There are some people in life for whom it’s hard to buy gifts, and there are some people in life for whom picking out a gift is super easy.
If you have a boat owner in your family or circle of friends, that person probably falls into the latter category because anything you buy him or her that has to do with boating is going to be appreciated.
Boat owners love their boats like pet owners love their pets, so if you’re at a loss as to what kind of gift to get your boat-loving friend, you can safely assume a boat-related gift will be a good choice.
30 Sea-Worthy Gift Ideas for Boat Owners
Make Fishing Even Easier: Garmin Striker 7SV with Transducer 7″ GPS Fishfinder
If your buddy has his boat for fishing purposes, this is the ultimate gift for him. The Garmin Striker 7SV includes a transducer for built-in traditional sonar as well as side scanning sonar. It features Quickdraw Contours mapping software to quickly create and store maps of his favorite fishing spots and has WiFi so he can easily receive smart notifications and software updates.
It has a bright, sunlight-readable display and an intuitive user interface that’ll make locating and catching fish easier than it’s ever been. He’ll absolutely love this gift.
For Keeping Cold Drinks Cold: YETI Tundra 35 Cooler
There’s nothing like an ice cold drink on a hot day on the boat, and no one does ice cold drinks quite like Yeti. The Yeti Tundra 35 can hold up to 20 cans of your friend’s favorite boating drinks and still maintain a 2:1 ice-to-contents ratio.
It’s lightweight and portable enough to be carried by one person, and it comes in nine beautiful, pastel colors. The cooler has three inches of PermaFrost insulation and an extra thick FatWall design to keep things as cold as possible.
Ahoy, Captain: Standard Horizon GX1800GW White 25W VHF/GPS/Second Station Explorer Series
This Standard Horizon communication system will allow your friend to chat with other boaters out on the ocean or radio for help in case of an emergency. It’s the newest model in the series and features built-in GPS and an easy-to-use operating system that she’ll not have trouble mastering.
It’s a 25-watt fixed mount VHF and has a 66 channel receiver. It’s also capable of being connected to a fully functional second station. It allows distress calling, individual calling and group calling and is waterproof, so it shouldn’t be damaged if the waves get rough.
For Boating with a View: Waterproof Fogproof Military Marine Binoculars w/Internal Rangefinder
These binoculars are a must-have for any boat, especially if the people on board like to check out the horizon, watch for birds or scan the shoreline for wildlife. The entire package includes the binoculars, their carrying bag, a floating foam strap, lens caps for the binoculars and the eyepiece and a cleaning cloth.
The binoculars are waterproof, so your friend won’t have to worry about damaging them while using them on the boat, and they have a built-in rangefinder and compass scale, which are illuminated by the light on/off switch.
They feature an ergonomic, non-slip design, and the field of view is 396 feet at 1,000 yards. They can be adjusted as needed and can be used with a tripod, and if your friend drops them in the water, they’ll float!
There’s Always a Need for a Dry Bag: HEETA Waterproof Dry Bag for Women Men
Anytime your friend is going out on a boat, she’ll have need of a dry bag. Whether she needs to take some medication, dry clothes, a book or something else with her, there are certain things she’ll need to stay dry.
This particular bag comes in over 40 different colors/styles and uses professional seamless technology for 100% waterproof capability. Although the bag is colored, it features enough transparency to allow her to see what she’s searching for while she’s digging around in it, and the shoulder straps are adjustable to make carrying it easy and convenient.
A Way Back Home: MAH “So You Can Always Find Your Way Back Home” Compass
This is a beautiful brass compass engraved with the message “So you can always find your way back home” on the casing. It has been antiquated to make it look authentically antique and comes in a stamped, genuine leather case.
It’s a gorgeous gift for any traveler, whether he’s traveling by sea or by land.
