An eternal truth of boating is that if you own a boat, you can never, ever have enough gear. There’s always the next model year, the next lure, the next great advancement in electronics that you have to have once you hear about it. This makes holiday shopping for boaters an easy task, provided you know the right place to look. Well, look no further than this compilation of great holiday gifts for the boater in your life. We’re sure you can find something from the latest and greatest gear that someone will absolutely love to unwrap.
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Lifestyle | Fishing | Electronics | Watersports | DIY
Lifestyle
Boating Magazine
Gift the gift of all things Boating! As the world’s largest powerboat magazine, Boating gives boaters on your list the info they need to buy, maintain and operate a boat. Boating is the best! (Yes, we are biased.) Choose digital or print versions and you’ll be giving a gift that can be enjoyed all year long. Print and digital combined for just $24, subscritpions.boatingmag.com.
Costa Del Mar King Tide
Any boater worth his or her salt is going to love a pair of sunglasses. They’re a crucial tool for almost any day on the water, as Costa Del Mar knows. To celebrate its 40th anniversary of making shades for anglers and boaters, Costa released its King Tide frames, technical shades combined with 580 lenses for serious days on the water. The six-frame version features a medium wrap, and the eight-frame model offers a full wrap. The King Tide features removable side shields, venting to prevent fogging, and sweat management. $329; Amazon
Bajio Soldado Women’s Frames
If you’re looking for a gift for your family boater, the eyes always have it. With these stylish metal frames in the spirit of the classic aviator style for both men and women, Bajio aims to help boaters keep their cool on and off the water. The frames include Bajio’s proprietary polarized lenses with LAPIS technology that helps block blue light. $209; bajiosunglasses.com
FreeFly Bamboo Lightweight Hoodies
If you want to help the boater in your family look and feel cool, this ultralight hoodie is made to feel comfortable on the warmest of days on the water, with a UPF 20 rating for sun protection. It features a pullover hood and thumbholes to protect a boater’s head and hands from the sun’s rays. Also note the chest pocket, which is a great place to clip on sunglasses or store cash for the fuel dock. $68; Shop now
AirKuhl Hoodie
Don’t gift socks or a tie this holiday. How about some boaty clothes? This incredibly soft and lightweight hoodie is made with moisture-wicking, odor-resistant fabric that also provides UPF 50 sun protection, making it ideal for a long day on the water. It’s available in three colors in men’s fit and five colors in women’s, so you can get each other matching AirKuhls to wear on the boat together. $79; kuhl.com
Salt Life Travelin’ Eventide Performance Fleece
The Eventide Performance Fleece is a great gift for boaters. Its full-zip style makes it easy to take on or off depending on changing weather conditions, and the microfleece fabric is water-resistant. It makes a great layer on a fall or spring day. $96; Shop now
Huk Classic Brewster
Set up your loved one with the new boat-shoe style with these slip-on Classic Brewster shoes from Huk. The heel is collapsible, so they’re easy to slide on and off. More importantly for boaters, the sole features Grip X traction ideal for boats, made from nonmarking material that won’t scuff your deck. $70; amazon.com
Xtratuf Mossy Oak Bottomland Auna Sandals
Boaters love flip-flops, but let’s face it, they don’t always provide the best footing on the water. This year, give someone the gift of traction with these Auna sandals from Xtratuf. They solve the slipping problem with their TUFgrp outsole, which provides traction on a wet deck, and also feature a chafe-resistant strap that holds on to feet for support. They’re also nonmarking on fiberglass. $36; Find a pair
Zhik Deck Pants
This holiday, give the boater on your gift list freedom from bulky, waterlogged pants. These lightweight pants made of breathable fabric are wind- and water-repellent. Designed for competitive sailors, the Deck pants are made with four-way stretch fabric for comfort and ease of movement. The elastic waistband makes them ideally suited for the leisurely cruiser as well. $149; zhik.com
