The Best Boat Cushions for a Comfortable Boat Riding Experience
When someone thinks of a cushion, they think of a nice pillow that you can rest your back or head on for some nice rest and relaxation. And while you can definitely do that with boat cushions, they also serve a secondary purpose — to help save lives. In emergencies, you’ll need anything to stay afloat if you’re not a good swimmer, and if you can’t get access to a life jacket, a boat cushion could just be the next best thing.
Designed for both functionality and comfort, boat cushions are made for responsible boat owners. They can keep you comfy when you’re safe and alive when you’re not. With a unique design that just screams safety, these great boat cushions of 2024 are sure to make an excellent addition to your water travels.
Our Top Picks
Comparing the Leading Boat Cushion of 2024
Best Overall
As a USCG-approved flotation, the Flowt Type IV is our top pick on the list. It’s made of a comfortable PE foam that’s light and easy on the body. It’s got two handles that are easy to hold and allow for convenient use of the cushion when in the water. It even meets the requirements for boats over 16 feet in size so that you can meet legal regulations in the process. The cushions come in a handful of designs, including a camo one that isn’t exactly functional but nice-looking regardless. It’s definitely one of the best overall cushions you can get on Amazon.
Pros
- Comes with a handful of prints and patterns
- Satisfies US Coast Guard requirements
- Durable and made with PE foam
Cons
- The camo design looks a little odd
Most Affordable Option
Boats are already pretty big financial investments, whether they’re for leisure or not, and anything you add to the boat will be even more money out of your pocket. It can be tempting to cheap out on certain parts of your boat, but when it comes to safety, that’s generally not a good idea. Thankfully, you don’t need to spend a whole lot of money to get a durable and high-quality flotation cushion. This cushion by Stearns is the perfect choice for those on a budget, as it’s a cushion that is USCG-approved and is usable for emergencies without worry.
Pros
- Very affordable flotation cushion
- USCG-approved design
- Large size (16 x 14 inches)
Cons
- Only comes in one color
Great Value
This next flotation cushion is a little more expensive than the previous cushion by a few dollars, though you get a substantial increase in quality. It’s a floatation cushion by Seachoice that’s made out of durable nylon outer shells. The cushions are made both in the USA and abroad, and the 15 x 15-inch size layout is perfect for those who prefer an evenly-shaped cushion on all sides. You can pick from up to four colors, including the three primary colors and white. There’s also camo for the camo lovers out there.
Pros
- Square-shaped dimensions
- Made both in the US and imported
- Made with durable nylon
Cons
- Not the best brand design
Best Throwable Cushion
Have you ever tried throwing something flat against the wind? Then you probably know how difficult it can be to throw a cushion when out in the water — or at least, you think you know. In fact, flotation cushions are made to be more easily throwable, with the cushions containing just enough weight to more easily be thrown to the ideal location. This throwable cushion by Airhead is made purely out of polyester and can be used very efficiently in and out of the water. The large straps on the sides make the cushion very easy to use and carry.
Pros
- Straps make for easy holding and carrying
- USA flag pattern available
- Made entirely out of polyester
Cons
- The polyester fabric could be better quality-wise
Finding Your Next Boat Cushions: A Buyer’s Guide
Boats need safety equipment for the worst of cases, and boat cushions are one of them. This is what you need to know about them.
What Are Boat Cushions?
In a broad sense, boat cushions are cushions, pillows, and other similar items that are used on the boat. In the context of safety equipment, however, they often refer to flotation cushions, a special type of cushion that can be used to save a drowning person’s life when they fall overboard. People in the boat can also use boat cushions if a boat starts sinking, allowing people to bail out of the boat without knowing how to swim.
To be more technical about it, boat cushions and flotation cushions are considered Type IV life jackets. Those life jackets you see in boats and airplanes? Those are likely Type I and Type II jackets. There are differences between the different types of life jackets, but for technicality’s sake, just know that these cushions are life jackets.
The Benefits of a Boat Cushion
It’s very light and easy to carry
Unlike other life jackets, Type IV life jackets and flotation cushions are surprisingly easy to carry. You can grab one quickly with your hand and move them around with no problem. They’re made out of light yet sturdy materials such as polyester, nylon, or PE foam, which is why they can be moved around even by children.
They’re throwable and easy to grab hold of
In the event that someone goes overboard and doesn’t know how to swim, it can be complicated for them to put on a life jacket, or at least a Type I or Type II jacket. They can, however, use a Type IV pretty easily. Because Type IV jackets have straps on two ends, the person can grab hold of one of the straps, pull the life jacket towards them, and then hold both straps to keep themselves afloat.
There’s also the point of being easy to throw. Some life jackets are just not throwable, and while they can save a person’s life, it won’t matter if the person can’t even reach for the jacket in the first place. Type IV jackets have a more throwable design than others, so you can chuck them at greater distances without wind getting in the way.
Things To Consider When Choosing a Boat Cushion
Dimensions
Because boat cushions need to follow strict USCG regulations to be approved, they are generally standardized in size. However, some of them have a few minute differences. For example, some cushions might be 16 x 14 inches in size, while others are 15 x 15 inches. This difference may be minute, but it may matter to boat owners who are particular about shapes, so it’s something to keep in mind at the very least.
Design
Boat cushions are made to save lives, but they can also decorate your boat if you choose the right design. The print on the boat cushion can vary, with some cushions having images, camo, or even the American flag.
Teaching Life Jacket Safety and Usage
As a boat owner, it’s your responsibility to keep others safe as you bring them along with you on your trips and joyrides. If you’re inviting someone who doesn’t ride boats, you should introduce them to life jackets and show them how to use them in an emergency efficiently. You can’t relay all the important information while they’re drowning and in need of immediate help, so it’s in your best interest to teach others how to use the life jackets and boat cushions you have on board.
People Also Asked
Can you sleep with boat cushions?
Though they aren’t the most comfortable thing in the world, boat cushions are completely usable for resting and sleeping purposes.
Are boat cushions made for safety?
Boat cushions are made to be thrown out into the water to save someone from drowning, and they’re very easy to grab onto as well, making them quite useful as safety equipment.
Are boat cushions better than life jackets?
Not necessarily. Boat cushions and life jackets have their own benefits and use.