Boatmo

Mo's Gear Guides

No fluff. No sponsored BS. Just salty, honest reviews on the gear you actually need.

Minn Kota Terrova: The Standard of Nearshore Fishing
Propulsion

Minn Kota Terrova: The Standard of Nearshore Fishing

The Minn Kota Terrova stands as the undeniable benchmark for bow-mount trolling motors. With its precise Spot-Lock GPS anchoring, smooth deployment, and tank-like reliability, it's a must-have upgrade for any serious angler looking to hold position effortlessly.

By Mo
Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv with Radome Review: The Pinnacle of Offshore Displays
Electronics

Garmin GPSMAP 943xsv with Radome Review: The Pinnacle of Offshore Displays

By Mo
Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 93sv Review: Top-Tier Sonar
Electronics

Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 93sv Review: Top-Tier Sonar

By Mo
Sirius Signal C-1003 SOS LED Distress Signal - Electronic Flare Replacement, USCG Approved, Includes Daytime Flag & Whistle
Gift Ideas

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

This gizmo's a lifesaver. Cut the flares, mate — go electronic.

By Mo
Onebttl Boat Accessories, Cool Gifts for Boaters, Boat Captain Gifts for Men, 20oz Stainless Steel Drinking Tumbler
Gift Ideas

Onebttl Boat Accessories, Cool Gifts for Boaters, Boat Captain Gifts for Men, 20oz Stainless Steel Drinking Tumbler

This tumbler's shipshape for keeping your brew hot or cold while you’re out on the water. Just don’t expect it to hold up in a storm!

By Mo
Gelid Sometimes I Wonder Is My Boat Is Thinking About Me Too - Funny Boat Captain Gift Idea for Men, Him, Husband - Best Nautical Sailor Birthday Present for Dad - 11oz White Coffee Mug Tea Cup
Gift Ideas

Gelid Sometimes I Wonder Is My Boat Is Thinking About Me Too - Funny Boat Captain Gift Idea for Men, Him, Husband - Best Nautical Sailor Birthday Present for Dad - 11oz White Coffee Mug Tea Cup

This mug's a solid gag gift for the jokester captain in your life. Just don’t expect it to make your coffee taste better!

By Mo
Non-Tipping, Anti-Spill Cup Holder for Boats, Kayaks, SUPs, RVs, Fishing & Camping | Universal 12–30 oz Fit | BPA-Free, Optional SquidDisk Mount Included for Textured Surfaces (Black/Teal)
Gift Ideas

Non-Tipping, Anti-Spill Cup Holder for Boats, Kayaks, SUPs, RVs, Fishing & Camping | Universal 12–30 oz Fit | BPA-Free, Optional SquidDisk Mount Included for Textured Surfaces (Black/Teal)

Finally, a cup holder that won't make your drink a casualty of the high seas! Perfect for any boater or camper who hates spills.

By Mo
ACR ResQLink 400 PLB: The Ultimate Lifeline
Safety

ACR ResQLink 400 PLB: The Ultimate Lifeline

If you fish offshore, this is the most important piece of gear you can buy. It sends your exact GPS location to search and rescue satellites instantly.

By Mo
Boater's Multi-Tool: Fix It On The Fly
Gift Ideas

Boater's Multi-Tool: Fix It On The Fly

A versatile, rust-resistant multi-tool packed with the specific implements boaters need most. A fantastic gift.

By Mo
CACOE Waterproof Phone Pouch: Cheap Insurance
Gift Ideas

CACOE Waterproof Phone Pouch: Cheap Insurance

An inexpensive, absolutely essential gift that lets you use your phone while keeping it completely protected from the salt and spray.

By Mo
Fusion MS-RA70N Marine Stereo Review: Built for the Salt
Electronics

Fusion MS-RA70N Marine Stereo Review: Built for the Salt

A true marine-grade stereo with NMEA 2000 networking and flawless Bluetooth. It's the go-to upgrade for anyone tired of replacing cheap head units.

By Mo
HEETA Waterproof Backpack: Keep Your Gear Dry
Gift Ideas

HEETA Waterproof Backpack: Keep Your Gear Dry

A tough, affordable dry bag backpack that keeps towels, phones, and snacks safe from the spray. A universally useful gift.

By Mo
Leak Resistant Storage Bag: Keep the Mess Contained
Gift Ideas

Leak Resistant Storage Bag: Keep the Mess Contained

A tough, leak-resistant bag perfect for holding wet towels, bait, or trash. A highly practical gift for keeping the deck clean.

By Mo
Power-Pole Sportsman II: The Silent Anchor
Gear

Power-Pole Sportsman II: The Silent Anchor

An absolute game changer for shallow water fishing. Deploys silently and holds you exactly where the fish are without spooking them.

