Best Gifts for Boat Owners This Holiday Season

Peruse more than 50 cool gift ideas for the boater in your family.

It’s traditionally the most giving time of year. For that reason, and because most boaters are just plain gear heads, each holiday season we present one of our most popular features: Boating’s Holiday Gift Guide.

This year’s collection is a categorized list of the best boating gifts curated by the world’s foremost powerboat experts, the editors at Boating. On these pages you’ll find great ideas whether the boater on your list is a DIYer, wakeboarder or angler. Looking for sunglasses, marine electronics, or something boaty to read? You’ll find items that fill in those blanks here as well. You’ll even find a free item or two. Many of the gifts presented have been personally tested by us aboard our own boats.

While you shop for friends, family and fellow boaters, don’t forget to shop for yourself—er, we mean for your boat. It probably needs something!

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Fishing | Electronics | Watersports | DIY | Safety | Gear/Apparel

Fishing

Toadfish Stowaway Fillet Knife System
Toadfish Stowaway Fillet Knife System Courtesy Toadfish

Toadfish Stowaway Fillet Knife System

Titanium-coated, high-carbon stainless-steel blades remain sharp and corrosion resistant even in saltwater environments. Either a 7-inch or 8 ½-inch version folds into a sturdy, secure gripping handle with a carabiner hook for stowage. A folding cutting board is included. Everything fits in a nylon carry bag to be tucked into the tackle box. $96 (7 inch), $102 (8 ½ inch); toadfish.com

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Plano Weekend Tackle Backpack
Plano Weekend Tackle Backpack Courtesy Plano

Plano Weekend Tackle Backpack

A molded bottom holds the bag’s shape and keeps water out. The 600 Denier polyester main compartment is sealed with water-resistant zippers as are smaller side pockets for frequently used items. Tool-holding slots in the sides keep pliers and other tools. Top-mounted webbed grab handles for grab-and-go transport accompany padded, adjustable backpack straps for easy hiking transport. From $52.49; planooutdoors.com

Daiwa Saltiga Spinning Reels
Daiwa Saltiga Spinning Reels Courtesy Daiwa

Daiwa Saltiga Spinning Reels 

These offshore spinning power houses were the splash at ICAST 2025. Santa’s elves had to bring their metallurgy up to speed to pull them off, and Rolex will be crying when this finds itself under the tree instead of a watch. Its one-piece aluminum frame is solid, yet light, and powerful enough to tackle big game from stripers and tarpon to marlin. The Powerdrive rotor is balanced and smooth, easing line recovery, while layering it on evenly. The bail is hollow for strength, and minimizes flex, for reliable retrieve. The line roller system is tough and oversized to minimize friction and fend off braided line abrasion. Top it all off with its DRD roller drag system—the bearings are pressed between metal plates, and main drive bearings are sealed from salt by liquid magnetic plates. This is a bulletproof piece of big-game artillery. $1,099.99 to $1,199.99; tackledirect.com

Humminbird CoastMaster Florida Premium Electronic Charts
Humminbird CoastMaster Florida Premium Electronic Charts Courtesy Humminbird

Humminbird CoastMaster Florida Premium Electronic Charts

Florida’s intricate backwaters shallow flats, and coastal waterways, are all displayed in amazingly detailed imagery. Verified boat lanes, and high-definition shaded relief, ensure complete situational awareness for enhanced fishing and safer navigation.  Chart cards are available for regions you fish and, after we saw Florida on our Apex, we can attest to their value. $599.99; humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com

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Opinel No. 8 Stainless-Steel Knife
Opinel No. 8 Stainless-Steel Knife Courtesy Opinel USA, Inc.

Opinel No. 8 Stainless-Steel Knife

There is a simple elegance to Opinel cutlery that comes from decades of tradition among French outdoorsmen. This is one of its first synthetic handles and includes an integrated 100 dB emergency whistle, providing an alternate to a horn. The Swedish stainless-steel blade is forged to hold an edge, stand up to hard work and hone to a sharp edge. Half is serrated for cutting tough dock lines, the other half is sharp and straight for fine work, and it securely locks open or closed. $41; opinel-usa.com