Tincup Adventure Pack
The holiday season is a chance for many to raise their glasses and celebrate. For those who like to do so with a taste of whiskey, Tincup is a blend of bourbon distilled in Indiana and a single malt distilled in Colorado. The Adventure Pack makes a great gift for those who like their whiskey to-go, provided they’re not driving. It’s a rugged, double-walled stainless-steel canteen with a screw-on tin-cup cap. $30.99; tincupwhiskey.com
Bote Hangout Water Hammock
Here’s a gift the whole family can enjoy. Tie the Hangout Water Hammock off the swim platform or the end of the dock for an instant spot to socialize. The inflatable raft shrinks down to fit into a backpack when not in use, so it’s easy to bring aboard. When inflated, its military-grade PVC skin can withstand a lot of abuse and horseplay. The mesh interior creates a tublike lounge to kick back in. Available in a 7-foot or a 10-foot diameter. $799; Compare some options
Fishing
FishLab Nature Series Topwater Frog
The holidays might be about reindeer and snowmen, but bass anglers love frogs like the new FishLab Tackle Nature Series Topwater Frog lure. Designed by renowned lure designer and freshwater Hall of Fame angler Bill Siemantel, this lure is crafted with intricate detail in a 4.25-inch size with a unique oversize tail that creates a loud topwater kick to attract bass and other gamefish. Available in six lifelike colors, the body of the lure is designed to be fished on a 3/0 or 4/0 hook on the surface or subsurface. $6.99; fishlabtackle.com
Berkley PowerBait CullShad Freshwater Lure
The bass angler on your list will jump for joy after receiving this gift—the Berkley PowerBait CullShad. This lure is a harnessed swimbait perfect for bass in shallow water. In addition, the CullShad brings the added benefit of taste; it’s infused with Berkley’s scientifically engineered PowerBait. The proprietary honeycomb technology creates enticing action and durability. The smart weighting ability, hassle-free harness and hook clip keep the lure running right. Twelve painted and HD printed patterns match freshwater forage species. It’s available in 6- and 8-inch models. $11.99 and $14.99, respectively; amazon.com
Okuma Ceymar A 8000 Saltwater Spinning Reel
The boat angler who loves saltwater fishing will also love an Okuma Ceymar A 8000 spinning reel. This model is perfect for medium saltwater fishing. It features a multidisc drag system, Okuma’s proprietary Flite shaft system, a 4.8-to-1 gear ratio, seven ball bearings and one roller bearing, as well as a precision machine-cut brass pinion gear. The Quick-Set anti-reverse roller bearing allows for quick hook-sets. The rigid aluminum, black anodized handle and ergo-grip knobs ensure comfort. A Precision Elliptical Gearing system ensures optimal gear meshing. $79.99; okumafishingusa.com
Rapala CrushCity Bronco Bug Freshwater Lure
Freshwater bass represent the most popular gamefish in the US, so there’s a good chance you’ll find a bass fanatic on your holiday gift list. If so, think about one or more packages of the new CrushCity Bronco Bug from Rapala. This 4-inch soft bait imitates a crawfish, a favorite food for bass. It creates ultra-realism with its recoiling action. The lure is available in 15 custom colors featuring flake, salt and scent. $6.99 per pack of six; rapala.com
Sufix 832 Sunrise High-Visibility Braid Fishing Line
What better braided line color under the tree to greet the angler on your gift list than the new Sufix 832 Sunrise? The lavender, purple and pink hues provide high-visibility color that helps better track the line. This new color is available in 150-, 300-, 600-, 1,200- and 3,500-yard spools in 6- to 80-pound-test. It has eight fibers and 32 weaves per inch. Gore Performance Fiber improves abrasion resistance, increases casting distance and reduces line vibration. HMPE fibers provide high strength, sensitivity and water repellency, and ensure the smallest diameter possible. Starting at $18.99 for a 150-yard spool; rapala.com
Shimano Talica 12IIA and 16IIA Saltwater Reels
