Thank you for reading our post, please rate this article at the end.
Last Updated on August 24, 2024 by Paul Clayton
Table of Contents
37 Must Have Gifts for Boaters
Picking a gift for those close to you is always a challenge. Even knowing that they are really into boating doesn’t help that much. There are so many things that you could buy as a gift, so it’s no wonder people are getting confused.
To make your search easier, we’ve compiled 37 gift ideas for boaters, one of which may be the perfect gift for your loved one!
Key Takeaways:
-
- Wide Range of Options: The article provides a diverse selection of 37 gifts for boaters, catering to various needs and preferences.
- Practical Gifts: Many items focus on safety and utility, such as emergency kits, personal locator beacons, and marine radios, emphasizing the importance of boating preparedness.
- Luxury and Fun: The list also includes more luxurious or leisurely items, such as a Zodiac automatic watch, portable coolers, and nautical-themed wine glasses, ensuring something for every boater.
- Specialty Items: Some gifts, like the FX-7 Anchor and Phantom Aquatics Dry Bag, target specific boating-related activities, ensuring that even specialized needs are covered.
1. Emergency Survival Kit
It’s not very likely that you will be caught out in a natural disaster when boating. But even if there is a 0.0001% possibility of one occurring, you must think of ways to safeguard yourself.
A key item in a boater’s arsenal is a survival kit. You could easily make one yourself, but there are ready-made kits available. If your friend or relative has wanted one for quite some time, look at this survival kit.
This emergency survival kit includes a 3-day food and water supply for two individuals. It comes with 2/2400-calorie food packs and 12/4.227-ounce water packs. In addition, it includes emergency items like a compass, fire starter, waterproof matches, and more. All this is packed in a water-resistant backpack made of 600D polyester fabric.
2. ACR Buoyant Personal Locator Beacon
A personal locator beacon is another must-have for emergencies. This buoyant little guy has a built-in GPS module, which, when engaged, sends the boater’s location to search and rescue services. As ACR writes, the use of this device requires no subscriptions.
ACR warns several times on the product page that this beacon should only be used in situations of imminent danger to life and that misuse may result in a penalty. The gift recipient will also have to remember this.
3. EPIC-id USB Emergency ID Band
This USB emergency ID band is also designed for emergencies but slightly differs from the locator beacon.
This device stores essential medical information about the wearer for rescuers in an emergency. For example, if the wearer is a type 2 diabetic, they could input their medical history into this ID band to save some time for the rescuers.
This device is also waterproof and salt-proof, so boaters can safely use it.
4. Uniden MHS75 2-Way VHF Marine Radio
Whether boating recreationally or professionally, one needs communication means while away from the shore. However, a recreational boater would benefit more from a basic marine radio like the Uniden MHS75 than a pricey unit filled with various functions.
The MHS75 marine radio doesn’t have features like inbuilt GPS, which are common in more expensive models, but it does have everything you’d need for marine use. Most importantly, it is submersible at 5 feet for up to 30 minutes. It also has 5 watts of power, dual scan, weather alert, and full channel coverage throughout the US and Canada.
5. JAMES Pocket Knife
A pocket knife is a must-have in specific boating applications. It can also be an insanely helpful tool in emergencies. If the recipient doesn’t have a pocket knife, gift them one.
Our suggestion is this pocket knife by James. Indeed, it is not a cheap gift, but this pocket knife is an excellent companion for boating. Compact and durable, this stainless steel knife can be a lifesaver in an emergency. Its ambidextrous design makes it convenient and allows use in extreme situations where the mobility of one arm is limited.
6. NoCry Cut Resistant Gloves
Boaters may use pocket knives in various applications aside from emergencies. If your friend often has to use their pocket knife while on the water, consider gifting them these cut-resistant gloves. The use of these gloves extends well beyond boating, so the recipient could make them work for them at home as well.
7. SKYDEX Sea Shocks Helm Mat
Standing isn’t the most pleasant thing in the world, but you can’t do otherwise behind the helm. And if your friend has been complaining about foot pain from the journeys lately, these Sea Shocks helm mats by Skydex may be an excellent gift for them.
