Top Accessories for the Ultimate Sandbar Boat Day

Since we are in the heat of summer and sandbar days are in full swing—with multiple SBO events happening this month and next—a sandbar day is more than just anchoring in shallow water. It’s about creating a relaxing day floating in the water, sun and/or shade.

Whether you’re soaking up the sun, lounging in the shade or grilling lunch on the back deck, having the right gear on board makes all the difference.

Here are our favorite must-have accessories for a perfect day at the sandbar, including a few standout items from brands we trust and use ourselves.

1. BOTE Inflatable Hangout Chairs, Dock & Hammocks

If you haven’t already discovered BOTE’s inflatable water lounge gear, it’s a game-changer. The BOTE Hangout Chair and Hangout Couch offer floating comfort that rivals your living room. The BOTE Dock and Water Hammock are ideal for creating a chill zone just off the transom—great for the kids, great for a cold drink and even better for that mid-afternoon nap.

They’re durable, easy to inflate and deflate, and pack down small when it’s time to head home.

Pro Tip: The BOTE Water Hammock works great tied off the swim platform or anchored with your sand spike to keep it from drifting.

2. Shade Systems – Keep Cool, Stay Longer

Even on the sunniest sandbar days, shade is your best friend—especially if you’ve got kids or plan to stay out for hours.

There are a few solid options depending on your boat:

• Taco Shadefin – Easily deployable canvas extensions that install in your rod holder to give you much-needed shade at the aft section of the boat. (Shadefin Mini is perfect for your gunwale rod holders.)
• Gemlux Fly Shade Systems – If your boat is optioned with the Gemlux shade, you’re already winning. This sleek system provides quick sun coverage with just a couple of clips.
• Clamp-on Umbrellas or Canvas Sunflys – These are easy to add for older models or boats without factory shade. Most work well off the bow, stern or on the beach.
• LaPorte Shade Kits – Cockpit shade poles using the rod holders are another great feature.

3. Anchor & Sandbar Stakes

Once you find that perfect spot, the last thing you want is your boat drifting. Here’s what we recommend:

• Power Poles – A super simple way to secure the stern on the beach. Hit a button on your boat and this anchor drives down into the sand to keep you put.
• Stern Anchor – For deeper water anchoring, especially in areas with soft sand or mud bottoms. These are standard on all of our Heritage Series models, making them ready for any sandbar day.

Pro Tip: Always bring an extra anchor for securing on those sandbar days.

4. Floating Cooler or Decktop Bar Setup

You’re not doing sandbar day right without cold drinks and snacks within arm’s reach.

• Floating Coolers like the CreekKooler or BOTE’s KULA Cooler are perfect for stashing drinks in the water so you don’t have to keep climbing aboard.
• Prefer to host? Set up a small tabletop bar on the transom or livewell lid using a nonslip tray and some reusable tumblers. Easy to clean, easy to enjoy.
• Heritage Series boats include a standard transom insulated storage cooler for easy access from outside the boat.

5. Bluetooth Speaker or Upgraded Boat Audio

If your Sportsman is equipped with the Fusion + JL Audio system, you’re already set—but for those wanting more tunes at the sandbar or around the float zone, consider:

• Floating Bluetooth Speakers – Waterproof and great for hanging in the BOTE Dock or tied off the side.
• Zone Control from the Helm – Use your SportLink system to lower the volume near the helm and crank it up toward the waterline.

Because every good boat day deserves a good playlist.

6. Water Toys & Kids Gear

From paddleboards to inflatable slides, here are a few things that take your sandbar setup to the next level—especially with little ones aboard:

• Inflatable Paddleboards or Kayaks – Great for exploring nearby islands or just drifting around.
• Beach Toys and Net Games – Cornhole, footballs or spikeball all play well in knee-deep water.
• Floating Mats or Lily Pads – Endless entertainment and a good spot for sunbathing or napping.
• Auto Air Inflator – If you don’t have one standard like on the new Heritage 321, a rechargeable inflator will make sense after you try to pump up inflatables manually.

Sandbar days are where some of the best boating memories are made, and having the right accessories on board can turn a good day into an epic one. Whether you're lounging on a BOTE hammock, kicking back in the shade or grilling up lunch off the stern, it’s all about comfort, convenience and connection with your crew.

If your current boat setup doesn’t support your ideal sandbar day, maybe it’s time to look at upgrading. Sportsman Boats are designed with sandbar living in mind—plenty of shade options, accessible swim platforms, freshwater washdowns, ample seating and built-in tech to keep everything running smoothly.

Build your dream sandbar boat today—and we’ll help you outfit it with everything you need for that perfect floating getaway.

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