If you have a special saltwater angler on your list, seriously consider putting one of the new Shimano Talica 12IIA or 16IIA two-speed lever-drag reels under the tree. These upgraded models feature Shimano’s Infinity Drive technology, which leverages a new drag design to increase drag force while reducing side-load pressure to produce up to 30 percent lighter rotation during tough battles and high-drag situations. The new-generation Talicas also feature X-Protect water resistance to improve durability. The S-Compact palming side plates are 6 percent smaller than the previous models. $599.99 and $609.99, respectively; fish.shimano.com
Abu Garcia Zenon X Freshwater Spinning Reel
Make the holiday season more than memorable for the freshwater angler on your list by putting an Abu Garcia Zenon X freshwater spinning reel under the tree. This lightweight new model is designed for finesse-style baits while providing the power to handle heavier lures. It features an asymmetric aluminum frame, an oversize AMG2 machined aluminum gear system, a carbon handle and a co-molded handle knob, a 6.2-to-1 gear ratio and more. Available in four sizes from 2000 to 3500. $299.95; abugarcia.com
AFTCO Blue Fever Swimmer Saltwater Lure
Any saltwater angler on your gift list will love this unique subsurface lure designed to be super easy to fish. Just cast and retrieve—the lure does all the work. Its side-to-side swimming action and six lifelike color options will drive your favorite fish crazy and be unable to resist. It comes in two sizes: a SW115 model that is 4.5 inches long and weighs 1.5 ounces, and the SW150 model that is 6 inches long and weighs 3.12 ounces. Each features oversize spilt rings and 4X treble hooks. Starting at $20; aftco.com
St. Croix Seviin GF Freshwater Baitcasting Reels
The freshwater angler will think past the holidays to spring fishing once they get their hands on a new Seviin GF baitcasting reel from St. Croix. The new reel is engineered to optimize performance and durability with a one-piece graphite frame and side covers, stainless-steel ball bearings, a 32 mm forged aluminum spool that holds 110 yards of 12-pound-test mono, a carbon-fiber handle, a multistack carbon-fiber and stainless-steel drag system, microadjustable magnetic cast control, a precision-hobbed hard brass pinion and a drive gear. $120; stcroixrods.com
Fenwick Elite Bass Rods
Watch the eyes of the bass angler on your list light up when they spot a new Fenwick Elite series rod under the tree. Constructed from a blend of 36- and 30-ton graphite and proprietary reinforcing resin, these fishing rods offer incredible sensitivity and power. Soft-touch reel seats fit naturally and enhance the ability to detect changes in structure, lure movement and bites. A contoured rod butt with increased radii provides comfort when resting against your body. Titanium guide frames with super-thin zirconia inserts provide long-term durability. Each of the 34 models carries a lifetime warranty. $229.95 to $269.95; fenwick.com
Electronics
Boat Outfitters Universal Pontoon Speaker Mount
Many boaters are opting for portable Bluetooth devices for onboard music, and that’s why the new Universal Pontoon Speaker mount from Boat Outfitters makes a great holiday gift for the captain on your holiday list. It’s beautiful in its simplicity. It requires 8 inches of free deck-rail tubing to mount, and securely holds a wide variety of speakers and all smartphones. $90.88; boatoutfitters.com
Streamlight Wedge XT
Nobody has brighter holiday gift ideas than Streamlight. Its new Wedge XT is a blindingly brilldiant device, putting out 500 lumens and an 87-meter beam on high with its internal lithium battery for two hours, or 50 lumens and an 28-meter beam for up to 11 hours. It’s just 4.25 inches long by 1 inch high, weighs 2.6 ounces, and is impact-resistant to 1 meter. $155; streamlight.com
Toadfish Suction-Cup Mounting System
Boaters and nonboaters alike will love finding this stocking stuffer from Toadfish. The suction-cup mounting system proves practical for items like cup holders and koozies. The suction cup locks in place when set upon any flat, smooth surface and won’t release due to jiggling, jostling or bouncing. It releases easily, only when lifted straight up and off a flat or angled surface. Here is a place where a boater can pile mobile phones and wallets to keep them safe, dry and out of the way. $58.99; anchorexpress.com
Scanstrut Flip Pro Charger Ports
