Boat Owner Gift Ideas: What To Get Them

If you have a boater in your life, you might think they already have everything they need to spend time on the water. But there's always something new that will make their experience even better. Whether it's a gift for a young yacht captain, an inexperienced deckhand, a sailing enthusiast, or a prestigious yacht owner, there are plenty of options to choose from.

For those who enjoy fishing, new equipment can be a great option. Lures, reels, and fillet knives can enhance their fishing experience. Navigation tools and fish finders, such as marine global positioning systems (GPS), can also be useful and exciting gifts.

For those who value safety and convenience, a satellite communicator can be a perfect choice. It allows boaters to stay connected with loved ones and provides navigation and emergency assistance.

Other practical gifts include waterproof bags, binoculars, and first aid kits. And for those who enjoy entertainment on their boating trips, waterproof speakers and movie collections are sure to be a hit.

So, whether it's a gift for a special occasion or just because, there are numerous options to surprise and delight the boat owner in your life.

Boating accessories

Navigation and Communication Tools

• A handheld floating VHF radio is a great safety feature, allowing boaters to stay connected and call for help in an emergency.
• A satellite communicator is another safety device that allows boaters to stay in touch with loved ones and call for help when in remote locations or areas with no cell service.
• A marine smartwatch or sailing watch combines style and functionality, offering features like tide tracking, weather updates, GPS navigation, and heart rate monitoring.
• A night vision camera can enhance navigational safety, helping boaters see and avoid obstacles and detect floating objects around the boat.

Clothing and Accessories

• A good pair of boat shoes are a prized possession for boat owners, and brands like Sperry offer non-marking soles and shock-absorbing material for all-day comfort.
• A wide-brimmed hat is essential for protecting the eyes from the sun and preventing it from flying off into the water. Personalized hats or captain's hats can also be a fun gift.
• Polarized sunglasses are a must-have for any boater, protecting their eyes from glare and harmful UV rays. Look for features like anti-reflective coating, scratch-resistant lenses, and moisture and smudge-resistant coating.
• A lightweight insulated cooler to keep refreshments cool all day long.
• A waterproof bag to keep valuables and electronics safe and dry.

Entertainment

• A waterproof Bluetooth speaker to enjoy music while out on the water.
• A waterproof digital camera, such as a GoPro, to capture memories and record exciting moments.
• A curated playlist or a treasure trove of movies to keep the boater entertained during their trips.

Maintenance and Convenience

• Dock lines are essential for securing the boat and can be found in various materials and lengths to suit different boat sizes.
• A boat loop is a handy tool that provides an extra hand with its expandable fiberglass pole and unique features like large and small boat hooks.
• A set of shatterproof plastic nautical wine glasses lets boaters and their guests enjoy a cocktail without worrying about broken glass.
• A first aid kit is a practical gift that ensures the boater is well-prepared for any minor injuries that may occur during their adventures.

Boating equipment

Safety Gear: Safety should always be a top priority when out on the water. Consider gifting a life jacket, a first aid kit, or a sound signalling device. You could also look into more advanced safety gear such as the ACR Bivy Stick Mesh, which is a satellite messenger that integrates advanced LoRa-enabled mesh networking with the Iridium Satellite network, allowing boaters to communicate without relying on cellular coverage.

Navigation Tools: Helping boaters navigate unfamiliar waters or locate the best fishing spots can be a great gift. Options include marine global positioning systems (GPS), fish finders, and marine smartwatches or sailing watches. These devices often offer additional features such as tide tracking, weather updates, and heart rate monitoring.

Fishing Equipment: If the boat owner you're gifting to enjoys fishing, there are numerous options to enhance their experience. Consider lures, reels, or a fillet knife for preparing their catch. You could also gift them a subscription to a fishing magazine or a book like "All Fish Are Awesome", which educates children about the importance of different fish species.

Boat Maintenance and Cleaning: Boat maintenance and cleaning supplies are always useful. Consider Interlux Watertite Epoxy Filler for repairing holes and scratches, or Pettit Captain's Varnish to protect and enhance the woodwork on their vessel. For cleaning, you could gift them a set of boat eraser sponges, such as the Better Boat boat erasers, which effectively remove dirt, grease, and grime without the use of harsh chemicals.

