C—about 4 A on 12 V—so a 120 Ah bank lasts roughly 24 h before 50 % SOC.

Securing units in small cockpits

Clamp with tie-downs, add non-slip matting, and leave a 50 mm gap for compressor airflow.

15. Bimini Top & Clears for Four-Season Boating

A well-made bimini with clip-in clears turns an open cockpit into an all-weather helm, shrugging off fierce UV in summer and deflecting icy spray on winter game runs. It’s one of those boating accessories NZ skippers quickly appreciate when the forecast lies.

UV rating & fabric choices for NZ sun

• Pick fabric rated UPF 50+; the Kiwi sun is brutal.
• Sunbrella acrylic outlasts vinyl and resists fading, but costs more.
• Opt for solution-dyed thread and 316 stainless frames to avoid tea-staining.

DIY fitting measurements

1. Measure beam at mounting points, not gunwale edge.
2. Mock-up height with masking tape to ensure you can stand under it without fouling rods.
3. Keep frame angle <15° so clears zip without wrinkles.

Winterising and storage

• Hose salt off, dry thoroughly, then roll—not fold—to avoid creases.
• Lubricate zip sliders with silicone stick.
• Store in a breathable bag away from petrol fumes to prevent mildew.

16. Adjustable Rod Holders & Tackle Storage

Loose rods ding gel-coat and snap tips. Adjustable holders plus a slim tackle station corral gear so you’re ready when a kahawai school explodes beside the boat. A modest spend, but it transforms workflow on any trailer rig or launch.

Multipurpose holders for trolling, live-baiting

Look for 360° rotation, 0–60° tilt and quick-release cams so you can swap from bottom-bashing to trolling lures in seconds.

Materials: stainless vs polymer

316 stainless resists rust; polymer is lighter and softer on paint.

Tackle station add-ons for trailer boats

Drawer pods, lure racks and a cutting-board lid keep bait mess contained.

17. Rail-Mount Marine BBQ Grill

Fresh scallops, venison sausages or the morning’s snapper taste better sizzling over the rails. A compact, rail-mount grill adds big-boat luxury to trailer craft and is one of the most morale-boosting boating accessories NZ skippers can bolt on.

Gas compliance rules for vessels

Under AS/NZS 5601.2, bottles must sit in a vented locker with a quick-connect hose you can shut off at the cylinder. Carry a current LPG compliance plate to avoid fines during harbour checks.

Heat distribution & cooking area

Infra-red plates spread heat evenly and stop flare-ups in windy anchorages. A 200 × 300 mm grate comfortably handles four steaks plus a pot of mussels.

Cleaning and corrosion prevention

After each cook-up, scrub surfaces with a citric-based cleaner, rinse in fresh water and mist hinges with CRC. Dry fully before stowing in the supplied carry bag to dodge rust blooms.

18. Folding Electric Outboard for the Tender

Long beach missions often mean shuttling freight and crew ashore. A folding electric outboard keeps the tender petrol-free, folds into a locker and weighs about 12 kg including the tiller. With no fumes or pull-starts it’s ideal for DOC island landings and early-morning scallop runs.

Lithium battery range estimates

915 Wh pack pushes a 2.4 m inflatable about 8 nm at 3 kn; halve speed to double range.

Thrust requirements based on dinghy size

• 200 W (≈30 lbs) for 2–3 m soft-bottom with two adults
• 500 W (≈55 lbs) for 3–3.5 m RIB plus fishing crates

Charging solutions on the mothership

Top up via 12 V 20 A DC-DC charger or plug the 230 V smart charger into the inverter while making way.

19. Waterproof Bluetooth Audio & Entertainment System

Tunes make the run to Great Barrier fly by and keep the crew upbeat at anchor.

A waterproof Bluetooth head-unit with flush speakers is now a default boating accessory NZ skippers fit.

Look for 2025 units streaming lossless audio, charging off USB-C and linking to your MFD.

IP ratings explained

IP67: full dunk proof; IP55: fine for spray but not immersion.

Optimal speaker placement in cabins & cockpits

• Angle tweeters at ear height, away from glass.
• Use rubber pads so bass won’t rattle alloy panels.

Pairing with chartplotter or MFD

Most MFDs now read NMEA-2000 audio PGNs, eliminating a separate stereo head.

20. WiFi, 4G & 5G Signal Booster

Even the most hard-core fisho needs a decent data pipe for weather updates, work calls or uploading the day’s catch to Insta. A marine-grade booster couples an external high-gain antenna to a smart router, dragging distant cell signals out of the ether and spreading fast WiFi from cockpit to fore-cabin—handy when you’re tucked behind Motuihe or crossing Foveaux Strait.

Recommended antenna heights for NZ coastlines

• Mount 3–4 m above waterline for ~20 km range
• Keep ≥1 m clear of other whips to reduce detuning
• Stainless brackets on radar arches minimise shadowing

Data plan considerations for streaming & WFH

Spark’s “Endless Mobile” throttles above 50 GB; One NZ offers uncapped off-peak data—ideal for Netflix marathons at anchor. Always enable WiFi calling to bypass patchy voice coverage.

Integrating booster with onboard router

External antenna → inline amplifier → marine router → onboard WiFi
Use low-loss LMR-400 coax, power the amp via a fused 12 V feed, and set the router to auto-switch between boosted LTE and marina WiFi.

Ready to Gear Up?

Still ticking off your checklist? These 20 boating accessories give Kiwi skippers a safer, smarter and more comfortable ride in 2025. Upgraded electronics streamline navigation, lithium power keeps the lights on, while modern safety gear shortens rescue times and satisfies Maritime NZ rules. Pick the items that match your boat size and cruising style, set a budget, then start shopping before the next nor’wester blows through. You’ll find most of this kit – plus expert advice and local stock – over at Action Outdoors. See you on the ramp!