A boat misting system for cooling occupants of a boat or houseboat with a very fine aerosolized water spray is described. The water for the system is taken from the body of water upon which the boat floats so that a virtually limitless amount of misting water is available. The boat misting system is aesthetically pleasing because the plumbing components are concealed below the deck or within the hull of a boat. If desired, extension hoses may be used to equip a boat canopy with a portion of the misting system. The misting spray may be applied continuously or cycled intermittently using a timer.