gift for yachtsman

70 Most Seaworthy Gift Ideas For Boat Owners

A’hoy there, captain! When it comes time to get your sea-worthiest pal and favorite boating enthusiast a little something for their boat or home, we have got you covered with these great gifts for boat owners.

We did all the leg work, so sit back and scroll on! Below, we’ve curated 70 excellent gift ideas for boaters, each one better than the last. 

They’re always ready to head for open water, but this must-have-on-deck gear will get them borderline giddy to set sail.

Best Gifts for Boaters

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1. Custom Watercolor Boat Painting

Turn their favorite sailboat into a custom watercolor painting ! This will grace their cabin walls for a long, long time. It’s super easy, too. 

All you do is choose your size and send the talented artists a photograph of your beloved boaters vessel. Voila! 

A truly one-of-a-kind gift that they will swoon over. Way better than a gift card if you ask us…

2. Custom Captain Hat

Leave no doubt to who is manning the helm with this cute, custom captain’s hat. 

Perfect for keeping the sun out of their eyes as they float and sail along, this cap is personalized with their name. Great for men and women alike!

3. Marine Binoculars

What’s that there on the horizon, matey? Check it out with a great pair of marine binoculars like these! 

Totally practical, your seafaring rover will be reaching for these again and again. An ideal gift for your fine boating friend.

4. Boat Boarding Mat

Welcome aboard all of your friends and family members with this fun boat boarding mat! 

It brings a touch of style and whimsy to your boat, and everyone will love it. A simple way to spruce up your space, and it’s so practical, too! 

5. Inflatable Kayaks

For water sports, these inflatable kayaks are the bee’s knees! Easy to store when not in use, they won’t take up too much space in their garage like normal kayaks do.

They’ll get so much use out of these “small boats,” and they make the perfect gift. So easy to set up, too.

6. Personalized Fish Tumbler

This personalized fish tumbler will come in handy on the boat, and it’s made of high-quality stainless steel so you know it will last and last! 

It will keep all of their hot beverages warm and toasty, and their cool drinks nice ‘n frosty. What more could you ask from a tumbler?

7. Custom Nautical Map

What a fun gift this custom nautical map is! You can pick the size and — not only that — you can choose from metal, acrylic, or canvas, too. 

Totally unique and made to please even the most finicky boat captain. 

8. Sailor’s Farewell Dish Set

What a beauty this ‘Sailor’s Farewell’ dish set is! It’s almost like a work of art that is also completely functional and useful. 

The set is made of the finest bone china and trimmed in 24k gold. And the whole collection tells a story, which might just be our favorite part. 

9. Cobra Floating VHF Radio

This Cobra floating VHF radio is going to be their favorite new piece of technology guaranteed! 

As practical and essential as it is nostalgic, they’ll love staying in communication with one another in such a timeless way.

Get updates on weather emergencies, US and Canadian as well as international radio channels, and so much more. 

And it’s not only top of the line in water resistance, it’s also fully submersible , too! That means if it accidentally goes over the side of the boat there’s nothing to worry about. Unless you can’t swim…

10. Coastal Navigation Class

Live your best sailing life with a coastal navigation class! Get educated and really know your stuff — you’ll be so glad you did. 

A super thoughtful gift for you and all of your boat-loving friends, they’ll be so grateful that you’ve given a gift that really is priceless — knowledge.

11. Wireless Waterproof Speaker

This wireless, waterproof bluetooth speaker turns your ordinary day on the boat into something special! 

Crank up your favorite tunes while sailing along under the blue skies — doesn’t that sound like a perfect afternoon? 

12. Engraved Fly-Fishing Gear Box

Help protect the coral reef with this engraved, fly fishing gear box! 

Rustic and handsome, this box will be something special that your boater friend passes on to the next generation one day. 

13. Blue Lizard Sunscreen

Don’t come back from sailing looking lobster red! Keep your skin safe and protected with this great sunscreen from Blue Lizard. 

No one ever regretted putting on sunscreen, after all, but we can’t say the same for the other way ‘round… 

14. Stained Glass Ship Art

With its vibrant blues that remind us of the ocean, this stained glass ship art is original and lovely! 

Such a great gift idea for boat lovers, it will fit right in with their boat decor whether at home, on deck, nestled in with their fishing gear, or used as a centerpiece. 

15. StaYmo Boat Shock Absorber

Get rid of the wibbles and wobbles on your boat as you calmly troll the waters with this StaYmo boat shock absorber! 

Those fishes won’t know what sneaked up on them. And it comes in a variety of different colors which just makes it extra fun. 

16. Garmin Fishfinder

Find out where that mother lode of fishes is hiding with a Garmin Fishfinder! 

Totally worth its weight in gold, this makes a day of fishing like a day at the beach… Well, you know what we mean. 

Related: The Fisherman Gift Guide

17. Stamp Boat Bookmark

Never lose your page and do it with style with this great stamp boat bookmark. It’s surprisingly easy to keep your TBR pile to a minimum when you never need to worry about finding your place. 

Time for “one more chapter!” 

18. Waterproof Floating Dry Bag

A waterproof backpack? Say no more! This floating dry bag will come in ever so handy at all the opportune and inopportune times.

Never worry about soggy phones, lunches, or shoes again. The waterproof design is patented to keep your goods high and dry.

19. Beer Subscription

What’s a day on the lake without some beer? Lame, that’s what! This beer subscription is a great gift for a boater. And they’ll get to appreciate it and thank you each and every month. 

20. LifeStraw Filter Water Bottle

These LifeStraw Filter Water Bottles are so great for using on the boat where space is limited! 

They’ll be reaching for it again and again. As they should, since it’s so important to stay hydrated when you’re out in the sun all weekend long. 

Boat Warming Gifts for New Boat Owners

21. ship christening champagne.

Do you know what the new boat owner really needs? To christen that new boat with something bubbly and delicious!  But why? Where did this tradition come from?

While the custom of christening ships has been around for thousands of years, in 1890 the US Navy’s first full-steel battleship, the U.S.S. Maine, was christened with a bottle of champagne. Queen Victoria followed suit in 1891 when she christened H.M.S. Royal Arthur, and the rest is history!

It’s tradition and so much fun, after all. Once the new boat has an official name and has been celebrated properly, you can pass around the decadent chocolate truffles.

22. Custom Boat Pillows

Personalize your boating accessories with these great custom pillows . So cute, adorable, and functional, too! 

Did we mention they’re super soft and squishy and perfect for a lazy afternoon nap? Because they definitely are.

23. Welcome Aboard Personalized Welcome Mat

Help them give a hearty welcome to all of their friends and family with this cute ‘Welcome Aboard’ personalized mat. 

It brings some whimsy and character to the entryway and will also keep dirt and debris from coming inside their little mansion on the water. 

These also make a perfect present for their home on land, too! So maybe snag one for each location.

24. Anchors Aweigh Personalized Coasters

For personalized, unique gifts these ‘Anchors Aweigh’ coasters are just the thing! They bring some fashion and interior design into your boat, and also come in handy for all of those times when water rings are trying to bring you down. 

Granted, it is a boat and water is kinda everywhere… But you know what we mean.

25. Custom Boat Name Decal

It took forever to come up with your boat’s name and now you need to tell the world! These custom vinyl boat name decals are an easy and inexpensive way to jazz up the boat’s exterior. 

Easy to apply, yet secure and lasting. Plus, vinyl is the recommended for boats. Win-win!

Gift Ideas for Boat Captains

26. captain jack bottle opener.

Made of maple and walnut woods and cast iron, this chic Captain Jack bottle opener is one-of-a-kind! Totally useful for cracking open all of those bottles of beer on the wall… 

Ninety-nine bottles, wasn’t it?

27. Handmade Italian Leather Sailing Log Book

Keep track of all of your adventures with this handmade , Italian leather sailing log book ! So handsome with its vintage vibe and retro appeal. 

It’s a wonderful way to jot down your sailing thoughts, observations, directions, and the like. 

28. Personalized Wooden Captain Sign

Whether your captain chooses to display it at home or on the boat, this personalized wooden captain sign will show everyone who’s the boss.

Crafted from thick, solid cedar wood and customized with raised lettering, this Made in the USA beauty is a creative and long-lasting gift for your favorite boat enthusiast.

29. Cigar Subscription

Argh, matey! A great sea captain needs an excellent cigar, don’t you think? 

This great cigar subscription scours the globe to find the very best in sophisticated smoking. Each and every month they can find a new favorite!

30. Personalized Decorative Life Ring

Every boat needs a life ring, but not every boat has one this good looking and personalized! Keep your sailors and guests safe and secure with a high quality ring like this one. You’ll be glad you did! 

Well, we hope you won’t have too many occasions to use it, but it’s still a good idea to have this handy tool close by.

31. Engraved Sailboat Whiskey Decanter

For a cool gift that can’t be beat, try this engraved sailboat whiskey decanter. So handsome and sophisticated! And so very unique, too, like a piece of art you can actually use. 

Get ready to hear the question “Where did you find that?!” quite a lot. 

Boat Gifts for Her

32. waves ring holder necklace.

Keep your favorite ring safe and near to your heart instead of on your finger where it can get in the way! Or worse, find its way into the depths of the ocean.

This pretty ring holder necklace is an accessory all on its own, but it comes in really handy as a great way to show off your ring and keep it safe as well. 

33. Insulated Wine Tote

This insulated wine tote keeps your favorite bottle of vino at exactly the right temperature, which is so important! 

Now you’re halfway to having that perfect picnic on the boat. Just add food…and you! And maybe a guest or two if you prefer.

Related: Best Gifts for Travelers

34. Boats Well With Others Shirt

Stay stylish yet casual with this cute ‘Boats Well with Others’ shirt! Your fellow boaters will be jealous and might want one of their own. 

You can pick out your favorite color, and the sizes range all the way from XS to 3XL. 

35. Handmade Sun Hat

For sunny days, this handmade sun hat is a real life saver. Well, a scalp and face saver, anyway! 

Plus it’s so cute and stylish, you’ll find yourself wearing it even on overcast days. We love a good hat like this. 

36. DIY Fishing Lure Earrings

Just because you’re a fisherwoman doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style and jewelry! 

These DIY fishing lure earrings are so fun and fashionable. And all your friends will want a pair, so get cracking, Linda. 

Practical Gifts for Boat Owners

37. floating keychain.

Raise of hands for anyone who has ever lost their keys while fishing? *Sheepishly raises mine.* 

Never again with these clever and oh-so smart floating keychains! Relax and keep reeling them in, all while not worrying about the state and location of your keys. 

38. Fire Extinguishers

Sure, you’re on the water, but you still need to have a good fire extinguisher! These fine specimens are not your mama’s fire extinguishers. 

So quirky and practically a work of art, you can choose your favorite design. And don’t even think of hiding it away in the back of a cupboard. These are meant to be seen!

39. Premium Flip Up Boat Seat

Relax in style with this premium, flip-up boat seat! So comfortable you’ll wonder how you ever got along without it. A great gift for a friend or for yourself, it pays you back in supreme comfort!. 

Good news for you and your tush.

40. Portable Solar Power Bank

This portable solar power bank is like having the power of solar panels at your beck and call. It will come in really handy during power outages, or just for use on the daily. 

Splash proof, too, making these perfect gifts for boat owners! 

41. Instant Pour Over Coffee

There’s a real lack of floating Starbucks, isn’t there? Well, until someone fixes that problem, we’ve got this great instant pour over coffee to the rescue!

Stay caffeinated, awake and happy with a great cup of joe on the lake or the ocean. And it tastes better than store bought, too! Now that’s a win-win.

42. Boat Scuff Erasers

Keep that fiberglass shiny with these great boat scuff erasers. Honestly, practical gifts make some of the very best boat gifts, if you ask us.

The only thing better than sailing on your boat is keeping it in tip-top shape! It’s super easy with these magic erasers. Cleaning has never been so addicting. 

43. Water-Proof Games

When boat life is family life, you’ll love having these great waterproof games to play! After all, you can’t swim your life away — sometimes you just have to dominate at some cards! 

44. Dynamic Life Vest

Life jackets and life vests are certainly not optional when you’re on a boat! These Dynamic vests are just the thing. They’ll fit everyone from the littlest tot to the largest seafaring family member. 

45. Waterproof First Aid Kit

Waterproof and water resistant first aid kits are such a great invention! 

Having this great one on your boat will give you peace of mind and will come in handy with everything from those darn fish hooks (hooking everyone but the fish), to scrapes and burns.

Here are some things you’ll want to consider adding:

• Pocket Guide to Emergency First Aid
• Needle Free Syringe — emergency eye-wash pump
• Mylar Thermal Blankets

High-End Gifts for Boat Owners

46. waterproof yeti cooler.

Splish! Splash! This waterproof YETI cooler is such a great gift idea. You’re going to look like a rock star when they unwrap this puppy. 

Hey, maybe now you’ll finally land that invitation for a weekend on the boat…

47. Damascus Steel Fillet Fishing Knife

You can never have too much fishing gear. Perish the thought! This Damascus steel, filet fishing knife is so good looking and really practical, too. 

It’s a great time for a fish fry, don’t you think?

48. Paid-For Boating Experience

Whether we’re talking short trips or long ones, boating experiences are so wonderful for your water loving friend. 

This paid-for experience is one for the record books. Order it ahead of time, get an instant voucher, and give it – then plan your trip!

They’ll love having the time of their lives, all thanks to your generosity and thoughtfulness. 

49. Bluetooth LED Distress Signal

Having a distress signal available in case of emergencies on the boat is super smart. 

 This bluetooth LED distress signal will give great peace of mind just by knowing it’s there if you need it. And hopefully you never will! 

50. Luxury Wine Chillers

These unique, luxury wine chillers are totally posh, and we are so here for them. Handsome as ever, they will keep your boat parties sophisticated and high-end — even if it’s a party for one! 

Funny Gifts for Boat owners

51. i wonder nautical mug.

Funny and cute! This mug will make your friend laugh and laugh because it’s simply so true. Great for coffee and tea — or a nightcap on the high seas — this delightful mug will be a hit. 

52. New Boat Fund

Something will break, it’s just a matter of when… So, stay ahead of the boating fund emergency by planning for the future now. This cute piggy bank is just the thing!

53. Metal Poop Deck Sign

Made of reclaimed wood, this sign is a keeper! We love it for the boat, but love it even more for its tongue-in-cheek humor in the head. 

54. River Life Beer Holding Hoodie

A hoodie with a can cooler and a bottle opener built right in? This is a gift that will give them a good laugh, but will also be worn just about every weekend. 

Bring on the party! Choose your size and favorite color until this hoodie is just right. 

55. Mystic Conch Shell

Based on an old SpongeBob SquarePants episode, this magic conch shell makes the hard decisions for them! Sassier than its cousin the Magic 8 Ball, this great gift will be the talk of the boat. 

56. Custom Moving Tide Clock

This handsome moving tide clock reveals a secret at low tide — either a stash of sea glass or a charming crustacean. Whichever you choose! 

So unusual in all the best ways, these are great gifts for boat owners or just for your favorite sea lover. 

57. Personalized Boating Socks

Now we’ve seen just about everything with these hilarious, personalized boating socks. They are going to look so great with a pair of Crocs and some Bermuda shorts, baby! 

We’re certain your favorite boater will love them, but if not, they’ll definitely get a hearty laugh at least.

58. Give a Man a Fish Beer Plaque

Turn the old adage into something even truer with this great beer plaque! 

The high-quality craftsmanship really stands out in a nice way, and the sign itself will totally transform your living space with its vintage appeal and funny wording. 

59. Custom Dude in Boat Bobblehead

What’s better than a bobblehead on a boat? One that looks like them of course! This custom dude in a boat bobblehead makes a great personalized gift. 

They’ll laugh and laugh, then put it in a place of honor so everyone can admire it properly. 

60. Sorry For What I Said

Yup, this one made me laugh out loud! This clever and oh-so-very true sticker is an easy and inexpensive gift for all your boating friends. We can all certainly relate…

Christmas Gifts for Boat Owners

61. engraved sailboat ornament.

An entire Christmas tree dedicated to boating and sailing? That would be sawweet! And this is a great place to start. 

This engraved sailboat ornament is cheery and festive, and will look absolutely amazing on your tree. 

62. Custom Anchor House Flag

When they have to be in their house instead of out on the boat, at least give a little nod to their seafaring ways with this custom anchor house flag. 

A great housewarming or moving gift for your friends this holiday season! 

63. Puffin Drinkware

Who says gifts for boat owners have to be all tactical and practical and stuff? Find the perfect drinkware for your friends with Puffin!

These clever and whimsical life jackets for your cans are so funny and delightful. We want them all! 

64. Water Skiing Rope

Get some high-quality water skiing rope that won’t break the bank! This great set is everything you ever wanted or dreamed of for your favorite water sport. 

Your friends will appreciate such a thoughtful and practical gift, too! 

65. No-Drill Clamp Cup Holder

It’s portable, easy to use and remove, and will be their favorite new “tool!” 

These no-drill clamp cup holders will come in handy all over the boat, while down at the docks, sitting around a campfire…there’s no place they won’t want to use this cool gift! 

66. Travel Inspired Scented Candles

Since the lake only goes so far, keep the travel dreams alive with these travel inspired candles ! Great for the boat cabin or for the home, they will fill your hearts (and nostrils) with wanderlust. 

67. Personalized Towels

A great set of towels — yes please! These personalized sets make the best Christmas gift, but we also think you might want to order a few for your own family. Oversized and ever-so plush, they won’t disappoint. 

Related: Beach Lover Gift Ideas

68. DIY Nautical Soap

Make some cool and fun nautical soap with this clever DIY ! It might just become your new addiction, and we know all your boat loving friends will appreciate a bar or two or three. 

69. Waterproof GPS Tracker

Don’t get lost out there while adventuring!! Or do, if that’s your prerogative… But we recommend not going missing.

This waterproof GPS tracker takes all the guesswork out of sailing. This is one of those must-have gifts for boat owners that they just shouldn’t have to live without. Second star to the right and straight on till morning! 

70. Sailing Ship Kite

We’re just in love with this beautiful sailing ship kite! It’s gorgeous enough on land, so just imagine it gliding through the air over the beach.

 A wonderful gift for the friend who has everything (because we’re sure they don’t have this!).

Read Next: Best Gifts for Boat Owners, Sailors, and Sailing Enthusiasts

Melyssa Williams

Melyssa Williams has been writing since she could hold a pen (or a quill, as she was an odd little duck). Sadly, she was born to two loving parents who fed her broccoli, taught her manners, and raised her with...

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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Best Christmas gifts for sailors: 39 top picks in 2023

• Toby Hodges
• November 8, 2023

Stuck for gift ideas for the sailor who has it all? Yachting World is here to help with dozens of great ideas as we list our best gifts for sailors all selected by our expert editorial team

Are you wondering what to get the sailor in your life for their birthday, for Christmas or for any other celebratory occasion? Here is our pick of the best Christmas gifts for sailors that would make a perfect present for the keen boater in your life.

We appreciate everyone is on a different budget, so we’ve sectioned this piece by price. Hit the links below to jump straight to the price bands.

Best gifts for sailors under £25 Best gifts for sailors £25 – £100 Best gifts for sailors £100 – £200 Best gifts for sailors £200 – £500 Best gifts for sailors £500+

Editor’s choice Christmas gifts

Hattiers Premium Reserve Rum

Synonymous with sailing since the mid 17th Century, rum continues to be the yachtsman’s favourite tipple.

This south Devon firm, which currently sponsors our Letters pages and has also teamed up with Spirit Yachts, produces some dangerously good sipping rums. A personal favourite is its premium reserve blended Egremont rum – wow!

Buy it now on Amazon

Gerber EZ-Out Rescue knife

This is a single blade with a rounded tip and no other tools or features. Although the blade remains safely sprung closed, it is easy and safe to open one-handed.

The 7.8cm-long blade is serrated, but not so heavily that the knife grips a rope when it should be cutting it. We found the EZ-Out Rescue the most effective cutter in our test. Whether faced with the tough Dyneema halyard, the webbing or the awkward polypropylene line, this blade scythed through in a few seconds at most.

The blade locks well and is easily returned via a push point on the rear. At 73.7g, the EZ-Out Rescue is very light and there is a lanyard point as well as a pocket clip.

That bright yellow, reinforced thermoplastic handle is mottled for grip and Gerber has boosted this with a raised black rubber lip on each side. The overall unit is relatively thin but perfectly comfortable to use.

This knife comes with a lifetime warranty.

Standard Horizon HX210E

This affordable 6W waterproof and buoyant handheld VHF is compact yet feature packed. The lithium battery-powered radio has chunky keys, a bright backlit screen, a water-activated strobe and an integral FM radio.

Looking for more options? Check out our guide to the  best handheld VHFs .

Sealskinz Bacton waterproof

Keeping your head warm and dry is vital to enjoying winter sailing. This waterproof Sealskinz beanie looks like the ideal way of achieving that. It is water and stain repellent, with a three layer construction for warmth, durability and waterproofing. The waterproofing will keep your head dry, breathability will keep you warm even when working hard.

Looking for a different style? Check out our guide to the best sailing hats on the market.

Red 40lt Kit Bag

This waterproof bag is stylish and lightweight, with smooth zips designed not to snag, and the best part is that it’s made out of recycled plastic bottles (TPU). And the zips and seals really work too. We tested a selection of waterproof bags and this was our favourite blend of style and practicality.

Buy it now from Red Original

Best Christmas gifts for sailors under £25

For those of us with land locked loved ones in our lives that are keen to take to the high seas Meg and Christopher Clothier may have the gift for you. Sea Fever is a book stacked to the gunnels with interesting facts, practical advice and esoteric seaside lore – once you’ve read it, you’ll never feel like a landlubber again.

Buy it now from Amazon

With each product is a ‘Buy it now’ link. If you click on this then we may receive a small amount of money from the retailer when you purchase the item. This doesn’t affect the amount you pay.

Creative ropecraft: a treasure trove of knots, hitches, bends, plaits and netting.

the updated edition of Creative Ropecraft: A treasure trove of knots, hitches, bends, plaits and netting by the late Stuart Grainger.

Now in colour for the first time, this compendium of all things knotty is a great collection of practical nautical knots and decorative rope work.

The Nautical Puzzle Book

How much do you really know about the oceans? The National Maritime Museum has packed this book with hundreds of questions and a mix of maps, world games and trivia. Available in hardback or Ebook form this stocking filler is designed to suit veteran sailors and armchair navigators alike.

Sugru Mouldable Glue

Sugru is a new material that feels like play dough but acts like superglue and sticks to most objects and surfaces. It’s very user-friendly, highly malleable and waterproof and comes in 10 bright colours. It’s ideal for both fixing things and giving items a new lease of life as it sets like silicone rubber (flexible and insulated) – it’s also surprisingly fun to apply.

Rick Tomlinson Calendar 2023

Any office/home study would look bare without a wall hanging calendar – particularly one that inspires dreams of getting afloat. One of our favourites is from Cowes photographer, Rick Tomlinson who consistently takes great sailing images and his annual calendar is always guaranteed to be chock-full of great snaps.

Best Christmas gifts for sailors £25 – £100

Spinlock essentials chest pack.

Spinlock’s Essential Packs are snug fitting solutions for keeping accessories like a mobile phone, VHF, or personal EPIRB to hand on the water. They are available as belt, side or chest packs that attach with Velcro tie-downs, and neatly compliment Spinlock’s Deckvest 5D lifejacket.

C-monsta wetsuit hangar

This odd looking hanger is designed especially for your wetsuit and its accoutrements like the gloves and boots. It’s lightweight, so easy to bring with you and strong enough to take the extra weight of soaking wet neoprene. The design also helps your wetsuit dry quicker and reduces wear and tear.

Reeds Nautical Almanac 2023

This year sees the 90th-anniversary edition of the Reeds Nautical Almanac. An annual compendium of all the navigational data you might need to plot a course around the Atlantic coast. It includes the UK and Europe all the way from Denmark to Gibraltar.

Gill Deckhand Sailing Gloves – Long Finger

The Gill Deckhand gloves have been my go to glove for years now. For a while there was a women’s option available which was a much better fit than the unisex version.

The way the glove is tailored to the curve of the hand makes them easy to wear and easy to grip lines and other control surfaces. They do get a bit soggy to wear when wet and I keep a few pairs to be able to swap out while the others dry off. They usually last me a season and need replacing but I keep buying the same gloves because they are so comfortable to wear.

Arthur Beale Riggers bag

Arthur Beale’s all natural oiled wool pullovers are the company’s signature item today, but it also has dozens of gift ideas, including this Rigging Tool Bag. Made from canvas and leather it features 24 external and 18 internal pockets plus practical handles and lanyards.

Buy it now from Arthur Beale

Gill Tarp Barrel Bag

All sailors need a decent kit bag. This 60L no-nonsense barrel bag is made from durable waterproof tarpaulin and features a two-way zip and padded shoulder strap.

Carboteck bracket and bezel

An upgrade for the dinghy sailing enthusiast in your life. This forged light and impact resistant carbon bezel is designed for use with a Velocitek Prism or a Raymarine Tacktick Micro Compass. The forged carbon is created by mixing paste fibres with resin, then squeezing the material into the desired shape.

Buy it now from Carboteck

Spinlock Lume-On lights

The simple ideas are the best. These compact LEDs stick to the underbelly of each bladder, which uses the large fluorescent surface like a diffuser to maximise the visibility of the flashing light.  Once activated, the Lume-On provides up to two hours of intense flashing light. It adds very little extra weight, has a smooth profile so will not chafe the bladder, and is very simple to retrofit to most lifejackets.

Boatworld Free Wheeling Outboard

This Australian innovation blends rowing with outboard motors to produce a clever lightweight solution for your tender. It uses a 3:1 gear ratio contained in the collar by the handle, driving a high-pitch propeller to provide a smooth, silent and fuel-less means of manual propulsion in either direction. Time to ditch the outboard, oars or both?

TackingMaster

Race tactics involve decisions based on the wind direction and trends, gleaned from the yacht’s compass. This Danish TackingMaster helps make wind shifts quick and easy to gauge using a watch-style wrist mount.

Once the wind direction and course to the mark have been set, you can track any shifts by using its inner course dial. So you can easily see how a shift may affect the next tack or leg and keep track of the average wind trend.