Here is a fun holiday project that your favorite boat owner will welcome: Install Scanstrut’s new series of USB-C and 12-volt chargers for the boat. The new smaller port and plug are more efficient, and the design allows Scanstrut to offer the Max, with two ports in one IPX4-waterproof charge receptacle. The combination 12-volt receptacle and USB-C port add complete power versatility. Now you don’t have to give up the old-fashioned 12-volt port to get two modern USB-C outlets. It’s an easy project requiring a pair of holes for the dual port. $74.95; scanstrut.com
ACR ResQLink AIS PLB
Make sure the boater on your list can summon emergency rescue assistance anywhere with this, the most complete personal locator beacon (PLB) available to date. It can be activated manually or will activate itself in a man-overboard situation. It clips to the manual inflater inside many life jackets. In addition to COSPAS-SARSAT emergency beacons, it transmits an AIS signal receivable by any AIS-equipped VHF in range. It has a high-intensity strobe, infrared rescue light, and 121 MHz homing signal for pinpoint location. The device can be user-tested to ensure communications are achievable and the Galileo Return Link Service will respond to your message when it is received by the satellite system, ensuring help is on the way. $509.99; westmarine.com
Ecoxgear 8-inch Tower Speakers
The boater on your holiday gift list will want to hear “Santa Baby” played through these IPX7-waterproof, UV-protected Bluetooth tower speakers after finding them under the tree. They boast 1.5-inch titanium tweeters and polypropylene carbon-fiber-blend woofers featuring Santoprene rubber surrounds. The units put out 300 watts per speaker which means they offer a bold sound, while internal LED lights put on a light show—including a special Christmas edition show. These are 12 volts, powered by your vessel. Other models are available with internal or external lithium battery power. $899; westmarine.com
SIONYX Nightwave
Nightwave is a first-of-its-kind color digital night vision camera built around SIONYX’s patented Black Silicon CMOS sensor that offers unparalleled <1 millilux moonless starlight sensitivity. This advanced technology displays high-resolution color images and videos with exceptional clarity, allowing boaters to experience heightened visual acuity at night. Unlike thermal imaging, which relies on temperature gradients to create images, digital night vision employs state-of-the-art sensors and advanced image processing algorithms to capture detailed and vibrant visuals, showcasing an impressive level of color accuracy, contrast, and depth perception. By providing a true-to-life representation of the scene, Nightwave offers superior object recognition capabilities in the darkness of night. With Nightwave, now mariners of all levels can spot obstacles and debris in moonless starlight without white light or expensive thermal cameras. $1,995.00; westmarine.com
ICOM IC M25 Handheld VHF Radio
Most boaters would love to receive a handheld VHF radio as a present and this ICOM IC M25 is a great choice. It’s compact in size, yet full featured. It floats, features flashing emergency strobe and can be charged using a USB cable! At 7.8 ounces it is the lightest floating handheld VHF on the market. With a 5-watt output, it is rated as IPX7 waterproof. Its special “AquaQuake” feature sheds water from the speaker, making transmissions audible even in the water or the rain. $139.99, westmarine.com
Watersports
Hyperlite Shuttle Foil Kit
Give the gift of foiling with this kit designed in conjunction with pro Shaun Murray. The user-friendly board and wing shape are designed to make your foil experience easy from the get-go. The Shuttle wing assembly offers a stable platform to learn and advance on, provides plenty of lift and maneuverability, and can be shared among friends of all ability levels. It includes a shuttle board with removable foot straps and a Booster 1300 foil. $1,599.99; scheels.com
HO Sports Carbon Omni Slalom Ski Pack
The Omni (Mark II) gives the skier on your list one ski to do it all. (It’s available in men’s and women’s sizes.) Its wide platform offers easy deepwater starts behind most boats, along with smooth turns, stable wake crossings and endless fun. The carbon-construction Omni delivers added stiffness for more acceleration and responsiveness for a high-performance ride. $599.99, including Stance 110 boot and adjustable rear-toe plate; hosports.com
Drop N Fill
