People who know “boaters,” or people who have boats, are lucky. Why? If you need to get them a gift, there are so many items to choose from! Let’s take a look at some gifts that any person would love — whether they have a small fishing boat or a yacht.
From safety items to practical boating stuff, and then to fun and nautical items, there is something sure to please all of the boaters in your life.
First, let’s look at some essential safety items that are good gifts for boaters!
Life vests
Boating accidents do happen, unfortunately. This is why boaters are required to carry safety vests. This one is U.S. Coast Guard-approved and is unisex; it acts as a personal flotation device. We like it because it offers mobility, which is important. If you have ever used the old-fashioned orange vests, you know it’s hard to move around.
First-aid kits
Boaters should carry emergency first-aid kits, whether it’s a poke from a fishhook or needing a band-aid. This one won’t take up too much space and will come in handy if needed. Why is this one so great? It’s waterproof. Everything gets wet on boats — supplies won’t be ruined.
Sunblock
Even if the sun isn’t out, the reflection off of the water will give you a sunburn, if you aren’t careful. That’s why we like this waterproof sunblock, which is mineral-based.
Hats
Hats also block the sun, and if you’re having a bad hair day out there on the water, these will hide it! This gift can come with beverage cozies, too, for the “Captain” and “First Mate.” Great for the couple who enjoys boating together. Check out all captain hats!
Oar
An oar in a boat is absolutely essential. Why? Well, sometimes, you lose one in the water. Sometimes, your engine quits, and you have to paddle back to land. Who knows, you may need to chase off a critter. It happens. At any rate, having an oar, or an extra oar is super-handy.
Radios
Disasters happen, and why not have your special boater prepared with a waterproof boating radio.
Chargers
Whether you just want to charge your cell phone, or if you need a flashlight, these are just awesome to have around. They are super-handy and a great safety item.
Flashlight
This is another great safety item for boating. Sometimes, it gets later than you think — and sometimes, small things get dropped into the boat’s small spaces. A good flashlight is a wonderful thing to have around.
Eye protection
Protect your boater’s eyes with these sharp-looking sunglasses that float (of course)!
For the fisherman in your life, we have found some practical ideas that they just absolutely need.
Creels
There are two ways to go on creels — old-fashioned or fabric. One is very traditional — and we love this one because it’s so vintage and cabin-y that you could hang it up when not in use. Another option is a more modern bag, and this one is made by a company that knows fishing well.
Poles
What is a fisherman without a pole? However, fishing poles are a very personal gift, and we think an Amazon gift card is just the thing. Let them choose their own perfect pole!
Education!
Is the boater in your life new to fishing? Even a seasoned pro will enjoy The Total Fishing Manual book edited by Joe Cermele for Field and Stream.
Tackle Box
Is your boater into freshwater or saltwater fishing? No matter, if you give them this tackle box, which is outfitted for either. All they need is the pole and they are set.
Knife
Catch a fish? Ready to fillet it? Drop the knife into the water? No problem, with this floating fillet knife. And with its bright-orange handle, it is easy to see and retrieve.
Net
Catch a fish? Well, quick, get it with this telescoping net. (Note: for freshwater use.)
Handy and practical for boating:
Ice chests are a wonderful gift for boaters
This one will hold it all: the ice, beverages, sandwiches, etc. It’s a proven, sturdy brand and will stand the test of time. We like the latch closure and sturdy handles.
Seating
Most boat seats are not built for comfort! Add some cushions and increase enjoyment.
Hats
Keep the sun off and stay cool with this handy hat. We like to dip ours in the water and plop them back on our heads. This brand isn’t bothered by getting wet.
Keep Beverages Cool
Warm beer — yuck, right? These insulated beer bottle sleeves will keep your brewski chilled down.
Binoculars are a super gift for boaters
If you’re near the water, you are near all sorts of birds and wildlife. What’s so great about these binoculars? They float!
Dry Bag
Accidents do happen and stuff gets wet, sometimes. If it’s important, keep it in a dry bag. We love this because it even floats.
All-in-One Gadget
This gadget does it all: cuts fishing line, opens bottles and corkscrews, has a wrench a whistle . . . we could go on and on. It’s bright orange so it can’t be lost on the boat.
Documents Organizer
From your permits to insurance and maps, this water-resistant organizer holds it all safely in one place.
Get the hook!
A boat hook is so handy for docking or retrieving things that have fallen into the water. This one is telescoping so you can really have some reach.
Trash
There will be trash on the boat, but a traditional can just take up too much space. That’s why we love this trash bag, which hangs onto the boat, and is out of the way.
Fish Odor
Love fish, but hate the odor that they leave on your hands? Check out these nifty stainless-steel bars that remove fish odors. They also remove garlic and onion odor! Miraculous.
Dockline
Docking, and then typing up, a boat gets easier with these nifty bungee ropes.
Fun boating stuff for the boater in your life:
T-shirts
Tees are always a practical gift, but we laughed when we saw this “My Boat, My Rules” number. Okay, whatever, Captain.
We liked this one, too.
Drone
What’s going on under your boat? Wouldn’t it be fun and interesting to see? Well, with an underwater drone, you can see just what is beneath the surface.
Grill
Okay, you caught a fish. Want to eat it? You can do it all from the boat with this marine grill. Get skunked, fishing? No matter, it will also do hot dogs.
Floaties are fun for everyone
We love air mattresses and blow-up sea creatures but floating mats look like a blast, don’t they? Your boater can tether it to the boat and everyone can splash and play.
Christening
Is your boater new to boating? Is this their first “baby”? Well, then it needs a boat christening, and here is the product with which to do that.
Tubing
Who doesn’t love to go tubing? This tough tube will be fun to pull behind a boat.
In the boating off-season, boaters will enjoy these nautical gifts.
Beach Bag
This beach bag for women is a great teacher gift. This gift satiates the requirement of the customer to the core. It is sturdy and comfortable in all aspects.
Clocks
The time goes by too slowly, though, when you are eager for boating season to begin again.
Knots
Winter is a good time to practice tying nautical knots. This book has great illustrations for your knotty boater.
Soap or Lotion Dispenser
We loved the look of this dispenser, sure to brighten up your boater’s day every time they use it.
Bell
We’d love to see this bell on a patio or deck; maybe the boater in your life can use it as a dinner bell.
Rug
This gorgeous rug features some nautical knots and is sure to brighten up a room.
Anchor
These decorative anchors are great-looking and could go in a variety of places.
Lamps
Have you seen prettier ones? We love the nautical/beachy look of these lamps, guaranteed to bring a touch of the ocean into your home.
White noise machine
Missing the sound of the sea, summer, rain, a brook, etc.? This white noise machine may be the ticket for your off-season boater.
Personalized lake decor
Does your boater have a favorite lake? If so, this gift is sure to please.
Clean it up!
Cleaning Kit
After boating, it’s important to get the boat clean and ready for its next use. This is a handy set up so that it is all in one place.
Vacuum
A little vacuum is handy for cleaning up the nooks and crannies in a boat.
Wax
Get the shine back on that boat after use with this specially-designed boat wax.
Nautical Wrapping Paper
Wrap the gift in a unique way with nautical wrapping paper. It will make the gift look perfect.
We sincerely hope that we have helped you to find a gift for the boater in your life! Maybe your gift will be so appreciated that you’ll be invited to go along.