In Case of a Boating Emergency: Adventure Medical Kits Waterproof Marine 600 Medical First Aid Kit
This is a gift that you hope your friend never needs to use, but you want to make sure he has it just in case. It’s a professional-grade medical kit that contains just about anything he’d need for administering emergency first aid.
It includes the tools needed to treat sprains, burns, cuts, fractures, hypothermia and more. Everything is individually packed in injury-specific, waterproof pockets that makes them easy to locate. The case itself is waterproof, durable and high-impact.
It has a gasket seal that ensures everything remains safe and dry.
Incorporating Technology into Fishing: ReelSonar Wireless Bluetooth Smart Fish Finder
This is another great gift for the fisherman. It uses patented sonar fish-identifying technology to help him locate fish at depths of up to 135 feet. It has a bright, LED beacon and a rechargeable battery that lasts over ten hours before it needs to be recharged.
It’s compatible with both iOS and Android systems and connects via Bluetooth.
Bring a Little Music to Their Lives: Wireless Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Boombox Speaker
If your friend likes to get out on the boat more for pleasure than for fishing, she’ll appreciate this 500-watt, wireless karaoke boombox. It connects to her phone or mp3 player via Bluetooth and features a dual, three-inch subwoofer and 250W RMS full range stereo sound.
The battery is rechargeable and should give her up to six hours of use before needing to be recharged. This is the perfect, waterproof way for her to listen to all her favorite songs while out on the boat.
Stylish and Practical: Helly-Hansen Mens Pier Sailing Jacket
With sizes ranging from small to 3X and four colors from which to choose, this pier sailing jacket by Helly-Hansen is the perfect gift for the sailor in your life. It’s waterproof and windproof, as well as lightweight, breathable and durable.
It features the profiled high collar and adjustable double cuff seals. The pockets are lined with fleece to keep his hands warm and toasty even amid the coldest splashing waves. The jacket is so warm, in fact, that it can double as a ski jacket when he hits the slopes in the winter months.
For the Whiskey Drinker: Whiskey Decanter with Ship Inside
This isn’t necessarily a gift for a boat, but it is a great gift that a boat lover will really enjoy. It’s a hand-blown whiskey decanter made of etched, lead-free glass designed to look like a globe.
Inside the globe is a hand-blown ship done with tons of intricate detail. The wooden base is also handcrafted by master craftsmen in Kentucky, and for each decanter the company sells, they plant a tree to commemorate it.
In addition to being beautiful, it’s also functional; it holds 1,000ml of your favorite boater’s favorite spirit, and the ground glass stopper ensures an airtight seal to keep the liquid from evaporating.
A Gift with a Cause: 4ocean Loggerhead Sea Turtle Braided Bracelet Authentic
At first glance, this bracelet may not look like a nice gift, but when you find out more about it, you’ll understand why it’s actually the perfect gift for anyone who loves the ocean. The bracelet is made by a company called 4Ocean, and for each bracelet they sell, they use the proceeds to remove one pound of trash from the world’s oceans, rivers and coastlines.
That alone will be enough to make your boat- and water-loving friend thrilled with this gift, but that’s not all. The bracelet is also made from 100% post-consumer recycled materials and is hand-assembled in Bali by an artisan jewelry maker.
Power on Command: ADDTOP Solar Charger 25000mAh Portable Solar Power Bank
One thing a boater gets a lot of is sunshine, which makes this solar-powered charger a really useful gift to have onboard. It’s a 25,000mAh charger that gets its energy from the sun. The charger can then be used to charge iPhones, iPads or Android devices.
It can give between three and ten charges (depending on the device being charged) before it has to be recharged itself. It’s foldable, so it takes up no more room than a cellphone in your friend’s bag, but it unfolds into four large panels for maximum charging surface area.
It also comes equipped with emergency LED lights in case he needs light in a pinch.