Savage Gear RevMag Walker
Savage Gear RevMag Walker Courtesy Savage Gear

Savage Gear RevMag Walker

The “mag” could stand for magnum but it is short for the magnet inside this jewel. It is designed to slide toward the lure’s tail upon casting for maximum range.  it slides forward on retrieve to create fish-fooling dog-walking action. Ten color options can decorate your Christmas tree or mesmerize fish, and its dual treble hooks have an anti-rust coating. They come in 3.75-inch (½ ounce) and 4.75- inch (7/8 ounce) models.  One of our most affordable—and appreciated—gifts. $17.99 to $18.99; savagegear.com

Berkley Gulp Turbo Shrimp
Berkley Gulp Turbo Shrimp Courtesy Berkley

Berkley Gulp Turbo Shrimp

Gulp baits are as good as food. Fish see it, they smell it, they bite it, and they don’t spit it out. The turbo shrimp has tantalizing appendages to add action to its fluttering segmented body and the action serves to spread the bait’s scent in the water where fish can sniff it up. It comes in ten colors and 3-, 4- and 5-inch lengths in six-, four- and four-count packs, respectively. Thread it onto your favorite jig head and start stalking big saltwater gamefish in grass flats, oyster beds or mangrove roots. From $4.69; amazon.com

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Penn Carnage III Boat Spinning Rods
Penn Carnage III Boat Spinning Rods Courtesy Penn Fishing

Penn Carnage III Boat Spinning Rods

Word has it that Santa stopped to jig fish during some transoceanic flights (wouldn’t you?) and used Penn’s Carnage III rods to get the job done. Carnage III rods feature powerful, lightweight blanks that are also extremely durable. Penn’s proprietary SLS3 blank construction provides a very thin diameter blank, while maintaining a lightweight feel, which is ideal for heavier boat, jig, surf, and nearshore models. Spec’d with high-end components such as Fuji K-Guides, Sea-Guide and Fuji reel seats, and hypalon/rubber shrink-tube handles, this rod will be anglers’ next go-to workhorse. Look for our review at boatingmag.com/penncarnage. $259 to $559; pennfishing.com

NEBO Rudolph Red Lights
NEBO Rudolph Red Lights Courtesy NEBO

NEBO Rudolph Red Lights

If you need a light in a boat or when fishing, make it a red one—like Santa’s reindeer, Rudolph—so it won’t steal your night vision. The Tempest 500 Nebo swings both ways, toggling from a 120-degree white lantern to a 360-degree white lantern to a 360-degree red lantern to a blinding 500-lumen output spotlight with a 90-yard range. It’s IPX7 waterproof with a rechargeable lithium battery that will illuminate it for up to 96 hours in its lower-light Eco mode. It comes with a wrist lanyard, a foldaway hanging hook and it stands on its own on any flat surface. It’s just 5.25 inches long and weighs about 5 ounces. $34.99; nebo.acgbrands.com

Sitka Rover GTX Boot
Sitka Rover GTX Boot Courtesy Sitka

Sitka Rover GTX Boot

Perfect for a rainy day of fishing, these easy-to-slip-on boots have an elastic rim with webbed straps to assist in slipping them on. Kick them off at the door to avoid muddy floors—they’ll go back on just as easily. The lugged soles are designed for gripping mud, gravel or slick decks without picking up rocks in crevasses. They are waterproof, thanks to a Goretex bootie inside and a fabric upper. The suburban boots will go well on the dock or at the grocery or hardware store. At a modest price, they make an affordably cozy Christmas gift from a top-shelf premium outdoor brand. $149; sitkagear.com

Electronics

Fusion Apollo RA800 Marine Stereo
Fusion Apollo RA800 Marine Stereo Courtesy Fusion

Fusion Apollo RA800 Marine Stereo

You will love listening to holiday tunes with the new Apollo RA800 marine stereo from Fusion, a Garmin brand. It delivers high-resolution audio and Wi-Fi connectivity for outstanding performance and seamless streaming. With a processor that’s eight times faster than the previous generation, the RA800 features an internal amplifier with 50 percent more power. It drives up to four speakers. The tuner supports the latest DAB and DAB+ broadcasts, allowing for high-quality digital radio streaming, and the improved Wi-Fi connectivity for Apple AirPlay for a high-fidelity listening experience. $999.99; garmin.com/marine/audio

RoamSat Self-Contained Starlink Satellite Antenna Case
RoamSat Self-Contained Starlink Satellite Antenna Case Courtesy RoamSat