With its thick cushioning layer against the pounding waves, the Sea Shocks mat delivers anti-fatigue performance for longer voyages where you must stand behind the helm for a long time. This mat can also be used in any other application where prolonged standing is necessary.
Weighing 10 pounds, this mat can be placed down without complex installation—it will stay in its place firmly. When done, the core can be easily removed for cleanup.
8. Lifejacket Storage Bag
When boating, you must wear a life jacket at all times. But what do you do with it once you get back home? Well, those who don’t have any dedicated storage space for lifejackets would probably benefit from a lifejacket bag like this one.
This lifejacket storage bag is designed to hold four adult type II personal flotation devices, making it an excellent space for families. If necessary, other types of lifejackets could also fit in this bag, but obviously, fewer of them.
9. Gecko Paracord Survival Bracelet
This paracord survival bracelet is a small yet lovely gift for any boater. It is designed to be disassembled and used in a variety of emergencies. The 7-strand paracord neatly woven into a bracelet strap is rated for up to 350-pound loads, so don’t be deceived by its toy-like appearance.
Even though one shouldn’t rely solely on this bracelet’s paracord for emergency needs, it is an excellent spare rope in a compact package. However, you would need to weave it back together when you unwind it.
10. Fortress FX-7 Anchor
Its buyers have highly praised the FX-7 anchor by Fortress. Around half the weight of traditional steel anchors, it tends to outperform them all. This thing is made from a high-tech aluminum alloy that is pretty much as strong as steel but much lighter.
Aside from sheer strength, the FX-7 anchor penetrates deeper into standard sea bottoms. The Fortress anchor is also great because it can be disassembled for storage. So, if the gift recipient has been looking for an anchor lately, consider gifting them the Fortress FX-7 anchor.
11. PulseTech SP-5 SolarPulse 5W Battery Charger
Solar energy has gained popularity rapidly in recent years, finding its place in enterprises, homes, RVs, and boats. After all, it is an environment-friendly and very efficient method of energy production.
The SolarPurse SP-5 solar charger by PulseTech is specifically designed to power vehicle and boat batteries. This equipment can come in handy with equipment stored outside for a long time and prevent battery loss. If the gift recipient often struggles with jump starts—in their boat or car—this could be a handy gift for them.
12. Portable Solar Charger
Yet another solar charger, but this one is more aimed at charging mobile devices. The portable solar charger is equipped with two 5V 2.1A USB ports, the current charging ports that mobile device chargers work with.
Aside from charging USB devices directly, this portable solar charger can be used as a power bank since it has an inbuilt 5000mAh lithium polymer battery. What’s also essential in this solar charger is that it is weatherproof, so it can be safely used when boating.
13. Pelican 2720 LED Headlight
A headlight is an insanely convenient and valuable tool, but not everyone will require it. However, it can make a big difference when working in low-light conditions.
Most importantly, the Pelican 2720 LED headlight allows for hands-free operation for the wearer. This can be especially helpful when doing jobs where both hands are needed. The gesture activation function further improves the headlight’s comfort. Aside from that, this headlamp has variable light output and dual red LED lights for night vision.
If you have a friend or relative who stays on the water until late evening, a headlight may be an excellent gift for them.
14. Rapala Fish N Fillet Knife
If your friend or loved one is an angler, this fish fillet knife may be the perfect gift for them. Made from Swedish stainless steel, it perfectly does its job. Rapala also ships it with a genuine leather sheath and a single-stage knife sharpener for added safety and convenience.
While this knife works great for its primary task, we think it could serve decorative purposes. The genuine leather sheath and the knife itself are exceptionally well-made and look fabulous, so this thing has the potential to become a centerpiece anywhere.
15. YETI Hopper TWO Portable Cooler
If one is carrying drinks when boating, one needs a place for them to stay nice and cool. The Hopper Two portable cooler by YETI is a good companion.
