{"id":136020,"date":"2025-07-03T10:44:59","date_gmt":"2025-07-03T09:44:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/?p=136020"},"modified":"2025-07-03T15:33:01","modified_gmt":"2025-07-03T14:33:01","slug":"everything-you-need-for-a-killer-boat-party-this-4th-of-july-weekend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/gear\/everything-you-need-for-a-killer-boat-party-this-4th-of-july-weekend-136020","title":{"rendered":"Everything You Need for an Awesome Boat Party This 4th of July Weekend"},"content":"The 4th of July is practically made for boat parties \u2014 sunshine, cool water, music, and fireworks. What could be better.\r\n\r\nWhether you're floating on a pontoon, speeding across the lake, or anchored in your favorite cove, you\u2019ll want to be properly kitted out to make it a party to remember.\r\n\r\nFrom grilling on the deck to blasting your favorite playlist, here\u2019s everything you need for a next-level Independence Day celebration on the water.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-136024\" src=\"https:\/\/keyassets.timeincuk.net\/inspirewp\/live\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/07\/IMG_1369-1536x864-1-630x354.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"354\" \/>\r\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/gear\/best-boat-grill-and-barbecue-we-hosted-a-pontoon-party-to-find-the-best-grill-135686\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Grill like a captain<\/a><\/h2>\r\nNo boat bash is complete without a floating cookout. Whether you're craving burgers, brats, or grilled veggies, a marine-grade grill brings serious flavor to the party.\r\n\r\nOur expert tester <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/author\/philsampson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Phil Sampson<\/a> held a Motor Boat &amp; Yachting pontoon party to test the top options \u2013 check out his picks for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/gear\/best-boat-grill-and-barbecue-we-hosted-a-pontoon-party-to-find-the-best-grill-135686\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">best boat grills<\/a> that won\u2019t let you down out on the water. Think quick ignition, rust resistance, and stability on deck.\r\n<h2><img class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-136025\" src=\"https:\/\/keyassets.timeincuk.net\/inspirewp\/live\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/07\/Best-cooler-for-boaters-920x517-1-630x354.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"354\" \/><\/h2>\r\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/gear\/best-boat-coolers-tote-coolers-deck-coolers-119437\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Keep it cool(er)<\/a><\/h2>\r\nCold drinks, fresh fruit, and chilled sides are non-negotiables when you're celebrating in the summer heat (and if, like me, you drink alcohol then no boat party is complete without beer - though do drink responsibly out on the water and not if you're in charge or driving).\r\n\r\nFrom deck-ready hard coolers to soft tote options for tight spaces, this guide covers the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/gear\/best-boat-coolers-tote-coolers-deck-coolers-119437\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">best boat coolers<\/a> to keep your party supplies frosty all day long.\r\n<h2><img class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-136026\" src=\"https:\/\/keyassets.timeincuk.net\/inspirewp\/live\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/07\/best-boat-tubes-OBrien_Screamer_7-630x354.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"354\" \/><\/h2>\r\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/gear\/best-boat-tubes-towables-boating-thrills-120207\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Top towable thrills<\/a><\/h2>\r\nFor high-speed fun between anchorages, towables are where it's at \u2013 whether you're towing kids, teens, or the young-at-heart. MBY\u2019s editor, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/author\/hugoandreae\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hugo Andreae<\/a> gives us his roundup of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/gear\/best-boat-tubes-towables-boating-thrills-120207\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">best boat tubes and towables<\/a>.\r\n\r\nHugo's full test will help you choose the safest and most fun setups for every skill level and thrill-seeker.\r\n<h2><img class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-136027\" src=\"https:\/\/keyassets.timeincuk.net\/inspirewp\/live\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/07\/best-waterproof-sunscreen-tested-920x517-1-630x354.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"354\" \/><\/h2>\r\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/gear\/best-waterproof-sunscreen-for-boaters-and-watersports-enthusiasts-135296\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sun protection that lasts<\/a><\/h2>\r\nNot only is sunburn the fastest way to ruin a good boating day, but many boaters have been affected by skin cancer due to spending long periods of time in the sun without proper protection.\r\n\r\nIf you want to be properly protected (and let's be clear here, you need to be) you'll want a sunscreen that stands up to sweat, saltwater, and spashes.\r\n\r\nOur list of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/gear\/best-waterproof-sunscreen-for-boaters-and-watersports-enthusiasts-135296\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">best waterproof sunscreens<\/a> formulated specifically for boaters and watersports lovers are all fully tested so the best options will leave you without a greasy residue, and will prevent the sting of sunscreen running into your eyes.\r\n<h2><img class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-136028\" src=\"https:\/\/keyassets.timeincuk.net\/inspirewp\/live\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/07\/edIMG_7640-630x354.