RoamSat Self-Contained Starlink Satellite Antenna Case

The RoamSat makes a great gift for boaters who are planning to get Starlink satellite service. RoamSat houses the Starlink satellite receiver in a weather-resistant CNC-machined polyethylene box with internal LiFePO4 battery power that provides up to 10 hours of service on a single charge. Four vacuum-suction feet allow boaters to secure the unit to a hardtop or other flat, smooth horizontal surface. You don’t need to drill any holes for installation or run cables or wires to the unit. $2,695 without a dish or Starlink service plan; roamsat.com

Scanstrut Ultra Phone Charger
Scanstrut Ultra Phone Charger Courtesy Scanstrut

Scanstrut Ultra Phone Charger

Everyone carries a mobile phone, so Scanstrut’s Ultra marine-grade wireless phone charger makes a great stocking stuffer for a boater. It’s engineered for compatibility with Apple MagSafe phone cases, and features an IPX6 waterproof rating on both the front and back. Powered by a waterproof 12/24-volt wireless charging system, Ultra keeps smartphones fully powered and always within reach. Its strong magnetic grip ensures devices remain securely in place in rough sea conditions. $99.99;
thegpsstore.com

Koden Sirius 12 Electro-Stabilized Binoculars
Koden Sirius 12 Electro-Stabilized Binoculars Courtesy SI-TEX

Koden Sirius 12 Electro-Stabilized Binoculars

Koden’s Sirius 12 binocular features electronic stabilization, a compact size and an affordable price. These lightweight yet rugged binoculars are manufactured in Japan using quality optics and internal components. With a 57.6-degree field of view, 12x magnification, and IPX7-waterproofing, Sirius 12 features a built-in six-axis electronic gyro-sensor to isolate the binocs from the rocking and rolling motion of the boat. One AA alkaline battery provides 12 hours of operation. $699.95; thegpsstore

Humminbird Xplore 7
Humminbird Xplore 7 Courtesy Humminbird

Humminbird Xplore 7

The Xplore 7 is Humminbird’s latest multifunction display, and it’s built ready to take the boater on your list anywhere. It comes in 9-, 10- and 12-inch-diagonal displays with the brightest output available—we can see ours in detail mounted on the casting deck while standing in the bright sunlight. It comes with Mega side- and down-imaging and dual chirp sonar transducer, and is live-sonar ready. It comes with Humminbird’s detailed base map showing underwater terrain, nav markers, marinas and more. It’s also compatible with Coastmaster Premium chart cards that provide astonishing underwater detail. Santa likes the 9-inch, and it’s offered at just $1,499.99; humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com

Lowrance Recon Trolling Motor
Lowrance Recon Trolling Motor Courtesy Lowrance

Lowrance Recon Trolling Motor

If the boater on your list likes to fish in salt water, a Recon trolling motor may be the best gift ever! This bow-mounted, electric-steer brushless trolling motor represents the first trolling motor from Lowrance engineered for ocean fishing. It features GPS guidance, marine-grade construction and advanced system integration. It operates on either 24 or 36 volts, producing 90 and 115 pounds of thrust, respectively, and uses a unique joystick remote called Freesteer. Incorporating a color LCD display, the remote is lightweight and wearable, providing 360 degrees of manual steering, as well as activation of automatic functions. See our overview video at youtube.com/watch?v=0F3Wh43rHjg. It’s available in 54-, 60-, and 72-inch shaft lengths, pricing starts at $3,499; lowrance.com

Garmin 15x3 Ultrawide Screen MFD
Garmin 15×3 Ultrawide Screen MFD Courtesy Garmin

Garmin 15×3 Ultrawide Screen MFD

If you know a boater looking to replace their MFD, Garmin’s Ultrawide GPSMap 15×3 may be the perfect gift. With a 15-inch (diagonal) high-resolution touchscreen display, it features an edge-to-edge glass format that’s135/8 inches wide by 711/16 inches tall with 1,920 horizontal pixels and 720 vertical pixels. The ultrawide aspect ratio means that boaters can enjoy the equivalent of dual screens without needing two separate units. It features built-in sonar systems, including ultra-high-definition ClearVu and SideVu  scanning sonars with high-contrast color palettes to help better distinguish fish from structure. The unit also supports optional LiveScope live sonar and chirp traditional sonar, and much more. $4,499.99; garmin.com/marine

