Do you know someone obsessed with their boat? Is a special occasion coming up, and you’re scratching your head wondering what you get someone “living the life” on their yacht?
Well, fear not good friend or family member—there is hope. Boat folks are just like regular folks, and they have lots of wants, desires, and needs.
The only limiting factor in your search for the perfect gift should be space. If your acquaintance lives aboard their vessel, they are probably cramped for space. While everyone loves some decor and some nick-knacks, boats do not have space for objects that they don’t use. There are no shelves or displays on a boat. Therefore, the best gifts for boaters are always the ones with clear and practical uses.
Here are some ideas for new boat owners, plus ideas for experienced cruisers, too. The best gifts, as always, are those that show you’re paying attention and care. What do they most love about their boat–fixing it up, fishing off of it, or voyaging across oceans? Find a gift they’ll love by narrowing it down a little.
Table of Contents
- Gifts for the New Boat Owner
- Gifts for the DIY Boat Owner
- Gifts for Liveaboard Boaters
- Gifts for Cruisers and Voyagers
- Final Thoughts
Gifts for the New Boat Owner
Battery-operated SOS Light
New boat owners need a lot of help. First off, it’s not sexy or cool, but think about some safety gear. Regular flares need to be replaced every few years, but this battery-operated SOS light is legal for both day and night use and only needs new batteries occasionally. Every boater should have one!
- No more flares - Family safe and easy to use, the C-1003 is a complete compliance kit that fulfills USCG Night, Day, and Audible distress signal requirements
- Flashes US Coast Guard spec SOS signal for up to 60 hours, many times longer than USCG requirements; batteries included
- Incredibly bright signal is visible up to 10 nautical miles
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Floating VHF Radio
A floating VHF radio is another must-have on every type of sailboat. They’re inexpensive when compared to regular marine radios. While they don’t have a great range, they’re fabulous for use in emergencies or just when you need to carry a small one with you.
- Maximum Coverage – This VHF marine radio allows operation of channels in the US, Canada, and internationally at 1, 3, or 6 watts with for short and long range communication, and access to NOAA weather channels.
- Safety First – Scan channels to find conversations in progress and have instant access to Channel 16 for emergency situations. Use the Tri-Watch feature to monitor three channels at once (Channel 16 and two user selected channel).
- Sea Ready – Floating design and orange core makes retrieving your radio easy if dropped overboard, and meeting JIS7 (IPX7) standards allows your radio to be submersed for 30 minutes at one meter deep.
- Clear Communication – Burp Feature vibrates the water out of the speaker grill and improves speaker performance, while the noise cancelling microphone blocks background noise for clearer conversations.
- Everything You Need – This Cobra Handheld Marine Radio comes ready to use with the included drop-in battery charger, AC charger, DC charger, LiON battery pack, antenna, owner’s manual, spring loaded belt clip, and wrist str
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Piece of Safety Equipment
If safety equipment is on the list of things every boater must invest in, cleaning supplies surely come in a close second. These Shurhold handle kits are absolutely some of the most valuable things on a boat. If they’ve already got the handle, buy them a spare boathook head, scrub brush, or fishing net. Don’t assume the net is just for fishermen, by the way. It’s super helpful in retrieving objects lost over the side! Another great option could be a sailing knife.
- All in one package to make gift giving easy
- Great introduction to high quality Shurhold products or addition to an existing set
- 6 telescoping handle locks to four lengths between 43 and 72
- Compatible with over 40 different Shurhold attachments, saving valuable space on your boat, RV, or in your gar
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Some Other Ideas for Boat Nubbies
Finally, boaters can’t get enough of these Yeti–brand tumblers. They come in a variety of sizes. For sundowners, they even have wine tumblers!