Buy it now from Tackingmaster

Restube Beach Float Buoyancy Aid

Anyone who partakes in extreme watersports will know there are times when wearing a lifejacket is simply not practical afloat. And others may simply want the comfort of a personal flotation device without the bulk, perhaps when taking a swim away from an anchored yacht.

The Restube is a personal lifebuoy developed by a kitesurfer that stows into a small bum-bag like pouch. It uses a vertical or horizontal belt attachment, and a sports model is available with a harness mount.

FlexSafe by AquaVault

Keeping keys, passports, wallets and electronic gadgets safe when travelling can all too often be a challenge. The FlexSafe is a lockable bag made of slash-proof materials that cannot be cut open with a knife and incorporates a piercing 110db motion sensing alarm. When on shore simply attach the bag to a convenient tree, your folding bike, the dinghy or any other suitable structure.

Gill Stealth Timer

Stealth Timer If you’re late to the start wearing this watch, there’s no excuse! As well as the large, super clear display, modes include a digital compass and course shift as well as the ‘stealth’ feature of a silent countdown so you can outsmart the opposition on the line.

Best Christmas gifts for sailors £100 – £200

Yeti rambler 36oz.

When two fishermen brothers couldn’t find a robust icebox/cooler, they started Yeti, which produces coolers you can stand on, throw around a boat and that will keep ice cold for days.

The drinkware range looks just as practical, whether water bottles, the ramblers to keep your coffee hot, or the wine tumbler to keep your Côtes de Provence ice cold.

The Rambler gallon/half gallon jugs make a lot of sense for day sailing racing, either for warming soups hot or keeping your Dark’n’Stormy fresh!  See Stones/Yeti for options

Buy it now from Yeti

Shakespeare emergency inflatable VHF antenna

If you’re planning a trip a little further out to sea or just want the safety of a powerful emergency antenna without cluttering up your deck this could be the low space answer for you. The Galaxy®-INFL8 VHF 3dB is an inflatable antenna that can be rapidly deployed via a CO2 cartridge to 5ft (1.6m) to offer a full 3dB antenna with a range of up to three times greater than any existing helical emergency antenna.

Sealey SPB160W 31200mAh Lithium AC Power Pack

This lithium ion power back offers a potential solution to the problem of keeping gadgets charged while on board. It’s compact and weighs only 1.5kg, but has a 31,200mAh capacity that’s sufficient to deliver half a dozen full charges for a smart phone, or to fully charge a typical laptop twice.

Oakley Split Shot

Wearing a good set of UV-protected sunglasses with polarised lenses year-round can help protect against serious eye damage. But it can be painful and expensive if, like me, you are prone to losing glasses over the side. Oakley’s Split Shot glasses come with Prizm lenses and provide a detachable lightweight and ultra thin wire leash attachment to its wraparound glasses to suit watersports in particular.

Looking for a different style? Check out our guide to the best sailing sunglasses on the market.

Dubarry Commodore XLT

YM editor Theo Stocker has been putting Dubarry’s Commodore XLT moccasin boat shoes through their paces for a few months now.

He believes they represent a happy medium between traditional moccasins and their sporty competitors.

Theo says: ‘Their key selling point is that they are, as the name suggests, extra light. In fact, they are roughly half the weight of my previous boat shoes.

‘Despite this, they still have a good degree of cushioning in the sole and are firm enough to give my foot some support, with the three-hole lacing keeping them secure on my foot.’

For more options, from deck trainers to leather moccasins, check out YBW’s guide to the best boat shoes available right now.

Buy it now from Robinsons Shoes

Exposure Weatherproof Head Torch

This compact, lightweight double-ended torch shines a powerful white beam from one end and a red light from the other. Both can be operated simultaneously for a variety of uses from onboard, to the tender ride or cycle home.

Accessories include a headband that allows either colour to shine forwards, a reflective neck lanyard, plus stanchion, helmet and magnetic mounts.

Fizzics portable beer tap

Sailors are discerning types with quality tastes. So why not ship a portable beer tap for draught-tasting beer with the perfect head? The founders of Fizzics have really delved into the science (or ‘fizzics’) of beer drinking, and created a device that they say will deliver the perfect pour, creating an ‘ultra dense, long-lasting foam head’ from any standard size beer can or bottle – and all beer types from lager and ale to stout.

It’s strictly for those who take their drinking seriously – I’ve asked Santa for one.

Best Christmas gifts for sailors £200 – £500

Ocean Signal rescueMe MOB1

The more portable personal rescue devices are, the more likely they will be worn or carried. Ocean Signal’s new MOB1 is 30% smaller than competitor AIS MOB devices .

It can alert any AIS-equipped vessels in the vicinity to the precise location of a casualty in the water, and it will fit on any inflatable lifejacket’s oral tube. It also includes DSC alerting so can both pinpoint a MOB location via AIS, plus trigger the yacht’s own VHF alarm.

Decathlon Tribord Sailing Jacket Offshore 900

This French company develops and retails its own brand products, but doesn’t change its ranges unnecessarily merely to suit the whims of fashion. The result is long-lasting gear at very competitive prices.

This is the firm’s top-specification offshore jacket, made from a three-layer fabric with four times the waterproofing rating of typical inshore products.

It also has a high collar, adjustable hood with rigid visor, double sleeve seals and two hand warmer pockets. In addition, there are two cargo pockets and a further secure and drier pocket under the storm flap.

Buy it now from Decathlon

Garmin Virb Ultra 30

If your choice of action camera is more defined by durability, audio and picture quality, consider Virb cameras. Garmin continues to upgrade its rugged and waterproof (to 50m) Virb cams with increased resolution and a variety of mounting options.

Buy it now f rom Garmin

Spot X satellite messenger

A neat two-way satellite messenger, with communication via SMS or email. The Spot X has a Qwerty keyboard, can be linked to Facebook and Twitter accounts, and has tracking and SOS functions. Satellite coverage is via the Globalstar system. Note that you will require a subscription to use this on top of the purchase price.

Garmin Instinct 2S Solar

The Instinct 2, launched in February 2022 is Garmin’s all-round watch, which they call their outdoors watch. Features that are particularly relevant to sailors include GPS positioning on charts; barometric pressure and a compass.

It has smartphone connectivity, receives emails and texts, and can control music via a phone. This watch also has an inbuilt thermometer and heart rate monitor.

The Garmin Instinct is available in no fewer than 20 different styles and colours. It’s actual diameter is 47mm (1 13/16” in) but the viewable face is 32mm (1 1/4”). The Instinct is 16mm (5/8” in) thick and weighs 53g (2 oz).

For racing sailors, it also has multiple start sequence options. We have an indepth review from long term testing of this watch coming soon.

The Garmin Instinct watch is a good alternative for anyone seeking a more moderately priced alternative to the Garmin Quatix 6 .

Best Christmas gifts for sailors £500+

Quench manual watermaker.

Hydro Wind Energy is aiming to produce 100 million Quench Sea desalinators in the next seven years! This unit has triple pre-filtration and a small state-of-the-art reverse osmosis replaceable membrane rated for the production of 18,000lt of fresh water. It weighs 0.7kg and produces 2lt of water an hour.

Note: the first units aren’t scheduled to ship until October 2021, but a voucher for one could be welcomed as a Christmas gift with a difference.

Buy now from Quench Sea

Swellpro Spry+ Plus Waterproof Dron e

Swellpro made the first fully waterproof quad copter that also floats. This new drone is an update to that ‘splash’ model and has many of the same great features including the ability to shoot 4K video and 12MP images. It also has a payload release feature for carrying and releasing items, including safety gear. SwellPro has released the 3 rd  generation of the SplashDrone, with improved features, including a ‘follow me’ mode. Use it to capture some unique footage of your yacht, take a beer to a friend, or even drop a life-ring to a casualty in the water.

Bluefin Cruise inflatable paddle board

The Bluefin Cruise is very stable for paddling and has a fair amount of buoyancy thanks to its width and depth. Of course this does also mean it is more affected by wind and waves than other, smaller designs.

I like that the grip runs almost all the way to the tail of the board, meaning you still have grip to stand on if you have a heavy dry bag strapped to the attachment point on the nose of the board – or a small child – both of which would see you stand much further back than normal

This model excels in versatility and manoeuvrability, making it well-suited for most novice or occasional paddlers.

Garmin Quatix 6 sailing watch

The latest generation of Garmin’s sailing smartwatch adds optional Bluechart g3 cartography enabling it to function as a standalone plotter. It also gains a larger 1.3in always-on screen and a MOB detection feature. As with previous generations, it can be used to interface with Garmin chartplotters and instrument data, as well as controlling autopilots and on-board entertainment.

If your budget quite won’t stretch that far, read our guide to the best sailing watches available right now.

Best Christmas gift ideas for sailors

If you didn’t find anything in this list that’s perfect for the sailor in your life, you might want to browse some of the options below for a whole range of sailors’ favourites. And if you’re still stuck, there’s always the good old gift card…

Best watches for sailors Best handheld VHF radio Best gloves for sailors Best binoculars for sailors Best stand up paddle board Buy Gael Force Marine gift vouchers Buy Bass Pro Shops gift cards

57 Top & Best Gifts for Boaters Who Are Always on the Water

* This article contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you.

TL:DR: The best gifts for boaters are the Magic Fisherman Soap , Marine Bar Caddy by Docktail , and the Commissioned Watercolor Painting of Their Boat . Here’s why:

• The magic fisherman soap scrubs away that awful fish smell—yay, no more date-night stink!
• A marine bar is functional and exciting for anyone who enjoys sipping a drink on the water.
• These one-of-a-kind watercolor paintings are thoughtful gifts that they’ll treasure forever.

Let’s be real; die-hard boaters love spending time on the water more than anything else. That’s why the best way to a boater’s heart is through boating accessories and items with a nautical theme. 

If you feel a little stuck, I’m here with some great ideas to help you find the best gifts for your favorite boaters.

I grew up slathering on sunscreen and jumping off the back of speedboats every summer. Aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents lounged on floaties day after day. Meanwhile, my sister and I dove for fishing lures and lost sunglasses. 

We spent late nights peering over the side of the boat as garfish appeared from the depths like monsters from horror films. 

At around 11 pm, dad turned the ignition, and we sped back to the dock. My sister and I wrapped ourselves in towels and fell asleep, dreaming of another day to come.

I’ve based this list of boat gift ideas on my personal experience and hours of research on boating blogs. 

Whether you’re searching for the best father’s day gifts for boaters or the best Christmas gifts for boaters, this list is sure to have just the thing. 

Best of all, you can order most of these gifts online and ship them directly to the recipient’s door.

Note: this post contains affiliate links, which help run this site at no extra cost to you so I can keep providing free travel advice and tips.

Short on time? Here are my top three gift ideas for boaters

My Three Top Gifts:

• Magic Fisherman Soap
• Marine Bar Caddy by Docktail
• Commissioned Watercolor Painting of Their Boat

Table of Contents

#1 Captain’s Hat

The most crucial boat accessory gift is a captain’s hat. 

Okay, maybe this is the third most important thing after life jackets and first aid kits. But you get the point. 

Captain’s hats are funny gifts for boat owners with a sense of humor or, on the flip side, for captains who take their leadership role a little too seriously. These captain’s hats are one size fits all.

#2 Boat Guest Book

Guest logs are a great gift idea for boat owners who love welcoming new crew members aboard for parties or excursions, and they’re my favorite Amazon gift for boat owners. 

This guest log is hardcover and has lines for a name, date, and short description of the outing. Your favorite boat captain will feel official handing this book to their guests and can look back at all of the happy memories.

#3 STRIKER Fishfinder by Garmin

If the special boater in your life is more dedicated to fish than humans, they will love this fish finder. 

Using high-frequency pitches that echo back to the boat, the STRIKER fishfinder maps out marine life so that fishers can see where the fish are biting.

The STRIKER also has GPS and Waypoints for making personal maps of the best fishing spots. Fishfinders are best for lakes and rivers.

Unlike some boat accessories, this is so compact that kayak fishers can carry a STRIKER in their vest pocket. 

I also suggest checking out the STRIKER Cast fish finder, which is a floating bobber that runs off of a cellphone app. It’s even more compact but not good for people with a history of dropping their phone in the water.

Whatever style of product you go with, high-tech fish finders and chart plotters are the ultimate luxury gifts for boaters.

Looking for more Garmin products? Check out our list of the best Garmin watches .

#4 Boat Scuff Erasers

Another set of must-have boat accessories are boat scuff erasers. They work like Mr. Clean erasers but are stronger and better at pulling up tough dirt, mildew, and stains on boats. 

Scuff erasers are a handy tool that makes great gifts for boat owners who want to spot-clean before heading out. Boat scuff erasers activate with a little bit of water. They don’t have bleach and are safe to use on vinyl, leather, and Gelcoat.

#5 Boat Cover

Once the boat is clean, maybe it’s time to invest in a new boat cover. Covers protect the furnishings and electronics in a boat from direct sunlight and rain. 

Vessels without covers are exposed to the elements and age rapidly, lowering their value.

#6 Spare Battery

I listened to a TedTalk recently about a professional fisherman whose boat died and left him stranded in the ocean as a storm rolled in. 

No one looks or feels good stranded in a storm. A spare battery to store under the seats is a practical gift for new boat owners and weathered seamen. 

It’s crucial to find out what battery their boat uses. The best way of doing this without ruining the surprise is by learning the make, model, and year. Then stop by a boating store and ask for help finding the correct battery. 

And if you aren’t up for detective work, buy them a prepaid $100 Visa to help pay for the battery.

Who knows, you could save their life in an emergency.

#7 Waterproof Pack

Sea to Summit dry bags make the best birthday gifts for boaters. This 20L dry bag is 420-denier nylon fabric reinforced with thermoplastic polyurethane. 

In other words, wildlife photographers can feel confident packing camera equipment on their next kayaking trip. 

This bag is known to keep contents dry despite dips in the lake and accidental drops from the boat dock during loading and unloading.

CHECK PRICE ON:

#8 Reef Safe Sunscreen

All boat captains need sunscreen, but whether or not they remember to buy it for themselves is another question. That’s why this sunscreen by Thrive should be on your gift list. 

It’s reef safe, and the packaging is plant-based to reduce plastics. Reef-safe sunscreens don’t contain Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, and other harsh chemicals that contribute to coral bleaching. 

Plus, the antioxidants in this sunscreen derive from ingredients grown on Costa Rican farms that work to replenish the soil with its natural nutrients.

#9 Ray–Ban Sunglasses

Sunglasses are excellent gift ideas for boaters. 

I find broken sunglasses on river banks and ocean beaches all the time. Just last month, I lost my favorite pair of sunglasses while paddleboarding on the Columbia River. 

Gift your favorite boater a new pair of polarized Ray–Ban sunglasses. Polarized sunglasses reduce glare and water reflections so boaters can see through the water’s surface while fishing or anchoring.

#10 Wine Cooler Tote

Items that help to get the party started make excellent gifts for boaters. 

With this wine tote, your friends can chill their wine at home or pick up a bottle at the store and chill it in the bag. The seams and insulated lining are leakproof. 

No need for a bulky ice chest. This adorable bag has a cross-body strap for secure carrying. 

The blue and white stripes with leather details are a classic combo that looks cute on the boat or while picnicking at an open-air concert.

#11 Wine Glass Charms

These nautical wine glass markers are great boat-warming gifts for keeping track of whose glass is whose late into the night. 

Offer these as a host gift when you stay at a friend’s lake house or spend an evening on their boat. 

I like this set of charms in particular because each boating flag is a different color, meaning that there’s no need to squint at tiny words on the charms. 

You can create personalized boating gifts by beading your own charms with a jeweler’s wire.

#12  Nautical Whiskey Decanter

If wine isn’t their thing, how about whiskey? 

This glass ship-in-a-bottle decanter is the perfect gift and talking point for boat owners who regularly entertain at home. It will add a nautical touch to any study.

Looking for more bourbon whiskey gifts? Read our bourbon-themed gift guide .

#13 Charcuterie Board

Maybe you need a Mother’s day gift that combines her love of boating and entertaining. Charcuterie boards will bump her display game up a notch. 

Serving tools tuck into an internal drawer, compact for carrying onto the boat. This set has two ceramic bowls that fit into the corners and hold dipping sauces like olive oil or hummus. 

Bamboo is also more sustainable than hardwoods because it grows back quickly, and the water resistance makes the board sure to last for years to come.

#14 Spill Proof Tumbler

Sun tea, anyone? Anything spill-proof makes a great gift for boating enthusiasts—no more worrying about spilling the tea on dad’s precious boat. 

When you take the straw out, a spring closure on the underside of the lid automatically seals the straw hole. 

The user gets the convenience of a water bottle and the satisfaction of drinking from a reusable straw . I don’t know about you, but I think it feels weird to drink smoothies and coffee from water bottles. 

This tumbler is the perfect container for making boat sun tea. Drop a few tea bags into a tumbler full of water, screw the lid on, and set it in a sunny cup holder. After a couple of hours, stick a straw in, and Voilà.

#15 Eucalyptus Oil for Cleaning

Boating and fishing can be messy, and sometimes the best gifts for boaters are practical cleaning supplies. 

It’s a little-known secret that eucalyptus oil will help clean sticky messes and fishy residue. 

Eucalyptus is a natural essential oil, and the smell also helps freshen the cabin of a boat after sitting all winter.

Essential oils are great gifts for a new boat owner who wants to remove scents from previous owners.

Looking for more green gift ideas? Read my guide to the best eco-friendly gifts .

#16 Fishing Pole Organizer

Alright, this is a gift for anyone with “too many” fishing poles. You will also be helping out their loved ones who are tired of tripping over the fishing equipment. 

This fishing pole organizer requires no wall attachments and can easily tuck it into the corner for easy access.

#17 Square Drain Plug Wrench

Looking for a practical gift for someone with a bad memory? This drain plug, wrench, and plug holder is bright orange. 

It attaches to their keychain as a reminder and convenient tool for draining and replugging the bilge so the boat doesn’t sink.

#18 Deodorizing Fisherman Hand Scrub

Organic soap is always a great gift idea, but this fisherman soap is specifically for cleaning hands before and after fishing.

Fish absolutely love the scent of anise—which is similar to the smell of black licorice. Washing hands with this soap attracts fish by replacing human odors before touching any lures. 

Anise soap also makes a great gift for him to use after fishing. The anise fragrance cuts through fishy odors without using bleach or other harsh chemicals.

And if he still smells fishy, give this hand scrub a try. It’s lemon-scented and known to cut through odors.

#19 Floating Key Fob

Alright, this one is for the friends who are bound to drop their keys in the lake. Do some damage control by gifting them a floating key fob. 

It comes in 9 different colors with a cute nautical emblem like an anchor or a palm tree. 

Turn this into the best floating gift for boaters by personalizing it with the person’s name or a personal message. I might write a silly phrase like “Don’t Lose” or “Keep Swimming.”

#20 Bait & Filet Table

The design of this filet table drains the fish guts directly into the water. It mounts on a fishing rod holder and swivels over the boat’s edge. 

Any angler who prepares bait or fish on their boat will be eternally grateful for the easy cleanup and convenience.

#21 Cut Resistant Glove

Let’s keep all of those fingers intact. Pair the filet table with a cut-resistant glove. These gloves come in packs of one, so order two for a set.

#22 Survival Kit & First Aid Kit

When you need it, you need it. 

This kit contains the minimum necessities for marine emergencies: a 60-foot throw rope, stainless steel 12-in-1 multi-tool, water-resistant LED strobe light, survival whistle, thermal blankets, and a first aid kit.

The storage bag is the size of a school backpack and can easily slide under a seat.

#23 Life Jackets

While we are on the topic of safety, make sure that the new boat owner in your life has a set of life vests. 

Traditional orange emergency life jackets are cheaper, but people are less likely to use them unless it’s a true emergency. 

I recommend investing in this sportier, more comfortable set of 4 Stohlquist vests. These are suitable for water sports like stand-up paddleboarding and staying afloat with an afternoon cocktail.

Keep in mind that new boaters with small children need child-sized life vests. Here is a comprehensive Coast Guard-approved video explaining the proper life jacket fit:

#24 Nautical Sundial Compass

Go retro and gift a boating enthusiast this nautical sundial compass. This compass is brass and fully functional–-even though most people will use it as a decoration.

Is the boating enthusiast in your life less retro and more high-tech? Get them a handheld GPS device instead.

#25 Marine Bar Caddy by Docktail

Who’s ready to party? Docktail marine bar caddies are the perfect gifts for boat enthusiasts who like to show off their drink-making skills. 

This caddy mounts into standard fishing rod holders and folds flat when not in use. 

The caddy has six cup holders and bottle cutouts. It also has a cutting board insert for slicing limes and preparing snacks.

#26 Bungee Dock Lines

Simplify the docking process with a set of 4-foot bungee dock lines with a boat loop on either side. 

The bungee is concealed inside the rope and has a tension strength of 2,150 pounds, meaning it is rated to withstand just over 2,000 pounds of force. 

To tie up using this dock line, thread the boat loop up through the chalk of the cleat. Then fold the loop over the top of the cleat and secure it under the left and right points of the cleat.

#27 Portable Spotlight

LED spotlights are awesome gifts for boaters who enjoy a relaxing evening cruise.  

Growing up, my dad used the boat spotlight to anchor in the dark, avoid underwater tree stumps, and catch the attention of other boaters. My sister and I mostly pointed it into the water and tried to catch minnows.

I particularly like the BUYSIGHT light because it has a 10,000-lumen high beam, an S.O.S. strobe for emergencies, and a flood lamp for eating dinner in the dark. The light is compatible with universal tripods and serves as a battery pack for recharging phones.

#28 Boat Tote Organizer

The boat tote organizer is a popular gift for boaters that will come in handy for the boating enthusiasts in your life. 

The tote fits over any gunnel with a maximum width of 2.5 inches; it comes with cup holders, fishing rod holders, predrilled holes for mounting fishfinders and chart plotters, and a magnetic plate for organizing lures.

#29 Custom Classic Life Preserver

This nautical decor is a United States Coast Guard-approved flotation device. Customize it with the boat name for a perfect custom gift for a new boat owner.

If you are looking for a good laugh, customize the text to something funny like “Don’t Let Go” or “Retirement Fund.”

#30 Wine Bottle Gift Bag

Never show up to a party empty-handed. Gift wrap a bottle of wine in this adorable reusable pouch. The materials are an eco-friendly blend of recycled fabric.

Looking for an experiential gift? Take your friend wine tasting in Santa Cruz or pick up a bottle to enjoy on deck.

#31 Personalized Buoy Decor

These cute wooden buoy decorations bring a casual nautical touch to beach and lake houses. Each buoy is handmade with custom longitude, latitude, and house number.

#32 Personalized Anchor Towels 

Need a nautical holiday gift idea for your favorite boat captain? Have their boat name embroidered on this set of 100% cotton towels.

#33 “I Love You” Nautical Flag Decor

These oyster shells read “I Love You” in the universal language of nautical flags. Too cute. 

This gift is a meaningful piece of art for a desk, dresser, or bookshelf. Gift it as an earring holder or candy dish.

Each shell is hand-picked from Cape Cod Bay and hand painted. The edges have gilded gold rims, and the inside is finished with multiple layers of a top coat.

#33 Sun Hat

This hat is an all-around friend to anyone who spends time in the sun. The cute leather drawstring will keep it from flying away as the wind picks up. It has a nearly 3-inch brim and offers UPF 50+. 

No matter how much sunscreen we slather on, sunhats add that extra layer of protection for noses and cheeks. Give this hat to a loved one who always comes home sunburned.

#34 Etched Nautical Stemless Wine Glasses

Nautical-themed etched wine glasses make fun boat gifts for couples tying the not. Stemless wine glasses are less likely to be knocked over in tight quarters. 

This set uses dishwasher-safe plastic that looks and feels like glass. Plastic is a safer option for boaters who don’t want to worry about cleaning up broken glass.

#35 Nautical Porthole Clock

Consider some decorative boat accessories if you’re looking for a great gift idea for a new boat owner.

Give your favorite boater this nautical porthole clock for their study, or hang it in a marine-themed bathroom. The clock is brass with a glass window.

#36 Nautical Leather Bracelet

This leather bracelet with anchor and loop closure adds a touch of personality for dinners at the yacht club. It comes wrapped in an adorable gift box, ready for birthdays, valentines day, and anniversaries.

#37 Custom Flag

Custom flags are another fun holiday gift for the family. When I was a kid, my aunt and uncle always had colorful flags flapping in the wind behind their boat. 

Let your boat name or family name fly high with this flag that spells out words with nautical symbols.

#38 Portable Folding Boat Chair

Compact folding chairs make a useful birthday gift for a daughter who enjoys reading on the boat.

Instead of laying out flat on a beach towel, she can sit in the cushioned comfort of this waterproof folding chair.

#39 Clippy Battery Fan

Boating in the heat of summer is fun when you are in the water or speeding along. Once anchored, these clip-on battery-powered fans will keep the boat deck cool. 

There are no cables, and the fan can hang from a pole overhead.

#40 Monogrammed Yeti Tumbler

Help your boat lover seas the day with a to-go coffee mug. Each mug comes with a laser-etched helm design and personalized name. 

These monogrammed Yeti tumblers are the perfect gift for a captain or first mate. 

Yeti mugs have insulated walls for hot or cold drinks so that the crew can drink their coffee or rum and coke on the go.

This mug will fit in a cupholder when the favorite fisher in your life needs two hands to reel in a big one.

#41 Rothy’s Shoes

A good pair of shoes can make a perfect gift for a boater.

Rothy’s are 100% machine washable and made from recycled plastic water bottles. How’s that for a party trick? 

These aren’t your average boating shoes or water shoes. Your sweetie can look stylish and feel comfortable while networking on the yacht deck. 

Then they can toss their Rothy’s in the washing machine for a “straight out of the box” look again and again.

#42 Inflatable Solar Lamp

Planning a romantic anniversary on the water? String these color-changing solar lamps to the side of the boat or let them float as you skinny dip and sip wine. 

Afterward, deflate the lamps, slip them into the glove compartment, or set them in the dash to recharge when the sun comes up.

#43 Biodegradable Boat Soap

Growing up, my uncle cleaned his boat obsessively. My dad always commented on the number of harsh chemicals that were flowing into the lake where we swam. 

