Gear
Gear We Use & Recommend
Below are products we use and recommend as a full-time traveling family living either on a boat or in a RV.
Our kids are still young, the oldest is 6; Therefore, our kid recommendations are mostly for this age and below.
The below site contains affiliate links. We might make a commission if you use a link, but it will not cost you a penny more. We greatly appreciate the use of any links.
Boat Gear
EPIRB**We have an EPIRB registered to our boat that can call for help anywhere in the world**
ACR 2831 RLB-41 GlobalFix V4 EPIRB, Yellow
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Air Horn, Refillable**We use this airhorn because there is never a need to buy another since it is refillable.**
SeaSense Ecoblast Refillable Horn
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
**We have this flare, instead of the ones you light, on both our main boat and in our dinghy. We feel it is safer, especially with kids, and it is a legal substitute.**
Sirius Signal C-1003 SOS LED Flare Electronic Visual Distress Signal Kit with Daytime Distress Flag and Whistle – CG Approved – Legally Never Buy Flares Again
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Spot Light
**We use this spotlight on the big boat. We use a smaller one on our dinghy shown at this Amazon Link.**
GOODSMANN Rechargeable Spotlight Waterproof LED Flashlight 3000 Lumen Submersible Searchlight with USB Adapter Car Charger 9924-H101-01
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Fire Blanket
**We keep this fire in the boat galley. We also have it in the RV.**
Tonyko Fiberglass Fire Blanket for Emergency Surival, Flame Retardant Protection and Heat Insulation with Various Sizes (59×59 inches)
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
DanBouy
Life Ring
**We hang these on the kids when they are outside and we are moving. We also use them on adults when on watch alone.**
Weems & Plath, Inc. Weems & Plath, CREW2 Crewwatcher Double Packe pack at this Amazon Link or a single at this Amazon Link
**We have these on the kids life jackets.**
ACR 3764 HemiLight 3 Automatic Survivor Locator Light
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Whistle**All life jackets, kids and adult, have this whistle.**
All Weather Whistles Safety Whistle – The Storm Survival Crime Whistle – Easy to Hold and Extremely Loud
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Life Jacket, < 30 lbs**We have had several life jackets and have liked them all. Whatever you choose, ensure there is a crotch strap & that it is Coast Guard approved. This is one style we have used often.**
Full Throttle Infant Baby-Safe Life Jacket, Orange
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Life Jacket, <30 lbs
**This is the other style for <30 that we used often.**
STEARNS Infant Classic Series Vest, Blue
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Life Jacket, 30-50lbs
**Once our kids are more than 30lbs, we move to a style like this life jacket.**
O’Neill Child Superlite USCG Life Vest,Pacific/Yellow/Black/Yellow,30-50 lbs
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Light for Life Jackets**All adult life jackets have this light on them that can be manually activated.**
ACR 3970.3 Firefly PRO Solas Manually Operated Rescue Strobe Light, Carded
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
**All life jackets, kids and adult, have this whistle.**
All Weather Whistles Safety Whistle – The Storm Survival Crime Whistle – Easy to Hold and Extremely Loud
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Personal AIS
Double Harness
Adult Life Jackets
Head Sets
**Best money we ever spent! They call these marriage savers for a reason. We use these when anchoring & docking. We use these when parking the RV & pulling through tight gas stations. Seriously worth the price tag in preventing damage to your home and staying calm.**
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Mantus Anchors**We replaced both our dinghy anchor and our yacht anchor with a Mantas anchor. We installed the biggest one that would fit on our 47′ Catamaran, which was 85lb. Since an anchor protects our home and literally lets us sleep at night, this is not where we wanted to cut any corners, so we got the best. We now sleep well at night and have not drug anchor since switching to Mantas.**
Mantas Anchor Stainless Steel (8 lbs) *Note that galvanized will be cheaper.