- The Rambler 20 oz. is made from durable stainless steel with double-wall vacuum insulation to protect your hot or cold beverage at all costs
- These Ramblers come standard with the YETI MagSlider Lid, the only drink lid that uses the power of magnets to keep your water, beer, or favorite drink on lock
- While the MagSlider Lid adds a barrier of protection for keeping drinks contained and preventing heat or cold from escaping, Please Note – The MagSlider Lid is not leakproof and will not prevent spills
- YETI Ramblers are dishwasher safe, and have a No Sweat Design to make sure your hands stay dry. The tough Duracoat coating on the colored tumblers won’t crack, peel or fade
- The YETI 20 oz Rambler Tumbler stands 6 7/8 in high and has a lip diameter of 3 1/2 in. All YETI 20 oz. Tumblers are sized to fit in standard sized cup hold
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Speaking of cups and mugs and things, there isn’t a boater alive who doesn’t go crazy for things with their boat’s name printed on it. Look for custom or monogrammed options. If you can, snap a picture of the boat’s name on the transom of their boat and try to match their ship’s font!
Boating couples often have difficulties docking the boat. One of the biggest hiccups arises from the fact that’s it’s tough to communicate without shouting. If the person driving is up high on a flybridge or way aft in the typical sailboat, the bow person won’t hear them easily. But it’s a simple problem with an easy solution—two of these Bluetooth headsets are all that’s required. So now the crew and talk to one another calmly and dock like champs.
- Bluetooth 3.0 stereo headset brings you four-way intercom conversations with a 900-meter range
- The Sena SPH10 does not have and will not have the custom software required to work with the Harley Davidson Boom Box.
- Versatile Jog Dial and large buttons on the boom mic make it easy to control all the functions.Do not clean the product with cleaning solvents,toxic chemicals,or strong detergents as this may damage the product
- Advanced Noise Control technology detects and cuts out background noise
- Fully water resistant with up to 10 hours of talk time and seven days of stand-by on a single charge
- Operating temperature: -10 degree Celsius – 55 degree Celsius (14 degree Fahrenheit – 131 degree Fahrenhe
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Gifts for the DIY Boat Owner
Do-it-yourselfers and “project boat” owners have an entirely different set of needs. Most of them revolve around tools, parts, or sailing materials! It’s pretty hard to make a list of all of the parts you might need for every project imaginable, but here are some ideas for tools that every project-minded boater can use.
A WiFi Endoscope
Every boat has tiny spaces where you can’t see. A WiFi endoscope for your phone allows you to see in between wall panels and bulkheads, below floorboards, and even deep into engine compartments. Best of all, it has built-in LEDs so it can shed light on the darkest places in any boat.
- Endoscope with Wide Compatibility: This wireless WiFi endoscope can work with Android 5.0+ smart phone and iPhone with iOS 9+ system. Armed with 11.5ft bendable semi-rigid Snake cable can extend to all corner of your house. Perfect for iPhone user who want do inspection work.
- WiFi Connection, Easy to Use: Download and install the compatible App on your device. No need extra adapter or cable, just connect with your smartphone via WiFi. Then start the App to begin your inspection.
- HD Inspection Camera: 2.0MP borescope offers you a wonderful experience of capturing a clear close range HD video in MP4 format and image in JPG format with adjustable resolutions 640x480, 1280 x 720 , 1600 x1200 and 1920 x 1080.
- IP67 Waterproof, 8.4mm Diameter Probe: With 6 adjustable LED light and thin waterproof probe, this endoscope are suitable for various types of environment, for example, low-light or dark area, damp or wet area etc.
- Tips: Turn on the Wi-Fi Endoscope, then it will generate a Wi-Fi signals. Open the WLAN settings of your phone, if the Wifi name started with Jetion, you need to use the APP DEPSTECH（iOS/Android). Or if it started with DEPSTECH, then you need to download the App DEPSTECH-view（iOS/Android). It will help you get the real-time image of the endosco
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Hose Puller for Boaters
Here’s a secret weapon most boaters wish they knew about—the handy hose puller. This simple tool is not a common sight in many toolbags, but it makes it easy to pry old hoses off their connections. It’s invaluable for engine work, plumbing, and through-hull repair in the boatyard.