Gifting eco-friendly products is a gentle way of encouraging sustainable habits. Help someone avoid harsh chemicals and use biodegradable soaps like Star Brite. 

Just like sunscreen, it’s also vital to choose phosphate-free washes. Phosphates inhibit water oxygenation processes and lead to the suffocation of healthy marine environments.

#44 T-shirt

It’s hard to go wrong with T-shirts. If you know the person’s size, order them a T-shirt they can enjoy on and off the boat. 

The first shirt I’m linking to says “Lake Life” in cursive lettering with a sketched heart. 

It’s simple for throwing on over a bathing suit or dressing up for a casual dinner in town. I like that this shirt comes in an assortment of colors and cuts. The navy V-neck is my favorite.

Looking for a good laugh? My second suggestion is for all of those sexy pontoon boat captains.

Dad will get a kick out of this one and wear it with pride weekly. This shirt is 100% cotton and comes in S – 2XL.

#45 Deck of Waterproof Playing Cards

I carry a deck of playing cards on every adventure. These waterproof cards are the perfect gift idea for anyone who hangs out around the water. They’re a thin plastic that is easy to shuffle. 

Drop a deck into Dad’s stocking so he can play Go Fish when he can’t go fishing.

#46 Remote Control Speed Boat

This remote control boat reaches 20mph. Yeah, it’s pretty cool. My uncle had a model speed boat that zipped back around forth across the lake. 

These boats have a range of 120 meters from the remote control and a recovery mode for flipping the boat right side up if it rolls. Get two for the family and hold speed boat races at the lake house.

#47 Underwater Camera Drone 

Check out the underwater marine environment with this remote-controlled underwater camera. We can all look up at the sky, and now we can look under the water with “Dory.” 

This underwater drone is the perfect solution for viewing deep-water fish from the safety of the dock. Dory’s tether is 49 feet long, giving her plenty of room to explore. 

If someone already has a flying drown, they will love adding an underwater drone to their collection. On the flip side, this is one of the best gifts that you can give a kid–marine–biologist.

#48 Floating Swimming Platform

As someone who grew up on the lake, giant swimming platforms are one of my favorite gifts for boaters. The kids have their island to play on while the parents talk and relax.

My dad used to tie a floating pad to the back of the boat while anchored. My sister and I played King of the Mountain for hours without running back and forth on the boat. 

Swimming pads are also good gift ideas for people with disabilities or injuries who need reliable floaties.

This swimming platform is made of 1.5-inch thick foam and has straps to roll one end into a pillow. Trust me, don’t bother buying the 9-foot pad. 

Go straight for the 18-foot pad and enjoy your private island.

#49 Columbia Rain Jacket

Every boat owner needs a good rain jacket when the clouds roll in. 

These Columbia raincoats have waterproof seams for lightweight protection in heavy rains, and the inner mesh lining prevents the material from sticking to damp skin on humid days.

When the sun is out, simply stuff the jacket into a pocket for easy packing.

#50 Suction Cup Organizers

Suction cup organizers are the perfect gift for anyone who cooks or sleeps overnight on their boat. 

These suction cups are water resistant and keep clutter off of the countertops. Buy two sets; one for cooking utensils in the kitchen and another for toothbrushes or shampoo in the bathroom.

#51 Boater Education Card

Boaters in California must pass a boater safety exam and obtain a Boater Education Card. Gift a new boater an online course to prepare for their boater safety test. 

Anyone over the age of 16-year-old can take the test. Law enforcement can ask to see a boater’s card at any time, just like a driver’s license.

#52 Corkscrew Wine Bottle Opener

Don’t mess around with novelty openers when opening a nice bottle of wine. Let me introduce you to the “waiter’s key.” 

A waiter’s key is ergonomic and simple. It has all the necessities: corkscrew wine opener, bottle opener, and serrated edge for cutting foil. 

Pick up a premium quality wood-finished handle for your cousin’s yacht. Save the day at an upcoming bachelorette party with wine openers for everyone.

#53 Portable BBQ

Portable grills are a popular gift for boaters. This magma BBQ mounts to the fishing rod holder. It swivels and is easily adjusted to take up space on a small boat. 

The handles have a protective plastic coating, and the lid opens on hinges to prevent it from blowing off. When it’s time to start the grill, the chef can adjust the lighter valve so it is out of the wind.

#54 Waterproof Binoculars

Binoculars are a handy tool for wildlife-watching and excellent gifts for boaters. They’re perfect for figuring out what that UFO (Unidentified Floating Object) is up ahead. 

I like these binoculars because I don’t have to worry about splashing water on them. 

Kayakers can easily toss them into a daypack or carry them on a lanyard around their neck. Give a pair of binoculars to someone going on a cruise so that they can spot dolphins and whales.

Balance practicality and style with this perfect gift for her. 

These gloves will keep her hands warm and look fashionable as she sips a hot cup of mulled wine. The rubber grip on the palms and fingers means that she can keep a firm grip on glasses, cell phones, and metal railings. 

The pointer fingers are touch screen compatible, so using her phone doesn’t mean having cold hands.

Is your friend a fan of winter boating? Check out our recommendations for the best heated gloves .

#56 Commissioned Painting of Their Boat

Still haven’t found the perfect gift for him this holiday season? Commission a custom painting of the family boat. Each watercolor painting is made to order. 

Simply email the artist a picture of your loved one’s boat and special requests for background elements. 

Consider surprising the gift recipient by hanging it on the wall on Christmas morning. Then see how long it takes for them to notice.

#57 Boat Maintenance Log

Every captain needs a maintenance book, whether they have a big boat or a small boat. 

This boat maintenance log has four sections: Parts List, Vessel Information, Engine, Generator and Battery Specifications, and General Information. 

Boat logs are one of the best gifts for boaters because they’ll no longer have to scrounge through years of loose papers. Now they can write down everything and leave notes for the future.

Plus, an organized maintenance log makes selling the boat easier because it’s clear how the boat was cared for. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jodelle Marx

Jodelle Marx is an artist and writer, adventure seeker, and collaborator. She hikes, swims, chases after her dog, and hums off-tune. When Jodelle is not nerding out about traveling, she is probably working on a community project or performing spoken word poetry.

Are you shopping for gifts for a whole family of adventurers? Check out these related articles below!

Fun & Best Gifts for Long-Distance Friends 

Best Travel Gifts for Every Budget

Best Gifts for Hikers

Best White Elephant Gifts Under $20

Best Gifts for Kayakers and Canoeists

Best 25th Anniversary Gifts

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Hi, I'm Mimi! I'm an outdoorsy Californian who has spent over 28 years immersed in the incredible natural beauty that California has to offer. My goal is to inspire others to get out and find their next adventure in California. Whether it’s escaping to an alpine lake in the Sierras, finding peace among the giant redwoods, or road tripping down the PCH, there’s always more to explore in this beautiful state.

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Do you operate a yacht? Our app is perfect for you

22+ best gifts for boaters, sailors, captains, & yacht owners.

Do you have a family member or friend that is passionate about boats and seamanship?

Giving meaningful gifts to boating enthusiasts is a pretty hard task, especially when it involves someone close to us. What if you give the wrong gift or something that is totally unusable for the recipient?

We know the struggle. There are so many sub-niches to consider when talking about boating that one can easily go wrong when trying to understand what to give on a special occasion. That’s exactly why we decided to write this article.

Whether you want to offer a gift to a young yacht captain, an inexperienced deckhand, a sailing enthusiast, or a prestigious yacht owner, we’ve got you covered! In the next few chapters, we list the best gifts for boaters, across all budgets and interests, to help you get more ideas.

Table of contents

Best gifts for sailors

Gifts for yacht owners.

• Gifts for yacht captain
• Other boating gifts

In this section, we share some of favorite gift ideas for sailors. They are more focused on the crew of a vessel (deckhand, 1st Mate) and others that are more actively involved with the day to day maintenance of both the interior and exterior of the ship.

Arc’teryx Squamish Hooded Jacket (For men)

Arc’teryx is known as one of the most popular yacht clothing brands and the Squamish hooded jackets are a staple among boaters. They are lightweight, windproof, and built especially for weather shifting conditions. This specific jacket is considered to be one of the most popular options for men and comes in many different colors. So next time someone isn’t sure what to wear on a yacht, especially when working outside, you will have a great gift idea.

Price: $159.00

Gill Crew Sport Lite Jacket (For women)

Speaking of windbreakers for sailors, the Gill Crew Sport is considered to be essential outerwear for women onboard. It is built with anti-pill polyester fabric that makes it both waterproof and very comfortable. Aside from the obvious, the jacket also features a thermal collar,  pockets to warm up your hands, and an internal pocket to protect your valuables.

Price: $143

Boat Name Embroidered Hats

The most unique gifts for sailors are obviously those that are personalized. And while there are many options to benefit from custom-made items, a simple hat can already go a long way. Not only is it great for the crew of your boat, but it also makes a budget gift with sentimental value for those that decide to head over to their next adventure. There are many options when it comes to the customization of such hats, so make sure you check what works best for you.

Price: Starting from $22.99

OLAS Guardian Wireless Engine Kill Switch

On the other hand, if you are looking for some cool gifts for sailors, you might look for something that is both usable and somewhat “techy”. That’s exactly what the wireless engine kill switch from OLAS is. The gadget is built to stop the engine of a vessel automatically, in case of falling overboard, and creates an alarm sound to inform the rest of the crew. It is the best gift for boaters that operate in rough weather conditions.

Price: $323

OLAS Float-On

Another very useful gift that any experienced boater should have is a compact floating torch. The OLAS float-on is a multifunctional safety-aid that has both a strong alarm system and a water-activated strobe. It connects with a native app to control all aspects of its performance and is useful during rescue situations.

Price: $136

Best yachting magazines - Annual Subscription

Are you looking for a great gift for sailors that still fit within a reasonable budget? Then an annual subscription to their favorite boating magazine might be the answer. Note that it might be hard to give this if your friend or family member spends most of the year on sea since delivery is made to a single address. However, in situations where they have to remain stranded for longer periods of time, it makes for a good present.

Price: Varies

Are you visiting a friend’s yacht for a party or a short holiday? Do you want to thank your hosts for choosing you are their captain? There are many reasons to browse gifts for boat owners. We tend to believe that (super)yacht owners are very versatile in their preferences, which is why we chose gifts along with all types of budgets. Let’s delve in!

Best sailing hat - Tilley LTM6

Tilley hats are certainly not a budget option, but they are well known within the yachting industry for their durability during all sailing conditions. The hat is specifically made for seamen and comes with many features, such as UPF 50+ scores, water resistance, floatation, and a strap to protect from windy weather conditions. The top of the hat is also built to not sit against your head, which adds to its breathability. The hat itself comes with lifetime insurance and its manufacturers claim it is the last hat you will ever buy.

Personalized wooden board sign

If you are looking for something more personalized while still remaining on a budget, then you might want to offer a wooden board sign with an inside joke about the owner, the name of the vessel, or anything else that comes to mind. The size of the board is 21cm x 11cm, and that includes the 8mm natural jute rope which “frames” the wooden canvas. Overall, it is one of the best yachting gift ideas if you wish to give a pleasant surprise to the owner of the vessel.

Custom-made Yacht painting

One of our favorite yacht gift ideas (especially for proud boat owners), is a custom painting of their vessel. This type of gift is very thoughtful and makes a perfect present for people who celebrate the purchase of their yacht. Note that the drawing is custom made but needs to be downloaded as a digital product and printed on high-quality paper. You will also need to purchase the frame separately, which may add to the cost.

Exotic hardwood backgammon board

Board games are an excellent onboard activity for yacht owners and their guests. And since the interior of most yachts is most often decorated with wooden elements, it might be a good idea to consider a matching gift. And who doesn’t love backgammon? The board of this set is made of solid woods that include oak, maple, Sapele, Padauk, and Peruvian walnut. Its price is in the “mid-range” of our recommendations.

Price: $390

“Arcachon” Oyster Knife

Another elegant yet unusual gift idea for yacht owners is an oyster knife. This specific model has a natural cocobolo wood handle that hugs a stainless steel blade. It is named after one of the most popular oyster capitals in the world and produced by Larusmiani.

Price: $570

IWC Schaffhausen Portugieser Yacht Club Chronograph

If you want to give a high-end gift that speaks to yacht owners, then you might want to consider the Portugieser Yacht Club watch. The marine-colored watch comes with a rubber strap, perfect for humid weather conditions, is water-resistant to 6 bar (60 meters depth), and offers a sporty look.

Price: $14.700

Yacht captain gifts

Choosing gifts for boat captains is probably one of the hardest things to do, as there are many different options to consider. For the sake of this article, we will focus more on young captains, possibly those recently promoted, who are mainly responsible for (super)yachts.

Best sunglasses for boating - Cinder Cone Hero

Polarized, lightweight sunglasses make one of the best gifts for yacht captains. They are not only aesthetically pleasing but more so essential for sunny weather conditions. The Cinder Cone Hero is all that and more. Weighing less than one-third of normal aviator-type sunglasses and comes with a titanium frame, which makes it extra durable. The pair also comes in different shade colors.

Price: $299.99

Best waterproof binoculars - Steiner Bluhorizons

Another very important yet often overlooked essential for captains is a pair of good binoculars. The Steiner Bluhorizons is one of the best options thanks to their lightweight, small size, and water resistance. They are a great addition to a captain’s basic equipment and surely make one of the best gifts for boaters.

Price: $270

Straight Razor Set

One more essential for captains is their shaving equipment. While most will choose to shave with safety razors, you could take things one step further, gifting a straight razor with all its necessary additions. The A.P. Donovan set offers the highest quality in the market. The blade is made from Japanese steel which is incredibly sharp, and the handle consists of Mahogany wood, making the razor well balanced. The shaving brush is equipped with badger hair, while the leather strap is made from Kazakh cow skin which sharpens the blade better than grindstone.

Price: $189.95

Funny t-shirt for captain

What about some less expensive boat captain gifts? There are many options to consider, but if you want to have a good laugh, consider giving this funny t-shirt with a word twist. It is a great gift idea for new captains, and will certainly make for a memorable moment.

Stone Island Sweater

The high-end fashion brand is an excellent choice when trying to find appropriate clothing for yacht captains. This particular sweater comes in marine tones, is made of navy wool, and illustrates a symbol that represents the cardinal directions, an important element for captains.

Price: $678

Tiffany 1837 Makers silver compass

This is probably the best gift for captains from all the options on this list. A compass is an essential item for captains, and this piece from Tiffany’s takes things to the next level. The branded compass is made from sterling silver which makes it both an elegant accessory and an investment piece.

Price: $1000

Rolex Yachtmaster 42 

Of course, one of the most high-end gifts you can give is a Rolex watch specially made for “yacht masters”. This beautiful timepiece comes with an Oysterflex strap for extra durability, water resistance (10 bar), and a rotatable 60-minute graduated bezel which can be used, among others, to calculate the distance between two buoys. It surely makes one of the best gifts for boaters, but comes at a very high cost.

Price: $27.800

Best gifts for boaters - Other options

In the final chapter of this article, we will show you some alternative boating gifts. We showcase cool boat accessories and gadgets, as well as other types of essentials you might need while onboard.

Xiaomi M365 Electric Scooter

Electric scooters seem to be the new trend within big cities, and for good reason: They are easy to carry, small in size, and very practical for those that want to get around. This is exactly why they are one of the best gifts for boaters. From the moment you dock, this handy electric scooter can get you around in style, while saving time and money.

Price: $546

The Superyachts 34

The Superyachts 34 is a high-quality hardcover book showcasing the world’s most prestigious superyachts, ranging from 37 to 136 meters. This collection of illustrations makes a great gift for yachting enthusiasts and can be given on any occasion, but its price is considered to be above average and thus not a budget solution.

Price: $200

Deck Boss Ankle Boots

While discussing the best gifts for boaters, we should also mention our favorite footwear. The Deck Boss ankle boots are built to accommodate the needs of those that spend a long time on the water. They feature thick insoles that provide shock resistance, razor siping which improves the boot’s grip on wet surfaces, and a natural gum rubber outsole to maximize water resistance. Whether you are looking to buy these books for a deckhand, captain, or yacht owner, it is a gift that will improve daily life at sea.

Price: $99.99

35+ Gifts for Sailors: Practical & Useful Sailing Gift Ideas

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Are you on the lookout for the perfect gift for the sailor in your life? Our life aboard has given us many great ideas for practical sailing gifts.

Sailboats present a unique challenge, being compact vessels with limited storage space, and they contend with the harsh elements of the sea – salt, sun, wind, and humidity. Therefore, the ideal sailor’s gift must be not only functional but also durable.

Sailors prefer gifts that are:

• Versatile and multi-functional
• Easy to manage without requiring extra resources like water, power, or storage space
• Crafted from top-quality materials, engineered to withstand the demands of a marine environment

With the above in consideration, the perfect gift for sailors is one that brings an element of convenience or luxury to their lifestyle , perhaps something they wouldn’t ordinarily purchase for themselves.

Whether you’re seeking Christmas gift ideas around the holiday season, something for a special occasion, or just a gift that says ‘thank you’ – below are 35+ of the best gifts for sailors.

Gifts for Sailors Under $50

Dive into a treasure trove of sailing gift ideas under $50. From handy gadgets to sustainable swaps, these affordable presents make perfect additions to any sailor’s lifestyle without straining your wallet.

1. Solar Luci Light (Multi-Color)

Many sailors invest in the white solar-powered Luci Light. But what they typically don’t spring for is the multi-color version.

These lights offer a rainbow of color settings to set an ambiance for happy hour or dinner in the cockpit. They also feature an easy snap-on handle to attach to the sailboat bimini in the cockpit or to a lifeline.

The multi-color solar lights are inflatable and waterproof. Pick one of the eight color settings or set to rotate colors. They are easily recharged by the sun for 8-hours of use.

• Lights up in 8 different colors
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery that lasts up to 6 hours
• Durable, lightweight, and even waterproof

The Luci Light checks all the boxes for being easy to store , easy to use , and durable in a boat environment. It’s one of our favorite sailing accessories (we have two)!

As a bonus, you can set these to the red light setting, which is ideal for nighttime sailing.

You might also want to check out the Luci String Solar Lights that are ideal for decorating the cockpit.

2. Lightweight and Quick-Dry Towels

Quick-dry towels are ideal for living on the water, making them the perfect present for sailors and boat owners alike. They’re great for drying off after a dip or for lounging at the beach.

The towels fold down to a small size for easy storage or packing for a shore excursion. They also come with a nice storage bag. The sand shakes right off of these towels, so you can avoid bringing a mess back to the boat.

• Absorbent, quick-dry, and sand resistant
• Compact and lightweight
• Great for travel, swimming, camping, and more

These towels are sailing essentials that we always pack when we head out in the dinghy! Any sailor would be happy to unwrap them as a gift.

3. Tervis Tumbler

For sailors who need a good quality insulated cup, these Tervis tumblers are right at home on a boat.

Tervis is known for its glassware made from BPA-free plastic. If these topple on the boat, you won’t have to worry about breakage. They even have a lifetime guarantee that covers everything but normal wear and tear.

For sailors who prefer a straw, the lid opening is the perfect size for most reusable ones. (We use these glass straws and highly recommend them.)

Tervis features customizable options on its website. For a unique gift, add a boat name or logo to a glass!

With the amount of time spent on the water, dry bags are great additions to a sailboat. From rides on the dinghy to kayaking and standup paddleboarding – these waterproof bags can even double as a beach bag.

We like to have various sizes of dry bags on the boat, and a large backpack or cross-body style bag is a good idea to have for shore excursions.

We always have enough space in our dry bag, and it’s easy to transport. The front pocket makes it easy to store your phone or wallet. Larger items can be secured in the main compartment.

• Featuring a large main compartment with roll-top closure
• Front zippered pocket keeps gear dry during kayaking, boating, and more
• Includes waterproof phone case
• Available in four sizes (10L, 20L, 30L, 40L)

Our Quiksilver dry bag is no longer available. However, the Earth Pak version is similar. You can find more options at REI .

Lighting on board is crucial for living, moving, and working on the boat. We use this rechargeable lantern in the cockpit, the bilge, or to signal other boaters.

At 1000 lumens, the Blazin Fireball lantern will illuminate a large space. It has three brightness settings plus an SOS setting.

• Rechargeable USB lantern
• 1000 lumen light
• Can also use as a power bank for phones and other devices

As a bonus, you can charge your phone or tablet off the power bank if you’re in a pinch.

6. Audible Subscription

Long days underway on a sailboat go a little faster with the right entertainment. One of the best sailing gifts you can give is an audiobook subscription.

Listening to your book of choice is a great way to pass the time at the helm, in the galley, or while working on a tedious task.

Premium Plus gift membership includes:

• The Plus Catalog: the all-you-can-listen catalog including thousands of audiobooks, podcasts, and originals
• One credit a month, good for any title to keep forever
• Available for 'gift' purchase for 1, 3, 6, or 12 months

We go through lots of Audible books onboard Sunnyside, but it’s never a problem since we don’t need to store them physically.

7. Sun Bum Clear Zinc Sunscreen

On a sailboat, you’re always in the sun, making skin protection a big part of a sailor’s everyday life.

We love the consistency of Sun Bum’s clear zinc sunscreen. It goes on light and smooth. SPF 50 provides ample protection on the most intense days in the sun when you’re on the open water.

• Clear zinc sunscreen
• Vegan and reef friendly, Octinoxate and Oxybenzone free
• Broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen with vitamin E
• 1 oz containers, pack of 2

This product is ideal for the face and ears . It’s also the perfect travel size for boat life!

8. Stainless Steel Clothespins

There are always wet items for sailors to deal with on a boat. From kitchen and bath towels to bathing suits, laundry, and even foul-weather gear, items are constantly being hung out to dry.

We depend on clothespins to keep our favorite towels and clothing from flying away, preferably without damaging them. That’s why these clothespins are an ideal gift for yacht owners .

These are the Ferrari of clothespins. (And they’re Italian as well.) Made from top-grade stainless steel and hand-painted – they are guaranteed against rust, stain, rot, and breakage.

• Highest quality stainless steel clothespins (made in Italy)
• Rustproof, fade proof, will not get hot in the sun
• Special design allows these clothespins to not lose grip, even in strong winds
• Available in various color options

Any sailor will appreciate a set of these clothespins that will last a lifetime. Style bonus – these come in 15 different colors. We love these so much that they also made our list of sailboat essentials .

9. E-Cloths

Sailors are always looking for ways to limit single-use products that take up space. Paper towels require storage and create unnecessary trash.

These microfiber towels are a sustainable addition to this gift guide and allow sailors to skip the paper towels and clean twice as fast with just water.

• Microfiber cloths that are perfect for cleaning bathrooms, kitchens, and more
• Cleans with water only
• 300 wash guarantee
• 5-pack also includes a window polishing/cleaning cloth

The E-Cloth brand is known for its high-quality and long-lasting products. We’ve had our E-Cloth set since we moved onboard and continue to use them daily.

If you like these, check out our full list of zero-waste swaps .

10. Sailing Log Book

A must-have for every sailor, this logbook helps document your nautical adventures.

It provides space to record vital information, like weather conditions, course details, and notes about each voyage, making it an excellent tool for both beginners and seasoned sailors.

• Plastic protective cover and 100 durable pages
• Fillable pages for logging routes and routine checks
• Size 11 x 8.5 x 0.5 inches
• Wire-O binding

It also serves as a delightful memento of your sailing journeys and adds a touch of enjoyment to documenting your route information compared to using a plain old notebook.

We received our logbook as a gift. It’s not something we’d typically purchase, yet we really enjoy recording in it every day.

11. Eco-Friendly Solid Dish Soap

Stay environmentally conscious while sailing with this eco-friendly dish soap.

This soap is solid, compact, and biodegradable, making it an eco-conscious choice for keeping your dishes clean on board.

• Plastic-free solid dish soap is equal to four liquid plastic dish soap bottles
• Heavily concentrated formula (5 oz. container)
• Made with organic essential oils for an eco-friendly scent

I love that this soap is low-sudsing, so it also saves water when rinsing dishes. The Claryti solid soap above is also made by sailors!

12. Sailing Adventure Tee

A classic and versatile addition to any sailor’s wardrobe, our “Get Lost” Tee is more than just apparel – it’s a statement of passion for adventure!

Our adventure-inspired logo tees don’t just look good – they’re 100% ring-spun cotton, making them super comfy!

Shop all our logo design t-shirts and sweatshirts that inspire a love for wanderlust and nomadic lifestyle.

Luxury Gifts for Sailors

With this curated collection of luxury sailing gifts, we set a new benchmark for the standard of living aboard. From premium outdoor accessories to high-end sailing gear, these items elevate the sailing experience to a new level of comfort, convenience, and exploring on a sailboat.

13. Inflatable Kayak

An inflatable kayak is an excellent addition to a cruising boat. It is ideal for sailors who want to easily explore nearby beaches or get out for a little exercise.

The Intex kayak is a two-person inflatable kayak that can hold up to 400 pounds. It’s a good option for sailors who don’t have room for a traditional kayak on deck.

• 2-person inflatable kayak with aluminum oars
• Includes high-output air pump
• Maximum weight capacity 400 pounds

We like that this kayak allows us to take a solo morning paddle or an evening joint adventure. And that we can pack it away when it’s not in use. It also works as a backup for short trips to the dock if the dinghy has issues.

14. Power Banks

Sailors often have a lot of electronics but not always the power to charge them.

The Anker power bank is by far our favorite option for charging portable electronics. We’ve had our Anker pack for almost six years, and it’s the go-to choice to keep tablets, mobile phones, headphones, and more charged on the boat.

This model has three ports for charging multiple devices at once. It also has a dual input port to recharge the pack twice as fast.

• External battery pack with 3 USB ports (charge 3 devices at once)
• 26,800mAh of power charges most phones over 6 times (tablets at least 2 times)
• Dual input port that supports recharging twice as fast

These Miady battery packs are our second choice. They aren’t as beefy and long-lasting as the Anker, but they are a great buy for the price.

15. Hammock

As something many sailors might not splurge on, a hammock is the perfect sailing gift.

We actually received our hammock as a Christmas gift! It was exciting to get something to enhance our downtime on the boat. Especially an item that wasn’t a priority for us to buy ourselves.