Shakespeare VHF Radio Tester
Shakespeare VHF Radio Tester Courtesy Shakespeare

Shakespeare VHF Radio Tester

Any boater on your list will covet this compact, battery-powered Shakespeare ART-3 meter, which connects inline between the radio and the antenna to test the voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) of an antenna/cable/coupler, radio output power (in watts), and the VHF receiver function. It ensures the VHF is working before you head out—no need for radio checks. To connect the ART-3 between the radio and antenna coupler, you will need Shakespeare’s No. 4079 pre-assembled 3-foot cable with PL-259 couplers on each end ($17.41; amazon.com). Read our test report at boatingmag.com/we-test-art-3-vhf-meter. The ART-3 itself is $129.95; thegpsstore.com

SPOT X Satellite Messenger
SPOT X Satellite Messenger Courtesy SPOT

SPOT X Satellite Messenger

If the boater on your list cruises outside cellphone range at times, the Spot X satellite messenger could be the ideal holiday gift. Weighing just 7 ounces, it offers two-way messaging, GPS location tracking, emergency SOS alerts, map-sharing, and much more via the Globalstar satellite network. Boasting Bluetooth wireless technology, it turns a mobile phone into a satellite texting device. The compact Spot X is also IP67-waterproof, an important factor aboard a boat. Recipients can return your text without needing a Spot X themselves. Check out our test report at boatingmag.com/we-test-spot-x.  $288.38; outfittersatellite.com, plus $11.95 per month for basic service at myaccount.findmespot.com 

Scotty Seeker Probe
Scotty Seeker Probe Courtesy Scotty Fishing and Outdoor Products

Scotty Seeker Probe

Here’s a gift that downrigger anglers will love. Scotty has partnered with Airmar Technology to develop the Seeker Probe for downrigger fishing. It reports depth, speed and water temperature, transmitting data in real time to the boat for display via the Seeker App on a Garmin, Lowrance or Simrad MFD, as well as on a mobile device. The collaboration between Scotty and Airmar uses underwater acoustics to transmit data from the downrigger ball. The kit includes a probe, charging dock and communication hub. $1,475; hodgesmarine.com

Simrad NSS 4
Simrad NSS 4 Courtesy Simrad

Simrad NSS 4

Watch for the glee when the boater on your list opens this present—the NSS 4 series from Simrad. Designed for cruisers and offshore sportfishing boats, it is available in 10-, 12- and 16-inch screen sizes. The NSS 4 features a new Qualcomm 8-core processor that enables smoother page transition, as well as lightning-quick auto-routing. An updated glass-to-edge design delivers a more premium look. It includes a built-in dual-channel 1kW chirp sonar and support for Active Imaging HD sonar. It’s compatible with C-Map’s Discover X and Reveal X charts. Starting at $2,599; simrad-yachting.com

Streamlight Bandit Pro Rechargeable Headlamp
Streamlight Bandit Pro Rechargeable Headlamp Courtesy Streamlight, Inc.

Streamlight Bandit Pro Rechargeable Headlamp

At 180 lumens, it runs 4.5 hours, and on low at 35 lumens, 21 hours. The Christmas gift giver should buy two and keep one because the handsfree rechargeable light is handy for knot tying or finding that stray sinker that just rolled under the gunwale. It’s available in black or yellow head straps and weighs just 1.6 ounces so you’ll forget you have it on whether wearing it with the head band or ball cap clip. $31.65; amazon.com

Watersports

Pristine Body Spray
Pristine Body Spray Courtesy Pristine Sprays

Pristine Body Spray

You rode for hours and then hit the sandbar. Now, it’s time to hit a waterfront spot for dinner. Freshen-up with Pristine Body Spray. When a shower isn’t available, this convenient spray works great to remove sweat, grime and salt. Unlike packaged wipes, it’s more environmentally friendly. Just spray it on, then wipe it off with a towel and feel clean and refreshed. Boating’s editors are currently testing Pristine Body Spray. A great stocking stuffer! $24.95 per 8-ounce bottle; pristinesprays.com