Here is the Amazon Link to their 8lb anchor. For larger sizes, check out their website www.mantusmarine.com
Boat Hook**You may want two boat hooks, in case you drop or break one while grabbing a mooring ball. Choose one that floats.**
EVERSPROUT 5-to-13 Foot Telescoping Boat Hook | Floats, Scratch-Resistant, Sturdy Design | Durable & Lightweight, 3-Stage Anodized Aluminum Pole | Threaded End for Boating Accessories (13 Feet)
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Fender Step
**When docked, this fender step allowed even our 2 year old to get on and off the boat herself. It helps adults too, especially with large tides and fixed docks.**
GetStorganized FenderStep Boat Fender Step – Light Blue
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
**We have this flare, instead of the ones you light, on both our main boat and in our dinghy. We feel it is safer, especially with kids, and it is a legal substitute.**
Sirius Signal C-1003 SOS LED Flare Electronic Visual Distress Signal Kit with Daytime Distress Flag and Whistle – CG Approved – Legally Never Buy Flares Again
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
**We have this paddle in the dinghy compartment to use if the engine dies**
Telescoping Paddle with Boat Hook, 24″- 72″
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Bow Light**Red/Green bow lights are important for safety, and required in many places. Ours are integrated into our dinghy, but this one is an option if you don’t have integrated lights.**
Innovative Lighting Inc. 560-1112-7 Led Bow Light White Inflatable
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
**White bow lights are important for safety, and required in many places. Ours are integrated into our dinghy, but this one is an option if you don’t have integrated lights.**
Portable LED Stern Light for Inflatable
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**We have these life jackets. A couple are stored in the compartment of the dinghy and the others are on the big boat to ensure we always have at least as many life jackets as guests aboard.**
Kent Type II Adult Life Jackets with Clear Storage Bag, 4 Each (Orange)
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Spot Light
**We carry this smaller spotlight with us in our dinghy when we will be out past dark. We use a larger one on the big boat: Amazon Link**
NoCry 18W Waterproof Rechargeable Flashlight (Spotlight) with 1000 Lumen LED, Detachable Red Light Filter, Wall and Car Charger Attachments, Red
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Predict Wind
Grill / BBQ**This is the grill we have. We use it on the RV & Boat. We mount it on the rail on our boat.**
Magma Products Newport 2 Infra Red, Gourmet Series Gas Grill
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
**These are our favorite because of their sturdiness & how they stack together into one tiny shelf. We also have the add on pieces below, which stack into this kit. These work with gas, electric & ceramic stoves, but if you have induction like us, you will need to buy the slightly more expensive set pn A10-360L-IND. The add on pieces do work on induction.**
Magma Products, A10-360L 10 Piece Gourmet Nesting Stainless Steel Cookware, Gas, Electric or Ceramic Cooktops
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Magma Strainer
**Fits inside the 10-piece set of cookware, so no extra cabinet space needed**
Magma Products, A10-367 Gourmet Nesting Stainless Steel Colander
Check out the latest price at this Amazon Link
Magma Saute Pan**This pan fits inside of the 10-piece stack, so no extra cabinet space needed. We use this pan most often as we like to cook stir-fry veggies.**
Magma Products, A10-369-2 Gourmet Nesting Stainless Steel Saute/Omelette Pan with Ceramica Non-Stick
Check out the latest price at this Amazon Link, or this Amazon Link for the pan that works on Induction Cooktops
Portable Fridge/Freezer**We have this exact fridge/freezer. It can be either. We use it as a freezer when stocking up to go offshore. Once empty, we use it as a beer fridge. We also use it under the RV & in the Jeep when camping/overlanding. We love it’s ability to plug into 12V, 110 or 220 power.**
Dometic CFX 50W 12v Electric Powered Portable Cooler, Fridge Freezer
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
**Installing the made for it insulated cover for the portable Dometic Fridge/Freezer was a must for us as we often kept it outside, sometimes in the sun. It would also keep any condensation off of the floor.**
Dometic CF-IC50 CF50 Insulated Protective Cover for CF 50
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Iridium Go
**We use Iridium Go for offshore communication including weather updates, texts & emails. It can be used for calls too.**
SatPhoneStore Iridium GO! Standard Package with Tough Case and Blank Prepaid SIM Card Ready for Easy Online Activation
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Garmin InReach Mini
**On the boat we used this as back up off shore communication. In the RV we use this as primary texting when we don’t have cell service. It’s monthly plan is cheaper than the Iridium Go. This mini version requires you to own a smart phone.**
Garmin InReach Mini, Lightweight and Compact Satellite Communicator, Orange
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
SSB Radio Receiver
**We have this to listen in on boat chatter far away. We tend to only use it during boat rallies to hear daily group chats and check ins.**
Tecsun PL880 Portable Digital PLL Dual Conversion AM/FM, Longwave & Shortwave Radio with SSB (Single Side Band) Reception, Color Silver
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
VHF Handheld Radios
**In addition to the built in VHF on the boat, we have two hand held radios that we use often. We use them when one or both people are at another boat or on land. We are not partial to any brand, but ensure it floats.**
Uniden MHS75 Waterproof Handheld 2-Way VHF Marine radio, Submersible, Selectable 1/2.5/5 Watt Transmit Power. All USA/International and Canadian Marine Channels – Color Black
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Quarantine Flag**This flag is required every time you enter a new country, until you are formally through customs.**
12X18 Quarantine Flag, 200 Denier All-Weather Nylon, for Sailing and Boating Port Entry, Made in USA
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
USA Maritime Flag**We hang this flag off the back of our boat all of the time to let people know our home country.**
Taylor Made Products 8124 US Yacht Ensign Sewn Boat Flag 16 inch x 24 inch
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Flag Pole for rod holders
**We have a similar flag pole for our USA/home country flag. It fits into a rod holder on the back of our boat.**
South Wind Designs Boating Flagpole for Rod Holders or Rocket Launchers (3 Foot Pole)
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Rod Holders
**We use rod holders like these, that can be installed at multiple angles.**
Amarine Made (2X) Stainless Tournament Style Clamp on Fishing Rod Holder for Rails 7/8″ to 1″, Rail Mount Rod Holder
- Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Courtesy Flags
Courtesy Flags
**Flying the flag of the country you are visiting is optional, but nice to do. We do it. You can make them, but them individual, or in packs like this group. Buying one individually in another country has cost us >$20.**
Blue Marble Marine Set of 12 Courtesy and Quarantine Flags for US, Canada, Bermuda, Bahamas and Greater Antilles. 12 X 18 inches, UV Fade-Resistant.
