It’s that time of year again when we’re all looking out for the perfect gift for the boaters in our lives. Between the latest gadgets and technology to classic standbys and personalized items, we’ve got plenty of ideas to bring smiles and excitement when they open your gifts.
For The Racing Sailor
They’ll never be late to dock call or to the starting line with the Ronstan ClearStart sailing watch. Waterproof and programmable, Ronstan has several sizes, styles, and colors to choose from.
Sure footing and comfortable feet during a race make every racer happy. A good technical sailing shoe like the Gill Pursuit Trainer will keep their feet cool and keep them upright.
Myerchin makes a wide range of rigging knives guaranteed to please any racer. Look for a sharp cutting edge, a marlinspike to dig at knots, and locking blades.
The Harken Sail Cloth Wallet is very popular with racers and is made from real laminate sailcloth and is available in different colors and cloths.
For Those Who Love Boating & Fishing
For kayak and shore fishers, the ReelSonar iBobber Wireless Bluetooth Smart Fish Finder lets them have a look under the water to find fish and profile the bottom with their mobile phone. It’s also handy on a boat for inaccessible fishing spots when you still want a look.
Tying knots and rigging lures for predawn, twilight, and night fishing is always a challenge. The HANPUR LED Flashlight Gloves put light right where you need it – at your fingertips.
The Toadfish Stowaway Fillet System is a clever and compact folding knife and board that fits into a compact package that will fit in a tackle box or bag. The 7″ blade is high carbon steel, and the board has a built-in sharpener to ensure you are always ready to fillet.
For Boaters Who Love to Cruise
A nicely bound cruising log book is a wonderful memento of places been. A good one has spaces for ship’s details and plenty of pages dedicated to each day on the water.
Although any sailor can wear one, the Tilly Airflo Hat has become the de facto standard for sun protection on a boat. Washable, stain-resistant, and backed by a guarantee, these hats are available in a variety of styles. A word of caution – you will need a hat size for the recipient.
There are hundreds of aspiration books about cruising and voyaging. Still, none tickles the imagination of a dreamer like Jimmy Cornell’s World Cruising Destinations: An Inspirational Guide to Every Cruising Destination in the World. This rich book highlights every nation you can reach by boat, and anyone hoping to sail for the horizon will pore over it for hours.
Sundowners are a time-honored tradition, and this compact Charcuterie and Cheese Board will be the star of the cockpit. Four drawers lock in place with magnets. This high-quality bamboo set will stow out of the way.
For New Boaters
Knots can be vexing, and new boaters rarely know enough. This Deluxe Nautical Knot Tying Kit has everything they need to learn twenty-one useful knots during the off-season and includes waterproof plastic instructions to keep on the boat.
Boat tools aren’t something you think about until something breaks for the first time. The GreatNeck 125 Piece Marine Tool Set is a fantastic starter set of boat tools, with storage for everything in a water-resistant box.
Every boat owner, regardless of skill level, should have a copy of the Boatowner’s Mechanical and Electrical Manual by Nigel Calder. This definitive work covers every system found on boats and will be indispensable to the new boat owner learning the ropes, wires, and pumps.
There’s nothing that excites a new boater with new boat-like things with their new boat name on it. From a site like Boat Name Gear you can order many custom gifts to match the new vessel.
For All Boating Lovers
Every boater can use a multi-tool for quick repairs and fixes, and whether you’re Team Gerber or Team Leatherman there are many options to choose from.
Although this isn’t a fun toy, the Sirius Signal C-1003 SOS LED Flare Electronic Visual Distress Signal Kit meets USCG regulations for Night, Day, and Audible distress signals for small boats. No more replacing those pyrotechnic flares.
After a weekend of wind, waves, sand, fun, and dinghy rides, the Boat Hair, Don’t Care cap covers a lot of problems.
Everyone can use a little extra power, and this 20000mAh Portable Outdoor Waterproof Solar Power Bank is perfect for keeping phones charged up for boating weekends, especially on smaller boats at anchor.
The Sqoozie Non-Tipping Insulated Boat Can Holder sticks to tilted surfaces and won’t slip when the boat moves.
A 3-D chart of home sailing waters from Sea & Soul Wooden Wall Art is a keepsake decoration that will be treasured, whether a serving tray, clock, holiday ornament, or bit of art for the wall.
Shatter-proof, Stemless Boat Wine Glasses are good for any boat. Each is marked with a distinct nautical pattern, so you won’t need wine charms.
For Young Boaters and Junior Sailors
If your young boater loves to be “out in it” with you when you sail or fish in bad weather, this Junior Sailing Jacket and Bib will keep them warm and dry.
The LEGOmaniac in your life will love the LEGO Technic Catamaran kit. Build this floating boat that can sail and convert to a racing power boat.
The Big Country Toys Bass Fishing Set (with F-250 tow vehicle) comes with everything your little fisher needs to run a bass tournament on the living room carpet. Also available with just the boat and trailer.
Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons series has inspired generations of adventurers with rousing stories of kids around boats. The first book in the series is a great way to see if they’ll love it.
Sailing adventures await young children with the Let’s Explore Sailboat Play Set from Melissa & Doug. And their Let’s Explore Fishing Playset is a fun way to learn about fishing.
For Four-Legged Crew
This adorable Boat Security printed dog bandana will make your fearsome furry crew member’s job clear to anyone. Sized for small or large dogs.
Keeping cool on a sunny boat can be a problem for pets. This breathable, washable Pet Cooling Mat is available in a range of sizes suitable for small cats and dogs to large dog breeds.
Find here: Best Floating Mat for Boats to Have Fun on the Water
What good boy or girl doesn’t love a game of fetch at the waterfront? The ChuckIt! Amphibious Floating Fetch Toy is brightly colored, rugged, won’t sink, and is available in different sizes.