Flite Jet C eFoil System
Flite Jet C eFoil System Courtesy Fliteboard

Flite Jet C eFoil System

Jet foiling! Flite’s Jet2 Technology soars as quietly and as powerfully as eight reindeer. The 31.5-inch-long mast is machined from aero-grade aluminum and uses a low-drag conical wing interface for all-around performance at a more accessible price. The longer mast allows the foil rider on your gift list to effortlessly transfer from edge to edge via deep carving turns in flat water or surf. Color choices are black or white. Wings, board, and controller are not included. $4,655; fliteboard.com

FatSac Mega Fill Weight v2.0
FatSac Mega Fill Weight v2.0 Courtesy FatSac

Fatsac Mega Fill Weight v2.0

Not a fat man with a sack—it’s  a FatSac! Featuring a new,  larger,  4-inch-diameter fill hole, this ballast weight measures 11 inches wide by 14 inches long by 9.5 inches high. Filled with water, the FatSac Mega Fill Weight v2.0 adds 50 pounds of wave- and wake-making ballast to a boat. Two rugged handles facilitate easy grabbing and moving. Fill the FatSac with any material. Water, rocks, sand, and metal slugs can all be used. Tweak your wake, shape your wave and ho-ho-hold on for watersports thrills! $108.99; fatsac.com

Read Next: Father’s Day Gift Guide

O’Brien Pontoon Slide
O’Brien Pontoon Slide Courtesy O’Brien

O’Brien Pontoon Slide

Few other boats offer the sandbar and anchorage capability per foot of a pontoon or tritoon. With the O’Brien Pontoon Slide, owners of those boats can add a new level of fun and family bonding. It’s made from commercial-grade reinforced PVC material for years of trouble-free service. Molded handles and welded footsteps offer convenient, worry-free climbing. The slide includes heavy-duty anchor straps, sized to fit most pontoon boats. It has a 200-pound weight capacity. Yule love it. $279.99; obrien.com

O’Brien Heli 3 Towable Tube
O’Brien Heli 3 Towable Tube Courtesy O’Brien

O’Brien Heli 3 Towable Tube

“Wheee!” Give the gift of thrills with the O’Brien Heli 3 Towable Tube. It’s no secret that sideways sliding is one of the most squeal-inducing maneuvers when towing a tube. This rugged and colorful towable is specially designed with speed risers on the underside to facilitate sliding. It comes with a quick-connect tow hook, one lightning valve and four ECO valves. The ultra-grip handles feature knuckle guards. Fa-la-la-la-la-low the link to fun! $349/$429 (2-person/3-person); obrien.com

HO Omni Skis
HO Omni Skis Courtesy HO Sports

HO Omni Skis

This holiday season give the one ski that does it all: HO Sports Omni. The Omni’s wide platform makes it great behind any watercraft on virtually any waterway, offering easy deep-water starts, smooth turns, stable wake crossings, and endless fun. Its modernized rocker line with dual flat spots provide easy balance, more stability and more forgiveness. The true crossover shape of the Omni combines aggressive, high-performance course skiing with the efficiency necessary for open-water carving. $585; hosports.com

Connelly Sidewinder Neo Vest
Connelly Sidewinder Neo Vest Courtesy Connelly

Connelly Sidewinder Neo Vest

The Sidewinder Neo features an ergonomic side-entry zip and four-way-stretch neoprene material for maximum comfort and flexibility. The uniform chest panels require less foam, resulting in a thinner profile without sacrificing safety. With no straps or buckles to hinder rider movement, the Neo allows for complete freedom of motion. The dimpled chest panel provides impact protection and a soft texture, while the Glideskin rear panel wicks away excess water. This is a competition-style vest and is not USCG approved. $129.99; connellyskis.com

Wake The Lake
Wake the Lake Courtesy Next Chapter Publishing

Wake the Lake

Author Cal Kevler’s Wake the Lake follows 15-year-old Hudson Holloway, a wakeboarding prodigy who dominates on the water but struggles with anxiety. Haunted by her mother’s tragic accident, she pours her all into perfecting impossible tricks. A breakout win launches her into the elite scene, where pressure and self-doubt converge. This 234-page story blends heart-pounding action with themes of resilience and dreaming big—perfect for readers aged 14 to 18 and beyond. $3.99 ( kindle), $10.49 (paperback), $24.99 (hardcover); amazon.com