The key feature of this portable cooler is its leak-proof and waterproofness. As YETI claims, this cooler features a HydroLok Zipper, which borrows the design of zippers in HazMat suits. Thus, one may be sure that the Hopper TWO portable cooler is spill-proof and efficiently locks in the cold.
16. Boston Warehouse Life Preserver Wine Bottle Cover
This Life Preserver wine bottle cover doesn’t possess the practicality of the YETI Hopper cooler, but it is a great gift option for your loved ones. Shaped like a lifejacket, this wine bottle cover is as nautical-themed as possible. And while it won’t cool your wine bottle, it will make it a cute eye-catcher.
17. Kuuma Premium Stainless Steel Mountable Charcoal Grill
If your friend likes to cook on the go, consider gifting them a portable grill like Kuuma’s stainless steel grill. Weighing just around 16 pounds, this grill offers 160 square inches of cooking surface, which is a very respectable amount.
Made from stainless steel, the Kuuma grill is durable and good-looking. Just have a look at its polished, glassy surface! While appearance plays zero role in grills, this grill will be a tool for cooking food and a centerpiece on the boat.
18. Fred Deep Tea Diver Silicone Tea Infuser
This adorable tea infuser is a brilliant gift idea for tea lovers. The Deep Tea Diver tea infuser works just like any infuser, but its clever design does put a smile on your face.
Materials are essential in a tea infuser. The Deep Tea Diver tea infuser is made from food-safe, BPA-free, and tasteless silicone that won’t impart weird aromas or flavors to the tea.
Another thing that the gift recipient may like is that this tea infuser is reusable. Unlike regular dunk-brew-toss tea bags, this design is very environmentally friendly and is becoming an increasingly valued property today.
19. Zodiac Men’s Heritage Automatic Stainless Steel Watch
Since 1882, Zodiac has been dedicated to the craftsmanship and precision associated with Swiss timekeeping. A product of this dedication is the Zodiac Men’s ZO9250 Heritage watch, which is an excellent gift for serious water sports or professional marine activity.
The Zodiac watch has remarkable water resistance, able to withstand water up to 200 meters deep. It also features a durable build with its stainless steel case and bracelet.
Being an analog watch, it offers only essential timekeeping, unlike digital watches. On the other hand, one could say that this watch arguably is not about its functionality but about luxury. After all, it costs over $1,000, so it isn’t a cheap gift. But what it offers in terms of build and design is unparalleled by many watches.
20. Odowalker Marine Compass
A compass is a must-have for any boater. While modern smartphones have compass functionality, you’d want something more durable and trouble-free onboard.
This marine compass by Odowalker is simple yet functional and reasonably priced. In addition to its main function, the Odowalker compass has features that make boaters’ trips more convenient.
Adjustable declination allows you to change the position of the compass when mounted. Thus, there should be no problem with the compass’s visibility from anywhere in the boat. Aside from that, to ensure visibility at night, this compass has an incandescent light that can be engaged in low-light conditions for increased readability without any flashlights.
21. Lylting LED Flashlight
Flashlights are another handy item to have on a boat trip. You may not be planning to stay on the water until late evening, but a flashlight could be helpful if an emergency forces you to do so.
Lilting offers comfort in holding the long and wide flashlight’s body in your palm. This bright flashlight has an ultra-high-output of up to 200000 lumens, can sweep dazzling light across the length of roughly two football fields, and can reach nearly 1093 yards.
There are three modes: low brightness, high brightness, and strobe brightness, which you may adjust to adapt to varied lighting settings.
Two 5000 mAh rechargeable BATTERIES keep you going for hours. The flashlight can be charged conveniently thanks to the built-in Mrico input connector. Furthermore, rechargeable flashlights offer a power display capability that lets you see the power quickly.
The non-slip and IPX5 waterproof LED flashlight is ideal for outdoors and inclement weather. This aluminum alloy case protects your heavy-duty flashlights from scratches, corrosion, rust, and breakage.
22. DuffelSak Waterproof Duffel Bag
Another must-have for any boater is a waterproof duffel bag. Most people bring water-sensitive items to the trip, and proper storage during the voyage becomes a concern.