The boaters on your gift list who fuel their boats from portable cans will appreciate the Drop N Fill. This unique product makes fueling from fuel cans easy, safe and neat. The Drop N Fill system supports itself and the fuel can while funneling the liquid into the boat’s fuel-fill fitting. Spills of dangerous environmentally hazardous fuel are eliminated. It includes a 44-inch hose. $149.99; dropnfill.com
Liquid Force Wake Foamie Fish
The Wake Foamie Fish uses foam rails to keep the shins of the wakesurfers on your gift list safe when going for a shove while staying quick edge to edge. Using a twin-fin setup with dual-tab fin boxes, this foamie pops. It has the perfect amount of rocker in the nose to keep your ride catch-free and you grinning from ear to ear. With the Fish, you are guaranteed to have fun on any wave. The hull is polycarbonate. The Foamie measures 4 feet, 8 inches. $429.99; liquidforce.com
Wet Sounds SHIVR-55
Give the gift of cool audio to power watersports fun with this 200-watt audio system and cooler. They provide over eight hours of play on a built-in lithium-ion battery. The system’s DSP amplifier has been tuned to provide the best sound at every volume. It has an easy-flow drain spout, rope handles, and a pressure-release valve for relieving cold pressure. Available in several colors, its capacity is 58 quarts. $799; shop.wetsounds.com
ZUP YouGotThis Board
Give the fun gift of riding to boaters. The YouGotThis board does the work, just attach the patented DoubleZUP handle to get up on the water with no upper-body strength. Switch between riding styles with ease—lie, kneel, take the handle off, do 360s. If you get tired, you can reattach the handle, stand up and take a break. You can even surf this board. It’s fun for all ages and abilities. $329.99;
zup.com
Tidal Wake XLR8 Slim Wake Shaper
Give the gift of awesome wakes and waves. Tidal Wake’s XLR8 Slim Wake Shaper fits boat hulls such as Yamaha, Mastercraft, Chaparral, Sea-Doo Boats and more. The Slim’s patented higher-psi vacuum suction cups allow for a smaller area of attachment to the boat hull. Easy to attach and move to either side of the boat quickly, the Slim offers XLR8’s big waves, with compact storage to work with more boat models and hull styles. It also floats and stores easily. $229; tidalwake.com
Mustang Livery Vest
Keep the watersports enthusiasts on your list safe. Mustang’s Livery vest offers large armholes for a wide range of movement. Its three-clip front entry adjusts to open for added ventilation. The soft 200D liner and flexible EPE/PE foam make the Livery a comfortable classic. This USCG Type III vest is approved for paddling, sailing, boating, water-skiing, wakeboarding, jet skiing and towing. It comes in three colors. $59.99; mustangsurvival.com
O’Brien Pillar Tube
The gift of group fun on the water comes with the O’Brien Pillar. Suitable for four riders or 680 pounds, it’s a whopping 96 inches in diameter and covered in rugged 840D nylon. It boasts 16 soft handles with knuckle guards, and two lightning valves for easy deflation and inflation. $588; obrien.com
HO Sports Neo 3
Suitable for up to three riders, the Neo 3 delivers the gift of waterborne fun. Exclusive EXO Frame Technology utilizes a perimeter ring, which provides the same strength as a traditional tube while using less material, making the tube lighter and easier to manage. It’s fast and comfortable. $479.99; hosports.com
Read Next: Father’s Day Gift Guide
WOW Laser 3P Towable
Your giftees will reward you with squeals of delight. The Laser is a three-person towable cockpit tube that offers equal parts thrill and safety. Riders can alternate between kneeling and sitting. Made from 840 denier nylon across the main body, plus a thick PVC base. $349.99; wowsports.com
Do It Yourself
Mercury Service Kits
The DIY boater on your list will appreciate the gift of a complete kit that allows them to perform regularly scheduled maintenance. (Similar kits are available from many manufacturers; these Mercury kits are just a good example.) They are for oil changes or 100-hour and 300-hour service. The kit includes the oil, filters, anodes, spark plug and other components, depending upon the specific kit. Prices run from about $60 to $360, depending on model and horsepower; mercurymarine.com
K&N / CP Performance Spark Arrester Air Filter
