The countdown is over. After months of dreaming about perfect wakes and endless summer days on your boat, boating season is finally here. Whether you're a veteran wake surfer ready to throw down your best moves, or just more of a general boating enthusiast preparing for long afternoons with your crew at the cove, we have searched the internet far and wide to find the hottest gear that you simply need to have on your boat for summer 2025.
So without further ado, here is five of the hottest gear items you need this summer.
1. MISSION REEF Inflatable Floating Kids' Splash Pool
This simply has to be the ultimate accessory for boating families with young children. Able to inflate in just minutes, the Reef Splash Pool combines MISSION Outdoor's famous inflatable boat mat technology, with a highly durable built-in splash pool for kids in the center. The splash zone, as MISSION calls it, is lined with strong mesh so that kids can safely play in the water without any risk of being carried away by currents, or ending up underneath the mat.
Designed specifically for young children, the Reef Splash Pool creates a safe, fun space for your children to hang out in the water. There are a series of tie-off points on the mat's perimeter, allowing you to very easily tie off the mat to your boat, keeping the two close together and as a bonus, turning the Splash Pool into an extension of the boat's deck.
MISSION also sells several accessories to compliment the Splash Pool, including step-up loops, an electric pump to make inflation even easier, and pre-assembled lines with handy built-in carabiners for tying the splash pool to your boat.
2. SunChill Inflatable Lounger
Rather than buying one of those giant, impractical roll-up mats that take up all the space on your boat, get yourself a SunChill Inflatable Lounger. Designed as a hangout spot for adults, the SunChill lounger is available in a whole range of bright, eye-catching colors. And to ensure that you can chill with your buds as fast as possible, the SunChill includes a Dual-Action hand pump that inflates the whole thing in only 90 seconds
In the center of the inflatable ring, the Sunchill Lounger has a durable polypropylene mesh, similar to an outdoor trampoline. It does not absorb moisture or stains and is even tough enough to handle your dog's sharp nails. The mesh forms a comfortable seat, ensuring you can completely relax into the lounger.
The SunChill lounger is manufactured using UV-resistant heat-welded seams, ensuring a permanent bond within the materials. When not in use, it conveniently packs up into an included oversized carrying bag with a padded shoulder strap.
3. Skips Boat Cleaning Starter Kit
Since you're going to be spending loads of time on your boat with your family and friends, it is inevitable that your boat's interior and exterior will need a good clean every so often.
To keep everything looking ship shape, Skips Boat Cleaning Starter Kit is your perfect partner. It includes four cleaning products: a 1.5L bottle of 'Secret Weapon' water spot cleaner, a 1.5L of 'Hit the Deck' flooring cleaner, a 500ml bottle of an all-purpose cleaner called 'Spot Blaster', and a 500ml bottle of 'Sleek Seats' vinyl cleaner.
Featured on the Just Ride Tour, Skips Boat Cleaners help keep our demo boat sparkling clean all summer long.
4. Suction Up V2 Boat Connections
Sometimes the best way to spend time on the water in your boat, is together with your friends in their boat! Suction Up's V2 boat connectors allow you to quickly and safely connect your boat to the boat next door. Using the same kind of suction technology you'll find in various industrial applications such as glass carrying devices, Suction Up V2 incorporates a pair of hinges and a central piston that allows the two boats to move up and down independently, while remaining connected.
It's also a super convenient alternative to fenders. A pair of V2 Suction Ups can be yours for only $449.
5. Engel Heavy Duty Malibu Soft Cooler
In collaboration with Engel Coolers, Malibu proudly offers the Engel HD20 soft cooler featuring custom Malibu branding and colors. Available for purchase on your new Malibu, the HD20 Soft cooler is packed full of clever design and engineering trickery to keep your drinks cool for up to three days. It features welded seams for complete air tightness, and closed foam insulation for increased thermal performance. It is also laminated with a Thermal Plastic Urethane (TPU) film for added strength and puncture resistance.
Forgot to order one with your Malibu, or need an extra?
Most Importantly: Make Memories
While having the right gear for opening weekend is crucial, there is one thing that is even more important: Making memories.
Our network of dealers has loads of new and used Malibu models to choose from. Our boats are suitable for all surfers, from beginners through to veterans alike. Malibu's class-leading surf technology are available to shape every wave to your rider's individual preferences, ensuring they can confidently surf the endless wave behind the boat.