A duffel bag like the one by DuffelSak could well ensure the safety of sensitive items. Most importantly, it features a waterproof design to protect one’s belongings.
In addition, to ensure convenience and organization, the DuffelSak bag features 2 external splash-proof pockets and 2 internal zippered pockets. For more versatility, 40—and 60-liter variants are available for purchase.
23. Phantom Aquatics Premium Waterproof Backpack Dry Bag
A dry bag backpack is a good alternative or addition to a duffel bag.
The Phantom Aquatics backpack has a roll-up design that is 100% waterproof. It can also float in water, protecting its contents from dust, dirt, sand, and water.
Phantom Aquatics equipped their backpack with an adjustable sternum strap and waist belt for increased comfort. Plus, it has a back panel with good airflow to keep the back cool on warmer days.
24. Infusion Living Collapsible Bucket
A bucket is necessary for boating, but the not-so-good thing about it is that it occupies a lot of space. The Collapsible Bucket by Infusion Living is designed to address this problem.
This bucket folds down to less than 2 inches for increased storage convenience. It also has 4 different height positions, allowing the boater to hold up to 2 gallons of water. This bucket is made from silicone and complemented by a stainless steel handle for increased durability.
25. LEATHERMAN Tread Bracelet
This treaded bracelet by LEATHERMAN is an exciting product and a great gift. It isn’t merely a bracelet—it is a wearable multi-tool!
The Tread bracelet has a modular design that accepts modules for box wrenches, flat and Philips screwdrivers, hex drives, a bottle opener, and many other items. The modules can be removed or swapped to change the bracelet’s size and functionality.
The LEATHERMAN Tread bracelet obviously won’t replace a full toolset because its modules provide limited leverage. For tough tasks, specialized tools will undeniably be better. On the other hand, the Tread bracelet has the edge when it comes to the cool factor and compactness.
26. Wine Glass Nautical-Themed Kit
If you have a portable cooler to keep the drinks in, you also need a couple of glasses to take the drink from, don’t you? This set of six 14-ounce wine glasses makes a great addition to the portable cooler above, but it will also make an excellent standalone gift!
Each wine glass in this set has a unique nautical design—anchor, mermaid, direction symbol, power boat, sailboat, and lighthouse. The glasses are also made from plastic, which imparts a glass feel and look. While the choice of plastic may seem weird to you, we think it is much more suitable for boating needs than glass since it has no risk of shattering.
27. Docktail Boat Bar
Why not further complement the boat with a boat bar? Sure, one may put the beverage bottles anywhere on the boat, but a specialized boat bar will do the job safely and conveniently.
The Docktail Boat Bar’s most remarkable feature is that it can be mounted in most standard-sized rod holders. Other mounting options are also available for boats without rod holders. No matter the amount, the Boat Bar can be leveled flat at various angles.
28. YETI Rambler Vacuum Insulated Mug
Having wine glasses is nice, but simple glasses cannot maintain the beverage’s temperature. The YETI Rambler vacuum-insulated mug has been designed for this task. It can keep the drink at the desired temperature on hot or cold days.
The Rambler mug is made from stainless steel, which makes it durable. Furthermore, the stainless steel is complemented by double-wall vacuum insulation, which maintains the drink’s temperature.
The Rambler mug also has the so-called TripleGrip Handle, designed to be comfortable for gloved hands. Its no-sweat design keeps fingers away from frost or dampness.
Arguably not the most beautiful mug in the world, the Rambler is available in several colors and multiple sizes from YETI.
29. Umbra Hammered Head Bottle Opener
One may have a boat bar and a cooler onboard, but how does one open a beer bottle without a bottle opener? Sure, you can improvise on-site, but wouldn’t have a dedicated tool for this be better?
The Hammered Head Bottle Opener by Umbra is an excellent gift and maybe even a cute one for the avid boater. Made from easy-to-clean chrome-plated zinc, this bottle opener sure does look nice. But what matters more is, of course, functionality. And it is excellent in this bottle opener since it is a two-in-one tool – a bottle opener and a corkscrew!