Boat Accessories: There are endless boat accessories that can enhance the boating experience. Some ideas include dock lines, a boat loop or boat hook, a waterproof Bluetooth speaker, or shatterproof plastic drinkware for enjoying cocktails on the water without worrying about broken glass.

Remember to consider the specific needs and interests of the boat owner you're gifting to, and choose items that align with their boating activities and passions.

Boating apparel

Jackets

A durable, waterproof jacket is essential for boating, as weather conditions can be unpredictable. Look for something lightweight and breathable, like the Helly Hansen Men's Crew Hooded Sailing Jacket or the Grundéns Weather Watch Hooded Fishing Jacket. For women, the Gill Crew Sport Lite Jacket is a great option as it is built with anti-pill polyester fabric that is both waterproof and comfortable. It also has a thermal collar, pockets for hand warming, and an internal pocket for valuables.

Hats

A hat is a budget-friendly gift that can add a lot of sentimentality, especially if it is personalized. Boat Name Embroidered Hats are a unique and thoughtful gift for sailors. Tilley hats are also a good option, known for their durability and breathability. They are designed specifically for seamen and offer features like UPF 50+ protection, water resistance, and floatation.

Footwear

Deck Boss Ankle Boots are a good choice for boating footwear as they provide shock resistance and have a grip that improves traction on wet surfaces. They are designed to accommodate those who spend long hours on the water.

Gloves

Cut-resistant gloves are a must-have for any boat owner who enjoys fishing. They provide added protection when cleaning fish or cutting ropes and fishing lines. The NoCry Cut Resistant Gloves are a great option as they are 4x stronger than leather and machine washable.

Shirts

Custom boat shirts or t-shirts are a fun way to show off the boat owner's pride in their vessel. You can work with existing yacht art or use a photo to create vector boat drawings that can be printed on various items like t-shirts, hoodies, and tank tops.

Boating technology

Marine VHF Radio

A VHF radio is a crucial piece of safety equipment for any boat owner. The Cobra Handheld Floating VHF Radio is a good option as it includes safety features such as scan mode for finding live channels and instant access to Channel 16 for emergencies. It also floats in the water and has distinctive colouring for easy retrieval.

Marine Binoculars

A good pair of binoculars is essential for any boat owner. The Hooway Marine Binoculars offer 7x magnification and a 500mm objective lens, perfect for distance spotting while at sea. They are also durable and waterproof, making them ideal for marine conditions.

Waterproof Speakers

A waterproof speaker can enhance a boat owner's experience by allowing them to play their favourite tunes while out on the water. The JBL Charge 4 is a rugged, waterproof speaker with Bluetooth streaming and 20 hours of playtime.

Satellite Communicator

A satellite communicator is a great gift for boat owners who venture into remote locations or areas with limited cell phone service. The Garmin inReach Mini 2, for example, allows users to stay in touch with friends and family, check emails, and call for help in an emergency.

Waterproof Digital Camera

A waterproof camera is perfect for boat owners who want to capture their adventures on the water. The GoPro Hero11 is a popular option, allowing users to record footage in any condition and share it on social media or with family and friends.

First Aid Kit

While not exactly technology, a first aid kit is an essential piece of gear for any boat owner. A good kit, like the Surviveware Waterproof Premium First Aid Kit, is comprehensive, easy to use, and comes in a waterproof case.

Boating decor

• Personalized items such as custom doormats, throw pillows, rugs, welcome mats, and keychains with the boat's name or an inside joke about the owner. These can add a touch of personality and make the boat feel like home.
• Boat name blankets, which can be customized with the boat's name and make a great gift for new boat owners.
• Nautical-themed items like anchor-themed sweatshirts, boating-themed mugs, and sailing-themed T-shirts can be fun and functional gifts.
• Boat portrait gifts, such as custom boat drawings or paintings, are perfect for those who take pride in their vessels.
• Boat model ornaments, like miniature lobster boats, can be a charming addition to a boat owner's Christmas tree.
• Dock mats and cocktail glasses with the boat's image, name, and port of call are sure to inspire boat envy among friends and family.
• Boating-themed phone cases, beach towels, mouse pads, stickers, and jigsaw puzzles that showcase the waterway locations boat owners enjoy can be great gifts to display their passion.

Frequently asked questions