Do-It-Yourself

Whale Aqua Source Clear Filter
Whale Aqua Source Clear Filter Courtesy Whale

Whale Aqua Source Clear Filter

Give the boater on your gift list the taste of clean water for drinking and cooking aboard. The filter has a slim, compact design that installs easily in-line under floor boards and around bulkheads. Installation is simple using the supplied clips—it can also be mounted horizontally. This carbon-silver filter removes unpleasant tastes and odors, and the silver inhibits bacterial growth. The maximum pressure is 60 psi and it connects to ½-inch-diameter plumbing, which means it will work aboard the vast majority of boats’ potable water systems. $61.99; freeportmarine.com

Optima Digital 1200+ 12V Battery Charger
Optima Digital 1200+ 12V Battery Charger Courtesy Optima Batteries

Optima Digital 1200+ 12V Battery Charger

Regardless of the boat they own, you can bet your mistletoe that the boater on your holiday gift list relies on batteries. More than ever, today’s AGM and lithium marine batteries need to be conditioned and maintained as well as being charged. This Optima Digital 1200+ 12-volt battery charger does all those things. Just as great, it works for AGM, flooded-cell and lithium batteries, so you don’t need to know what kind of batteries are installed aboard your giftee’s boat. It delivers a maximum 15-amp charging output. Seasonally appropriate in color—just add a bow. $249.99; optimabatteries.com

RUX 30L Waterproof Tote Bag
RUX 30L Waterproof Tote Bag Courtesy RUX

RUX 30L Waterproof Tote Bag

Pro-marine techs often carry a tool bag. Bags don’t scratch and they stow aboard more easily than a toolbox. A boat-tool bag should be rugged, waterproof and stand open on its own. The RUX 30L tote bag fills the bill, making it a great gift. It features a roll top and durable fabric construction similar to that of a life raft. Two smaller pockets hold bits, fasteners, whatever, and the shoulder strap is detachable. We are testing it as you read this, so no full report is available yet. It comes in green, black and bronze, and is also available in 15L. $170 (30L); rux.life

Ancor Multimeter
Ancor Multimeter Courtesy Ancor

Ancor Multimeter

Few tools get used—or prove as useful—aboard a boat than does a digital multimeter. With this Ancor 8-Function Handheld Digital Multimeter, the boater on your holiday gift list can troubleshoot electrical circuits, find shorts and broken wires or connections, measure resistance, voltage and more. It comes in a rugged rubber housing and works for both AC and DC electrical work. It conveniently fits in a holiday stocking. $46.22; hodgesmarine.com

Blue Sea Circuit Wizard App
Blue Sea Circuit Wizard App Courtesy Blue Sea Systems

Blue Seas Circuit Wizard App

Watt’s that? You get amped-up working on marine electrical systems? Don’t blow a fuse! Give yourself the gift of Blue Seas Circuit Wizard. Available for Android and iPhone, this free app let’s DIY boaters choose the correct size wire based on factors such as voltage, current and length of run. It works like the popular web version, but requires no internet connection, which is helpful in many boating situations. Did we mention that it’s free? Download from the App Store or Google Play. 

Pettit Anchortech Adhesive Sealants
Pettit Anchortech Adhesive Sealants Courtesy Pettit Paint

Pettit Anchortech Adhesive Sealants

Boating’s editor-in-chief, Kevin Falvey, used these Pettit AnchorTech adhesive sealants aboard his own boat. The fast-dry formula works above and below the waterline and provides maximum adhesion. The UV-resistant formula is for above the waterline and does not yellow. The hybrid formula can be applied in all weather, and is paintable within 30 minutes of application. $10.62 to $19.99 for 4.5-ounce to 11.5-ounce sizes; defender.com

Sea-Doo Lift Kit PWC/Pontoon
Sea-Doo Lift Kit PWC/Pontoon Courtesy Sea-Doo

Sea-Doo Lift Kit PWC/Pontoon

Granted, this lift kit from Sea-Doo won’t tackle (see what we did there?) the largest pontoons, but to haul your PWC and small pontoons from the water to place them on a dock, trailer or the deck of your yacht, it just may be the bee’s knees. Sea-Doo claims this lift kit is made to pull your Sea-Doo and watercraft off the water. Make sure to get the right equipment for the job to safely transport your vehicle. Santa has his elves; watercraft owners need a lift. The kit easily stows when not in use. $979.49; sea-doo-shop.brp.com/