- Black oxide finish for additional rust protection
- Made of high quality alloy steel and heat treated for long life
- Available in multiple angles and configurations to have the proper tool for the application
- Made in U
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An Infrared Thermometer
Finally, here are two tools no boater should be without. The first one, an infrared thermometer, is invaluable for several things on a boat that you may never have considered. First, it can find loose or corroded electrical connections that could cause a fire. If a shore power cord is getting hot, it’s the first sign of serious trouble. The same goes for battery connections and wiring behind panels. They’re also great in the galley for checking the temperature of foods and grills.
- Note: This product is for industrial use only. It is not for human use
- Infrared thermometer for non-contact surface temperature measurement for use in monitoring electrical, mechanical, HVAC, and automotive systems
- Measures temperature from 30 to 500 degrees C (-22 to 932 degrees F) with an accuracy of or 1.5 degree C or or 1.5 percent of the reading from 0 to 500 degrees C
- 10:1 infrared distance to spot ratio with laser sighting for pinpointing the measurement area
- Displays the minimum, the maximum, the difference between the 2 temperatures, and the average temperatures
- Certified IP54 for protection against dust and splashing liquid
- Small and lightweight making it easy to clip to your tool belt or belt loop
- Precise laser technology makes for more accurate and repeatable measurements
- Large backlit display makes it easier to read data, even in dark areas
- Rugged built to last design that can withstand a 3 meter d
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A Compact Multimeter
Lastly, a compact clamp-style multimeter is a must-have for tracking down wiring issues and planning your daily power consumption. The clamp function is crucial because it enables you to see the current flowing through any wire to calculate amps and wattage easily.
- Easily perform multiple tests such as amp and voltage readings
- Large, 3-3/4 digit, 4000 count backlit display for use in all conditions
- AC current measurements up to 400 amps; Voltage range up to 600 volts
- Temperature, capacitance, and resistance ranges
- Double insulated, shock absorbing case and overload protection; Auto power off and Low battery indica
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Gifts for Liveaboard Boaters
Are you buying for someone who is living on their sailboat? Life afloat has all sorts of special considerations. Imagine stuffing all of the stuff that makes your home life tick into the hull of a tiny boat? There are lots of space-conscious solutions out there, so start with some basics.
Kitchen and Bath Gifts for Boaters
These Turkish towels are soft and absorbent, but they dry quicker and fold up much smaller than standard terrycloth towels. You can get big ones for the shower and smaller sizes for both kitchen and bath.
- A First in Turkish Towels : GOTS(GLOBAL ORGANIC TEXTILE STANDARDS)CERTIFIED 100%
- A first in Turkish Towels : DOUBLE KNOTTED TASSELS.
- ON TOP OF ALL THAT : PREWASHED. Thanks to PREWASHING it will not shrink and it is already so SOFT!
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Speaking of the kitchen, some lunatec dishcloths are fabulous alternatives to nasty dish scrubbers. And they work great with the environmentally-friendly bar soaps that are handy on every boat.
Liveaboard boaters are always looking for solutions in the galley, one of the most space-intensive spaces on a boat. Magma stacking pots are a great idea—they give you everything you need and store in a single cabinet. If they’ve already got the pot set, how about an add-on, like this wok or a colander?
- 100% 18-10 mirror polished stainless Steel
- Nests and stores in less than 1/2 cu. Ft. Of cabinet space.
- Cookware is oven safe to 500 Degree F (excludes removable handle
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Finally, if the boat’s electrical system can support it or they spend most of their time at a dock, an Instant Pot pressure cooker is a fabulous addition to any boater’s galley. They cook fast and efficiently and without heating the boat’s cabin on hot summer days.
- 7-IN-1 FUNCTIONALITY: Pressure cook, slow cook, rice cooker, yogurt maker, steamer, sauté pan and food warmer.
- QUICK ONE-TOUCH COOKING: 13 customizable Smart Programs for pressure cooking ribs, soups, beans, rice, poultry, yogurt, desserts and more.
