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20 Best Boat Songs That You'll Want to Sail Away to This Summer

These tunes will really rock the boat!

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best boat songs

This summer, some of you will not only be outside, but you'll be outside...on a boat. Sailing away with your best pals by your side is one of the best ways to enjoy those extensive sunny days! Add in some snacks, refreshing beverages, and some good music, and you're all set to have the best time ever. Speaking of good music, there are certain songs that just sound like they're made to be played when you're on a boat. Those who frequent the waterfront know all about curating the perfect boating playlist. If you're looking to enhance yours (or create one from scratch), then read on for a list of some of the best boat songs that you should definitely consider including.

This list isn't just composed of your typical summer songs or beach songs. (Though, many of these could definitely fit into those categories.) Instead, these songs have a specific feel to them, like "Pontoon" by Little Big Town that practically begs to be on a boating playlist! Other classics like "Drift Away" by Dobie Gray and "Kokomo" by The Beach Boys have a well deserved spot on this catalog of tunes as well. There are even summer country songs that would be perfect for playing on your next fishing trip. So whether you on a lake or on the ocean, all of these songs are just what you need to inspire a season full of experiences on a boat!

Get ready for some time on the boat:

    1

    "Come Sail Away" by Styx

    Styx may not have realized it, but they basically created a song that invites everyone onto the ultimate boating trip. Kick off the season with this classic, and you're sure to have the best experience.

    2

    "Riptide" by Vance Joy

    By definition, a riptide is a powerful current that you'll never want to see yourself come across when in the water. Though, when referring to the song by Vance Joy, it's a classic that must be added to any boating playlist.

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    3

    "Pontoon" by Little Big Town

    "Making waves and catching rays up on the roof..." That's the vibe that everyone wants to achieve come summertime. Little Big Town can be held personally responsible for putting people everywhere on permanent relaxation mode.

    4

    "AOK" by Tai Verdes

    Like Tai Verdes sings, everything will be a-ok in this big blue world! This is one of those rejuvenating tunes that will put a smile on your face no matter the occassion.

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    5

    "For A Boat" by Luke Bryan

    Sometimes, the greatest life lessons can be learned at the waterfront. A word doesn't necessarily have to be said, just the calming sound of the waves and the act of fishing is enough to teach anyone a thing or two.

    6

    "Knee Deep" by Zac Brown Band

    Basking in sunshine and being knee deep in some cool water can cure anyone's blues. Just ask Zac Brown Band if you need any further proof!

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    7

    "Drift Away" by Dobie Gray

    Can you name another classic you'd rather listen to on a boat with your best pals? The chorus to this one is also pretty belt worthy... it's just so darn catchy!

    8

    "Son Of A Son Of A Sailor" by Jimmy Buffett

    "The sea's in my veins, my tradition remains..." Phew! Those are some simple but meaningful lyrics if we ever heard 'em. Jimmy Buffett is good at such a thing, after all.

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    9

    "Shotgun" by George Ezra

    "Shotgun" by George Ezra is all about enjoying the beauty of this world. And what better way to do so than by hopping on a boat and taking in the enchanting surrounding of whatever body of water you choose to sail in?

    10

    "Boats" by Kenny Chesney

    To Kenny Chesney, boats signify freedom and healing. So, it's no wonder he wrote an entire song about them! This one tells the story of a few different guys who could have used a boat earlier on in life.

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    11

    "Sailing" by Christopher Cross

    "And if the wind is right you can sail away, and find tranquility..." See, even Christopher Cross knows that there is something so peaceful about being in the water. Not that you needed anymore convincing, though.

    12

    "Lil Boo Thang" by Paul Russell

    Paul Russell's hit of a song is exactly the kind of tune you play when you're having a boat party with your friends and family. Seriously, put it on and everyone will be on their feet in no time.

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    13

    "Kokomo" by The Beach Boys

    The Beach Boys name plenty of desirable locations to take your boat to in this song, so bonus points if that's what you end up doing! 😂 No, but actually, this one is an obvious addition to your playlist.

    14

    "Watermelon Moonshine" by Lainey Wilson

    Honestly, a glass of watermelon moonshine while cruising on a sunny day seems perfect. Of course, being accompanied by Lainey Wilson's vocals makes it all the more better.

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    15

    "The Ocean" by Led Zeppelin

    As if the title wasn't fitting enough, Led Zeppelin mentions the "ocean's roar" in this tune, just showing everyone once more that it's one of the most powerful forces of nature. This one can set the scene as one of the first songs to be played in the day.

    16

    "Paradise" by Bazzi

    Head into your day of paradise by listening to it, too. Bazzi's timeless hit will fit right into your day of breezy fun and carefree antics.

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    17

    "Mind On Fishin'" by Trace Adkins

    Those who are prone to a few fishing days in the summer can probably relate to this Trace Adkins original. It's okay if your mind is only on fishin' just like him.

    18

    "Written in the Sand" by Old Dominion

    Old Dominion has a way of making you feel at ease with each of their songs, which obviously makes this one just the right fit for a chill day on the water. You'll want to be written in the sand as well this summer.

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    19

    "waves" by Miguel feat. Tame Impala

    This one is groovy, funky, and full of good vibes. If you can't find time to head onto a boat anytime soon, Miguel will make you feel like you're already there with "waves."

    20

    "Outside" by Calvin Harris

    People. Want. To. Be. Outside. 👏 "Outside" by Calvin Harris (with Ellie Goulding as the singer) simply sounds like a good time. And it is. Which is why it is more than deserving to be on your list of boat songs.

    Headshot of Josiah Soto
    Josiah Soto
    Digital Content Producer

    Josiah is the Digital Content Producer for the commerce team at Popular Mechanics, Best Products, Runner’s World, and Bicycling Magazine. He also writes for “BIO Buys”—a column on Biography.com—giving readers the lowdown on what products their favorite celebs are using. In another life, Josiah was an editor at ThePioneerWoman.com, where he sharpened his expertise on all things lifestyle, food-news, and entertainment. Outside work related matters, he’s a fan of Studio Ghibli films, unimportant reality TV drama, and melancholy Lorde songs. 

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