KBS Coatings NuMetal Epoxy Putty
KBS Coatings NuMetal Epoxy Putty Courtesy KBS Coatings

KBS Coatings NuMetal Epoxy Putty

NuMetal Epoxy Putty can be drilled, tapped, sanded, primed, and painted. It also works great for quick underwater repairs. Withstanding temperatures up to 300 degrees F, NuMetal is available in white, tan, black, and grey. Give your DIY boater the gift of a versatile, easy-to-use putty that can be used to effectively fill cracks, holes, and gouges to make repairs or plug leaks. $10 (3.5 ounces), $27 (1 pound); kbscoatings.com

Seipel Marine Cleaners With Towels
Seipel Marine Cleaners With Towels Courtesy Seipel Marine

Seipel Marine Cleaners With Towels

This four-pack from Seipel Marine provides complete boat-cleaning care. Included in one attractive box are four 32-ounce bottles color-coded to matching towels to avoid cross-contamination. It comes with vinyl and upholstery cleaner, EVA foam cleaner, UV interior protectant, and exterior quick detail. Give this one-stop maintenance shop for keeping boats of all types clean and protected. $99; seipelmarine.com

Salt Attack Engine Flush Bags
Salt Attack Engine Flush Bags Courtesy Salt Attack

Salt Attack Engine Flush Bags

Salt Attack’s Engine Flush Bags come from New Zealand, but that’s no problem for a fat guy with a sleigh! The collapsible design makes it easy to stow, yet when filled with water, it allows flushing an outboard or sterndrive without fear of reduced waterflow that “muffs” can bring. Plus, it can double as a portable livewell. It comes in four sizes. $75 to $135; salt-attack.nz/product/salt-attack-engine-flush-bag

Safety

ACR Dry Bag
ACR Dry Bag Courtesy ACR

ACR Dry Bag

This dry bag from ACR’s waterproof construction lends it to protecting flares, first-aid supplies and you name it. Take it with you when wading ashore at the beach or sandbar. It floats, so you can feel confident in its protection. Word on the docks is that Santa was so impressed with its design and construction that he custom-ordered one in red! Other available colors are black and white (sorry, Mr. Claus). It measures 7 ½- by-14 ¾ inches. $29.95; acrartex.com

Kawasaki Jet Ski Ignite Life Vest
Kawasaki Jet Ski Ignite Life Vest Courtesy Kawasaki

Kawasaki Jet Ski Ignite Life Vest

Approved by the US Coast Guard, the Kawasaki Jet Ski Ignite Life Vest is said to be the same one worn by Santa’s elves. (Good skaters those elves, but swimming isn’t their forte.) It features expansion panels, YKK zipper and dual webbed belts with quick-release buckles. This attractive neoprene life vest comes in three dual sizes: small (XS-S); large (M-LG) and 2X (XL-2X). It’s available in blue, red, grey and green, $79.16; kawasaki.com

Hyperlite Domain Life Vest
Hyperlite Domain Life Vest Courtesy Hyperlite

Hyperlite Domain Life Vest

Hyperlite’s Domain Vest carries both US Coast Guard and Transport Canada approval as a “life-saving device.” The choice of the Hyperlite Team, its comfort and mobility come from specially designed segmented foam panels and super-secure belt loops. Neoprene materials repel water and bolster drainability keeping the Domain lightweight, while looking sweet with Hyperlite’s slick graphics. $155; hyperlite.com

Mustang Elite 190 Inflatable Life Jacket
Mustang Elite 190 Inflatable Life Jacket Courtesy Mustang Survival

Mustang Elite 190 Inflatable Life Jacket

Give the gift of survival at sea. This new inflatable life jacket from Mustang features the Hammar Hydrostatic Inflatable Technology that is compatible with AIS or a PLB to add an extra layer of protection to signal help or locate you in an emergency. Lightweight and nonrestrictive, it’s easy to wear at all times on the water, whether cruising near land or far outside the inlet. $324.99; mustangsurvival.com

NOAA US Chart No. 1
NOAA US Chart No. 1 Courtesy NOAA

NOAA US Chart No. 1

Not a nautical chart at all, the US Chart No.1 is an invaluable aid for boaters. It’s a 130-page book available as a free PDF download from NOAA’s website. Within its pages the boater on your holiday gift list will find the symbols, abbreviations and definitions of all of the elements that make up a nautical chart. With it, things such as the composition of the seabed, the legality of anchoring or the preferred entrance to a harbor can be determined with greater certainty. A must-have for serious boaters. Free; nauticalcharts.noaa.gov