The ENO hammock folds up into a very compact and lightweight ball, making it easy to store on the boat or take ashore for the day.

• 1 to 2 person camping hammock
• Compact and lightweight, 19 ounces, fits into an attached storage bag with packed dimensions of 5 x 5 inches
• Unfolded dimensions, 9' 6" x 6' 4"

The hardest decision you’ll make with this hammock is picking the perfect color for your favorite sailor.

Check out more options for the ENO DoubleNest hammocks .

16. Inflatable Paddleboard

An inflatable paddleboard offers the perfect blend of adventure and convenience for sailors.

Designed for versatility, inflatable SUPs are highly portable and store more easily than the hardboard version.

This makes them an excellent choice for boat owners with minimal space who still want to explore serene coves, enjoy a little exercise, and take their on-water adventures to the next level.

• All-around paddleboard (extra wide for balance and beginner-friendly design)
• The Pioneer model is 10'6" and weights 24 pounds (for riders up to 285 lbs)
• Includes paddle, leash, hand pump, and travel bag

I really like the stability and durability of my ISLE paddleboard which is rare feature in an inflatable. It’s been a great board for exploring!

17. Soft-Sided Cooler

Sailors will love this hands-free cooler for keeping drinks ice cold for up to 24 hours.

The ICEMULE’s portable design, insulation, and waterproof construction make it ideal for picnics on distant shores or day trips.

• Soft-sided cooler, 24+ hours of cooling
• Hands-free, two padded and ventilated straps
• 100% waterproof and buoyant
• Available in 9 and 15 liter (holds 6-15 cans + ice)

This cooler is available in various sizes – the 9L is ideal for a couple (it’s what we have), while the 15L is better suited for families.

18. Waterproof Duffle Bag

Sailors can protect their gear from the elements with this waterproof duffle bag.

Its durable construction and waterproof seal make it an excellent choice for storing clothes, electronics, or any items that need to stay dry during maritime adventures. Of course, it also packs down easily for storage on a boat.

• Features backpack straps
• Duffle bag is waterproof (note: seams aren't sealed)
• Available in 45, 65, and 95 liter
• Available in three colors

I love the versatility of this bag! This would be a great gift for a sailing trip or charter.

19. Lightweight Beach Chair

This portable chair from Helinox is a sailor’s best companion for relaxing at the beach.

The splayed legs keep it from sinking into the sand, and its collapsible design makes it easy to stow away on a boat. If you’re not familiar with Helinox, these chairs are extremely compact!

The chair’s lightweight and compact construction ensures it can be easily carried in the dinghy or paddleboard for shore excursions.

• Helinox low-profile, compact, and collapsible beach chair
• Features integrated pockets
• Compact and lightweight (18.5 inches when packed and 3lb 7oz)
• 320-pound capacity

With sturdy materials that hold up to 320 pounds and comfort in mind, this chair is perfect for enjoying a day at the beach or sunset by the water.

20. Gourmet Nesting Pot Set

Sailors can save precious space in the boat galley without sacrificing quality with these nesting pots from Magma .

Their compact design and stainless steel construction make them ideal for sailors who prioritize cooking delicious meals onboard.

• Works with gas or induction, plus oven-safe
• 18-10 Marine Grade Stainless Steel with encapsulated Tri-clad bases
• Set stores in less than 1/2 cubic foot of space
• Also available in non-stick and a 10-piece set

My Magma cookware is by far my favorite thing in the galley. They are a pleasure to use and are incredibly easy to store.

21. Outdoor Blanket

Sailors will stay warm and cozy on chilly nights at sea with the Rumpl puffy blanket.

This versatile, packable blanket is perfect for cuddling up on deck, in the cabin, on the beach, or even for stargazing on a calm evening. When it’s not in use, it packs down incredibly small , so you don’t waste space.

• NanoLoft® recycled synthetic fibers
• Ideal for traveling, camping, picnics, beach trips, and concerts
• 75 x 52 inches, packed size is 6 x 14 inches
• 1lb. 12.8oz.

We now have two of these, an Original Puffy and a Nanoloft Puffy. The Nanoloft packs down even smaller, but both are equally warm on a cold night!

22. Stainless Steel Wine Glasses

One of the challenges on a sailboat is the constant movement, making things more likely to fall and break.

These glasses were gifted to us when we first moved onto the boat, and they’ve become indispensable in our sailboat galley .

Stainless steel makes these glasses very durable for sailboat life. They are unbreakable and sturdy while still comfortable to use.

• Stainless steel tumblers, set of four
• Unbreakable and shatterproof, 18 oz.
• Great for camping, boating, and other outdoor activities

These glasses are our go-to choice for serving a chilled glass of wine or refreshing cocktail when it’s time for sundowners!

Sailing Gifts for Him

Whether he’s an intrepid captain steering through life’s challenges or a first mate on a never-ending quest for adventure, this section offers a range of rugged gear, personalized tools, and functional accessories for life on the open water.

23. Borescope Camera

This is one of our favorite tools on the boat . Perfect for self-reliant sailors who do their own boat maintenance, and it makes for a creative gift.

The WiFi-enabled borescope lets you see inside all the small nooks you can’t get into on a boat. You can retrieve cables and other objects with the hook and magnetic attachments.

The waterproof camera with LED light connects to your tablet or phone. It provides a live view of the area you are investigating.

• IP67 waterproof
• WiFi accessible via Android and iOS Smartphone, iPhone, iPad, Samsung
• 11.5 foot snake camera cord

You can also get the borescope with a built-in screen, but we typically connect it to our iPad.

24. Tilley Sun Hat

Sailors practically live outside. A reliable, comfortable sun hat protects your skin on every sailing adventure.

Many sun hats are available, but after trying a few different brands, Tilley is our favorite high-quality sun protection for your head. Ross absolutely loves the breathability and UPF protection of this hat.

Tilley hats have the maximum UPF 50+ protection, are water-resistant, and will even stay afloat on the water.

• Great for hiking, camping, sailing, and other outdoor adventures
• Dual drawstring closure

This is a great choice if you want to gift a long-lasting hat with sun protection and adequate ventilation.

25. Bamboo Performance Shirt

Elevating function and fashion on a sailboat, the Free Fly bamboo hoodie combines style and sustainability in one comfortable and eco-friendly garment.

The Free Fly bamboo hoodie is UPF 50+, breathable, quick-dry, and lightweight – making it ideal for the sailing lifestyle.

• Quick dry, breathable performance outdoor shirt
• Sun protection of UPF 50+
• 68% Viscose from Bamboo, 29% Polyester, 3% Spandex

Ross loves the relaxed fit and breathability of this shirt, which make it an excellent addition to any sailor’s wardrobe.

26. Marine Binoculars

Marine binoculars are an essential tool for travel on the open seas. The ability to spot hazards, landmarks, and other vessels at a distance is critical for safe navigation.

Marine binoculars are specially designed to withstand the harsh marine environment and include a compass for accurate charting. These also work great in night conditions.

• 100% waterproof binoculars
• Built-in compass
• Includes floatation neck strap

A high-quality pair of binoculars can also enhance the overall sailing experience, allowing sailors to view marine wildlife and enjoy the scenery from a distance.

27. Headlamp

Lighting is so important on a sailboat, so this is the second illumination device on this list.

A quality headlamp is key to everyday living on a boat. Sailors will find it useful for everything from working in low-light areas to investigating lines in the dark.

The Fenix headlamp below has a respectable output of 1600 lumens. It has five brightness levels and a red light mode to preserve night vision.

• Rechargeable USB-C LED headlamp, 100 hours of runtime
• Neutral white light with five brightness settings and auxiliary red light
• IP68 w aterproof and dustproof

Sailors will love the rechargeable battery – with up to 100 hours per charge. This headlamp is also waterproof to six feet. It’s helpful for investigating boat props, thru-hulls, and other underwater boat areas that might cause issues.

NOTE: The Fenix headlamp above is an updated version with an increased 1600 lumens and a better waterproof and dustproof rating than the previous model.

28. waterproof bluetooth speaker.

Sailors can bring their favorite tunes on board with this waterproof Bluetooth speaker from JBL.

With excellent sound quality and a rugged, waterproof design, it’s perfect for sailors who want to add a soundtrack to their sailing adventures.

• JBL FLIP 5 Bluetooth speaker
• IPX7 waterproof rating (up to three feet)
• 12-hours of play time
• Available in 14 colors

The compact nature of this speaker also makes it ideal for days spent on the beach or on a kayak. We take this thing everywhere!

29. How to Sail Around the World Book

For the aspiring circumnavigator, this comprehensive guide from Hal Roth is a treasure trove of knowledge. 

It offers valuable insights and tips on planning, navigation, and managing long-distance sailing , making it an indispensable resource for future bluewater sailors with dreams of exploring the world’s oceans.

• Hardcover, 480 pages
• Information on blue water sailboats, passage planning, single-handing a small boat, and more.

MORE GIFT IDEAS:  Check out our complete list of the best sailing books for gift inspiration suitable for sailors of all levels, from novices to liveaboards.

Sailing gifts for her.

This selection features gifts for women sailors that merge fashion and function. These stylish yet practical clothing and accessories are tailored for a life on the water.

30. Waterproof Bag / Purse

When you’re constantly in or around water, protecting your personal items, such as your money, cards, and phone, is essential.

Whether you’re paddling to an island or going for a dip from the beach, sailors don’t want to leave their valuables unprotected or unattended.

These 100% waterproof belt bags allow you to store items safely while still allowing easy access to your essentials. They are fully submersible and can be worn around the waist or as a crossbody bag.

• 100% waterproof, one meter underwater for 30 minutes
• Dedicated interior phone pocked with clear window
• 7.5" width x 4.7" height x 1.5" diameter

Booe is one of the only brands that makes waterproof, airtight bags with a zipper. I also recommend checking out their other waterproof bag options, including totes, backpacks, and duffel bags .

31. Hair Wrap

For the lady sailors, these comfy hair wraps provide the perfect way to keep wet locks out of the way on a sailboat.

The wraps are quick-dry and straightforward to use. Just twist your hair up in the wrap and secure the elastic over the button in the back.

• Great for home, travel, or the beach
• Absorbent and quick dry head towel
• Available in various colors

It makes the perfect sailor gift since the hair wraps are both functional and stylish!

32. Coolibar Cardigans

Sun-protective sailing clothing is a must on the water. It helps sailors minimize sunscreen usage and provides top-notch sun protection.

This Coolibar sun wrap is UPF 50+. It’s comfortable and lightweight, and after countless washes, it feels and looks like the day I bought it.

The materials are meticulously selected to make this superior wrap that is soft, breathable, and long-lasting.

• Coolibar's ZnO fabric is soft, lightweight, and cool, thanks to a blend of cotton and bamboo.
• UPF 50+ will block 98% of UVA/UVB rays
• Material: 52% Cotton, 43% Viscose from Bamboo, 5% Elastane

Lady sailors will love this wrap. I may or may not have four different colors onboard!

Unusual Gifts for Sailors

This section is full of unexpected and unusual gifts for sailors. From unconventional sailing gadgets to eco-friendly and boat galley essentials, these presents will leave even the most seasoned sailors pleasantly surprised.

33. Scrubba Wash Bag

This innovative wash bag makes doing small loads of laundry on board a breeze.

Its compact and efficient design is perfect for smaller boats without space for a washing machine. The built-in washboard gets clothes clean using minimal water.

• Foldable hand washing bag with built-in washboard
• Light and compact eco-friendly laundry bag for washing clothes
• Fully extended size 12"D x 12"W x 21"H and 6-liter capacity

My favorite thing about this wash bag is how compact it is. This feature really makes the Scrubba great for all forms of travel!

34. DJI Osmo Mobile

One of the best gift ideas for sailing vloggers and Instagrammers is the DjI Osmo Mobile. They will be swooning over this luxury tech gift that will allow them to capture all their memorable moments at sea.

The Osmo mobile stabilizes smartphones with a handheld gimbal for shooting high-quality video. Use it with iPhone and Android devices for capturing video, especially on rocky seas.

• Portable and foldable design to take the Osmo anywhere
• Smooth and seamless Object Tracking follows subjects
• Snap a selfie or begin recording by signaling (front and rear cameras recognize Gesture Control)
• Built-in extension rod for high and low angles

From panoramas to time-lapses, the DJI Osmo Mobile provides a step up to a sailor’s videography.

Check out the  DJI OSMO Mobile 6 . (We have a previous generation Osmo. The mobile 6 has many new features and a folding design for compact storage, which is great for smaller boats.)

35. Stick Blender

A stick blender is a practical addition to the boat galley. It takes up little space compared to similar tools like a blender or food processor, making it ideal for small boats. It also requires a much smaller amount of wattage to operate.

The KitchenAid models are high-quality blenders built to last. They come with multiple settings.

Use to blend soup or sauce in a pot or make hummus or salsa in a jar.

Immersion Blender Options

Our stick blender has been so versatile onboard that we also included it on our list of sailboat galley essentials .

36. Baggu Reusable Bags

Not having access to a car makes provisioning a challenge for cruising sailors. These reusable bags from Baggu are handy on a grocery haul or when you’re on a shore excursion and stumble upon a store.

The bags come stored in a 5×5 inch pouch that easily fits in a purse or small bag, so it’s always with you.

The Ripstop nylon fabric can hold up to 50 pounds. You’ll never feel like you’re overloading them.

• Ripstop nylon grocery tote or lunch bag
• Folds up into a 5" x 5" pouch, totes up to 50 pounds
• Machine washable and line dry

These are also machine washable and a green way to shop. I love the compact nature of these bags that makes them so accessible. I now have four of them!

These bags are becoming harder to find on Amazon, but you can check out many of the available patterns on baggu.com .

Finding a Gift For Sailors

Hopefully, you have found some helpful gift ideas for the sailor friends in your life (or maybe even for yourself).

At the end of the day, you know the sailor you are shopping for the best, so use your intuition when picking the perfect gift for them, and you can’t go wrong.  Happy shopping!

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• 35+ Practical Gifts for RV Owners (That They’ll Love)

Want more lists of boat gear for a liveaboard life?

View our guide for essential sailboat gear, galley must-haves, what to wear sailing, and more.

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Or view our web stories.

Morgan, the founder of The Home That Roams, has been living nomadically for over five years. She began her journey traveling across the U.S. in a motorhome and cruising on a liveaboard sailing catamaran. Currently, she lives full-time in a travel trailer, sharing resources on RV living and boat life to help others downsize their lives and thrive in an alternative lifestyle.

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Home » Blog » Gear » 60 boating gifts for boat owners [2023 guide]

60 boating gifts for boat owners [2023 guide]

By Author Fiona McGlynn

Posted on Last updated: August 4, 2023

We’ve scoured the seas (and Internet!) to put together the ultimate list of boating gifts that I (and other boaters) would genuinely LOVE to receive.

As a bluewater sailor and lifelong boater, I’ve given and received dozens of boat gifts. However, it was while I was living on a boat for five years (with very limited space), that I came to appreciate what items make for the most useful and thoughtful gifts for boat owners.

So, before I jump into our list of boater gifts, here are a few quick thoughts on what makes a great boat gift (or you can just scroll down to our 60 boat gift ideas ).

What makes the best gifts for boat owners? 

The best boat gifts for your the beloved boaters in your life will likely be:

Boats are small, minimalist spaces, and there isn’t much room for anything that doesn’t serve a practical function. Practical gifts might include things like multi-tools or travel-sized snorkeling fins.

Consumables gifts are great too. Check out my recipe for margarita marmalade and other homemade boating gifts .

The best gifts for boaters are things that have a little something extra, the thing you would love to own but might not buy for yourself (e.g., an auto-inflating lifejacket with all the bells and whistles).

Built to last

The marine environment is extremely harsh so this is not the time to skimp on quality. Look for items with water resistance ratings and non-corrosive materials (e.g., jewelry, zippers).

Boaters do more than just boat! They may enjoy fishing, snorkeling, cooking, sailing, reading a book, or playing music on their boat. Find out what your boater friend or family member loves to do aboard and tailor the gift to their interests. We’ve got plenty of suggestions for personalized gifts below.

This post includes affiliate links—so we’ll earn a small commission if you purchase—however, the opinions are 100% our own.

  60 boating gifts for boat owners and enthusiasts

Waterproof rubber boots keep toes toasty and dry both on and off the boat. I especially love ankle-height rubber boots because they’re light and versatile. I wore mine daily when I was living on a sailboat in Vancouver (a.k.a. Rain City)

Grundéns Deck-Boss Ankle Boots

Auto inflatable life jacket

Auto-inflating life jackets cost a bit more than your standard non-inflatable but they are extremely light and comfortable. I don’t even notice that I’m wearing one. They make a great gift for keeping a loved one safe. Look for one with a tether and harness for anyone going offshore cruising.

Boat cookbook

If you know a boater who loves to cook (or eat!), this classic boating cookbook is a great gift idea. It includes contributions from top chefs and sailing legends (e.g., Sir Robin Knox-Johnston), helpful tips on galley organization, and plenty of mouthwatering (but approachable) sea-to-table recipes.

Online boating course

Online boating courses  on topics like navigation and weather make great gifts for the holiday season because they give boaters something to do in the off-season: learn new skills! 

I recently took (and would highly recommend)  Boat Electrics 101 , an online course co-created by marine electrics guru, Nigel Calder. I wish this course had been available when we bought our first cruising sailboat—it would have saved us so much grief! Read my  Boat Electrics 101 review  for more details.

Boat Electrics 101

Dry bag backpack or duffel

Rule to live by: you can never have enough dry bags on a boat! A waterproof backpack or duffel bag is especially handy for carrying personal belongings on and off the boat. I love the look of these Fishe dry bags, designed in Anchorage, Alaska. Keep your gear dry and haul it around with comfortable straps. Best of all they come in a range of psychedelic fish prints.

Fishe Groovy Grayling Duffel Dry Bag

Boat binoculars

Boat binoculars are a practical gift that will last a lifetime and they don’t have to cost a fortune. My mother gave us a pair of Westmarine binoculars for our bluewater sailing trip across the Pacific and we loved them.

Be sure to buy a marine set with 7x magnification, anything more and you’ll have a hard time focusing on an object. Read more about how to choose a pair of binoculars in our  2022 best binoculars for boating guide .

Swim leggings

Swim leggings are made from bathing suit material and can be used both in the water and out. They’re great for watersports, protecting from the sun (and jellyfish stings). These leggings, made by Waterlust, feature cool oceanic prints and UPF protection (great for sunny days!). Not only that but 10% of profits go to fund environmental science.

Waterlust swim leggings

This stainless-steel multi-tool is a Swiss army knife on steroids and it makes a great gift for boat lovers. It has 18 functions including heavy-duty pliers, a knife, a screwdriver, scissors, and wire cutters. On a boat, they’re handy tools for undoing seizing wire, tightening loose screws, tightening shackles, and opening hard knots.

The Leatherman Wave is an international best-seller. We took a similar model on our three-year sailing trip.

Waterproof Bluetooth speaker

We received this tiny waterproof speaker as a gift and still can’t get over how much sound it delivers. It’s taken years of abuse and the tunes keep coming. You also can’t go wrong with the price.

Polarized sunglasses

Polarized sunglasses are a great gift idea for boaters who need to protect their eyes from the sun and glare. While I might personally opt for a cheaper pair of polarized sunglasses , these high-end sunglasses from Maui Jim would make a very special gift.

Stand up paddleboard

SUPs can be a practical way for people to get from the boat to shore, but mostly they’re a fun way to explore and get a bit of exercise.

iRocker is one of the leading makers of paddle boards and their Cruiser Ultra is described as the most stable board on the market, perfect for SUP yogis, families with kids, and beginners. It’s spacious enough for two riders or additional cargo.

Waterproof jacket

When you live in the Pacific Northwest, finding a truly waterproof rainjacket becomes an obsession. My husband loves his Helly Hansen Roan Waterproof Rain Anorak which is seemingly designed for commercial fishermen (who know a thing or two about staying dry!). Made from PU cotted knitted polyester, it features neoprene cuffs to keep your wrists dry, and costs a fraction of a rain jacket made from technical waterproofing materials.

Helly Hansen Roan Waterproof Rain Anorak

Marine smartwatch

The Garmin quatix 7 boasts some pretty mindboggling marine features including tide data, anchor alarms, and charts, not to mention connectivity with compatible chartplotters, autopilot, and other devices. That’s all on top of fitness tracking and the usual GPS smartwatch features you’ve come to expect. It’s one of the pricier boating gifts on our list, but perfect if you really want to make a splash!

Towing and boatside assistance

What is a good gift for a new boat owner? When you’re new to boating it can be stressful! BoatUS’ membership plans offer some peace-of-mind with on-the-water towing, jump-starts, fuel delivery, and soft ungroundings. The service is good on any boat you own, borrow, or rent.

You also get loads of discounts on marine products and services, not to mention access to BoatUS Magazine which is loaded with helpful information, how-tos, and great boating stories.

Full disclosure: I’m an editor at BoatU.S. Magazine, so of course, I think the content is top-notch!

BoatU.S. Membership

$25.00-200.00

Water bottle and thermos

Hydration is key at sea, which is why we considered our water bottles must-have-on-deck gear.

Grab one of these double-walled, vacuum-insulated, water bottles that do double duty, keeping your drinks hot or cold.

Choose from six marine-inspired designs and 10% of the profit will be donated to environmental research and education organizations. They’re dishwasher safe, and corrosion resistant and the handy D-ring is easy to clip in the cockpit (so your drink won’t go overboard).

Waterlust insulated bottle

Nautical jewelry

Jewelry is a great way to mark a special occasion. For the boat, choose pieces that won’t rust (stainless steel is a great option) and are affordable (less of a loss if it goes overboard!). I love the look of these minimalist nautical knot bracelets.

Sterling silver nautical knot bracelet

Carbon fiber guitar

Spoil your favorite boater with the ultimate boat guitar.

Journey’s Carbon Fiber Travel Guitar is collapsible, fits into a carry-on backpack, and you can assemble it in 20 seconds. The carbon fiber constructions make it stable and durable, so you don’t have to worry about it warping in the humid marine environment.

My mum brought one of these on the World Arc and it was the centerpiece of many singalongs and boat parties. It’s one of the most high-end gifts on this list, but it’ll probably last for life.

Stainless steel harmonica

If the price tag on a guitar is too much to stomach, there’s always the harmonica! The Easter Admiral harmonica is great for beginners and even has a sailing ship inscribed on the front. Time to learn some sea shanties!

Sun protection shirt

Keep your loved ones safe in the sun with a UPF 50+ shirt from Grundéns. The Solstrale hoodie also has anti-odor, stain-release, and thermo-regulating properties making it a great shirt for anglers.

Grundéns Solstrale Hoodie

Sailor’s beanie

What could be saltier than a sailor’s beanie? I normally hate how I look in hats, but I love this recycled cashmere beanie from Canadian manufacturer, ANIÁN. It fits beautifully and the cashmere is so comfortable (and not itchy!). 

ANIÁN Cashmere Beanie

Every boater needs a knife and these corrosion-resistant, lightweight knives from Spyderco make great boater gifts. In case the name didn’t give it away, Spyderco’s Salt Knives are 100% designed for the marine environment. They’re extremely popular and were our knife of choice when we sailed our 35-foot sailboat across the Pacific.

Personal locator

ACR ResQLink 400 personal locator beacon is a GPS-enabled rescue beacon that will guide rescuers to your location whether on land, sea, or in the air. Best of all, it doesn’t require a monthly subscription

Superstitious sailors pour a shot of rum overboard to appease Neptune before long voyages. I’m pretty sure the tempestuous sea god would appreciate this Stanley Classic Hip Flask. This 8 oz stainless steel flask is perfect for happy hour adventures on land or at sea.

Seasickness care kit

This gift is a bit of a gag (get it!?) but there is some science behind it!  Acupressure has been shown to relieve nausea in some people . These anti-nausea bracelets come in a range of colors and make a fun gift for any boating enthusiast. They’d be perfect for a new boat owner or their first mate. Pair them with a bag of these  GinGins Ginger Chews  for a good laugh.

Unbreakable glassware

GSI Outdoor’s unbreakable glasses were our go-to glasses on the boat. Not only do they stand up to the rigors of boat life, but they also take up minimal space in the galley. Available in clear and stainless steel. They also have unbreakable stemless wine glasses or champagne flutes (for when you feel fancy).

Handheld VHF radio

VHF radios are an indispensable tool for getting weather information, communicating with other boaters and marinas, and reaching out to the Coast Guard in the event of an emergency. The benefit of handheld VHF radios is that they’re wireless, so you can use them anywhere on the boat.

For the person who spends more time in the water than on the boat, a swim robe is a super luxurious gift. These fleece-lined, windproof, waterproof jacket are beloved by outdoor cold water swimmers, surfers, SUPers, and divers. It’s great for drying off, warming up, discrete changing, or prancing around the fancy beach house you rented on AirBnB.

Mountain Hardwear Wave Swim Robe

Garmin Inreach Messenger

If you worry about boat-loving friends or family member when they’re out on the water, this tiny, rugged, satellite communicator is a great gift for staying in touch.

The latest release in Garmin’s ever-popular Inreach line allows you to send and receive messages from your phone when you boat outside of cellular range or trigger an interactive SOS if you get into trouble.

An active subscription is required and plans start at $14.95/mo.

Waterproof playing cards

Waterproof playing cards are a fun boat gift idea and a great way to entertain your boating friends. It’s probably the most minimalist game you could bring aboard.

This Hoyle Waterproof set is boat and beach-proof and won’t be prone to mildew if it gets left in a damp boat locker.

Filet knife

The Rapala Fish ‘N Filet Knife is a handy tool for enjoying freshly caught meals on the boat, but we also use ours at home all the time.

Cut-resistant gloves

Protect your hands while shucking oysters or preparing fish with a cut-resistant food-grade glove. These NoCry Cut Resistant Gloves make a great gift for the onboard chef or seafood lover.

Boating magazine subscription

Boating magazines provide great advice and inspiration for new boaters and salty skippers alike. For sailing, I love  Good Old Boat Magazine  which has practical projects and advice for people who own pre-2000 boats.

Full disclosure: I’m a contributing editor at Good Old Boat, so am somewhat biased—but I write for them because I love their content!

