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Up to 40 degrees are expected in Germany this week. To ensure you’re still well protected, you should make use of some handy gadgets. Portable air conditioners and versatile clip-on fans provide quick relief from the heat on board. On the open sea, where the sun often beats down relentlessly, UV-protective sun hats and long-sleeved tops with UV protection offer reliable defence against harmful rays. We’ve put together a list of 15 useful products to ensure you’re fully equipped on board this summer.
To keep cool on board
Air conditioning
The portable Air conditioning 2026 by BougeRV is ideal for summer on board. With a cooling capacity of 3500 BTU, it is designed to cool the air by up to 10 °C in just ten minutes. The air conditioner is only compatible with AC power sources of 100 V–240 V. Thanks to its eco-friendly cooling system using R290 refrigerant, this unit is a sustainable and future-proof choice for environmentally conscious outdoor enthusiasts. The smart control via the BougeRV app offers full control over temperature and operating modes, even from a distance of up to ten metres. This means the unit can be conveniently controlled from the harbour or from a dinghy. The air conditioner also features five operating modes.
Fan for mounting
On board a boat, this small clip-on fan with a refreshing mist function provides the perfect way to cool down on hot summer’s days. Equipped with a handy water mist bottle, it dispenses a pleasant, cool mist thanks to the long-press spray button. You can choose between four settings: from a gentle breeze to a powerful cooling mode. The built-in display shows the charge level. The Type-C charging port provides up to ten hours of running time, depending on the selected speed. Thanks to its compact size and clip-on design, the fan can be easily attached in various places, whether below deck or in the cockpit. The fan rotates 360° horizontally and 120° vertically to keep you cool on board >> available here.
Neck fan
Keeping a cool head: The Neck fan is regarded as the ultimate gadget, offering powerful 360° air circulation via 54 air vents. Thanks to an improved motor and a redesigned ventilation slot, it ensures efficient cooling and heat dissipation. The bladeless fan features three quiet speed settings and a noise-reduction function. Weighing just 290 grams and featuring a flexible silicone design, the fan can be easily worn around the neck on board and adjusted to any desired angle. Equipped with a long-lasting 6000mAh battery and a USB-C charging port, it is compatible with various devices and perfect for long days in the sun on the boat.
Water hammock
The Water hammock measuring 178 x 94 cm is essential for relaxing summer days on the water. With a maximum load capacity of 100 kilograms, it provides a secure support. The Mesh Lounge has two air chambers and a built-in cushion, so you can lie comfortably with half your body in the water and enjoy the sun.
Cooling mat for pets and people
The self cooling dog mat is the ideal summer gadget for boating adventures with your four-legged friends. Thanks to its technology, it requires neither water, electricity nor a fridge. A non-toxic gel activates on contact with the body and recharges itself automatically. This means it is also suitable for human use. The water-repellent and robust surface is easy to clean.
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Clothing protects against UV radiation
Coneflower
This sun hat is the perfect summer accessory for both men and women. Made from 100% nylon, it stands out thanks to its lightweight, moisture-wicking and breathable fabric. The adjustable drawstring at the back of the head flexibly adapts to head circumferences between 54 and 58.5 cm, whilst the chin strap ensures a secure fit even in windy conditions. With UPF 50+ sun protection and a 3.54-inch-wide brim, this hat effectively protects the face and neck from harmful UV rays. The buttons on the sides allow you to transform the hat into a stylish cowboy hat.
Long-sleeved T-shirt with UV protection for men and women
For those hot days on the The boat are UV shirts the perfect choice for effective skin protection. With a UPF rating of 50+, this men’s shirt offers first-class sun protection and also features a breathable, lightweight polyester fabric that ensures maximum comfort. Thanks to its quick-drying and moisture-wicking properties, your skin stays dry and cool even during intense activities. The comfortable fit, with a round neckline and flatlock seams, allows for full freedom of movement – ideal for sailing. The women’s shirt also impresses with UPF 50+ protection and a quick-drying, stretchy fabric that ensures both comfort and freedom of movement. Featuring raglan sleeves and flatlock seams, it moulds perfectly to the body’s contours whilst remaining easy to care for.
How to keep the galley cool
Cool box
Store food and drink in a cool place: The ME27 Cool Box has a capacity of 26 litres. Thanks to its dual-voltage technology, the cool box can be powered either via the vehicle’s 12V socket or from a 230V mains socket on board. ECO mode enables virtually silent and energy-efficient operation. The sturdy carrying handle and the integrated cable compartment are designed to ensure ease of use.
Ice cube maker
Cool drinks: The portable ice cube maker With its compact design, it fits perfectly into the galley. This efficient machine produces nine ice cubes in just six to eight minutes and can make up to twelve kilograms of ice in 24 hours, in a choice of two sizes. It is very user-friendly and requires just a few simple steps: fill with water, switch on and select the desired ice cube size. Handy indicator lights show when the water level is low or the ice basket is full. The machine also has a built-in self-cleaning function.
Make your own ice cream on board
The Lékué ice cream moulds Measuring 16.5 x 7.5 x 2.6 cm, they are compact and practical for use in the small fridge or freezer of any galley. Made from high-quality silicone that is free from bisphenol A (BPA), they guarantee safe and healthy ice-making. Their sturdy design allows for horizontal storage, making them a breeze to fill and easy to remove. This benefits both young and older crew members alike!
Stainless steel thermos flask
The stainless steel vacuum flask keeps drinks at a constant temperature for over 13 hours (>> available here). The anti-leak guarantee is designed to ensure that no liquids leak out. Cleaning the flask is straightforward thanks to the sustainable natural-bristle brush supplied and the fact that it is dishwasher-safe. A hard-wearing jute bag and a practical trekking carabiner ensure safe transport. The carabiner also makes it easy to attach the flask on board.
The best ways to provide shade
Sunshade for the cockpit
The SunnyJoy Parasol offers protection against UV radiation with a UPF rating of 50+. It also features a robust design and a wind-resistant stand. With the included cover and integrated ground anchor, the parasol is easy to transport – for example, when heading to the beach in a dinghy – and can be securely fixed in place. Its 180 cm diameter and tilt function allow for flexible, customisable shade on board.
Sunshades for setting up
The HAIKUS PES Sun Sail Blocks 98% of harmful UV rays and, thanks to its double PU coating, offers reliable protection against water. It is made from 160 g/sq m polyester fabric, which is known for its tensile strength and resistance to ageing, corrosion and radiation. The corners are reinforced with stainless steel rings to enhance stability and durability. This allows the sun sail to be flexibly positioned on the foredeck, along the sides or at the stern.
Reflective film
Blackout: The PETP film provides light reflection, UV resistance and heat regulation, and protects against excessive heat. Measuring 210 x 160 cm, the film can be cut to size to suit the requirements on the yacht >> available here.
What’s your must-have item for summer on board? Let us know in the comments!
Leonie Meyer
Editor News & Panorama