ACR RapidDitch Bag
ACR RapidDitch Bag Courtesy ACR

ACR RapidDitch Bag

A ditch bag is what you grab stepping off a sinking or burning boat and into the liferaft or the water. It needs to contain what you need to call for help and survive until that help arrives. We haven’t tested the ACR RapidDitch Bag, but one has been in use aboard Editor-in-Chief, Kevin Falvey’s boat, for over a decade. The RapidDitch Bag floats, offers rugged Velcro closure, features a long strap that can be used to tether survivors together or secure the bag to a life vest. It has a dedicated EPIRB pocket. The bag is bright yellow and reflective. Fill it with safety and survival gear for the ultimate boating safety gift. $129.99; acrartex.com

Gear/Apparel

Bajio Greenland Glasses
Bajio Greenland Glasses Courtesy Bajio

Bajio Greenland Glasses

These new large-size frames from Bajio make a great gift for the stylish boater in the family. With the choice of polycarbonate or glass polarized lenses, they are designed for technical fishing but keep your eyes safe and your vision clear whenever you step outside. The leases come in seven different color choices depending on the type of water you frequent, and the frames come in grass matte, black matte or brown water matte. $219 for polycarbonate lenses, $269 for glass; bajiosunglasses.com

Simms Grateful Dead SolarTech Hoodie
Simms Grateful Dead SolarTech Hoodie Courtesy Simms Fishing

Simms Grateful Dead SolarTech Hoodie

If the boater in your family is also a Dead Head, this gift will make them smile, smile, smile. This hoodie from Simms features the band’s Steal Your Face logo as well as the associated lightning bolt pattern. The quick-drying, odor-resistant hoodie has a 30-UPF rating, so any boater can keep on trucking all day in the sun. $69.95; simmsfishing.com

Sperry Moc Stripe Sneaker
Sperry Moc Stripe Sneaker Courtesy Sperry

Sperry Moc Stripe Sneaker

Sperry is as synonymous with boat shoes as Kleenex is with tissues. Give the gift of comfortable boat shoes in the latest evolution beyond the iconic Top Siders.These fashionable lace-ups are made for boating duty, with synthetic material made to resemble shoe leather. The non-marking sole features Wave-Spring technology to sipe away water for enhanced traction. The stylish shoes work well with a bathing suit or business suit. $55; sperry.com

Huk Airweight Quarter Zip
Huk Airweight Quarter Zip Courtesy Huk

Huk Airweight Quarter Zip

This new lightweight, breathable pullover keeps you protected from the sun and a little chill at the same time. It’s made of an ultra-light polyester and  spandex blend so it’s really comfortable and won’t restrict your movement around the boat. It has a UPF-40 sun-protection rating and its moisture-wicking and anti-microbial properties ensure you won’t end the day sweaty and smelly. Moreover, it features a cool KC Scott camo pattern. $55; huk.com

ugo Messenger Bag
ugo Messenger Bag Courtesy ugo

ugo Messenger Bag

What’s an item on every boater’s wish list? A bag that can keep gear dry and secure on the water. If it floats, all the better! The ugo Messenger bag is fully waterproof to IP69 specifications, which means it is both dustproof and waterproof to 1-meter depths for at least a 30-minute duration. What sets the ugo Messenger apart from other bags is that it is designed to float, so if you drop it in the water, the precious cargo you are trying to protect won’t sink like a stone to the depths. Made from 600D nylon TPU, the rugged bag withstands bumps and scrapes and the YKK zipper keeps a watertight seal when fully closed. With the included quick-release shoulder strap, it makes for a great briefcase too. $350; ugowear.com

Olukai Ulele Water-Ready Beach Sandals
Olukai Ulele Water-Ready Beach Sandals Courtesy Olukai

Olukai Ulele Water-Ready Beach Sandals

Olukai sandals are one of the few brands of flip-flops that keep traction on a slippery deck, with a wet rubber grip sole designed for trekking through the water. Plus, they float, so if you accidentally drop one overboard, you can scoop it up with a fishing net. Olukai are known for its arch support, so they keep your feet comfortable all day while hanging out on the water. $90; olukai.com

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