Chugalug: Adding Boat Drink Holders

Adding drink holders to your boat is generally an easy DIY with lots of payoff in convenience. We tried 7 popular styles and offer pros and cons of each in terms of installation and functionality.

Fold‑down adjustable drink holder mounted on a boat’s gunwale, holding a soda can in an insulated drink sleeve.

Photo, Lenny Rudow

Many boats have integrated drink holders. But smaller or older boats may not. Plus, there are so many different options for adding them that it can be overwhelming. Which is best for you and your boat? The answer depends on your boat and your priorities.

We’ve tried all seven of these different versions so you’ll know the high (and low) points of each before making any final decisions. But at least you can choose wisely now that we’ve spilled the … beans.

Folding Adjustables

These flush-mount, fold-out cupholders can be affixed to just about any flat, vertical surface. Most are made of plastic, but you can also find some made of stainless steel. These may be available with stick-on adhesive, but we recommend screwing them in place because the sticky stuff rarely lasts more than a season. And if it comes loose while holding a full drink (which is usually what happens), you’ll have a mess on your hands.

Pros

  • Folds flush and out of the way when not in use
  • Expandable arms can be adjusted to firmly hold a wide range of can/bottle/beverage sleeve sizes

Cons

  • Inelegant looking when open
  • Plastic models break easily and if exposed to direct sunlight will only last a few seasons
  • Metal models may have sharp, square edges that can cause injury if bumped against when deployed
Difficutly:Easy
Tools/Materials:>> Power drill and bits >> Screwdriver >> Screws >> Sealant
Time:15 minutes
Cost:$7–$50

Recessed Inserts

Many consider these to be the most desirable. Commonly included on new boats, most boaters would agree that they look the best. When installed properly they may well look like factory-provided equipment and some are even available with LED accent lighting.

Pros

  • Once installed these are maintenance- and repair-free and should last the lifetime of your boat
  • Also works well for holding cellphones, keys, and other small items
Recessed stainless steel cup holders on a boat console holding a travel mug and a water bottle next to the throttle and control panel.

Photo, Lenny Rudow

Cons

  • Because installation requires drilling a large hole, often in gelcoated fiberglass, errors can lead to cosmetic damage
  • Requires an appropriate flat surface with sufficient room underneath
  • May require a drain tube installation to prevent draining into sensitive areas like a steering console or stowage compartment
  • Can’t be adjusted to fit different size containers (though many have lower and upper bottom sections to fit both cans and cans with beverage sleeves).
Difficulty:Easy
Tools/Materials:>> Power drill and bits >> Screwdriver >> Screws >> Sealant
Time:15 minutes
Cost:$30–$40
Three‑ring stainless steel top‑mount marine drink holder designed to hold multiple cups or bottles on a boat.

Photo, Edson Marine

Top-Mounts

This is another form of drink holder commonly seen as standard equipment on new boats. While a bit more obtrusive than recessed inserts, many polished stainless steel models look great.

Pros

  • Can be easily mounted to any horizontal flat surface (some side-mounts are also available for vertical surfaces).

Cons

  • Only fits one size container. With most versions, a single ring secures the drink container, and if the fit isn’t perfect, drinks tend to wobble and spill while underway.
Difficulty:Easy
Tools/Materials:>> Power drill and bits >> Screwdriver >> Screws >> Sealant
Time:15 minutes
Cost:$30–$40
Tip

When using a drill or hole saw on gelcoat, running the drill in reverse until through the gelcoat reduces chipping. If coring is exposed it must be sealed, and always inspect underneath the panel to be sure you don’t inadvertently cut any wires or hoses.

Gimbaled

Gimbaled drink holders are most commonly seen on sailboats where heeling over is the norm. But they also work well on powerboats. A wide range are available with fixed, slide-in, rail, rod holder, and suction cup mounts.

Pros

  • Gimbaled mounts do the best job of preventing sloshing and spilling as a boat pitches and rolls

Cons

  • Most are not adjustable, and if the beverage container does not fit properly, spilling and sloshing will occur
  • Mounting may be more or less difficult depending on the type
  • Cannot be mounted on horizontal surfaces
Gimbaled stainless steel boat drink holder mounted on an adjustable bracket, designed to keep cups upright as the boat moves.

Photo, Toadfish

Difficulty:Varies with mounting system, but generally easy
Tools/Materials:Varies with mounting system
Time:Varies with mounting system
Cost:$10–$100
Suction‑cup mounted triple drink holder with two large cup recesses and a center accessory slot, designed for temporary use on a boat’s smooth surfaces.

Photo, SeaSucker

Suction-Cup Mounts

These are the easiest type of cup holder to add to any boat, and there’s a huge range of varieties on the market including single drink holders to multiple-cup racks, racks with wine bottle holders, and so on. You can find both side and top mounts and also versions with notches and slots for holding tools and fishing lures, cellphones, and more.

Pros

  • A wide range of options to hold all sorts of beverages and equipment are available
  • Easiest installation possible
  • Many are made from rugged marine polyboard, which will last for years

Cons

  • The biggest problem with suction cups is that they need a slick surface to stick to. Even then they don’t always stay put, and sudden releases can cause major spills. Careful surface preparation may be important for some types. (Note that those with vacuum-mount suction cups are an exception, and when properly attached are very reliable. However, some are surprisingly expensive.)
Difficulty:Very easy
Tools/Materials:None
Time:30–60 seconds
Cost:$10–$250

Non-Tippers

Non-tipping drink holders are the newest type of these products to hit the market. These have an integrated suction cup of sorts in the bottom. They hold tight with uneven or sideways force but release when lifted straight up. These are the only holders around that you can lift up with your drink still inside, and many are insulated or seal around a can or bottle so they do double-duty as a cooler, too.

Non‑tip insulated drink holder mounted on a sailboat rail, holding a tumbler angled outward above the deck while underway.

Photo, Attwood

Pros

  • Stick on and pull off of any slick surface at your leisure. No installation necessary
  • Great for taking from the boat to the SUP, kayak, or tender
  • Keeps your drinks cool.

Cons

  • Like suction cups, non-tippers are not 100% reliable (though you’ll likely be surprised at just how rare spills are)
  • Won’t stick to uneven surfaces like molded-in nonskid
Difficulty:Very easey
Tools/Materials:None
Time:1–2 seconds
Cost:$10–$30
Padded armrest with dual stainless steel cup holders, designed to mount to a boat seat or leaning post for added onboard convenience.

Photo, Wise Marine

Armrests

Most popular on pontoon boats, but usable on different boats depending on the seating arrangements, most have some sort of flap or fin that tucks under or between the seat cushions to keep it in place. These do double-duty as armrests and usually have two recessed insert cupholders built in.

Pros

  • These can be pulled off, moved around, and placed as desired
  • Having another padded armrest is always nice
  • No real installation is necessary

Cons

  • Won’t fit many seating arrangements/cushion types
  • Not adjustable for different size drink containers
  • Relatively expensive
  • Expect occasional spills due to aggressive arm-resting
Difficulty:Very easy
Tools/Materials:None
Time:A few seconds
Cost:$45–$70

Topics

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Published: January 2026

Author

Lenny Rudow

Contributing Editor, BoatUS Magazine

Our top electronics writer and an accomplished sports fisherman, Lenny has written seven books, won 52 awards from Boating Writers International – many for his first-rate marine electronics articles – and two for excellence from the Outdoor Writers Association of America. Angler in Chief at his own FishTalk publication, this passionate angler brings expertise in fishing trends, small boat handling, and DIY projects. His encouraging style is featured in many of BoatU.S.’s popular how-to videos.