Good Old Boat Magazine Gift Subscription 1 Year

Electric trolling motor

Are you considering upgrading to an electric boat motor ? Why not dip a toe in the water and try fishing in silence with one of Minn Kota’s electric trolling motors? Minn Kota is very reputable and has been making electric trolling motors since 1934!

Sail cloth toiletry bag

I love the look of these unique, upcycled toiletry bags on Etsy. Perfect for holding toothbrushes and soap for overnights on the boat. Fill them with soap, sunscreen, and an SPF lip balm for a larger gift. Below we’ve listed our favorite nautical ablution gift ideas.

No4 Recycled Sail Cloth Travel Pouch

Sea Salt Soap contains minerally rich salts from seawater—great for shaving or lathering up in the shower.

SPF lip balm

This SPF 15 lip balm is my go-to on land and sea. The blend of organic beeswax and organic olive oil make it perfectly smooth and there’s no weird aftertaste.

Seaweed hand cream

Boating can take its toll on your hands and a nourishing cream makes a nice gift. I can’t get enough of  Swedish Dream’s  seaweed hand cream. The sea lily and kelp scent smells heavenly (and not at all like seaweed).

Boat and reef-safe sunscreen

Hook Ya mineral sunscreen is reef safe, bait safe, and boat safe—it won’t leave stains on your deck. Developed and bottled in Florida (where they know a thing or two about the sun!).

Microfiber towel

Boats are damp and humid environments where cotton towels can take forever to dry. Microfiber towels were essentials for living on a boat  . They also pack down and take up almost no space. 

A boating encyclopedia

Chapman Piloting & Seamanship is one of THE most indispensable and trusted books in boating—it’s been in print for over 100 years! The updated edition covers new technologies, safety tips, maintenance, weather, tides, currents, and navigation. If you’re looking for a gift for a new boater, this is it!

We kept one on our sailboat as a reference book when we sailed across the Pacific and didn’t have access to the Internet. Here are a few other nautical books we’ll never go to sea without .

Waterproof power bank

If you’ve been on a boat, you probably know that most boat captains are battery misers. The Goal Zero Venture 75 Power Bank makes it possible to charge phones, Go Pros, and Bluetooth stereos without draining the boat’s batteries. It has an IP67 water resistance rating and an LED flashlight. Great for long days on the water when you’ve drained your phone from taking photos and blasting tunes.

A guide to sailing anywhere in the world

Written by sailing legend, Jimmy Cornell, this guide shows you how to plan a voyage from anywhere in the world to… anywhere in the world.

With plenty of tips for planning a safe and successful voyage and overviews of the most popular cruising routes, this is the perfect gift for someone who wants to see the world by boat. In fact, any of Cornell’s books would make great sailboat gifts.

Crab, lobster, shrimp trap

My favorite boat breakfast is eggs benny with freshly caught crab. This Drasry fishing bait trap can be used to catch crab, lobster, crawfish, and shrimp. It’s great for beginners and collapses so you easily stash it away in a boat locker. Consider pairing this gift with a  seafood tool kit  which includes shellers, crackers, forks, and a nice bottle of white wine (lobster bibs optional)!

Boating adventure books

We’ve compiled a list of the top  25 classic boating books  that every boater should read. If I had to pick only one to give as a gift, I’d suggest the national bestseller, A Voyage for Madmen by Peter Nichols , a riveting account of the first single-handed sailing race around the world. Nine men set out at the start of the race but only one finishes.

Waterproof case

As a boater, it’s really not possible to own enough waterproof storage containers. This Pelican water-resistant (IP67), the crushproof case offers versatile protection for cell phones, cameras, watches, and other small electronics and valuables. Made in the USA and comes in different colors. Fill it with your boating friend’s favorite chocolate or candy for a more personalized gift.

Boat cleaning kit

This collapsible bucket and sponge set make for an easy-to-store boat cleaning kit. If you’re feeling especially generous you can always include a homemade gift certificate good for one boat cleaning service by yours truly.

Better Boat Fiberglass Hull Cleaning Kit

Travel fins

These Seavenger snorkeling fins are great for travel or stashing away in a boat locker. The perfect gift for boat owners who enjoy swimming and snorkelling.

Personalized captain’s log

While I’m not always one for customized boat swag, I think this is one place where it makes sense! Have a journal or log book made up with the boat name and captain’s name inscribed on the front. A thoughtful gift for someone who wants to document their sea travels.

Neoprene gloves

If you spend time in the water, your hands and toes are bound to get chilly. These 1.5 mm neoprene gloves can help keep your hands warm while mainting your dexterity. Great for snorkeling, paddling, wakeboarding, surfing, and spearfishing.

It’s hard to take good photos on a boat because you’re in close quarters, leaving you stuck with a pretty narrow field of view. Not to mention you don’t want to get your camera wet.

GoPros are the solution! Their fish-eye lenses offer much wider fields of view, so you can capture more of the scene. They’re also waterproof, so you can keep them on deck, ready to capture memorable moments.

Nautical artist’s sketchbook

The perfect present for the seafaring artist! Capture the light on the water with this nautical sketchbook. These make boater gifts because each one is handmade. Pair this gift with a couple of brushes and a set of watercolor pencils .

Sketchbook covered with a vintage sea chart

Boat life was made for al fresco dining and what better way to cook than break out the grill! The Magma Marine Kettle Gas Grill makes a great gift for the BBQing boater in your life and is sure to be enjoyed by all crew members. Pair it with these heat-resistant BBQ gloves . Hopefully, you’ll earn yourself a dinner invitation!

A good headlamp is essential for sailing at night and I’d recommend them for any sailing packing list .

Be sure to get one like  Black Diamond Storm  which is a waterproof design and has a red light for preserving your night vision.

Anyone who likes to boat in the shoulder or winter seasons will appreciate a high-quality set of thermal underwear. My personal favorite is Icebreaker’s 100% Merino base layers. While not inexpensive, mine have lasted for almost a decade and were vital when we sailed down the coast from Vancouver to California in 2015. 

Water-resistant notebook

This is one tough little note-pad! These all-weather notebooks repel water, mud, and grease and can even survive the laundry. They come in different sizes and are perfect for navigation and taking notes onboard.

Boat rental

If you think an experiential gift would be most appreciated, a Boatsetter gift card can be put towards a boat rental anywhere in the world. Whether you want to book a local fishing boat or a yacht in Thailand, Boatsetter has thousands of options. You can even choose to hire a boat captain if you want to just sit back, relax, and enjoy the experience.

Boatsetter rental gift card

Celestial navigation course

Perfect for stargazers, offshore sailors (and people who love doing math!). Learn the art of celestial navigation with this comprehensive guide. Pair it with a sextant for a bluewater sailor gift.

Spearfishing pole spear

A spearfishing setup is a great gift for someone looking for a new and exciting way to fish. The Mako Spearfishing Traveler Pole is a good pole spear for beginners and packs down well for travel, so that any boating trip can become a fishing trip.

Water socks

Protect your feet on the beach and keep them warm in the water with Seavenger’s Zephyr 3mm Neoprene Beach Socks. They come in lots of fun colors and patterns for maximum foot flare. Great for swimmers, divers, and water babies!

Cruise and learn

Whether you’re just learning to sail or want to up your offshore sailing skills, cruise and learn courses offer you an opportunity to learn on a boat over a weekend, week, or longer. These immersive courses are available in all kinds of exotic locations (why not learn in the Caribbean!?) so it can be learning and vacation all wrapped into one. Check out our list of  of fshore sailing school s  for some great opportunities.

Fiona McGlynn is an award-winning boating writer who created Waterborne as a place to learn about living aboard and traveling the world by sailboat. She has written for boating magazines including BoatUS, SAIL, Cruising World, and Good Old Boat. She’s also a contributing editor at Good Old Boat and BoatUS Magazine. In 2017, Fiona and her husband completed a 3-year, 13,000-mile voyage from Vancouver to Mexico to Australia on their 35-foot sailboat.

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Yachting Monthly

• Digital edition

The best Christmas gifts for sailors in 2023

• Katy Stickland
• December 15, 2023

Stuck for a gift idea for the sailor in your life? We choose the best Christmas gifts for sailors which are guaranteed to put a smile on their face on 25 December

Stuck wondering what to buy for the sailor or sailing enthusiast in your life? Picking the right Christmas gift for a sailor can be tricky, so we’ve picked out the best gifts for sailors as chosen by the Yachting Monthly team!

We have searched through our best-on-test boating gear of 2021 and 2022 to pick the perfect gift for the sailor in your life. Everything included in this list is something the editorial team – passionate sailors all – would like to receive as a gift, so you can be sure that this is a list of truly useful and interesting gifts for sailors and cruisers.

Not everyone is on the same budget, so we have sectioned our gift guide by price, you can skip to each section below.

Best sailing gifts under £100 Best sailing gifts £100-500 Best sailing gifts £500+

Best Christmas gifts for sailors under £100

Merino wool buff.

Off on a Christmas day hike? Buy the person you love a merino wool buff. It will be truly a gift that keeps giving. It packs light in a bag, doesn’t make your neck feel sweaty and your loved one can breath into it all day without gassing themselves on coffee breath. Merino is a natural fibre that is non allergenic, can be machine washed and doesn’t stink.

I have 7 buffs or so in various thicknesses and I wear them all, year round. Plus if I receive a new one for Christmas, it doesn’t matter that I already have one, these things are like socks. You can never have too many.

Buy it now from Amazon

Ticket to the Moon Original Hammock

What better way to get you through the winter evenings than imagining lazing in a hammock on your own boat? Made in Bali, Indonesia, Ticket to the Moon hammocks are free of PFCs and other harmful chemicals, and are ethically made.

Constructed using skin-friendly OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 parachute silk nylon, they are designed to be light and portable, and come with a 10-year guarantee, and their own pouch.

Gerber EZ Out Rescue Knife

The Gerber EZ-Out is one of our favourite sailing knives, and has featured at the top of our knife group gear tests due to its cutting ability; it scythed through Dyneema halyard, webbing or polypropylene line in seconds.

The 7.8cm-long single blade has a rounded tip, and is easy and safe to open one-handed. The blade locks well and is easily returned via a push point on the rear. At 73.7g, the EZ-Out Rescue is very light and comes with a lifetime guarantee.

Victorinox Skipper Pro

The best knife and multi tool I ever had. The Victorinox Skipper knife lives close at hand at all times. It’s been invlauably useful and quite simply one of the best presents I was ever given by my dad and he’s bought me some amazing gifts over the years. This one has literally saved my life at least once. Especially that time I bought a bottle of wine that had a cork and I needed a corkscrew in a field miles from anywhere late at night.

Mine has lasted in excess of 10 years now. It’s been a marvellous gift.

Tribord Floating Sunglasses Polarised UV Protection

Decathlon’s designers have developed these Tribord glasses for sailing and nautical activities.

Floating glasses with polarised category-3 lenses for 100% UV protection filter out glare from the surface of the water.

Practical if dropped, they float.

The wraparound style protects your eyes from all directions.

Available in black with electric blue lenses or with petrol blue frames and matt black lenses.

Buy now from Decathlon

Orca Bay Sandusky Leather Deck Shoes

Featuring a machine washable Nubuck upper and off-white rubber siped sole, that is non-slip and non-marking, this is a comfortable but stylish deck shoe from Orca Bay.

Other features include a cushioned EVA heel cup; hand stitching; rawhide leather lace and rustproof eyelets.

When washing, the technique is to put the shoes into a washing bag or pillow case, use a mild detergent – Maximum 30 degrees.

After washing, stuff with paper to retain shape and allow to dry naturally.

Available in a range of colour options, and both men’s and women’s versions.

Buy it now from Amazon UK

Chatham Men’s Sperrin Boat Shoes

An autumnal twist to Chatham’s classic boat shoe, the Sperrin is made from soft leather and features antibacterial performance cushioning so you could wear them without socks when the weather gets warmer. The sole also has shock absorption, which promises comfort no matter what surface you walk over.

This rugged shoe has three-eyelet laces, side lace and contrast stitching detail. The heavy cleated sole has flex and grip, which is especially useful on wet pontoon surfaces or decks. It is available in tan or dark brown and in sizes 6-15. A women’s version is also available in tan, sizes 3-8.

BioLite Alpenglow

I absolutely LOVE my BioLite lantern. It has a bright white light, which easily can be switched to an amber light. Shake the lantern and it will switch over to flickering candle effect. Toggle through the light settings by clicking the button and then shaking it for an alternative setting.

It has a long battery life and is USB charged. It can also act as a small powerbank too as it has two USB slots, one for charging it and one for something external.

The hanging hook is also really useful and the state of charge can be seen with a row of little lights that gradually reduce in number until the unit dims to let you know its time to charge it.

It comes in either a 250-lumen intensity or 500 lumens, and takes 3 hours to recharge. It has an IPX4 rating so it can withstand rain and splashing. It also features a useful fold-out hook for hanging from the boom or inside the saloon.

Best Christmas gifts for sailors from £100-£500

fitting and adjusting with Anna

Baltic Safety Athena Women’s Fitted Lifejacket

An inflatable lifejacket developed to achieve the best possible fit for women.

Placing the 33G CO auto inflation valve horizontally under the bust gives the slimline lifejacket a better fit.

This neat and flexible 165N jacket is fully adjustable. It comes with padding for extra comfort and an airy mesh lining.

Athena is also lightweight, easy to put on – you don’t have to thread it over your head – and easily closed with Velcro and a quick-release buckle.

Available in one size for 40-120kg, and a chest width of 70-140cm.

Colour options: white/pink, navy/white, and black/grey.

Buy it now from Crew Safe

Spinlock Deckvest

This is the sixth generation of Spinlock’s Deckvest design, and came top in our best lifejacket test earlier this year. At 1.3kg, it is heavier than some other lifejackets, but is comfortable.

It has a sprayhood and can be fitted with a small stowage pocket for a personal locator beacon or a knife. It is available to buy with a standard harness or with an easily reset harness release system, which enables the wearer to disconnect from the safety line by releasing a lever behind the soft loop safety line attachment point of the lifejacket harness.

Buy it now from Gael Force Marine

Spinlock Essentials chest pack

I have this pouch fitted to my deckvest lifejacket, as can be seen above, I often keep snacks in it. It’s supposed to hold more important things like a sailing knife, a personal locator beacon and other things to help you survive in an emergency, I consider food an essential and chocolate especially so. I managed to fit 15 mini sized snack bars in it. That’s enough for me and crew morale on a long night passage.

Frankly it’s one of those gifts that keeps giving.

Exposure RAW Pro headtorch

Great gift for the dark winter months, as reviewed in our headtorches group test ( YM May 2023), with an outstanding red light function that offers three levels of brightness, so you won’t ruin the night vision of anyone onboard while reading in a darkened cabin or peering up into the rigging.

The charge status is easy to read on the end button as it will momentarily glow the standard traffic light green, amber or red to let you know its remaining power level.

The head band, meanwhile, has reflective lettering on it to help make it a great deal easier to find in the dark. USB rechargeable, robust and very waterproof.

Garmin InReach Mini 2

For the adventurer in your life, give them the gift of track and traceability. From hiking the Appalachian trail to sailing offshore out of sight of land. There’s a whole array of ways this little device can help you and the ones you love to communicate and feel a little bit safer with it’s SOS capability.

It does require a subscription after purchase but you only need to activate that when the device is going to be used. It really is a tiny device with a mighty capability.

Buy it now from Amazon 

Helly Hansen Foil Jacket

This sleek sailing jacket is made with recycled materials. The HP Foil Sailing Jacket is lightweight, at just 575g, with a 3-layer, waterproof/breathable Helly Tech Performance construction in combination with PFC-free, water- repellent treatment to keep sea spray out.

Extra features include a high-vis packable hood, adjustable cuffs, two hand pockets with brushed lining, a one-hand adjustable hem and a D-ring for a kill cord. All seams are fully sealed. It is made from recycled fabric made up of reused plastics that would have become marine debris.

Buy it now from Helly Hansen

Lewmar Epsilon Winged Anchor

Lewmar’s Epsilon anchor , awarded Super High Holding Power certification by Lloyd’s Register, boasts a unique winged design with a concaved fluke and ballast-tipped keel.

It has the same self-righting geometry as its predecessor the Delta, with self-launching characteristics and a sleek bow profile.

For 20-90ft yachts. In galvanised or stainless steel.

Buy it now from Marine Superstore

Cobb Premier Air Charcoal Barbecue Grill

The award-winning Cobb is a versatile barbecue as it can roast, bake, fry, boil and smoke food too. It has an insulated surround guard which means it is cool to the touch and won’t damage sensitive surfaces, and gives peace of mind to anyone nervous about barbecuing onboard.

Just a few charcoal briquettes will give a cooking time of up to three hours. The Cobb’s design means fat and oil drain off into a reservoir so it doesn’t create the smoke and spit of conventional barbecues. It is completely portable and comes with its own carry bag.

Silva Eterna Navigator 3 Binoculars 7 x 50

A popular choice in our review of marine binoculars (YM Summer 2023), this bright and rugged nitrogen-filled pair proved to have excellent optics and a robust casing that will stand up well to being slung around whilst on passage then stowed away in a crowded locker.

The YM test team found that the anti-glare coating, in particular, worked extremely well on the water. Comes with an extra wide neck strap, lens cleaning brush, four protective caps, and a carrying case. Available with or without the option of a built-in compass.  

Standard Horizon HX890E VHF

This waterproof (IPX8), floating handheld VHF with DSC comes with a built-in GPS receiver and FM radio. As well as transmitting at 6W, 2W or 1W, there is a Group Monitor feature for the continuous tracking of up to nine other vessels. The 66- channel WAAS/GPS receiver displays your current position, which it attaches to a DSC distress call automatically if activated.

At 2.3 inches, the display is large and clear, and the menu system is straightforward to use. It floats and has a water-activated, sequence programmable emergency strobe. A 1800mAh Li-ion battery comes with the radio for extended use, plus 240Vac or 12Vdc chargers, plus a pack for alkaline batteries.

ACR Resqlink 400 406MHZ GPS Buoyant PLB

Small but resilient, the ResQLink 400 is a buoyant Personal Locator Beacon ( PLB ) that does not require any subscription for use and fits into the palm of your hands.

With three levels of integrated signal technology – GPS positioning, a powerful 406 MHz signal, and 121.5 MHz homing capability – the ResQLink 400 quickly and accurately relays your position to a worldwide network of search and rescue satellites.

Additionally, a built-in strobe and infrared strobe facilitate night-time, or other low visibility, rescues.

The ResQLink 400 is easily activated in an emergency situation: deploy the antenna, press the on button, and the beacon will guide rescuers to within 100 metres or less of your position.

The unit is supplied with multifunction clips.

Features include a multi-constellation GPS receiver (GPS & Galileo GNSS); Strobe and Infrared Strobe; 5 year battery life; 24+ hours Operational Life; Self Test & GPS Test function.

Buy it now from Amazon UK Buy it now from West Marine

Haswing Osapian 55 electric outboard

Winner of the best budget buy in our electric outboards gear test this year, the Haswing Osapian 55 trolling motor has five forward speeds, three reverse on a twist grip throttle, with a promised 55lb thrust. The motor is well engineered with an anode behind the prop, and a spare in the box.

The shaft slides providing for transom heights up to 62cm, 360° rotation, and 10 tilt positions. Excellent value for money for anyone wanting to do short trips.

Best Christmas gifts for sailors over £500

Musto MPX Gortex Offshore Oilskins

The Musto MPX Collection was improved with an updated fit for 2021, with the jacket getting a darted sleeve construction for enhanced articulation, whilst the trousers were redesigned with a 200g reduction in weight.

Articulated knee and seat reinforcements combine a full spectrum of motion with enhanced durability.

Constructed from cutting-edge 3-layer GORE-TEX Pro fabric for remarkable waterproof, windproof and durable protection, that’s also incredibly breathable to keep you comfortable in all weather.

The jacket features a heat retentive grid fleece lined funnel and hood pod with a highly protective, adjustable spume.

These offshore waterproofs are available in black, blue, red and ‘platinum’ grey.

Buy it now from Musto

Garmin Quatix 7 Watch

The Quatix 7 is a fantastic piece of kit for anyone who loves sport and specifically sport that involves being on and around water. But it is an all round genius wearable that allows a huge range of monitoring activities, including your health as well as practical functions to control and interact with marine tech. Massive thumbs up on this from me, I love mine and feel undressed without it.

The watch is compatible with Garmin marine instruments as well as the usual smart phones.

Buy it now from Garmin 

Ocean Signal rescueME PLB3

Small yet powerful unit combining AIS, GPS and a 406 MHz Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), which won last year’s prestigious DAME Award. Just 20cm long and light enough (190g) to fit into your lifejacket, it can project visible spectrum and infrared signal lights. Also sports Return Link Service (RLS) technology which provides the casualty with clear, morale-boosting, confirmation that their distress signal has been received and passed on to the nearest search and rescue services.  

Comes with a well-illustrated instruction manual and Near Field Communication app so you can test it using your mobile telephone. Five-year battery life and no need for an additional subscription.

Steiner Navigator 7×50 marine binoculars

Possibly the best marine binoculars money can buy. Slightly lighter than the vastly more expensive Commanders, these Navigator pro binoculars have fabulous optics and a really clear and easy to read built in compass with compass light.

I was gifted a pair of these for Christmas several years ago and I am thankful everytime I’m on passage and readh for them . They are one of the best presents I ever received. Second only to the Sailing knife my dad gave me.

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated sailing page for more marine products.

The 55 Best Sailing Gifts For Sailors 2024

Finding the perfect sailing gifts for the sailing fanatic in your life is a pretty hard task, especially if you’re not a sailor yourself. Having very little space and having spent a lot of time trying to sacrifice luxuries makes choosing sailing presents for a loved one pretty hard.

We’ve lived on a boat for three years now and we have a pretty good idea of what some of the perfect gifts would be, depending on the type of sailor you’re buying for.

After receiving some awesome presents, we thought it was about time we shared our top gifts with you so that you can find the perfect present for that sailor in your life.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We also earn from other affiliate programs. This means we may receive a small commission on products purchased through our links at no extra cost to you.

We’ve put together a list of some of the most practical sailing gifts for those people who don’t like fuss, some techy gifts for people who love a new toy to play with, and some ‘luxury item’ sailing gifts that would be a real treat to receive!

We’ve also included the best book gifts , some funny gifts for things like Secret Santa, and not forgetting the best sailing gifts for kids !

Hopefully, there’s an ideal present on this list for everyone – happy shopping!

🏆 Our Top Choice Sailing Gift 🏆 We’ve been using our Bluefin paddleboard for a year now and we’re addicted!

Quick Guide To The Best Sailing Presents

Jump to the type of gift you think will best fit that sailor in your life, but don’t forget that sometimes the best are the ones they didn’t even know they wanted!

Practical Sailing Gifts (for the ones who like a useful gift!)

Techy Sailing Gifts (for the gadget lover sailors!)

Luxury Sailing Gifts (for those that have everything)

Book Sailing Gifts (for something that will last)

Funny Sailing Gifts (great stocking fillers!)

Baby Sailing Gifts

Cards And Wrapping

Practical Gifts For Sailors

We have selected these sailing gifts for their pure usefulness. No one wants to buy someone a length of Dyneema or a shackle for their birthday, so these are things we wouldn’t have bought for ourselves but now couldn’t live without!

We’ve tried to make sure that some of them look nice too, as receiving a ‘pretty’ gift is always a bit nicer!

Trust us when we say sailors love practical sailing gifts-anything to make life at sea a little easier!

#1 The Newport Regatta Sailing Jacket

One of the best gifts you can buy any sailor is a decent sailing jacket like the Newport Regatta by Helly Hansen .

Quality gear means the difference between an awesome day out on the water and a potentially life-threatening one. Wind and spray aren’t a fun combination when you’re miles from port.

Adam and I absolutely love our Newport Regatta jackets. They are lightweight enough to be comfortable protection in the summer but they’re also great for winter winds when you’re coastal sailing.

These jackets have all the useful features of an offshore jacket, with reflective strips, high collars, and double cuff sleeves. But we find them more comfortable than the bulky, heavier jackets and will happily wear them out sailing all day and to the pub after!

The jackets come in several different colour ways too, so you can find the perfect one for the person you’re buying for. We both bought a size up (so we could layer up underneath) and they fit well with a little extra room.

The ideal present for any sailor.

✔ Buy the men’s Newport Regatta jacket here

✔ Buy the women’s Newport Regatta jacket here

#2 Victorinox Skipper Knife

This knife is an incredibly useful sailing gift. Perfect for rope work and splicing, this knife is a ‘cut’ above the rest (pun totally intended)! We use the marlinspike a lot to get us out of tricky knot situations, and it’s tough and durable (no rust yet!) 

Apparently, the marlin spike on this knife isn’t as sharp as normal ones, but we’ve actually found it works out knots incredibly well, and it’s probably the most used tool on this knife!

✔ Buy the Victorinox Skipper Knife now

#3 A Floating Keychain

If you’re looking for a stocking filler then look no further. These floating key chains are awesome!

Part of the reason sailing is such an expensive hobby is because everything ends up in the sea. Not anymore! These floating key chains are an absolute must-have for any boat owner, and we think they’re a pretty cute gift too.

✔ Buy your floating keychain gift now

#4 A Quality Dry Bag Rucksack

Getting a decent dry bag was a game-changer for me. After several months of wrapping up my laptop and phone in plastic bags, inside another bag, inside another bag just for good measure, I found this completely waterproof dry bag that doubles up as a rucksack.

I now use it for everything – grocery shopping, taking my laptop to shore for work, I even take it into the cockpit every time we go sailing so that I can store essentials in there when it’s rough, meaning we don’t have to go below as often.

I had never seen the rucksack design before but it is SO useful.

✔ Buy now from Helly Hansen

#5 Holdpeak 866B Digital Anemometer

This might not look that exciting to the untrained eye, but this funny-looking gadget is a lifesaver at sea. If this sailing gift is for someone that goes offshore sailing a lot then it is the perfect present!

It gives you accurate wind speed readings as well as temperature and wind chill, and it also provides fast measurement for analysis of critical environment conditions, meaning you’ll see that storm coming a mile off.