Making Boat Cleaning Easier: StarBrite 083701N Boat Care In A Bucket Starter Kit
Boat enthusiasts are pretty adamant about keeping their boats clean. This all-in-one kit can help your friend do just that. The bucket is supposed to be unbreakable, and it’s large enough to hold everything contained in the kit, which includes a wash mitt, vinyl protectant, boat wash in a bottle, premium polish, instant hull cleaner and non-skid cleaner.
Each product is made specifically with boats in mind, so it shouldn’t be too abrasive or damage his boat in any way.
Beautiful Wall Art: 3-Piece Canvas Wall Art “Wooden Boat in The Clouds Reflected in Water”
Bring the beauty of boats into your friend’s house with this three-piece canvas wall art print featuring a beautiful, flat-bottom boat sitting on clear water reflecting the clouds. It’s a beautiful addition to any room.
It’s stretched and framed, ready to be hung wherever your friend wants it. It’s a unique gift that’ll make her smile and think of you every time she sees it.
Safety First: Seachoice Type II Personal Flotation Device 4-Pack with Bag
If there’s one thing that every boat needs on it, it’s life jackets. The bigger the boat and the more people that get on it, the more life jackets it needs. Chances are your friend already has a life jacket of his own, but having extras is always good in case of unexpected boat visitors or in case something happens to his.
This package includes four, U.S. Coast Guard Type II PFD flotation devices. They fit adults weighing 90 or more pounds and come in a nylon carrying bag for safekeeping. They’re bright yellow, so they’re easy to see, which will also come in handy in case of an emergency that ends in people looking for passengers in the water.
A Classy Addition to Any Wardrobe: ZUNON Compass Cufflinks
These classy cufflinks are a good choice for the gentleman boater in your life. They’re high-quality and handmade. They’re made of dome glass with silver and gold finish, are weighty and feature the unique design of an intricate compass on each one.
They look great with most suits and feature an actual moving needle inside them, which makes them very unique and original. If you’re buying a gift for a female boat lover in your life, there are compass earrings that are very similar to these and look just as amazing.
Give Them the Signal: Orion Safety Combo Alerter Coastal Signalling Flare Kit
No one ever wants to have to use their “In Case of Emergency” items, but it’s also best to have them available just in case. It provides peace of mind, which is exactly what this gift gives your friend.
This flare gun is high-performance, durable and designed to work even in the harshest of weather conditions. The kit comes with the Orion flare gun, the bandolier that holds up to six high-performance signals and four 12-gauge high-performance red aerial signals.
The flares will fly up to 500-feet high and burn for up to seven seconds each at a brightness of 16,000 candela. It’s approved as either a nighttime or daytime signal.
Keep the Boat Safe: Waterproof Tarp Cover Silver/Black Heavy Duty Thick Material
Whether your friend has a small canoe or a large pontoon boat, something to cover it and keep it out of the elements is a necessity. This tarp is perfect for that. It comes in five different colors, and there are lightweight, mediumweight and heavyweight options.
It’s known as “the most durable and highly protective tarp” available. It’s designed to protect against adverse weather conditions, mold, mildew and other things that could potentially damage your friend’s boat.
It’s high-quality and waterproof and can be used for multiple purposes in addition to simply being a boat cover.
For Superior Hand Protection: WindRider Pro Sailing Gloves
These 3/4-finger, padded palm sailing gloves are a must-have item for anyone who owns a sailboat or any other type of boat that requires pulling ropes and messing with rigging. They have mesh backs to help keep your friend’s hands cool in warm weather.
The mesh also helps them dry faster when they’re wet. The palms are covered in leather to protect against blisters and burns, and they help provide him with a better grip. Finally, these gloves feature extra padding in the palms for more protection and a more comfortable fit.
Because they are 2/3-finger gloves instead of full-finger gloves, he’ll still have full use of his hands and fingers.
For the Cheese Lover: TOSCANA Mariner Cheese Board and Tool Set
If your boat-owning friend is also a foodie or someone who likes to host lots of great brunches or evenings in, this mariner nautical cheese board is something she’ll absolutely adore. It looks just like a ship’s wheel to remind her guests of her love of boats, and it comes with the tools she’ll need to serve fruits, cheeses and other delicacies.