- PROVEN SAFETY FEATURES: Includes over 10 safety features, plus overheat protection and safe-locking lid.
- GREAT FOR GROWING FAMILIES: Cook for up to 6 people
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Gifts for Cruisers and Voyagers
If your boating friends travel far and wide, look for items that help them move their boat and navigate.
Some Book Ideas for Boaters
No boater ever says no to a good cruising guide. Maybe they’re dreaming of a winter trip to The Bahamas or a summer trip to New England?
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If that feels a little too practical for a gift for a boater, how about a good story that provides some inspiration for their next trip? Younger sailors and women, in particular, will connect Swell by Liz Clark as she finds adventure sailing solo in the South Pacific. Every crew member will love Flirting with Mermaids, a tale of love and yacht deliveries penned by the talented John Kretschmer.
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Some Digi Goods for Boaters
If you want to keep an eye on their travels so you can pop up for impromptu afternoon sails, check out the Garmin InReach Mini. This little tracker allows them to text from anywhere, even from the middle of the ocean. It has a handy SOS function for safety, and it can download offshore weather reports from satellites, too.
- Small, rugged, lightweight satellite communicator enables 2 way text messaging
- Trigger an interactive SOS to the 24/7 search and rescue monitoring center (satellite subscription required)
- Access downloadable maps, U.S. NOAA charts, color aerial imagery and more by using the free Garmin Earthmate app and compatible devices
- Send and receive inReach messages through compatible Garmin devices, including connected wearables and handhelds
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When approaching strange anchorages, one of the problems boaters often have is figuring out exactly where they should drop their hook. Of course, they don’t want to get too close to other boats, but it’s hard to determine when the other boats are swinging to and fro on their anchors. In addition, the varying sizes of yachts can throw off the best skipper’s perceptions. All of this is solved, however, with a simple digital rangefinder like the ones golfers use.
- The most cost-effective rangefinder you can find on the market to provide you reliable performance for golfing, hunting, bowhunting, and boating
- Provide high-precision distance measurement. Integrates latest functions such as continuous range readings, ARC (angle range compensation).
- Measuring range from 5 to 650 yards, with +/- 1m high accuracy and 6x magnification.
- Fully multi-coated optics lenses effectively reduce reflected light and increase the transmission of light giving you a brighter clear image.
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Cruising and voyaging sound romantic, and it is. But ask any experienced cruiser, and they’ll point out that it can be very dull at times, too. Most boats move slowly, and traveling days can get drawn out. So pass the time with a Kindle Paperwhite e-reader, which is easy to read in direct daylight. It’s perfect for passing the time at the helm or even for lazy days on tropical beaches. A subscription to Audible or Kindle Unlimited is a great idea, too.
- Get more with Signature Edition – Everything in the Kindle Paperwhite, plus wireless charging, auto-adjusting front light, and 32 GB storage.
- Purpose-built for reading – With a flush-front design and 300 ppi glare-free display that reads like real paper, even in bright sunlight.
- More reading time – A single charge via USB-C or compatible Qi wireless charger (included) now lasts up to 10 weeks.
- Adjustable screen – Now with adjustable warm light and auto-adjusting front light for a personalized reading experience, day or night.
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If the boater in your life has it all, consider a waterproof sailing bag. There isn’t a cruiser alive who doesn’t need another waterproof bag, and this one is stylish enough to wear while exploring strange new ports.
Final Thoughts
When all else fails, it’s a safe bet that your boating friend could use a gift card to the local marine supply store or chandlery or simply a pair of sailing sunglasses. Sure, it’s missing that personal touch. But if you explain that your landlubber self didn’t have a clue what to get such a wise and handsome old sea dog, you’ll likely be forgiven!
Finding the right gift for a boater doesn’t have to be a challenge, and it doesn’t even have to be marine-specific. In the end, it’s still the thought counts. Connect with what they love and something meaningful to them.