Inboard- and sterndrive-powered boats are required to use a flame arrester. K&N flame arresters and others prevent fuel from igniting dangerously, so they help keep the boater on your list safe. They also enhance airflow, giving your boater an engine operating at maximum power and efficiency. The specifics make ordering challenging, so we suggest a gift certificate from an outfit such as CP Performance. Prices start around $50; cpperformance.com, knfilters.com
Star brite Star tron Stabilizer + Fuel Storage
Give the boater on your list the gift of fuel protected against age, water and the ravages of ethanol. Marine engine-makers agree that fuel additives can optimize fuel for boats and help protect the engine’s fuel system. Star Tron + Fuel Storage uses an enzyme formula said to stabilize fuel for up to two years and inhibit deposit buildup. It also protects metal. It promises confident starting and long-term reliability. Each ounce treats 5 gallons of fuel. $10.99 for 8 ounces, $18.96 for 16 ounces; starbrite.com
Prop Master Prop Block Prop Stop
DIY boaters install and change their own propellers. To do so, they need a means to prevent the prop from turning. These prop stops hook onto the anti-ventilation plate and do just that. They’re lightweight and float. While a chunk of lumber also works—and also floats—this stocking stuffer is a unique tool we bet your DIY boater doesn’t already own. $15.89; thmarinesupplies.com
Michigan Wheel or Mercury Prop Hub Kits
Many of today’s propellers can be fitted with removable hubs. These allow the boater on your list to use a wider variety of propellers more easily. These hub kits also allow for on-the-water DIY repair. Should your boater strike an object, the hub will “spin,” saving the prop. But unless the boater has a hub kit aboard, a tow will be needed. With a hub kit available from Mercury Marine and Michigan Wheel, the boater can be off and cruising in no time. Prices range from about $30 to $100; mercurymarine.com, miwheel.com
Towing Service Membership
Give the gift of peace of mind. Even though the boater on your list keeps up with maintenance, is attentive to fuel levels, and is a great navigator, stuff sometimes happens on the water. If anything should happen and your boater gets stuck or breaks down, a towing service membership with a company like BoatUS or Sea Tow ensures safety and convenience in getting back to port. Starting at about $100, verify there is service on your boater’s body of water before purchasing. For more info, visit boatus.com or seatow.com.
Beckson Marine Hatches
Give the gift of easier access and increased storage to the DIY boater on your list. With a Beckson hatch, storage compartments, fishing-tackle boxes and service access can all be created out of dead space aboard a boat. Made of rugged materials proven in the marine environment, Beckson hatches are standard on many boats and available in various sizes. Prices start around $125; beckson.com
EZ Loader Channel Glide Bunk Cover
Give the gift of an easy trailer-upgrade project. EZ Loader composite bunk covers fit over existing 6-inch-wide carpeted bunks and aid the launching and loading of aluminum boats by providing a slippery surface for the boat to slide on. They are 18 inches long. Use one cover for every 2 linear feet of bunk, spaced 2 inches apart. Recommended for aluminum boats only; these can leave scratch marks on fiberglass hulls. Mounting screws are not included. $26.75; ezloader.com
Pettit EZ-Tex
Whether it’s a chip in the chine or a ding in the deck, DIY boaters will appreciate the gift of Pettit EZ-Tex. This epoxy-based filler is rugged, cures waterproof, and is easy to use. Old-timers might remember using another Tex epoxy long ago, so they will be comfortable using this formulation. This high-strength formula will not sag, run or shrink. It has a convenient 1-to-1 mix ratio. Available in 4- and 16-ounce sizes. $34.99 for 4 ounces; pettitpaint.com
Tidal Wake Underwater LED Light Kit for Pontoon Boats
Give the gift of underwater lighting to the pontoon owner on your list. Ultra Bright underwater pontoon-boat lighting is perfect for evening cruises, swimming, fish-finding and more. Simply connect and plug into an accessory outlet; no technical wiring necessary. The kit includes two Ultra Bright LED 3600 lumen lights, all quick-connect wiring, an accessory outlet on/off switch, and mounting hardware. A tri-toon expansion kit is available too. Patent-pending, it comes in blue, green and red. (Available December 2023.) $199.99; tidalwake.com