The board is revolving so that everyone can have equal access to the tools and the food on it. It’s made of ultra-durable rubber wood, and the tools have stainless steel heads and sturdy wooden handles.
The board is 13.5 inches in diameter with the tool handles attached, and it comes with a lifetime guarantee by the manufacturer.
A Sharp Gift Indeed: Captain Pro BF300P Professional Captain Rigging Knife
This rigging knife is a thoughtful, useful gift for any boat captain. The handle is made of stainless, high tech composite G10, and the blade is made of German Marine Stainless Steel. The G10 material is man-made, impervious to the elements and is supposed to be the strongest handle for a knife intended to be used at sea.
The blade features anti-oxidation elements and a razor sharp edge. The knife is as beautiful as it is functional. It also features a Cordura nylon sheath and belt, and the whole thing comes in a gift box for attractive gifting.
For Easy Docking: SAN LIKE Telescopic Boat Hook
This boat hook is made of a lightweight material that makes the whole rod able to float if dropped into the water. This means your friend won’t lose the pole even if he drops it into the river. The paint on the pole is luminous bead paint, which makes it easy to see even at night.
The length is adjustable to suit your friend’s needs, and it’s foldable for easy storage when it’s not in use. It features an EVA foam hand grip and a durable lanyard for gripping poles, posts and other items.
This is the easiest way for your friend to dock his boat.
For Keeping Him in Once Place: Extreme Max 3006.6548 BoatTector Complete Grapnel Anchor Kit
Every boat needs an anchor. That’s just a fact. There’s going to be some point in your buddy’s time on the water when he needs to sit still in the water, and he can’t exactly do that without an anchor.
The kit comes with the three and a half-pound anchor, a 25-foot, hollow braid, polythene rope with a snap hook, a marker buoy and a storage bag. It works with personal watercraft, canoes, kayaks, SUPs and small inflatable boats.
It works in coral, rocky or heavily weeded water bottoms.
For an Elegant Look: VIVIAN & VINCENT Elegant Anchor Print Sheer Infinity Scarf
This beautiful infinity scarf makes a great gift for your female boat enthusiast. It’s very chic and elegant and features a beautiful anchor and rope pattern that helps showcase her love of boating. There are various color options from which you can choose, and your friend can wear it double-wrapped for a fuller look or long for a more hippie-ish vibe.
It’s lightweight and cool, and because it’s made of 100% Viscose, it’s also extremely soft. Your more stylish friends will love it.
A Light in the Darkness: Seapon Pontoon Boat Light Marine LED Light Strip
If your friend enjoys boating at night, these LED light strips are pretty perfect for him. There’s a little over 16 feet of lights, which should do a nice job of lighting up his whole boat depending on its size.
The lights are waterproof, so a big wave shouldn’t damage them, and they have a lifespan of about 50,000 hours. They’re made in a flexible ribbon style, which is perfect for curving or making circles around the boat, and they require very little power to work.
They also come with a self-adhesive backing that makes installation super simple.
For Holding Their Catch: KUFA Floatable Galvanized Steel Wire Fish Basket
Fishermen need somewhere to put the fish they catch while they’re still fishing. Many boats come with fish wells, but some don’t, and for some of the ones that do, that doesn’t mean that’s what they’re actually used to hold.
Some people use their fish wells as extra storage space for life jackets, first aid kits and more. Get your friend this galvanized wire fish basket to hold his fish instead. The basket will float gently in the water, containing the fish in their natural habitat until it’s time to take them home.
It features a bottom gate that makes fish removal easy, and when he doesn’t need it, he can fold it up into a tiny, easy-to-carry package.