By Mo
RHINO RESCUE Waterproof Survival Kit: Ready for Anything
Gift Ideas

RHINO RESCUE Waterproof Survival Kit: Ready for Anything

A robust, fully waterproof survival and first aid kit that every boat should carry. An essential gift for safety-conscious captains.

By Mo
SEACHOICE Emergency Flotation: USCG Approved Safety
Safety

SEACHOICE Emergency Flotation: USCG Approved Safety

A highly visible, reliable throwable flotation device that meets Coast Guard requirements. Don't leave the dock without it.

By Mo
Seaponer Wireless Light: Instant Illumination
Gear

Seaponer Wireless Light: Instant Illumination

A convenient, battery-operated LED light that you can mount anywhere without running wires. A brilliant problem solver.

By Mo
Sebnux Portable Docking Fender: Protect Your Hull
Gear

Sebnux Portable Docking Fender: Protect Your Hull

A heavy-duty, portable fender system that hooks easily over pontoon rails to prevent nasty dock rash.

By Mo
Skyhawk Oversea Hub: Keep Tabs From Afar
Electronics

Skyhawk Oversea Hub: Keep Tabs From Afar

A high-tech monitoring hub that lets you keep a watchful eye on your boat's vitals when you're away from the dock.

By Mo
Solar Power Charger Flashlight: Let The Sun Charge It
Gift Ideas

Solar Power Charger Flashlight: Let The Sun Charge It

A brilliant gift for any boater. It charges by day and lights up the deck by night, serving double duty as a backup power bank.

By Mo
Standard Horizon GX1850 VHF Review: Loud and Clear
Electronics

Standard Horizon GX1850 VHF Review: Loud and Clear

A compact, rugged NMEA 2000 VHF radio that delivers crisp audio and easy DSC integration. If you're building a network, this belongs on your helm.

By Mo
STAR BRITE Teak Care Kit: Bring Back The Wood
Maintenance

STAR BRITE Teak Care Kit: Bring Back The Wood

The industry standard for restoring weathered teak. It's a multi-step process, but the results are undeniably gorgeous.

By Mo
Waterproof Portable Emergency Kit: Compact Safety
Gift Ideas

Waterproof Portable Emergency Kit: Compact Safety

A smartly packed, space-saving emergency kit that fits in any dry box. A great stocking stuffer or gift idea.

By Mo
WELL STRONG Waterproof Box: The Ultimate Safe Keeper
Gift Ideas

WELL STRONG Waterproof Box: The Ultimate Safe Keeper

A virtually indestructible waterproof storage box for phones, wallets, and keys. The perfect, practical gift.

By Mo
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv Review: Honest Look
Electronics

Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv Review: Honest Look

A workhorse 9-inch chartplotter that balances high-end sonar and mapping with a reasonable price tag. Perfect for the serious angler who doesn't want to spend their kid's college fund.

By Mo
303 Marine Aerospace Protectant 32oz Review
Maintenance

303 Marine Aerospace Protectant 32oz Review

I've put the 303 Marine Aerospace Protectant to the test, and it's a solid choice for protecting your boat's finishes from harsh marine environments; however, its performance in extreme conditions leaves room for improvement.

By Mo
ACR ResQLink 400 Personal Locator Beacon Review
Safety

ACR ResQLink 400 Personal Locator Beacon Review

The ACR ResQLink 400 is a top-notch personal locator beacon that's worth the investment for anyone who ventures into remote areas or engages in high-risk activities, but it's not without its quirks and may be too expensive for some budgets.

By Mo
Attwood Sahara S500 Bilge Pump Review
Gear

Attwood Sahara S500 Bilge Pump Review

The Attwood Sahara S500 Bilge Pump is a solid, reliable choice for any serious mariner looking to keep their vessel watertight, but its high price point may be a deterrent for some budget-conscious sailors.

By Mo
Danforth S600 Standard Anchor Review
Gear

Danforth S600 Standard Anchor Review

The Danforth S600 Standard Anchor is a reliable, durable, and versatile anchor that performs well in a variety of conditions, but may lack the superior holding power of more expensive models.

By Mo
Engel ENG65 Cooler Review
Gear

Engel ENG65 Cooler Review

The Engel ENG65 Cooler is a top-of-the-line, high-performance cooler that excels in its ability to keep ice for an extended period, making it ideal for serious anglers and outdoor enthusiasts who need reliable cold storage. However, its exceptional performance comes at a premium price point that may be out of reach for those on a tighter budget.

