Here's a quick guide to tell you what items you can use in the boat and their use on the boat.

Boomerang: It works the same as on land, but its very useful. It picks up things on the water, attacks, etc.

Bow: It works the same as on land, but useful for fighting when the boomerang is too slow.

Bait: Use it toss it by the Merfish. He'll chart the quadrant your in currently. If you already have it, and you have the bow, he'll challenge you to shoot him with 10 arrows. He'll give you 20 rupees per hit.

Bombs: Here the heavy artillery! While the pirates have their puny catapult, you got yourself at nice CANNON! SWEET! It shoots bombs at an angle. for easy targeting, L-Target your target or just L-Target for easier shooting.

Hookshot: While in a boat, you can reel in items on the water, or you can sail by a island and hookshot up to a tree.

Grappling Hook: It turns to a crane on your ship. You can pick up treasure from Charts and rings of light. For easy ring picking, when you see a ring of light, change the wind so it's at your back and you can go full speed. Go full speed and when the light disappears, close your sail and pull your crasne out. You'll mostly get it every time. It works for me!

Hyoi Pear: It lets you control Seagulls. Required to complete Triforce Quest.

Sail: The MOST important part of the boat is the sail. ets you move around fast and easy. Not much to say.

Wind Waker: Second most important part of a boat. This warps you while in the boat, or control the wind, which is nessecary to move around fast.