30. Ultimate Boaters Docking Kit
Docking lines are also crucial in boating. If your friend or relative has been looking for a replacement for their boat’s old docking lines, this pack might be a perfect gift for them.
The Ultimate Boaters Docking Kit includes two 36-inch-long bungee dock ties with a nylon cover, 15 feet of anchor bungee line, and 15 feet of boat line bungee rope stretching 25 feet. It is not a cheap product but a very nice piece of equipment.
31. Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
When away from the shore, music may be the one thing your close one needs to fully enjoy the scenic view. A waterproof speaker can be an excellent gift if this is the case.
This IP57-rated speaker is waterproof and soundproof at up to 1-meter depths. It is also encased in protective rubber for increased protection against shocks and impacts.
This speaker has decent sound quality. It has two 25W speaker drivers, which produce quite a reasonable volume. In addition, the Wake speaker is equipped with DSP and a passive bass radiator for improved bass performance.
Quite a remarkable thing about this speaker is that it can float in water, but it probably won’t be the best idea to listen to music in water since you won’t get the best sound out of the speaker!
32. Gifts & Décor Schooner Bookend
If you’ve made quite a few practical gifts in the past and would like to get something different, look at this nautical-themed bookend. While this item is marketed as a bookend, it is more of eye candy than a practical item. However, made of wood and cotton, this schooner bookend does have a character to catch the eye.
33. Bronze Metal Colored Mermaid Knick-Knack Box
Crafted of cold cast resin and painted for a faux bronze finish, this knick-knack box is beautiful. Albeit inexpensive, this mermaid box is brilliantly detailed, starting with the sea creatures on the sides of the box and ending with the mermaid on top.
34. Nautical Collectible Retro Style Compass
This retro-style compass is a smaller gift than a schooner bookend, but it is still enjoyable. With its intentionally rough brass body and glass dial cover, this compass has a strong vintage vibe.
This compass is as functional as the Odowalker compass we presented above, but it’s arguably less practical today because it doesn’t have adjustable mounts and dial illumination. Still fully functional, this compass could be used for its primary purpose with no problem.
35. Nikon Monarch 3 10×42 Binoculars
Binoculars aren’t necessary for every boater, but some need to see into the distance. The Nikon Monarch 3 10×42 binocular is an excellent option for marine use.
The Monarch 3 has the crucial feature necessary for boating – a waterproof body. Of course, one shouldn’t allow this thing to stay in the water for too long, but it can take a beating. Not only that but the Monarch 3 binoculars are fog-proof.
Visibility is also crucial in binoculars, and Monarch is great at this. With its fully multi-coated lenses, these binoculars deliver a crisp, bright image with little glare.
There are many other things to say about these binoculars, but what we described above should explain why the Monarch 3 binoculars are great for boating.
36. Roxant Monocular
Binoculars are handy when boating, but not everyone likes their bulkiness and heaviness. A monocular like Roxant’s is an excellent alternative to binoculars for full-size telescopes.
This monocular has a non-slip molded grip to ensure comfort while holding. In addition to comfort, it delivers excellent visibility thanks to its multi-coated BaK4 Prism lens, designed to reduce glare.
37. Rite in the Rain Weatherproof Notebook
In today’s age of technology, it is unlikely that boaters will take notes in a paper notebook. However, physical notebooks remain a viable tool in a boater’s arsenal since they aren’t susceptible to the downsides of smartphones and tablets. They don’t need battery charge, can be used anywhere, and are weatherproof in Rite in the Rain’s Notebook.
The most notable feature of this notebook is its weather resistance. Both its 50 sheets of paper and the cover are resistant to water. This notebook will also be perfectly complemented with an all-weather pen, though it will work with standard ballpoint pens when the paper is dry.
Another exciting feature of this notebook is its reinforced wire-O binding. It is designed to maintain its shape in the pocket or backpack, so if you know that your friend likes to stuff all their items in their bag, the reinforced binding will come in handy.
This video has been included to clarify the topic. Credit goes to The O’Kelly’s
Home page
Back to the top of the page