✔ Buy the Holdpeak Anemometer now

#6 Hot Water Bottle

This was an item I never even thought of having until I did a night passage on someone else’s boat and he had one! It’s such a simple thing to have on board that is a lifesaver when it’s cold.

I use it all the time, even in the summer, as the wind can get pretty chilly on a sailboat. They’re also great for soothing muscle aches, as there’s obviously no bath onboard a sailboat! The ones with pretty covers make for great sailing gifts.

Top tip : Reuse the water inside it once it goes cold to save on water use!

✔ Buy a hot water bottle sailing gift now

#7 The Boat Cookbook: A Favourite Sailing Gift Of Ours

We use this cookbook so much that it looks like we bought it second-hand from a fishmonger. It is FULL of delicious recipes but more useful than these are the little tips and tricks given throughout the book, such as how to fillet a fish or how to catch a crab.

There is also advice on buying ingredients that last and an all-important drinks section (not the reason we bought this book-promise!)

Another lovely thing about this book is that it actually looks like a gift.  It’s got pretty graphics and interesting pages, and is just really nice to look at! 

I know that’s not necessarily the makings of a good book, but it’s nice to give a sailing gift that’s actually a little bit pretty!

✔ Buy The Boat Cookbook now

#8 Cockpit Companion For Sailors

We were recommended this handy little flipbook when we took our sailing exams, and we are so thankful to our instructor for showing it to us!

It might not seem like the most exciting of sailing gifts, but we use our cockpit companion ALL the time (we keep it in our dry bag in the cockpit while we’re sailing).

In it, you’ll find all the important bits of sailing information that you probably don’t have to recall on a daily basis but need to know just in case.

For example, it lists all your sound signals, the meanings of different flags, and of course the all-important collision regulations. We wouldn’t sail anywhere without it!

✔ Buy the cockpit companion now

#9 Black Diamond Sailing Headlamp

Both of the above are great practical sailing gift options. We got a little obsessed searching for a great headlamp – one of those rabbit holes you go down when you live on a sailboat!

Subsequently, we did a tonne of research and bought several different types to try, and here is our ultimate review ! A decent sailing headlamp is so useful, and something that most sailors would love as a gift, as they’ll use it all the time.

✔ Buy a Black Diamond sailing headlamp now

#10 Skagen Offshore Sailing Jacket

We’ve offered the best in coastal sailing jackets, but if your loved one is more of an offshore sailor then you’re going to want to consider the Skagen offshore sailing jacket by Helly Hansen.

This offshore sailing jacket is one of the best out there, and any sailor will love its practical yet stylish design. This jacket is waterproof and breathable, using the most modern high-tech materials to protect you from the changing elements out at sea.

It also has some super useful features, like the hi-vis hood, reflective strips, double cuff seals, and a high fleece collar.

✔ Buy the men’s jacket now

✔ Buy the women’s jacket now

#11 Sailing Buff

I have a little growing collection of these sailing buffs and I think they make the perfect sailing gift – especially for something like a stocking filler or work secret Santa. They come in all shapes and sizes for different purposes, so you can choose what you like.

Personally, I get the most use from the thinner ones as we’re usually sailing in warm weather (look for the UV-protected ones as above).

I use them for keeping the hair out of my face (and the winches!), I keep them around my neck to protect it from the sun, and I even wrap them around my wrists for a bit of extra warmth. They’re so useful.

For cold-weather sailing opt for a balaclava . These would make the perfect sailing gift for anyone that loves going out in all weather.

✅ Buy our favourite sailing buff now

#12 The Ultimate Guide To Living Aboard

For something a little different check out our ultimate guide to living aboard . We’ve jam-packed this guide full of invaluable information, tips, tricks, and how-tos through the whole process of moving aboard a sailboat full-time.

Basically, every single we’ve learned from this whole lifestyle and a whole lot more from the sailing community!

The guide takes you from when this lifestyle is still just a dream through to buying the perfect boat for you, to how to make the dream last. It’s the perfect sailing gift for anyone dreaming about running away to sea!

✔ Buy your copy now

#13 The Scrubba Wash Bag

Finding a laundromat or paying for an overpriced hotel laundry service can be a pain when you’re living at sea for extended periods of time. The Scrubba Wash Bag is the perfect solution for travelers who want to wash their clothes wherever and whenever.

Simply fill the bag with water, clothes, and soap, roll and clip the bag, let out any air, rub to wash, rinse and dry.

The Scrubba Wash Bag features hundreds of internal Scrubba nodules that efficiently clean your clothes in minutes, providing a machine-quality wash that saves you money and time doing laundry while traveling.

The Scrubba Wash Bag folds down to pocket size and is small enough to take anywhere. Grip circles on the outside prevent it from sliding on surfaces when washing, and the transparent window lets you see washing and filling levels.

So whether you’re washing a few items or a whole load of laundry, the Scrubba Wash Bag is up for the task, and we love this invention and think all sailors should have one!

✔ Buy the Scrubba Wash Bag now

#14 Ukes Floating Sunglasses Strap

Before Adam and I found these we lost so many pairs of sunglasses. It was bad for our eyes, the environment, and our bank balances! That’s why these floating sunglasses straps make the perfect sailing gift – plus they come in loads of different fun designs.

If you’re after something a little more ‘gift’ like then keep reading!

✔ Buy a floating sunglasses strap

#15 Sunglasses Chain

The days of ugly sunglasses lanyards are gone. Sun Soul Sisters have combined fashion and practicality with these sunglasses chains in unique designs. These make the perfect gifts for women sailors as they’re useful but also special. Something you wouldn’t buy for yourself but would love to receive.

My favourite is the Langkawi shell design pictured above, but they have a range of individual chains for all tastes.

#16 A Cooler Bag

Beach BBQs are the name of the game when you’re spending time on a sailboat. The Pack-Away 12 is a versatile, durable, and eco-friendly cooler bag that is perfect for a day at the beach or a picnic in the park.

It can hold up to 12 cans of your favorite beverage and keep them cold for up to 32 hours. The straight-zip design provides a wide-mouth opening for easy loading and unloading, and the fully seam-sealed, leakproof liner is easy to clean.

The bag also features padded, adjustable shoulder straps for easier carrying, as well as daisy chains and an external pocket for storing extra gear.

When not in use, the bag can be compressed down to a size of 20 x 17 x 1 inches. Made from recycled and bluesign® approved materials, the Pack-Away 12 is a cooler bag that you can feel good about using.

✔ Buy the Pack Away 12 cooler bag now

#17 Helly Hansen Sailing Gloves

Helly Hansen make some of the best sailing gear going, and these gloves for sailing are no different. Sailing gloves are one of those things that you don’t ever seem to get around to replacing, but a decent pair can make all the difference out on the water.

Grab a pair of these as a gift for the sailor in your life and they’ll be thankful!

#18 Hydro Flask Food Jar

The Hydro Flask Food Jar is perfect for sailors. It’s designed to keep food hot or cold for hours on end, with the TempShield® double-wall vacuum insulation.

This design is leakproof, so you don’t have to worry about spills, and the soft-grip lid is easy to open.

The wide-mouth design is convenient to eat from while on the go, even when you’re in rough seas. This is also really convenient for storing food in top-loading fridges.

✔ Buy the Hydro Flask Food Jar now

Techy Sailing Gifts For Sailors

Sailing gifts for that tech-savvy person in your life. There’s always one!

Adam is obsessed with gadgets, and I have to admit that they do make sailing easier and more fun. Most sailing gadgets aren’t the cheapest, but it is possible to find some budget options! 

We’ve included some to help those who are trying to save money, but sometimes you just have to suck it up and pay for quality when it comes to techy sailing gifts!

#19 Go Pro Hero 10 – A Great Sailing Gift

This is VERY high on our sailing gifts wish list (update-we have now bought one, and it’s the best thing EVER! See our review for the full low down).

A long time ago we had the newest Go Pro but it got lost. Ever the money-saving enthusiasts we bought a cheaper action cam hoping that you just buy the Go Pro name but can find just as good quality elsewhere.

Several cheaper versions down the line and we are still lusting after that old Go Pro. You can’t beat this quality product, and we have given up trying. This would be the ultimate sailing gift for anyone wanting to record their adventures.

✔ Buy the Go Pro 10 from Amazon

#20 A Suunto Core Sailing Watch

The Suunto Core watch is a versatile and essential tool for anyone who loves spending time outdoors. The compass ensures you always know your bearings, while the barometric altimeter is accurate to 29,500 feet.

The storm alarm feature is also incredibly useful; it activates when a rapid drop in air pressure is detected over a 3 hr. period, letting you know that bad weather is on the way. With the Suunto Core watch on your wrist, you’ll be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws your way.

If you want a full review you can find it here, along with some of the other best watches for sailing .

✔ Buy the Suunto Core watch now

#21 Waterproof Speakers: The Ultimate Sailing Present For Music Lovers

Waterproof and rugged, these JBL Charge 4 portable speakers are actually the perfect sailing gift for anyone that travels or likes life outdoors.

This is a speaker you can keep in the cockpit while you’re sailing or take to the beach in the dinghy, and you don’t have to worry about it getting splashed by waves or rolling off the table. You can read our full review of the JBL Charge 4 here, and find out why we absolutely love it!

This speaker is rugged enough to be taken anywhere and the sound quality is excellent. We use our waterproof speaker to listen to audiobooks while we’re on longer passages or while we’re relaxing at anchor!

✅ Buy the JBL Charge here

#22 Kick Back And Read Your Kindle

I was really against getting a kindle when I lived on land. I’ve always loved having books and turning pages. But when my best friends bought me a waterproof kindle as a leaving present I knew it was going to be one of the most used items on the boat-and it is!

There is no room on a boat for libraries of books, but all the time in the world to read them. The charge on the Kindle lasts forever and they are tiny.

An added bonus is that these ones are waterproof , so you can literally take them anywhere, and you don’t have to worry about those rogue waves sneaking up on you while you’re reading in the cockpit!

✅ Buy a waterproof Kindle here

#23 Projector And Screen – A Great Tech Gift For Sailors

Our friend bought us this projector for a sailing gift this year and we LOVE it! We don’t actually have a screen, we just use a bedsheet (though a screen would obviously be better).

We use it to watch movies outdoors and we’ve had so much fun with it, it’s really added to our sailing experience. I would thoroughly recommend this as a sailing gift!

✅ Grab a decent projector here

#24 OpenSwim Headphones

The OpenSwim is a state-of-the-art swimming headphone that can be submerged in up to 2 metres of water.

Swimming is a great exercise when you live on or spend lots of time on a sailboat, but it can be difficult to listen to music while you’re doing it.

With the OpenSwim, you can enjoy your music lap after lap. The open-ear design ensures a bud-free, comfortable listening experience.

✔ Buy the OpenSwim headphones now

Luxury Sailing Gifts

My favourite selection of sailing gifts! All those things you dream about having as a sailor but can’t justify buying. Owning a sailboat is expensive enough, without kitting it out with lots of fun toys. 

Before we moved onto a sailboat we didn’t think we would need any luxury, but really all you want to do when you have a sailboat is play with lots of fun toys! So treat the sailor you love to one of these real luxury items! 

Some of these items Adam and I have already splashed out on (or been gifted), but some of these are still high up on our wish list because we’ve been lucky enough to meet people that have them, and have been dreaming about owning them ourselves ever since.

#25 Audible Membership

Personally, this would be the ultimate sailin g gift for me. Sailing isn’t all about huge waves and thunderstorms, there is a lot of downtime on a sailboat. Reading is great when your hands are free, but with constant DIY projects, audiobooks are just perfect.

Before I met Adam he had never listened to an audiobook, now he’s hooked as much as I am and we listen to them through the speakers while we’re doing anything from cooking to sanding to chilling out with a glass of wine watching the sunset.

We like fiction best (it’s like watching a movie but without needing to have your eyes glued to a screen) but there is also a huge range of non-fiction and kid’s stories.

Sign up for a free trial using this link and you’ll get a free audiobook of your choice. Sign up someone special for only £.7.99 a month and they’ll get a book of their choice every month, plus access to numerous podcasts.

✅ Buy Audible as a gift here

#26 Nomandia Microfibre Towel

These microfibre towels are fun AND practical. They are super lightweight and take up hardly any cupboard space. They dry really quickly and they don’t ‘soak up’ the sand like so many towels do. A sand-free sailing boat is a happy sailing boat!

We also love the fun range of designs these come in, they look great as picnic blankets, hung up to create some shade, or wrapped around you a bit like a sarong.

This is the perfect sailing gift for someone that’s practical but that deserves a little treat too!

✅ Buy a microfibre towel here

#27 Mariner Duffel

The Mariner Duffel is a great gift for sailors who travel to their boat every weekend, or regularly take sailing holidays. Packing for sailing trips isn’t always the easiest, as you need a rugged, water-resistant bag that will pack down small when not used.

This is a weatherproof bag that is both spacious and durable. The three-way, roll-down closure system ensures that your belongings will stay dry, even in the most extreme conditions. The super tough tarpaulin material is also heat-welded and bound to prevent water intrusion.

In addition to being spacious enough for a week’s worth of clothes, the Mariner Duffel is also comfortable to carry, thanks to the two detachable, adjustable, molded backpack straps.

✔ Buy the Mariner Duffel now

#28 Bluefin Paddle Board

For anyone who loves being out on the water, a paddleboard is an awesome gift. Paddleboards are a great way to enjoy the sights and sounds of the ocean, lake, or river, and they provide a great workout.

They are also very versatile and can be used for yoga, fishing, or even surfing. For sailors, a paddleboard can be a valuable addition to their arsenal, as it can be used to explore new areas or simply get from one point to another.

Paddleboards are stable and easy to maneuver, making them a great choice for sailors of all skill levels. So if you know someone who loves being out on the water, a paddleboard could be the perfect gift.

We love our Bluefin paddleboard that comes with a seat to convert it into a kayak.

✔ Buy a Bluefin paddleboard now

#29 Inflatable kayak

The ultimate sailing boat toys! Adam and I lust after one of these to explore in.  They’re fun to use, good exercise, and a peaceful mode of transport (especially compared to a noisy outboard engine!)

These Aqua Marina inflatable kayaks pack up so small that they are easy to store on smaller boats, and they’re light enough not to have to worry about. You can get them with one or two seats depending on how may people will be on board. Perfect.

✔ Buy an inflatable kayak now

#30 Hammock

I actually just bought a hammock as a sailing gift to myself, because Adam couldn’t take the hints! I love it, and use it all the time in the summer. A hammock is just perfect for sailboat life.

If the boat’s too rolly then lying in a hammock makes it much easier to relax -I’ve even slept in it from time to time! These fabric ones are much more comfortable, and Adam and I can both fit in this one to watch the sunset.

✔ Buy a hammock from REI now

#31 GoFit Ultimate Pro Gym

You would have through that sailing would keep you pretty fit, but in reality a lot of the time you’re just making small sail adjustments and trying to sit as still as possible so you don’t fall overboard!

If you live on a boat for any extended period of time then this is a great present for a sailor!

The GoFit Ultimate Pro Gym comes with everything you need to get a great workout on the sailboat. The set includes three resistance tubes of different weights, so you can customize your workout to your fitness level.

The tubes can be used to target different muscle groups, including the biceps, triceps, abs, chest, and lower body.

With the included door connector, you can also use the resistance tubes to do specific exercises that target trouble spots

This is one of the best workout sets for sailboat living, as you can use it in a small space.

✔ Buy the ultimate gym pack now

#32 A Cozy Blanket Sailing Gift

This one’s a perfect winter gift for any sailboat owner, and the great thing about a warm blanket is that you can never have too many on a sailboat! Adam and I started with just one, but we’ve gradually added to the collection over the years.

They’re among my favourite things on board because they’re practical (great for cold winter nights snuggled in front of a movie or summer evenings watching the stars) and they also add interest and colour to drab old boat settees.

These would make a great sailing gift.

✅ Grab a cosy blanket now

#33 Go-Anywhere Seat

The Go-Anywhere Seat is the perfect choice for any sailor. Getting comfy onboard isn’t always easy, but this chair makes it a doddle!

This is a durable and comfortable seat that can be used in a variety of settings. The UV-resistant polyester fabric is urethane coated to prevent moisture absorption, and the inner cushioning provides plenty of support.

The powder-coated steel frame is built to last, and the five-position ratcheting hinge allows you to adjust your seating position from upright to reclined. The handy mesh pocket in the back is perfect for storing suncream and gadgets. And since it lies completely flat for easy storage onboard.

This is a chair you can relax in on the deck, or take to the beach for BBQs and summer day fun.

✔ Buy the Go-Anywhere Seat now

#34 Foldable Yoga Mat

If the person you’re buying a sailing gift for is into their fitness then you can’t go wrong with these folding yoga mats . With space at a premium on a sailboat, these folding yoga mats are so easy to store just about anywhere and easy to transport too so you can take them to the beach or hiking.

Unfortunately, I’ve found that with regular use in the sun yoga mats don’t last as long as you’d like, so having a few is actually really useful. And I’d choose these folding ones every time!

✅ Buy a folding yoga mat now

#35 Magma Nesting Saucepans

These award-winning cookware sets are something every boat chef wants in their galley!

These sets completely nest and store in less than ½ cu. ft. of cabinet space, making it perfect for small kitchens. The heavy-duty, non-toxic, PFOA- and PTFE-free, slate-black Ceramica® non-stick is remarkably easy to clean. It will not stain, peel, blister, or flake, and nothing sticks to it.

These are top-notch and renowned in the sailing world for being the best of the best!

✔ Buy the Magma nesting saucepan set now

#36 Corelle Dining Ware To Make The Boat A Home

This sailing gift is especially good for sailors who have just recently bought a boat, as they will most likely be wanting to make it more of a home.

Corelle dining ware is not only really pretty, but it’s practically unbreakable.  It feels like real china and it’s super lightweight. 

It’s such a luxury not having to eat from plastic plates, it’s little things like that which make actually living on a boat more comfortable.

I had never heard of it until we moved onto our boat and the previous owners left it to us. They raved about it, having had it for years and years. It is in perfect condition, despite being made from glass.

Guests always comment on what a luxury it is to eat from plates that aren’t plastic-though I think they wonder how on Earth we haven’t smashed it all in heavy seas, yet little do they know the plates have flown across the boat several times but are still in perfect condition!

✅ Buy the Corelle dining set here

#37 Tilly Sailing Hat

Tilley hats  were designed by an avid sailor and have a bit of a cult following in the sailing world (for a reason). These hats are in the luxury sailing gifts category because they certainly aren’t cheap, but they are quality.

The Airflo Collection  is designed for long days out on the water. Every hat is designed to be breathable, packable and protective from sun, rain and wind. Perfect for every sailing condition.

These sailing hats are guaranteed for life and the manufacturers claim that this will be the last hat you ever buy! Perhaps that’s what makes it one of the best gifts for sailing!

✅ Buy a Tilly sailing hat now

#38 A Really Decent Insulating Layer

Most sailors will already have base layers ready to keep them warm, but for true luxury why not gift them a top of the range insulating layer? You can really tell the difference, and this is one of those items that’s worth the money (but not something you’d think to splash out on yourself).

There are some great brands out there that offer real quality insulating clothing, but our absolute favourites are the Helly Hansen Odin Insulating layers. They’re actually designed for hiking and skiing, but because they’re breathable and super warm they are actually perfect to wear under your sailing jacket to keep you snug on those wet and windy days.

We love the fact they’re super stretchy too so they don’t restrict movement at all. Plus they just feel really comfortable, unlike some cheaper more scratchy insulating layers.

✅ Shop the Odins women’s layer here

✅ Shop the men’s Odin layer here

#39 Cobb BBQ: A Sailing Gift For Hungry Sailors!

I’d never seen anything like this until we went to our friend’s sailboat for dinner. They had the BBQ out-ON THE TEAK! This BBQ is the perfect sailing gift for anyone who spends time on their boat in the summer.

It is small and easy to stow away, takes minimal fuel to keep it alight for hours and the best thing of all-the base stays cool to the touch so you can cook on almost any surface. It’s also small enough (just about) to fit into a bag and carry to the beach, so you can escape from the rocking and enjoy your burgers with a new view. 

If I haven’t managed to convince you yet that this is the perfect sailing gift then you can check out our review on the one we bought ourselves for Christmas!  We’ve used it at least once a week this season and couldn’t be without it!

✅ Buy a Cobb BBQ now

#40 The Perfect Mid Layer

This Helly Hansen sweater is cozy and warm, perfect for chilly days spent on land or at sea. Made from RWS-certified lambswool, this sweater is not only environmentally friendly but also stylish and comfortable.

Small details like a neck zip and thumbholes add an extra touch of warmth, making this the perfect sweater for those cold days. So whether you’re out on the boat or just taking a stroll, this is the ideal mid-layer for sailing and a great gift to receive.

✔ Buy women’s now from Helly Hansen

✔ Buy men’s now from Helly Hansen

Books – The Perfect Sailing Gifts

Books make great sailing gifts because they can be useful and exactly the sort of thing you’d never buy for yourself. Books have always been one of my favourite gifts to receive – there’s just something special and beautiful about them.

Plus you can make them extra meaningful by writing little messages in them for the person you’re gifting them to!

We’ve listed some great options below, and if the person you’re buying a gift for is new to sailing then check out our favourite sailing books for beginners .

#41 The Adventures Of Tiny Cat

I can hardly start this list without a little self-promotion! The Adventures Of Tiny Cat is the true story of how our tiny cat went from life in a bin, to a life of adventure on a sailboat.

It’s beautifully illustrated and makes a lovely gift for any sailor or cat lover. Technically it’s a kids book, but adults love it too! It sold over 200 copies in pre-order alone so make sure you grab yours now!

✅ The Adventures Of Tiny Cat

#42 Get Real, Get Gone

Adam and I read this book cover to cover before we set sail, and it’s one of the best we’ve seen as an all-around guide to the cruising lifestyle.

✔ Get your copy now

#43 A Voyage For Madmen

A gripping read about the first-ever round-the-world race, where only one out of nine contestants actually made it.

#44 A Sail Of Two Idiots

For anyone with limited boat experience who is thinking about chucking it all in and heading out to sea, this is a great sailing gift option!

#45 Sailing For Dummies

The ultimate sailing guide. If you’re buying a present for an aspiring sailor then this is a great choice! Sailing for Dummies is the go-to guide for learning to sail, and has a load of great tips and tricks to improve your performance under sail.

#46 Fifty Places To Sail Before You Die

Great for ticking off the places you’ve been and dreaming of the places you haven’t! This is an inspirational book for sailors. You should be aware though that it does focus mostly on the US.

#47 A Notebook

Sailors need notebooks for all sorts – I like to keep a written record of everywhere we’ve been and Adam uses a nice notebook as a dedicated radio log.

#48 Where The Wind Blows

There aren’t actually many books out there about sailing the Mediterranean, but this is a great option if that’s what you’re after. After being squeezed out of his company, Heyward finds himself at a loss for what to do next.

He and his family decide to put their careers on hold, pull their children out of school, sell their house, and buy a boat to sail around the Mediterranean.

But as winter approaches and the Gulf War begins, they soon find themselves facing a whole new set of obstacles.

#49 Amazing Boat Journeys

Not all sailing boat journeys, but a great option for boat lovers. This book dives into some of the greatest boat journeys of all time, from sailing the Nile to cruising the Canadian Arctic.

Funny Sailing Gifts

These are the perfect gifts for a work secret Santa, something to sneak into your Dad’s stocking or to give to the sailor that already has it all. These funny sailing gifts are things every sailor will just get!

#50 I’m Sorry For What I Said While We Were Docking The Boat

This has become an iconic sailing caption and I can totally see why. Tensions are high while docking the boat and it’s when you can witness some of the funniest sailing interactions! Or maybe just funny in hindsight. All captains need a t-shirt like this!

#51 Sailing T-Shirts

You can never have enough t-shirts and these are perfect gifts for sailing enthusiasts! Most that you’ll find are designed for men because I guess there are more men out there that wear silly t-shirts!? But there are also some awesome designs for women that I’ve got my eye on!

#52 Sailing Mugs

Sailing mugs are actually funny and practical gifts. The best thing after a cold day on the water is a warm mug of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate (perhaps with a little kick!) Get them a mug that will make them laugh while drink!

#53 Life Is Better On The Boat Mat

This fun floor mat is the perfect way to enliven your boat and make it feel that little bit more homely.

Made with comfort and safety in mind, this non-slip PVC coil mat is resilient to the harsh marine environment. It is comfortable and durable enough to use with or without shoes so it’s perfect for boat life. It’s also super fun and a cute talking point!

✔ Buy the door mat here

#54 Miscellaneous Funny Sailing Gifts

There are so many great funny sailing gifts out there, above are just a few of my favourites. The tote bags come in several different designs and I love them as useful bags and not just funny gifts!

#55 Sailing Gifts For Babies

Need a baby gift for an avid sailor…check out these cute little sailing gifts for babies! I think any new Mum or Dad that’s into sailing would love some of these baby sailing gifts and they’re a little different from the usual newborn presents they’ll probably receive!

If you’d rather gift something practical for sailing with a baby then these are the items we find most useful.

Cards And Wrapping For Sailing Gifts

If you’re anything like me, you’ll want the presentation to be perfect. Make your gift a delight to open with these great cards and wrapping paper ideas for your sailing gifts!

My personal favourite is this world map wrapping paper . If I received a present wrapped in this then I would be saving the paper for future craft projects for sure! Plus I think it would look super cute wrapped with some simple cord .

Hopefully, this has given you a little sailing gift inspiration. Let us know if you end up buying anything from this list, and what the receiver thought of it! If you found this post useful then please consider sharing it on social media, and follow our adventures for more sailing tips.

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What a great article! Thank you- picking out something for my husband. It’s our 1 year wedding anniversary and we just bought a Seawind 1260 catamaran to travel the seas, moving on in a matter of days, with baby and dog in tow. I’m sure I’ll be referring to a few of your articles, so thank you 🙂

Thank you so much for taking the time to amass these great items!

Huh, I think i am saved

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41 Fantastic Gifts For Boat Owners That Will Make Them Happy

Looking for the best gifts for boat owners in your life? This post will give you ideas of practical boating gifts they’ll love and actually use!

If you know any boat owners, you probably already know how crazy they are about sailing. That’s why they’ll always appreciate getting some sailing-themed or boating gifts.