Keep the Bugs Away: Thermacell Cambridge Mosquito Repellent Patio Shield Lantern
One of the only bad things about being on a boat are all the mosquitoes. Bugs can be bad on the water, and not everyone loves coating themselves in sticky, stinky bug spray. Buy your friend this decorative lantern instead.
It’ll offer her up to 15 feet of protection against mosquitoes without her ever having to spray anything on herself or light an open flame on the boat. It’s lightweight and easily transportable. Plus, it looks really nice as well.
Protect His Skin: Sun Bum Travel Tripper Travel Kit
One thing a lot of boaters – especially male boaters – often forget is to put on sunscreen before they go out on their boats. The sun is warm and beautiful, and we all love it, but it can be dangerous too.
Help make sure your friend takes care of his skin by getting him this Sun Bum travel kit to store on his boat. It includes the Sun Bum SPF 30 sunscreen lotion, cool down aloe lotion, pina colada cocobalm and more all in one cute, convenient, zippered bag.
The sunscreen is water-resistant and perfect for all skin types.
Add a Little Spice to Life: Creative Co-Op Aluminum Boat Shaped Salt & Pepper Shakers
If you’re looking for an adorable gift to give the boat lover in your life who already has everything she could possibly need for her boat, get her this adorable, understated salt and pepper shaker set.
It features a contemporary minimalist design of contrasting metal and natural wood, and it adds the perfect coastal flair to anyone’s table. When the set is placed altogether, it looks like a super cute sailboat.
The tray is made of teak wood, and the salt and pepper shakers feature silicone stoppers to prevent spills or leaks.
Conclusion
Picking Presents for Boat Lovers
When you hear the word boat, what image comes to your mind? Do you picture a small, motor-powered bass boat lazily rocking on the lake, a fisherman standing at each end with their fishing rods in hand? Do you think of a giant houseboat tied up at dock with warm light shining out of the windows into the night? Maybe you simply think of a small, one-person canoe being paddled down the river. Whatever you picture when you hear the word boat, you’re probably not wrong. There are so many types of boats.
You can place a giant Carnival cruise ship next to a tiny little lifeboat and wonder how the two things can even share the same name, but they do. Large or small, made for work or for pleasure – boats are just boats, even when they look vastly different. No matter how many differences you can find between two boats, though, there’s one thing that stays the same: the way a boat owner feels about his or her boat.
Whether you’re thinking of a tiny boat that needs paddles to move, a slim sailboat cutting through the water or a giant pleasure yacht, recreational boating adds over $170 billion dollars to the U.S. economy every year. People love their boats. They’re proud of them. They’re constantly cleaning them, buying things for them and tweaking them one way or another. While this can occasionally get annoying – not to mention expensive – for the boat owner’s spouse, it definitely makes it much easier on you to find a gift for that person.
There are several different avenues you can take when picking out a gift as well. You can buy something that’s actually for your loved one’s boat. Whether it’s something mechanical or something to improve its appearance, there are all kinds of gifts out there just for boats. You could even buy equipment that would enhance the overall boating experience.
Additionally, you could buy a gift that would be used on a boat, such as fishing equipment, life jackets or anything else a boat owner might need. There are tons of great options out there when it comes to buying gifts for boat enthusiasts. Just be sure whatever you get makes sense with your loved one’s particular type of boat. You don’t want to buy a trolling motor for a canoe after all.
Finally, you could just buy them something that showcases their love of boats to the world. That could be a coffee mug, a framed nautical print, a t-shirt proclaiming how much they love boats or something else. Whichever avenue you take, your gift will definitely be a hit.
Conclusion
Who is the boat lover in your family or circle of friends? Is it you, or is it someone you love? What do you think are the most essential items to have onboard any boat? Did you agree with our selection of the 30 best gifts to give a boat enthusiast, or did we miss something that you think should have been at the top of our list? Let us know all of that and more in the comments section, and don’t forget to like and share this article with your friends.
We hope to see you again soon!