Check out the latest price for this East Coast of North America/Caribbean set using this Amazon Link
Camera Gear
**This is our best camera. We use it for both still shots & video.**
Sony a7 III ILCE7M3/B Full-Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera with 3-Inch LCD, Black
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
**Anytime we are near water we use our GoPro cameras. The HERO8 is the latest model.**
GoPro HERO8 Black – Waterproof Action Camera with Touch Screen 4K Ultra HD Video 12MP Photos 1080p Live Streaming Stabilization
Check out the latest price with this Amazon Link
Sony 4k Camcorder**We use this often because it is grab and go. It is easier to use for people who don’t use all the fancy camera settings for video**
Sony FDRAX53/B 4K HD Video Recording Camcorder (Black)
Check out the latest price with this Amazon Link
Osmo Pocket
**We use this camera a lot because it is small and discrete. It is easy to use and fits in a small pocket. We love it.**
DJI Osmo Pocket – Handheld 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer with integrated Camera 12 MP 1/2.3” CMOS 4K Video, Attachable to Smartphone, Android, iPhone, Black
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
DJI Mavic Pro 2 Drone
**We have had both this drone and the previous version. We like them both.**
DJI Mavic 2 Pro – Drone Quadcopter UAV with Hasselblad Camera 3-Axis Gimbal HDR 4K Video Adjustable Aperture 20MP 1″ CMOS Sensor, up to 48mph, Gray
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
**We use this microphone on our cameras.**
Rode VideoMicro Compact On-Camera Microphone with Rycote Lyre Shock Mount
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Large Thule Camera Bag
**We use this bag when traveling or hiking with our camera gear. It holds a lot of gear including the large camera and drone.**
Thule Covert DSLR Rolltop Backpack
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Waterproof Cell Bags
**We use these often, especially when paddleboarding and at water parks.**
Hiearcool Universal Waterproof Case,Waterproof Phone Pouch for iPhone 11 Pro Max XS Max XR X 8 7 6S Plus Samsung Galaxy s10/s9 Google Pixel 2 HTC Up to 7.0″，IPX8 Cellphone Dry Bag -2 Pack
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Water Sports
View Bucket**We use this look bucket all the time. The kids liked it before they felt comfortable with a mask. Us adults even use it from the dingy to check the anchor.**
Reef Tourer Underwater Snorkeling Viewing Bucket, Blue
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
**We loved this toy early on for the kids to see under the water & learn about magnification**
Educational Insights GeoSafari Underwater Explorer Boat, Magnifier Bottom To Explore, Ages 3+
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Clear Bottom Float**We have a slightly different float that is clear for our slightly older kids (from France), but this one would be good too in order for young ones to see under water**
Sieco Design AQUAVUE Voyager, Clear Bottom Inflatable Raft, for Kids and Adults
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
**Both our kids and mom use this youth set for snorkeling.**
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
**Before Cressi goggles fit, we used these goggles for swimming. They still get used & fit by age 2.**
Babiators Submariners UV Protection Swim Goggles, Blue, Ages 3+
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Best Noodle Ever**We have owned this noodle for literally 10 years and finally just replaced it. We also bought one for each person in the family.**
WOW Sports 17-2060B WOW Sports Foam Pool Noodle Blue
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
**Both kids pile in this foat. We like that it is compact and doesn’t take much storage space.**
Kelsyus Floating Hammock Pool Float
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
**We use this mount on our boat to secure the paddleboard when we don’t want to deflate it. There is an add on for a second board, shown below.**
SurfStow Transport SUPRax 50050-2, Stand-Up Paddleboard Rack, Boat Mount, Single Board System
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
**We have this add on to add a second board to our rail in the same location as our first board.**
SurfStow Transport SUPRax 50051, Stand-Up Paddleboard, Boat Mount, Dual Board Add-On
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Sand Free Mat**We have been using the original sand free mat from this brand for years. It’s amazing how the sand falls through it.They come in many sizes & colors.**
CGEAR Sandlite – Patented Sand-Free Beach Mat – Multi Use Outdoor Camping Mat, Picnic Blanket, Exercise Stretching Mat – Rollup Compact – Also Great for Families and Equipment Protection
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Turkish Towels