By Mo
Fortress FX-7 Anchor Review
Gear

Fortress FX-7 Anchor Review

The Fortress FX-7 Anchor is a high-quality, heavy-duty anchor suitable for larger vessels and harsh conditions, but its size and weight may be limiting for smaller boats; it's a solid choice for those who can afford the real estate to deploy it.

By Mo
Garmin Fantom 18x Radar Review: Cutting Through the Fog
Electronics

Garmin Fantom 18x Radar Review: Cutting Through the Fog

Garmin's Fantom 18x brings solid-state doppler technology to the masses. With MotionScope highlighting moving targets in red or green based on direction, it takes the guesswork out of navigating tight, foggy channels.

By Mo
Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer Review
Electronics

Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer Review

The Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer is a solid, feature-packed fish finder that delivers reliable performance and impressive depth capabilities, but its high price point may be a barrier for some users.

By Mo
JL Audio M6-880X Review: Premium Marine Audio Unbound
Electronics

JL Audio M6-880X Review: Premium Marine Audio Unbound

If you want the absolute best sound on the water, the JL Audio M6-880X speakers deliver crystal-clear highs and thumping mids. They are the undeniable kings of marine audio.

By Mo
Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5x SplitShot Review
Electronics

Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5x SplitShot Review

The Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5x SplitShot is a solid, feature-packed fish finder that's perfect for anglers looking to upgrade their sonar game without breaking the bank. However, it falls short in some areas, particularly with its limited networking capabilities and some ergonomic issues.

By Mo
Meguiar's M5616 Marine Pure Wax Review
Maintenance

Meguiar's M5616 Marine Pure Wax Review

The Meguiar's M5616 Marine Pure Wax is a decent, but not exceptional, marine-specific wax that offers moderate protection and ease of application, making it suitable for occasional use on small boats or personal watercraft.

By Mo
MotorGuide Xi5 Wireless Trolling Motor Review
Propulsion

MotorGuide Xi5 Wireless Trolling Motor Review

The MotorGuide Xi5 Wireless Trolling Motor is a reliable, feature-rich, and user-friendly motor that's perfect for serious anglers who want to upgrade their fishing experience without breaking the bank.

By Mo
Mustang Survival Catalyst Flotation Jacket Review
Safety

Mustang Survival Catalyst Flotation Jacket Review

The Mustang Survival Catalyst Flotation Jacket is a reliable, high-quality option for mariners who need serious flotation in emergency situations, but it's not perfect – be prepared to shell out some hard-earned cash for a jacket that won't let you down.

By Mo
NOCO Boost Plus GB40 Review
Gear

NOCO Boost Plus GB40 Review

The NOCO Boost Plus GB40 is a reliable, high-capacity portable battery pack that delivers consistent performance, making it an excellent choice for sailors, fishermen, and anyone who needs a trustworthy power solution on the go.

By Mo
Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Life Vest Review
Safety

Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Life Vest Review

The Onyx MoveVent Dynamic Life Vest is a reliable, high-performance life jacket that delivers on its promise of comfort and flexibility, making it an excellent choice for water sports enthusiasts and commercial mariners alike.

By Mo
SeaFoam Marine PRO 20oz Review
Maintenance

SeaFoam Marine PRO 20oz Review

The SeaFoam Marine PRO 20oz is a solid, reliable cleaning product for your boat's surfaces, but its limited concentrate options may be a drawback for some users.

By Mo
Shurhold Dual Action Polisher Review: Pro Results for the DIYer
Maintenance

Shurhold Dual Action Polisher Review: Pro Results for the DIYer

Shurhold's Dual Action Polisher gives you the power to remove heavy oxidation and lay down a mirror finish without the risk of burning your gelcoat like a rotary buffer.

By Mo
Standard Horizon HX890 Handheld VHF Review
Electronics

Standard Horizon HX890 Handheld VHF Review

The Standard Horizon HX890 Handheld VHF is a reliable, feature-rich, and affordable handheld VHF radio that's perfect for commercial and recreational boaters alike; while it may have some minor quirks, its overall performance and value make it an excellent choice.

By Mo
Yeti Tundra 110 Review: The Over-Engineered Ice Box
Gear

Yeti Tundra 110 Review: The Over-Engineered Ice Box

It's heavy, it's expensive, and it holds ice for a week. The Yeti Tundra 110 is the benchmark for marine coolers, doubling as a casting platform and an indestructible seat.

By Mo
YETI Tundra 65 Cooler Review
Gear

YETI Tundra 65 Cooler Review

The YETI Tundra 65 Cooler is a top-of-the-line, premium cooler that excels in extreme temperatures and wet conditions, but its size and weight may be limiting for some users.

By Mo