However, picking the perfect gifts for boat owners can be tricky, especially when you don’t understand anything about sailing yourself! Thankfully, you’ve come to the right place; we’ll give you some pointers.

Disclaimer*   This post contains affiliate links and I might earn a small commission if you purchase through them but with no extra cost to you. This commission helps to keep the lights on here. You can read our  privacy policy  for more details. Thank you for supporting the Adventurous feet

First, avoid buying boat engines or expensive pieces of equipment unless they ask you to.

Otherwise, you might accidentally spend hundreds of dollars on something that’s not actually compatible with their boat. Second, try opting for things they may need but currently don’t have!

Still confused? Don’t worry! Here are 41 amazing gift ideas for boat owners that will make them happy! So, let’s check them out!

Best Gifts for Boat Owners

From useful items they can use while boating to trinkets that will remind them of their favorite activity, here are our favorite boat gifts ideas in no particular order!

1. Premium Boat Scuff Erasers

Finding scuffs and dirt can be a nightmare for new boat owners. That’s why every boat owner needs to have a scuff eraser in their boat cleaning and detailing kit!

As the name suggests, this eraser can quickly remove any scuffs, dirt, grease, and stains from the boat’s body, deck, seats, and more!

They only need to add water to the eraser, scrub a bit, and everything will be as good as new!

2. Boat Cover

Heavy-duty boat covers are excellent gifts for boat owners. They’re essential for maintaining and keeping the boat in tip-top condition.

Made of PVC-coated canvas fabric, this boat cover is waterproof and UV resistant, so it can keep the boat protected all year round.

It also comes with elastic cords, buckles, and straps for easy installation. The best part? It’s universal so it can fit boats up to 14ft-16ft long with no problem.

3. Explorer Compass

Every boat owner needs a compass to navigate the water. This mountable explorer compass will be perfect for the job!

With built-in compensators, they can easily adjust it for deviations. It also has internal green light illumination, so they can still use it even when it’s dark outside.

4. Survival First Aid Kit

Safety first! Every boater needs a first aid kit on deck. Show your boater how much you care by giving them this 250-piece survival first aid kit .

It doesn’t just include regular medical aids, but it also contains survival necessities, such as a tactical flashlight, a multifunctional paracord bracelet, glow sticks, rain ponchos, and more. It will help keep your boater safe, no matter the situation.

5. Waterproof Dry Bag

Dry bags are a must-have for anyone who spends a lot of time on the water. They can help keep their items safe and secure, even in the worst weather.

Featuring a built-in IPX8 certified waterproof phone case, this dry bag is guaranteed to keep their smartphone dry no matter what.

Plus, the bag is made of waterproof and durable PVC, so it’s guaranteed to be a reliable sailing partner for years to come!

6. Binoculars

Binoculars may not be an essential sailing accessory, but they will certainly elevate your boater’s adventures!

These compact roof prism binoculars will allow them to bask in the beauty of mother nature.

Additionally, they come with a smartphone mount, allowing them to take better pictures and videos for their social media accounts.

7. Marine Bluetooth Stereo Radio

This is the perfect gift for boat owners who love tuning in to the radio every day.

This marine radio is a traditional AM/FM radio with Bluetooth connectivity. So, aside from listening to the radio, your boater can also use it to listen to streaming services and even answer phone calls!

8. GPS Fish Finder

If the boat lover also loves fishing, then this fish finder will be the perfect boating gift for them!

This ingenious gadget will help them navigate the water to find nice fishing spots.

Featuring Clear Vu Sonar, this gadget will give them near-photographic images of their surroundings, allowing them to spot fish easily.

9. Fishing Lures

And of course, anyone who loves fishing will appreciate extra lures!

This set contains various baits, including crankbaits, spinning lures, plastic worms, and more!

Everything is packed in a convenient double-layer box, making it a perfect gift for fly fishers who are also boaters.

10. Bimini Top Cover

Even though everyone wishes for blue skies and perfect weather every time they go sailing, nature doesn’t always comply.

Every boat owner must be prepared for any weather, which is why this bimini top cover is essential!

Made of marine-grade polyester canvas with PU coating, this bimini top can protect the deck from the scorching sun and unexpected showers alike!

11. Boat Cleaning Kit

The idea of cleaning a boat might not seem very appealing to new boat owners but it’s essential to maintain the boat’s condition. After all, no one wants to sail on a dirty, grimy boat, right?

That’s why they need this boat cleaning kit ! It contains everything they need to clean the interior and exterior of the boat, such as mesh sponges, cleaning cloths, and more!

Plus, everything can be stored in a compact storage bag, perfect for small boats with limited space.

12. Marine Tool Set

The number one rule of becoming a boater is to always be prepared. Keep your boater ready for every situation with this versatile marine toolset .

This 125-piece tool set contains everything a boater will need on a voyage, including screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, and more!

Even better, everything is water-ready! All the tools are water and rust-resistant. The carrying case can also float, so your boater can easily retrieve it if they accidentally drop it in the water.

13. 10-in-1 Boat Tool

Sometimes, a boater might prefer to pack light for short weekend trips. And that’s where this handy 10-in-1 boat tool comes in!

Instead of bringing a huge and bulky toolbox, they can just carry this gadget in their pocket.

Featuring a survival whistle, a flat top drain plug tool, a fishing line cutter, a bottle opener, and more, this gadget has everything they need!

14. Solar Power Portable Charger

Some boaters have power plugs available onboard, but some aren’t that lucky so it can be difficult for them to keep their devices powered during their voyages. That’s why they need this solar-powered portable charger !

Armed with a solar panel, it can charge itself during the day and provide plenty of juice for smart devices later on! It can be a lifesaver during emergencies!

15. Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

Everyone loves to relax and hear the sounds of nature cascading all around. But after a while, it can get kind of dull. Keep your boater entertained with this waterproof Bluetooth speaker !

With powerful stereo and crystal clear sound, they can enjoy their favorite jams no matter where they are.

It also has an  IPX7 waterproof design, so they don’t have to worry about water damage.

Equipped with a 1000mAh high-performance lithium battery, the speaker has a long battery life, so the party can keep going for hours on end!

16. Hand Warmers Rechargeable

The weather can be unpredictable when you’re out on the water. Sometimes, it can be scorching hot, and sometimes, it can be freezing cold.

These hand warmers will keep your boater toasty and comfy during those cold spells since they can heat up within seconds.

They also have three different heat settings so your boater can adjust the heat to their needs.

Better yet, these hand warmers also double as an emergency power bank to charge their devices!

Small yet incredibly useful, these are some of the best gifts for boaters.

17. Wacaco Minipresso

Even though there’s no premium coffee shop in the middle of the ocean, that doesn’t mean that your boater has to settle for lousy instant coffee during their trips. Not when they have a Minipresso!

This portable espresso machine can provide them with the perfect cup of joe no matter where they are! It doesn’t even require any battery or electricity!

They just need to add some ground coffee and boiling water, apply slight pressure to the gadget, et voila! They have the perfect shot of espresso to start their day!

18. Portable Outdoor Coffee Grinder

This is one of the yacht gifts for the fancy coffee connoisseur who expects nothing less than premium, freshly ground coffee!

With 50 grind settings, this portable coffee grinder will precisely prep their beans to perfection.

So, even if your boater is on a month-long journey in the Pacific, they can still have delicious freshly ground coffee on the go!

19. Portable Liquid Propane Gas Grill

Take your boater’s adventure to the next level with this portable gas grill!

Designed for on-the-go grilling, this grill is sturdy, convenient, and compact, perfect for small boats with limited space.

With this grill, your boater can have amazing BBQ parties despite being in the middle of the ocean!

20. Waterproof Cellphone Dry Bag

Everyone dreads having their phone water-damaged while sailing. That’s why every boater and their passengers need to have this waterproof cellphone pouch !

Being IPX8 certified, this pouch offers waterproof and weatherproof protection for any smart device with a size up to 7″ diagonally.

With clear windows on both sides, the recipient will still be able to use their phone and take pictures while using this pouch!

21. Heavy Duty 2 5 QT Cooler

Every boat owner needs a cooler! After all, no sailing trip is complete without some ice-cold beer!

This heavy-duty cooler can keep everything inside cold for up to four days, perfect for weekend escapades and short trips. It also comes with four tie-down points and non-slip corners to keep it secure on deck.

Psst, there’s a built-in fish ruler inside, so it’s perfect for boaters who love fishing as well!

22. Non-Tipping Can Cooler

Imagine setting your newly opened beer can on the deck only to have it tip over. Thankfully, you can give your boater this fantastic non-tipping can cooler !

Unlike regular can coolers, this one has a powerful suction cup at the bottom, so it will stay put even on a rocky boat.

With a double-wall insulation system, this can cooler will also keep their drink cool and refreshing even when it’s unbearably hot outside!

23. Rite In The Rain Weatherproof Notebook

Some boaters love to keep a log of their journeys. But a regular notebook won’t do! What they need is this weatherproof notebook !

The paper can repel water to avoid losing their logs even if the notebook gets drenched.

Plus, they don’t even need any special writing tool; a regular pen or pencil will work just fine!

24. Portable Hammock

Nothing feels better than lounging on the deck under the blue skies. Well, unless they have a hammock!

A hammock can instantly make their excursion even more enjoyable. Lightweight and easy to set up, your boater can have this hammock ready within a few minutes, so they can immediately relax and enjoy the sun!

25. Power Boating For Dummies Book

Power Boating for Dummies is a must-read book for new and experienced boat owners alike.

This educational book contains everything a boater needs to know about sailing and owning a boat.

The book will walk them through everything, from purchasing their first boat, maintaining it, handling emergencies on the water, and more!

26. The Boater’s Cookbook

Cooking on a small boat is completely different compared to cooking in a spacious kitchen on land. But that doesn’t mean that your boater has to settle for bland instant meals!

The Boater’s Cookbook contains some of the easiest, most delicious, and sailor-approved recipes to cook onboard.

With this cookbook , your boater can enjoy a full 3-course meal despite having a cramped galley.

27. Storing Food Without Refrigeration Book

Not every boat is equipped with a good refrigeration system, which can be a problem when your boater wants to go on an extended sailing trip.

But with some planning and a little help from this book , they can store various food items onboard without the use of a refrigerator.

That way, they can still whip up delicious meals without having to install a heavy fridge or freezer on their boat.

28. Kindle Paperwhite

Boaters with a penchant for reading might find themselves worrying about not bringing enough books on their month-long journey. Also, what if water splashes damage their favorite book?

Kindle Paperwhite is the perfect solution for their problem. With this Kindle , they can access thousands of amazing books just with a single touch. And since Kindle Paperwhite is waterproof, they won’t have to worry about water damage either!

Hey, if you’re feeling generous, why not include this Kindle subscription as well? That’s guaranteed to keep your boater entertained on longer trips.

29. Custom Flag

Every boat has a unique name, and it brings a sense of pride to the owner. And what better way to display it than with this custom flag ?

Available in a variety of sizes and colors, now your boater can proudly display their baby’s name wherever they go!

30. Engraved Compass

Yes, we did list a compass before, but this one is different. With an elegant vintage style, this handmade brass compass will be a lovely keepsake for your boater.

You can get their name, initials, or even a short message engraved on the back of the compass to make it even sweeter.

Creative and useful, this is one of the personalized gifts for boat owners that they’ll hold dear for years!

31. Captain Hat & First Mate

These cute sailor hats will be excellent gifts for new boat owners and their loved ones!

They’re guaranteed to feel like actual sailors with these on! Besides, the matching captain and first mate hats will make any sailing pics thousand times more adorable!

32. Anchors Personalized Whiskey Glass

This personalized whiskey glass is the ideal gift for boaters who love a touch of luxury in their lives.

This elegant, nautical-themed whiskey glass will be a wonderful addition to their minibar.

33. Nautical Personalized Pillow Cases

Cool and stylish, these embroidered cushion cases are the perfect gifts for yacht owners.

Simplistic yet charming, these cushion cases will look amazing on deck or on their living room sofa alike!

They’re the perfect gifts for sailboat owners who are also obsessed with the nautical-themed decor!

34. Sail Patent Patent Blueprint

If your boater also happens to be a boat nerd, then they’ll adore this wall art !

It depicts the patent blueprint of the Catamaran 1956, one of the most iconic boats in the modern world.

This patent blueprint will look super cool hanging on their living room or office wall!

35. Unisex Boating Shirt

If you’re still unsure of what gifts for boat lovers to buy, then this boating t-shirt will save the day.

Designed with a boat sailing on a heart bit, your boater will be happy to show off their love for sailing with this t-shirt.

Plus, it’s 100% cotton which makes it soft, breathable, and comfortable. It also comes in various colors so you can choose what they like.

36. Mariner Cheese Board

Does your boat owner love cheese? Then they’ll love this boat-themed cheese board . Unlike ordinary cheese boards, this one is made to look like a boat steering wheel!

The board also comes with pullout cheese tools that safely fit in the board including cheese knives and forks.

Every boat owner who loves cheese will be happy to receive this gift.

37. How To: Knots Coffee Mug

Mugs are usually considered boring gifts but not when they’re as cute as this one.

Besides being cute, this mug describes the different ways of knotting knots with vivid pictures printed on it.

They’ll not only be able to enjoy a good cup of coffee but they’ll also learn a great deal from this cup.

Fun yet educational, this is one of the funny boating gifts your loved one will appreciate.

38. Row Boat Serving Bowl with Wood Serving Utensils

Help them bring their favorite toy to the dining table by giving them this cute row boat serving bowl .

Designed to look like a rowboat, it also comes with serving spoons which are replicas of the real rows.

Now your favorite boat owner can sail away even in the house. And since it’s made of aluminum, it’s sturdy enough to carry even on the sea as they go on water excursions.

39. Rowboat Serving Bowl with Napkin Holder

This rowboat serving bowl with napkin holder is too cute we just couldn’t leave it out!

As the name suggests, this dish is made to look like a rowboat while the napkin holder part looks like the masts of a sailboat.

It also has various compartments so they can use it to serve various fruits or vegetables. You can be sure that it’ll be a hit among boat owners.

40. Personalized Sailing Rug

This sailing rug is one of the cool personalized boat gifts for new boat owners! The rug won’t only make a statement at the entrance of their boat but they can also use it to decorate their home.

Made of strong and durable synthetic fabric retains, this rug can withstand any weather conditions regardless of where they end up using it.

Plus, it can be customized with the boat owner’s name or any message to make it extra special.

41. Personalised Watercolour Boat Sketch

Boat owners will love nothing more than having their boat hanging in their living room or even their bedroom!

But since it’s not possible for the actual boat, you can gift them this personalized watercolor sketch of their boat and they’ll be over the moon excited.

All you have to do is to send the artist a high-quality picture of their boat and they’ll do the rest.

The piece will also be personalized by adding the name of the recipient to make it extra special.

Beautiful and thoughtful, this is a cool gift for a boater!

Final Thoughts on The Best gift ideas for boaters

That wraps it up! We hope this list has helped you find the best gifts for a boater in your life.

If you’re still unsure about what to buy, make sure to find out what the recipient needs, likes, or wants.

Don’t forget to do more research about their taste, personality, and style. Do your homework, and you should be fine on your gift hunt!

Otherwise, happy shopping, and good luck!

More gift ideas to help you choose the perfect gift for your loved one

• Fun gifts for dolphin lovers
• Best sailing gifts
• Cool beach gifts for her
• Unique gifts for bee lovers
• Cool gifts for Scuba divers
• Unique gifts for sea turtle lovers
• Best gifts for Ocean lovers
• Cool gifts for Kitesurfers
• Unique gifts for Kayakers
• Thoughtful gifts for Surfers
• Cool gifts for swimmers
• Best gifts for Outdoorsy kids
• Fun experience gifts for kids
• Cool gifts for a camper van owner
• Personalized gifts for camper owners
• Unique gifts for RV Owners
• Best gifts for Beach lovers
• Practical gifts for Outdoor Women
• Unique gifts for History buffs

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• 30 best gift ideas for every sailor

Do you have a passionate sailor at home or in your circle of friends, and are not sure what to get them for their birthday, Christmas or another special occasion? Practical sailing gear or nautical-themed  accessories  are the perfect gifts for those of us who live for the smell of the sea, the sound of the wind in the sails and relaxing on the deck with friends or family. Whether it's a seasoned seafarer, captain, crew member or beginner sailor, we've got the perfect gift for them.

Practical gifts for a comfortable and trouble-free voyage

Handheld radio and ship's radio.

When sailing on the open sea or in challenging conditions, it is critical to be able to communicate with surrounding vessels and have access to up-to-date information. This makes a handheld 1. VHF radio is an invaluable aid . Choose waterproof devices with illuminated display and keypad, belt clip and automatic channel scanning.

A good quality radio is an essential piece of equipment on a yacht

Charging and power sources

Electricity sources are sometimes in short supply on boats, yet the number of devices that need to be charged on board is increasing. As a result, it is worth relying on alternatives. The ideal solution is being able to  recharge using solar power , which is plentiful at sea during the summer. A sailor would appreciate, for example, a 2. Rechargeable solar panel or 3. Solar flashlight with a hand dynamo. A 4. Power bank , which isn't just handy on the boat, will not go amiss either.

You can't do without electricity on a yacht

Multi-function sailing smartwatch 

A sailing watch is a practical tool for any sailor. It is usually a 5. Multi-function sports watch with traditional indicators such as time, date, countdown, stopwatch and so on, supplemented with unique sailing functions. Some of them can also be connected  to a smartphone or other smart device, providing location, weather, tide and other useful data.

Sailing gloves

The skin of a sailor's hands takes a beating from the humidity, salt water, wind, cold and the strain of handling masts and rigging. 6. High-quality sailing gloves   provide  effective protection against the weather . Depending on the type of sailing, there are gloves available for both competitive and recreational sailors, which should fit snugly over long or short fingers and be made of waterproof but quick-drying materials.

Sailing gloves protect hands against the rigours of sailing

Yachting knife

7. A sailing knife should be carried by at least one crew member at all times or kept within arm's reach on the boat. In an emergency, it can be used to cut a snagged rope, saving equipment and even lives . Plus, you can always find a use for the other multi-tool attachments, such as a screwdriver, pliers, bottle opener and tweezers.

Always be prepared

Sailing theory, practice and knowledge: gifts for beginners and sea dogs

Give the gift of a skipper's licence.

For many sailing enthusiasts, becoming a captain and cruising the coastal waters of the Adriatic or the high seas would be a dream come true. And it only takes a few steps,  practical and educational , to become a skipper. Yachting.com organises a variety of  8. Captain courses  for the prestigious RYA skipper's licences including 9. SRC radio courses , which is mandatory for sailing in some countries. Isn't the idea of such a course appealing to you? You can still become a captain — you don't need a license to operate a houseboat . Take a look at our range of boats and popular houseboat destinations and give yourself the gift of a 10. holiday together .

Sailing itself is always a pleasure

Do you know someone who is passionate about sailing or wants to improve their sailing skills ? Our staff at yachting.com can arrange a tailor-made cruise for you. You can get a voucher, rent a boat or sign up for the   11.  Refresher course   on both a sailboat and a catamaran.

Fun and education

Sailing is a popular topic and there are a wealth of books dedicated to it. 12. A book is always a nice present and is the perfect gift idea for any sea lover to relax with on deck whilst still learning a lot of interesting facts. Choose from educational publications  on navigation or meteorology, biographies or travelogues of notable sailors, as well as  fictional works about sailors .

Books about sailing and sailors

YACHTING.COM TIP: For some inspiration, check out our article on the 5 best books about sailing the seas . You'll find a selection of specialised literature, true-life adventures of intrepid sailors and fiction.

Stylish trinkets and elegant accessories for sailors

Home decoration.

Bring a touch of the sea or your own sailing memories to your house or office with a variety of home decor. Interesting gift ideas for sailors include 13.   L arge-format posters  of ships, harbours and lighthouses, 14. Nautical chart prints  and 15. Model boats/ships .

Unforgettable sailing memories

Home comforts on board

Conditions on board a boat don't have to be austere. In fact, you can enjoy a luxury holiday comparable to the comfort of a five-star hotel. Even if you're sailing on a small yacht, the cabin can be brightened up with all sorts of nautical touches  providing some home comforts. Such ideas include a 16.   T hermos , 17. Nautical-themed mugs  or a good quality 18. Rum . Find out what else sailors traditionally drink .

Toast for calm seas and a good wind

YACHTING.COM TIP: If you're looking for more inspiration and ideas, check out our 57 perfect Christmas gift ideas for sailors . 

Stylish sailing gear

There are certain rules and customs associated with recreational and competitive sailing. Sailors and racers alike are expected to know the rules of sailing, how to handle a boat and sailing etiquette . On shore, this lifestyle is associated with a certain kind of dress and style that is characterised by understated elegance, comfort, combinations of blue and white and accessories with nautical motifs. For example, 19. Jewellery with anchors or a boat can make a great gift for yachtswomen.

Casual elegance on a boat

Original and unusual gifts for boating and leisure

Gift ideas for sailors can come from many areas. A welcome and practical gift will always be 20. Functional sailing  clothing that is suitable for the harsh conditions at sea and for leisure time in port or at anchor. Other practical gifts include items that come in handy for the actual sailing, such as various electronics and other essential sailing gear and equipment. Sailing fashion, accessories or decorations are a whole category in themselves.

YACHTING.COM TIP: Sailing gear must be able to withstand challenging conditions. That's why you need to choose not only on how things look, but also on the function of each piece, durability and the quality of the materials. Check out  our guide to choosing sailing clothing .

With a little imagination and inspiration, you can gift your loved ones or friends something to match their lifestyle, interests and other favoured activities. Just think about what is close to their heart, combine it with sailing and they'll have a truly unique personalised gift.

Sailor — ecologist: Gifts made from recycled materials, such as a 21.   Bag handcrafted from old boat sails , or why not make a donation in their name to   22. M arine conservation organizations , such as those trying to rid plastic from the oceans ?

Sailor — gourmet: If they are also a lover of good food and drink, and never miss the opportunity to sample the local cuisine or produce, they are sure to enjoy 23.  A guided tour of a local winery   or 24.   A  voucher for lunch at a renowned restaurant .

Sailor — diver : A yachting vacation is also a perfect opportunity to discover the beauty of the underwater world. Ideal gifts include diving equipment, 25. An underwater camera ,  26. An atlas of the underwater world   or  27. A diving course in which they can learn to clean the keel, untangle a line from the propeller or dive down to check the anchor.

Sailor — athlete : This type of sailor is not simply satisfied with the physical activity demanded on board but loves to work out or exercise after reaching the marina and the shore. For these sailors, the ideal gift is a   28. Folding scooter , 29. Inflatable paddleboard   or a 30. Inflatable kite .

Already equipped for sailing? Take a look at the sailboats on offer:

I won't be able to help you choose a suitable gift, but I can help you choose a boat or a skipper's course! Get in touch.

Denisa Nguyenová

Faq great gift ideas for sailors.

The Ultimate List of Well-Tried Sailing Gifts for Sailors

• February 20, 2023
• Categories: Gift guides , Sailing trips , Travel gear

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If you have a sailor among your family or friends, you know how crazy can these people be about their hobbies. I know, ’cause I’m a sailor too. And what kind of gifts for boaties can be better than sailing gifts themselves?

But now you might be wondering which sailor gift should you choose. This task might be hard if you’re not into sailing that much. I wrote this article to help you save time and make the best decision.

I present to you an inspirational list of ideas for the best gifts for sailors . It doesn’t matter if the person you want to endow is a beginner sailor or an experienced sea wolf.

You’ll find here fantastic ideas for gifts for boat lovers with any kind of sailing skills. I found some nautical ideas for sailing gifts for him, for her, and even sailing gifts for your dad. Personalized, practical, or simply funny. And for any budget. At the end of the post, I even show my own top picks for beginners and advanced sailors and even gifts for boat owners.

Any product from this list will cause a smile on a sailor’s face. And you’ll be sure you found the right gifts for boaters.

Best sailing gifts ideas – quick answer

How to choose the right sailing gift, boat accessories gifts for sailors, clothing & packing, entertainment & education, sailing gifts for him, sailing gifts for her, personalized boat gifts, cool and funny boating gifts, sailing adventure, my top picks of sailing gifts, like it pin it.

Disclaimer: This post contains some affiliate links. That means that if you click on them or make any purchase via them, I receive a small commission. But don’t worry, this will not cost you anything and in a few cases, you can even receive a special discount! And I will still be able to chase my dreams. So thank you!

Here’s a quick overview of the sailing gifts that I think might be a good fit for any sailor . If you’re in rush, choose something from this list. If you want to make a conscious decision and you’re looking for some more in-depth recommendations, read the rest of the article.

Boat accessories gifts:

Waterproof marine binoculars

Waterproof phone case, mobile hot spot, solar charger, garmin inreach satellite communicator, floating sunglasses strap, sailor’s knife, thermos bottle, travel coffee press.

Clothing & packing:

Waterproof backpack

Sailing gloves, rubber sailing boots, classy sailing shoes, sailing jacket.

• Thermoactive underwear

Waterproof watch

Compression packing cubes, laundry wash bag, hot water bottle.

Entertainment & education:

Waterproof Bluetooth speaker

Kindle and audible books.

• Mini movie projector

Sailor’s journal

Udemy courses on sailing.

Sailing gifts for him:

Sailor’s tie

Nautical cufflinks, sailing bracelet.

Sailing gifts for her:

Sailing-themed jewelry

Sailing scarf, waterproof toiletries bag.

Personalized boat gifts:

Custom engraved compass

Personalized captain’s hat.

Cool and funny boating gifts:

4 Ocean’s bracelet

• Sailing-themed t-shirt

Sailor’s cup

Wooden toy boat, boat adventure saving jar, yachting keychain.

Sailing adventure:

• Sailing trip gift card

But first, here’s a quick tip about choosing the right sailing gifts . First of all, consider what kind of a sailor is a person you’d like to endow.

If he/she sails only in a warm climate, maybe woolen socks or thermal underwear won’t be the best idea.

Also, if this person likes to sail, but doesn’t feel comfortable in a role of an active crew member, then maybe funny gifts will be better than practical ones, like a sailor’s knife for instance.

In any other situation, simply trust your intuition. In the end, you know this person better. And she’ll definitely appreciate your effort.