**We use a variety of sizes of Turkish towels for hand towels, bath towels & beach towels. We love how little space they take up, how absorbent they are & how fast they dry.**
realgrandbazaar Pestemal Turkish Towel%100 Cotton – Pre Washed, More Softly 39 x 69 Peshtemal, Beach, Bath, Spa, Hammam, Super Soft Towels (Azure)
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Kid Travel Gear
**We have used this wagon for years, through rough terrain, rain, snow & in about 10 countries. We haul kids & provisions/food. When we are boat living, this wagon is essentially our only car when on land.**
Keenz Stroller Wagon – 7S Pull/Push Wagon Stroller – Safe and Secure Baby Wagon Stroller and Stroller for Big Kids – Versatile Wagon Stroller Ideal for Special Needs, Blue
Check out the latest price with this Amazon Link
**We have used our Keenz weather cover a whole lot, both while it’s raining & when it’s windy. The kids & our stuff always stays dry!**
Check out the latest price with this Amazon Link
Car Seat Vest**When traveling, we have used this car seat vest for our kids once they hit age 3 & 30 lbs. It packs down super small. It’s also great when using uber/taxi to get somewhere as it fits in a backpack once at your destination.**
Ride Safer Travel Vest Gen 5, Large, Black
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Portable Booster Seat**We use this booster seat for our older kid now that he is >40 lbs. We love it’s tiny size!**
Mifold grab-and-go Car Booster Seat, Slate Grey – Compact and Portable Booster for Travel, Carpooling and More – Foldable Child Booster Seat Fits into Glove Box and Backpack
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Ergo
Tula
Wrap
Toddler Carrier – Lenny Lamb
**We used this as our carry on when our kids were walking age. They loved it, we all did!**
Trunki origional kids ride on suitcase and carry on luggage.
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
**We kept toys & changes of clothes organized in the trunki by using this tote that fits inside perfectly.**
Melissa & Doug Trunki Tote – Blue
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
**Before any long car ride or flight we pack each kid a BentGo box of their favorite snacks.**
Bentgo Kids Childrens Lunch Box – Bento-Styled Lunch Solution Offers Durable, Leak-Proof, On-the-Go Meal and Snack Packing (Purple)
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
**We LOVE EZPZ mats and bowls because of their grip Bonus on the tippy boat & RV.**
ezpz Happy Bowl (Lime) – 100% Silicone Suction Bowl with Built-in Placemat for Toddlers + Preschoolers – Dishwasher Safe
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
**These plastic knives will cut fruit easily and will not easily cut the kiddos fingers. We love these for teaching the kids and giving them independence (with supervision).**
Zulay Kids Knife Set for Cooking and Cutting Fruits, Veggies, Sandwiches & Cake – Perfect Starter Knife Set for Little Hands in the Kitchen – 3-Piece Nylon Knife for Kids – Fun & Safe Lettuce Knife
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
**This is the only high chair we ever needed. Perfect for travel & small living. Perfect for a moving boat & in the RV.**
Inglesina Fast Table Chair – Award-Winning Convenient Baby High Chair – Use at Most Tables or Restaurants Without Leaving Scratches {Black}
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
**The kids always have their own child size neck pillow**
Trunki Kid’s Travel Neck Pillow with Magnetic Child’s Chin Support – Yondi Felix Fox (Red)
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Kids Melatonin *If it’s near naptime & the kids don’t want to sleep because of the excitement, we give them this & they usually fall asleep soon after.**
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Kid Toys
We have downsized out toys throughout the years and only keep what fits into small spaces & gets used often. There are several toys that the kids have both loved for years. These are the ones we will share with you. Click on each tab to see our favorites.
**We LOVE our magnetic toys. These are smaller than the tiles – great for airplane trips.**
Magna-Qubix 29-Piece Clear Colors Set – The Original, Award-Winning Magnetic 3D Building Shapes – Creativity and Educational – STEM Approved
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
**We love our Magnet tile toys as the kids have never outgrown them! Endless free play that challenges their imagination.**
Magna-Tiles 32-Piece Clear Colors Set, The Original, Award-Winning Magnetic Building Tiles for Kids, Creativity and Educational Building Toys for Children, STEM Approved
Check out the latest price using this Amazon Link
Squigz
Mini Train
We have played with Squigz for years and here’s why: They stick to airplane windows & tables. They double as bath toys.**
Fat Brain Toys Squigz Starter Set, 24 Piece
Check out the latest price at this Amazon Link
Learning
Outschool – Digital Online Classes
Our kids like taking art classes, with their friends, using Outschool. Use this link for a $20 credit when signing up for the first time: Outschool Link