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"354\" \/><\/h2>\r\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.yachtingmonthly.com\/reviews\/gear-reviews\/polarized-sunglasses-for-sailors-9-pairs-tested\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shades that can handle the sea<\/a><\/h2>\r\nNot all sunglasses are created equal, especially when you're surrounded by reflective water. You need glare-cutting, UV-blocking, polarized performance.\r\n\r\nOur sister title, Yachting Monthly, tested nine top pairs of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.yachtingmonthly.com\/reviews\/gear-reviews\/polarized-sunglasses-for-sailors-9-pairs-tested\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">polarized sunglasses for sailors and boaters<\/a> so you can protect your eyes and still look cool doing it.\r\n<h2><img class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-136029\" src=\"https:\/\/keyassets.timeincuk.net\/inspirewp\/live\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/07\/stereo-web-920x518-1-630x355.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"355\" \/><\/h2>\r\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/gear\/7-of-the-best-boat-stereo-and-marine-media-systems-131475\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Turn up the tunes<\/a><\/h2>\r\nA killer playlist is the soundtrack of your 4th of July weekend. Whether you're hosting a mellow sunset cruise or full-on dance party, these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/gear\/7-of-the-best-boat-stereo-and-marine-media-systems-131475\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">marine-grade stereos and sound systems<\/a> are built to handle waves, wind, and water without compromising on sound quality.\r\n\r\nCan I respectfully request that you're not *that* guy and either find somewhere empty for full-on tunes, or make sure you keep the volume down in busy spots. There's nothing more annoying than being forced to listen to someone else's terrible taste in music.\r\n<h2><img class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-136030\" src=\"https:\/\/keyassets.timeincuk.net\/inspirewp\/live\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2025\/07\/best-boating-water-toys-2023-1-920x518-1-630x355.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"630\" height=\"355\" \/><\/h2>\r\n<h2><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/gear\/best-water-toys-boat-fun-117194\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Water toys that steal the show<\/a><\/h2>\r\nFloating mats, inflatable docks, underwater scooters\u2014boat toys aren't just for kids. This epic list of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/gear\/best-water-toys-boat-fun-117194\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">best water toys for boats<\/a> includes something for every kind of partygoer. Trust us, you\u2019ll be the boat everyone else wants to tie up to.\r\n<h2>Final thoughts<\/h2>\r\nThe key to an unforgettable 4th of July boat party? Good planning, better gear, and great company. Whether you're the designated captain or the onboard DJ, having the right setup ensures everyone\u2019s having a blast from sun-up to fireworks.\r\n\r\nNow load the cooler, fire up the grill, drop anchor, and let the party begin.\r\n\r\n[jwplayer key=\"yYjEDICd\"]\r\n\r\n<hr \/>\r\n\r\n<h2><img class=\"alignright wp-image-131812 size-medium\" src=\"https:\/\/keyassets.timeincuk.net\/inspirewp\/live\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/18\/2024\/05\/MBY298.cover_-1-149x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"149\" height=\"200\" \/>If you enjoyed this\u2026.<\/h2>\r\n<blockquote>\r\n<div class=\"\"><em>Motor Boat &amp; Yachting is the world's leading magazine for Motoryacht enthusiasts. Every month we have inspirational adventures and practical features to help you realise your sailing dreams, as well as tests and news of all the latest motorboats.<\/em><\/div><\/blockquote>\r\n<blockquote>Plus you'll get our quarterly Custom Yachting supplement where we share the last on offer in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/tag\/superyachts\">superyacht<\/a> world and at the luxury end of the market.\r\n<div class=\"\"><em>Build your knowledge with a subscription delivered to your door. See our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.magazinesdirect.com\/az-magazines\/34207321\/motorboat-and-yachting-subscription.thtml?j=QMY\">latest offers<\/a> and save at least 30% off the cover price.<\/em><\/div><\/blockquote>\r\n<em>Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn\u2019t affect our editorial independence.<\/em>\r\n\r\n<hr \/>","excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The 4th of July is practically made for boat parties \u2014 sunshine, cool water, music, and fireworks. What could be better. Whether you&#8217;re floating on a pontoon, speeding across the lake, or anchored in your favorite cove, you\u2019ll want to be properly kitted out to make it a party to remember. From grilling on the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3349,"featured_media":136031,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[300],"tags":[2232,2538],"review_manufacturer":[],"acf":[],"introduction":[""],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/136020"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3349"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=136020"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/136020\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":136036,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/136020\/revisions\/136036"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/136031"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=136020"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=136020"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=136020"},{"taxonomy":"review_manufacturer","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mby.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/review_manufacturer?post=136020"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}