Read more: 40+ Well-Tried Beach Gifts for Beach Lovers of Any Personality

Best gifts for sailors ideas:

Similar to the charger, a power bank is a useful help on longer hauls with no access to electricity. It helps charge the phone’s battery so the sailor has stable communication with family and friends.

Tip: the power bank with a capacity of ~20’000 mAh is capable to charge a standard smartphone even up to 4 times.

See power banks on Amazon →

Waterproof marine binoculars are perfect gifts for sailing lovers for two reasons. First of all, they help the crew member to keep an eye really focused on dangers in the sea. Rocks above sea level, shoals, small navigational route signs, or other vessels are much easier to analyze with binoculars.

The second reason: no one wants to miss the dolphins or whales playing somewhere in the distance, right?

See binoculars on Amazon →

Here’s a great gift idea for boaters who sail even only occasionally and aren’t too advanced in this sport. A waterproof phone case is a perfect sailing gift idea to keep all smartphones safe on board. Thanks to it the water splashes won’t be scary and the sailor will be able to use the phone even during rain.

See phone cases on Amazon →

In many places in the world, marinas are still not equipped with WiFi. For this situation, having your own SIM card and a wireless hotspot is a great life hack. The hot spot from the higher shelf allows access to a 4G/LTE network, high speed of data, and long battery work.

See mobile hot spots on Amazon →

Unexpected bosun’s works on a deck during the night are much easier with a bright headlamp . This simple device is also useful in peaceful evening moments spent with friends in a wild bay, playing guitar, and having fun.

See headlamps on Amazon →

Stable electricity is a problem, especially on small boats. That’s why solar chargers are perfect gifts for boaties who enjoy short trips on boats without an engine generator. While purchasing this device, pay attention to its portability, efficiency, and alternatively water resistance.

See solar chargers on Amazon →

Safety is the most important thing in the sea. And stable communication is one of its pillar conditions. One of the best gifts for boaties is probably a tested satellite communicator . Many sailors recommend Garmin Inreach. This clever device allows the crew to send and receive text messages via a satellite system. This way they can stay in connection with their families and friends. With the right subscription, it also allows access to weather predictions and navigational maps.

See on Garmin.com →

If you’re looking for the most basic and foolproof best gifts for sailors then a floating sunglasses strap might be a great choice. Especially for beginner sailors who just started to collect their sailing accessories. Sunglasses overboard are a common”accident” onboard.

But if they’re attached to the floating protection strap, there is a bigger chance to rescue them from sinking into the oceans.

See floating sunglasses straps on Amazon →

A solid knife is a practical tool on a boat. It’s mostly dedicated to cutting the ropes when needed but it also does pretty well with opening the food cans. Especially useful are knives that come together with a bosun spike. This thick needle nicely helps to untie entangled ropes. So it’s definitely one of the most practical gifts for sailing lovers.

See knives on Amazon →

Nothing tastes better than black tea with sugar brought to a cold steersman by another crew member. And ideally, this tea could stay warm for a long time. Here is the moment when a high-quality thermos bottle comes with help. Just pay attention to the time of keeping the high temperature of such a bottle, ease of taking a sip, and quality of materials.

See thermos bottles on Amazon →

For coffee lovers, there is no better sailor gift than a travel coffee press . With this smart item, a sailor can enjoy the taste of fresh coffee literally everywhere. Even in the middle of the ocean.

See coffee presses on Amazon →

After a tough cruise, among the waves and tons of water, finding a calm bay is a beautiful moment for a sailor. With an ultralight and compact hammock , chilling among trees near a paradise beach creates moments that we live for. If you decide to purchase a travel hammock, pay attention so it’ll be small enough to fit the sailing bag.

See hammocks on Amazon →

Charts are friends of any advanced sailor. If the person you want to endow plans a trip to some distant waters, charts are ideal marine gifts . They help sailors stay on a safe track and peacefully cruise from one port to another.

See charts on Amazon →

One of the most essential parts of the sailor’s equipment is the right backpack . Due to an often lack of space on yachts, it should be flexible enough to store it in a tiny cabin.

While choosing a backpack as a sailing gift, pay attention to a specificity of a sailing cruise. A backpack should be waterproof, without a fixed rack, and filled with practical pockets to easily organize the items inside.

See backpacks on Helly Hansen →

See backpacks on Amazon →

A big dry bag might be a cheaper alternative for a professional sailing backpack. But it’ll be more suitable for shorter cruises.

Although, the small dry bag is perfect for storing smaller items like electronics and documents. Smartphones, cameras, passports, and wallets will be much better protected against the humidity inside of a dry bag than in a standard backpack. It’s an extremely useful gear for short trips on small sailboats, especially without cabins.

See dry bags on Amazon →

Sailing gloves are a perfect kind of gifts for boaties who love to be active crew members and do any kind of deck work. While steering the wheel, hoisting the sails, or keeping deck maintenance, right sailing gloves help keep the hands warm even in rough weather conditions.

See sailing gloves on Helly Hansen →

See sailing gloves on Amazon →

High sailing rubber boots are a life-saver during the heavy, cold rains on the sea. They help keep the sailor’s feet dry during watchkeeping on the deck. And every sailor knows there is nothing worst for the body’s comfort than wet and cold socks.

While purchasing rubber boots as a sailing gift, pay attention to the sole – it should be well adhesive to ensure a confident walk on a wet deck.

See rubber boots on Helly Hansen →

See rubber boots on Amazon →

In a pair with rubber boots there always go warm, thick socks . Preferably, two or even free pairs at once. As I said before, warm feet keep high morals during tough and stormy cruises.

If you wish to buy a pair as a gift for a sailor, pay attention to materials. Sometimes socks might look warm but if they’re made mostly of synthetic materials like polyester or acrylic, they’ll only cause sweating of the foot. So look for naturally warm materials, like merino wool for instance. It guarantees warm comfort.

See socks on Amazon →

When the weather starts to coddle a crew, sailors love to present a classy and stylish look, just like on the old ocean postcards. One of the best fashion item, which is also extremely practical, are traditional leather sailing boots.

Personally, I love to wear my blue navy Sperry Top-Sider shoes . Not only while sailing but also on land trips. They’re super comfortable, flexible, and durable. I can honestly say, I’ve never been soo devoted to any other pair of shoes. I recommend them even for non-sailors!

See shoes on Sperry’s website →

See sailing shoes on Amazon →

Another essential wardrobe element for sailors is a high-quality sailing jacket . Often, it’s the first bigger investment in this hobby.

In general, we can differentiate sailing jackets by their resistance to water:

• water-resistant: keep the sailor’s body dry in light rain and occasional sea splashes for a shorter amount of time;
• waterproof: keep the body dry in rough weather conditions such as constants rain and regular water splashes

For daily occasional cruises, the light water-resistant jacket will be perfect. But if you’re planning to give this helpful sailing gift to a person aiming to join long unpredictable cruises, the waterproof version will be a better choice.

See jackets on Helly Hansen →

See sailing jackets on Amazon →

Thermal underwear

You shouldn’t underestimate the meaning of thermal underwear as a kind of practical gift ideas for boaters. People sailing in a non-tropical climate will surely appreciate this item.

Again, look for durable materials with proven efficiency. Merino wool is perfect for keeping a body warm. Cozy, practical underwear is a must-have of every sailor.

See thermal underwear on Amazon →

Another classy item to wear on a boat is a waterproof watch . Many people cannot imagine a day without wearing a watch, so why the day on a yacht must be different?

If a watch is waterproof, the sailor doesn’t need to look after not to soak it. So this small item will be a sailing companion helping to count the hours to the watchkeeping’s end.

See watches on Amazon →

We can assume that sunglasses is another must-have on a boat. It keeps eyes safe from the blinding sun rays reflecting from the ocean water. But it also helps the sailor keep his eyes open when the sea drops are splashing through the boards.

One of the most important tips for you when you’ll be purchasing sunglasses for a sailor – choose the floatable model. In case of falling overboard, there is at least a chance to drag them up.

See sunglasses on Amazon →

Packing a bag for a sailing cruise is a challenging task requiring pretty high organization skills. You can help your sailor in doing it by presenting his compression packing cubes .

After filling such a cube with clothes, you zip it once to close it. Then you zip it the second time to remove all the unnecessary air and keep the package as thin as possible. This simple trick helps to pack all the needed clothing layers in any size of a bag.

See packing cubes on Amazon →

After a few-days long cruise, there’s nothing better than… the smell and touch of freshly washed clothes. During the long hauls, sailors have limited opportunities to wash their clothes. Especially when they sail in less popular areas where the marina infrastructure isn’t that developed.

In this case, the Scrubba washbag is a perfect solution . This pocket-sized portable laundry bag is a life-saving item for doing laundry on the journey. Simply put the dirty clothes inside, add some water and laundry detergent, close, and scrub. The bag is filled with little spears on its internal surface. Thanks to them, the textiles can be washed. Perfect help for when there’s no access to a washing machine.

See laundry wash bags on Amazon →

This item might not be so obvious when you think of great gifts for sailors, but trust me – a person who loves sailing but also loves comfort will definitely appreciate it. Night on a boat might be chilly even in some warmer destinations. And in such cases, a simple but cozy hot water bottle inside a sleeping bag can become a wonderful thing after a cold night watch.

See hot water bottles on Amazon →

It’s surprising how many sailors can play instruments. But it’s totally understandable when you’ll imagine the peaceful ocean around you and the warm sun above your head. The songs come to your mouth without asking. A small ukulele is a perfect sailing gift for musical cruisers.

See ukuleles on Amazon →

But if you’re not convinced about buying real instruments, a waterproof Bluetooth speaker will also do a great job in the cruise entertainment field among sailboat gifts. Music during joyful moments on a sailboat might play a big role. Be sure to purchase a waterproof speaker so it’ll be safe during the occasional water splashes. Bonus points if it would have a grasp to hang it safely over the deck.

See speakers on Amazon →

For peaceful moments on a boat, when the sea conditions allow, reading or listening to a book is wonderful entertainment. Kindle e-readers or audible books are perfect gifts for boaties because they help to spend time on a boat in an even more meaningful way.

See Kindle on Amazon →

Mini-movie projector

And for movie maniacs, a mini-movie projector will be an interesting sailing gift. Sometimes sailors spend long hours or even days in marinas. Watching favorite movies is a great way to wait out for the right moment to leave the port.

See projectors on Amazon →

Board games

Besides port docking, nothing integrates a crew better than funny board games . Me and my sailing friends, we love to play games while spending hours in ports. One of my very favorite games is Taboo . Lots of laughs are guaranteed with these types of sailboat gifts!

See board games on Amazon →

Some people, on the other hand, prefer to spend time on their own. Contemplating the surroundings on a small boat among the waters is a very intimate moment. Many people love to write down their thought in a situation like this. And here, an ocean-inspired journal might be a great help.

See journals on Etsy →

For people loving to keep lively memories from their adventures, a professional action cam is a great idea among other sailing gifts. The action cam can be easily mounted in different places on a boat to capture any kind of extreme scene. Watching the records while sitting safely on a couch reminds the nice adrenaline spikes.

See action cams on Amazon →

If you want to give your sailor even more fun, give him or her a drone . Flying with this toy takes the sailing experience to the next level. Capturing the boat’s cruise from the sky is a great add-on to memorizing wonderful moments.

See drones on Amazon →

If the person that you’re looking for a gift for aims to grow as a sailor, education might be a perfect sailing gift idea. On Udemy you’ll find a few interesting sailing courses online which might be very helpful for learning new skills. You’ll find there courses on navigating, electronic systems onboard, and some others.

See courses on Udemy →

Here’s a sailor gift for people loving to feel a connection with sailing even in official situations. A silk tie with subtle sailing patterns will for sure be appreciated by classy sailors. I also recommend choosing silk instead of synthetic materials to build a high-quality wardrobe.

See ties on Etsy →

Here are other sailing gifts for him that will be a subtle reminder of his sailing passion. Classy cufflinks with marine motifs are original boat gifts for dad or boyfriend. I presented a pair with a sailing quote for my own boyfriend and he was delighted!

See cufflinks on Etsy →

The sailing bracelet is a perfect example of sailing gifts for him if your sailor prefers more casual jewelry. This simple kind of decoration will assign him to the elite club of engaged hobbyists.

See bracelets on Etsy →

Many women love pretty jewelry. And many sailorwomen love even more sailing-themed jewelry ! On Etsy, you’ll find various sailing jewelry masterpieces from local artists. These kinds of trinkets are wonderful sailing gifts for her.

See jewelry on Etsy →

A scarf is a useful piece of wardrobe, and a sailing scarf is a wonderful item reminding the sailor about her passion. Silk, cotton, or alternatively viscose scarfs are great sailing gifts.

See scarves on Etsy →

Even though I’m a minimalist when it comes to toiletries and makeup ( click here to read my post about zero-waste travel toiletries ), I know how the right toiletry bag is essential on a boat. A waterproof toiletry bag might be a perfect gift for your sailing girlfriend. Here are some tips from me: choose a waterproof version (for ex. with a vinyl layer inside) and remember that a toiletry bag with a grasp is perfect in a marina bathroom where there is no place to leave a pouch in the shower except the towel hanger.

See toiletry bags on Etsy →

One of the personalized nautical gifts, and also a very symbolic one, can be a custom engraved compass . Not only it’s a nice decoration, but the engraved text will remind the sailor about home and people waiting for him to come back to them. It’s a kind of a sailor’s gift that can melt a heart.

See compasses on Etsy →

Here we’ve got one of the most popular funny gifts for sailors. A personalized captain’s hat is a great boat gift for dad (dads love to be called captains) or any other strong leader among your sailing friends. For sure, it helps to keep the right hierarchy and discipline on a boat (blink!).

See hats on Etsy →

This kind of bracelet maybe isn’t too spectacular but it definitely has a huge meaning. 4Ocean is a company that cleans the ocean out of plastic pollution. The trash they drag up from the water is processed to produce the bracelets. All the money from the sale of these bracelets covers the costs of company operations. Here you can learn more about them.

Purchasing bracelets from 4Ocean as marine gifts will be a perfect solution for sailors who care about the planet and the oceans.

Visit the shop →

Wyświetl ten post na Instagramie. Post udostępniony przez 4ocean (@4ocean) Sty 12, 2020 o 11:01 PST

Sailing-themed T-shirt

T-shirts with funny quotes are also very cool gifts for boaters. Sailors usually like to show their devotion to this hobby, so a t-shirt with the text “I need vitamin sea”, “But did we sink?” or “Sorry for what I said while docking a boat” is a great idea.

See T-shirts on Etsy →

Just like t-shirts, funny mugs are a popular gift for everyone. On Etsy or Amazon, you’ll find plenty of ridiculously funny cups that you can choose from.

See mugs on Etsy →

If you’re looking for really cool gifts for boaters, wooden toy boats might be a surprising idea. But I’m pretty sure it’ll melt the heart of any sailing hobbyist and it’ll stand proudly above a fireplace or on the working desk.

See wooden toys on Etsy →

Another cool and personal gift for a sailor is a sailing adventure saving jar . You can one on your own or browse Etsy and find a beautiful and ready jar there. This kind of gift will for sure motivate a sailor to save some money for his next adventures. And who knows, maybe even a boat?

See saving jars on Etsy →

This is a cool thing that I personally receive from my boyfriend and that I love. At first, I was surprised because a yachting keychain doesn’t sound like a cool gift. But trust me, this big, handy cork ball makes searching for keys in a bag so easy! I definitely recommend it as a cheap sailing gift.

See keychains on Amazon →

What could be a better sailors’ gift than a sailing adventure itself? If you wish to give to a sailor a free hand with choosing the kind of this adventure, I propose you purchase a gift card from Get Your Guide. This international company offers various interesting tours everywhere in the world, including sailing trips.

This printable gift card is valid up to 18 months from purchasing and there is no set amount that you should buy. So you can decide how much money you want to load on a card. And in fact, this card is valid for any kind of experience from Get Your Guide, not only sailing. So it gives your beloved ones a whole bunch of adventure possibilities, where ever they go.

Browse sailing adventures on Get Your Guide →

Purchase the gift card →

To make your decision even easier, I share with you my personal top picks. I divided them into three categories so you can easily adjust them to your situation. All of them are in a low or middle price range and are pretty safe choices.

Beginner sailor’s gifts:

• Waterproof phone case – since everyone has smartphones nowadays, a waterproof phone case one of the first must-haves of a sailor. It’ll be also useful for doing any other water sports.
• Sailing-themed t-shirt – if someone just started to discover his passion for sailing, a funny t-shirt will be a cool gift.
• Board game – beginner sailors on a boat are often responsible… for a fun way of spending time. Plus, board games are great to have even at home.

Advanced sailor’s gifts:

• Compression packing cubes – it’s a super useful tool in the backpack of any traveler. And advanced sailors will appreciate it for sure while packing the clothes for the next trip.
• Thermos bottle – it feels so good to have an own mug on a boat filled with other people. And if it’s thermal, it also helps to keep a body warm during night watches.
• Solar charger – this advanced device will be surely appreciated during the long cruises under the sails when the access to electricity is limited.

Sailboat gifts for sailboat owners:

• Laundry wash bag – boat owners often spent a long time on their boats, also in distant, solitary places. Making laundry in such a bag is definitely easier than making it in a bowl.
• Waterproof Bluetooth speaker – what can be better than an evening on a boat with favorite music?
• Hammock – after cleaning up a boat and maintaining everything on a deck, chilling in a hammock is a perfect prize.

Wanna read more about my adventures?

• Sailing in Montenegro and Croatia: full itinerary + useful tips
• Daily life in the Caribbean – how I became a digital nomad
• What to Wear Sailing? Basic Clothes for Sailing for All Kinds of Weather

Dominika is a founder of Sunday In Wonderland and she recently switched her life to be local independent. She aims to travel the world and admire all of its wonders. She is much focused on sustainable life, self-development and making this world a better place.

Hi there! I’m Dominika, the occasional traveler and the creator of this blog. I am here to help you plan your short and long trips around the globe and fully enjoy the time that you have to spend. Click here to get to know me better.

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Practical Boat Owner

• Digital edition

31 of the best Christmas gifts for boat owners

• Alison Wood
• December 7, 2022

From the pages of Practical Boat Owner magazine – our pick of the best Christmas gift ideas for the boat owner in your life

Finding decent Christmas gifts for boat owners on a budget is an unenviably tricky task, but luckily Practical Boat Owner is here to help!

Below are our recommended Christmas gifts for boat owners – including top reads, stocking fillers and plenty of kit that we’ve had hands-on experience with over the past year.

Best Christmas gift cards for boat owners

Stuck for ideas? Running out of time? A gift card ensures your loved one can get exactly what they want (even if it’s not exactly the most thoughtful gift in the world!)

Here’s where you can currently buy Christmas gift cards for boat owners:

Buy Gael Force Marine gift vouchers Buy Amazon gift cards Buy Decathlon gift cards

Note: we may earn a small commission if you click on links but this doesn’t affect our editorial independence

Christmas gifts for boat owners: our pick of the best reads.

Stress-Free Engine Maintenance

Duncan Wells’ series of books aimed at helping boat owners take stressful situations in their stride is deservedly popular. He produced the most recent title in conjunction with marine engineer Jonathan Parker, who dealt with some 3,000 breakdowns as Sea Start’s operations manager.

This volume takes boat owners through all aspects of engine maintenance in a straightforward and jargon-free manner. It includes sections covering how to spot problems at an early stage, before they result in a breakdown, as well as troubleshooting, routine servicing and more major repairs.

The information is presented in an accessible, manageable way, with the use of diagrams, quick reference tables, QR videos, tips and checklists. There are also plenty of amusing anecdotes and useful lessons learned.

Buy it now via Amazon

Buy it now on waterstones.com

Quirky History: Maritime Moments Most History Books Forgot

A billing of ‘maritime moments most history books don’t mention’ promises a treasure trove of long-forgotten facts.

Quirky History looks at 25 nautical events ranging from Henry V’s invasion of France in 1415, consisting mainly of chartered French ships, to World War II episodes including the Somali Camel Corps capturing a German U-boat.

Historic figures covered include Horatio Nelson, Napoleon, Rudolf Diesel and Lawrence of Arabia. The book is illustrated with 100 of author John Quirk’s cartoons.

Where possible he relates the historical happenings to the present day, tracing the history of the screw and war-time misinformation (fake news).

Buy it now on Amazon

The Lochs of Scotland by Stuart Fisher

Christmas is a great time to ponder potential future sailing destinations and where better than some of Scotland’s stunning scenery?

Lochs of Scotland is a comprehensive guide showcasing 50 of the most captivating sea and inland lochs, written by keen kayaker and editor of Canoeing magazine, Stuart Fisher.

It’s packed with photos, maps and information on local facilities. Each chapter is beautifully illustrated and contains detailed information about the local landscape, wildlife and history.

Coverage includes iconic locations such as Loch Ness, Loch Lomond, and Loch Long, plus less well known destinations, including the fjord-like Loch Goil, just 30 miles from Glasgow city centre as the crow files.

PBO subscription

Do you know any young boaters or people who dream of owning a boat one day? A recommendation from you to start reading PBO could save them money in the long run and means our experts can continue helping all boat owners with their problems.

Subscribe to Practical Boat Owner for just £21.50 for six months and get a free 20lt waterproof packaway backpack worth £27.99. Visit magazinesdirect.com/a88r or call 0330 333 1113 and quote X773 (red), X771 (blue) or X772 (grey) for the backpack.

Buy it now on magazinesdirect.com

The Boatyard book – a boatowner’s guide to yacht maintenance, repair and refitting

The Boatyard Book by Simon Jollands

This lovely, nicely illustrated book on boat maintenance has been a true companion throughout our PBO Project Boat restoration . With topics on everything from hull work, electrics, rigging, sails and propulsion, right down to the tool kit you should keep onboard, paperwork, costs and laying up, it covers everything you need to know as a boat owner.

Even if you don’t plan to do the maintenance yourself, it’s good to know what you’re getting yourself into, and Simon Jollands’s friendly tutorials will appeal to beginners and experts alike.

Buy the Boatyard book on Amazon

Christmas gifts for boat owners: Stocking fillers

Seaweed and samphire gin.

Traditional ship’s chandler Arthur Beale has launched a brand of gin with a definite flavour of the sea. It’s brewed in small batches that are expertly infused with seaweed and samphire for what the company calls ‘a signature sea-swept flavour.’

Buy it now on arthurbeale.co.uk

All At Sea game

A family friendly card game in which players set out on a fast-paced cruise around the United Kingdom, this would make an ideal Christmas gift for boat owners who are bored of whist, rummy and poker.

Each player is dealt a voyage card that lists six ports to complete their journey. However, there are plenty of hazards and bonuses to encounter. Shipping Forecast cards may help or hinder your progress.

The game, developed by Hazel Cushion who learned to sail aged 60, is suitable for 2-6 players aged 8-plus and 10% of the sale price (£19.99) goes to the RNLI.

Buy it now from allatseagame.com

RNLI-themed gifts

This year’s RNLI Christmas catalogue includes 76 Christmas gifts for boat owners ranging from a code flag mug (£6) and tea towel (£7) through to recycled sailcloth items such as bags, storage buckets and wash bags (£48), and a Flagship Weather Station (right) with barometer, thermometer, hygrometer and clock (£200).

There’s also a wide selection of family games, gift wrap and decorations.

Shop now on the RNLI website

Christmas gifts for boat owners: Our pick of the best gear

Garmin messenger marine bundle

A combination of mobile phones and AIS broadcasts are great for keeping in touch with family at home while cruising, enabling them to track your progress. However, there are many places around the coasts of the UK, Ireland and elsewhere in northern Europe where phone coverage is poor, or shore stations don’t pick up AIS.

The solution is a low-cost satellite messaging system. Garmin’s latest is the inReach Mini 2 Marine Bundle, which includes two-way text messaging of up to 160 characters (longer messages are possible, but these are broken up into more than one message).

The unit also offers automated tracking that friends and family can follow, as well as SOS functionality linking to the Garmin International Emergency Response Coordination Centre.

The unit offers up to 14 days of continuous run time in the default 10-minute tracking mode, so will continue to work even in the event of a complete onboard power failure.

Buy it now on Garmin.com

Allen hatch cover bags

Many dinghies and open dayboats have nowhere to stow snacks or water for a long day afloat. Allen Brothers has solved this problem with a neat idea that uses some of the space inside buoyancy tanks as a small stowage area.

Each bag has enough space for a 500ml water bottle and several snack bars. A build up of salt can cause even the best plastic zips to become seized, so instead Velcro is used to hold the bag closed and keep its contents securely in place.

They are designed to fit all Allen hatch covers and can be used with other brands of circular hatch covers with a moulded bump on the internal side of the lid.

Buy it now on allenbrothers.co.uk

Zhik deck gloves

These top-end gloves are designed for use on cruising yachts and have a ‘Gecko’ style silicone palm pad for excellent grip.

High stretch outer panelling allows for easy movement of hands, while the low-profile wrist panels are designed to give free articulation of the wrists.

The outer panels are also perforated to maximise airflow and promote fast drying, while heavy-duty stitching and double reinforced panelling adds protection and durability.

Buy it now from Zhik.com

Luceco rechargable LED torch

The Luceco LED inspection torch is great for boats

Every boat owner needs a torch for poking around engines, bilges and other nooks and crannies. Since we got this one from Screwfix, we can’t live without it !

If, like us, you’ve got mountains of kit buried in bottomless lockers, you need an LED inspection torch to find what you’re looking for.

This nifty torch can twist around so you can stand it up or hang it down from hooks. It’s also magnetic, has three different settings, and you can recharge the batteries from your car or a 3-pin plug.

Buy the Luceco LED inspection torch from Screwfix

Zhik UV protective sailing top

Ali Wood testing the Zhik UV Active top at her Dorset sailing club

Zhik’s new UV Active tops are available for men or women, and are very comfortable for sports and hot weather. Ideal for shoreside as well as water activities they come in navy or grey with long sleeves (£39.95) or short sleeves (£34.96). They’re made with a fine-gauge, soft interlock weave and are antistatic and snag-resistant.

We’ve tested ours a lot this year and have been impressed. When compared to a regular cotton t-shirt, Zhik’s UV Active top keeps you noticeably cooler, and the soft fabric is luxurious against your skin.

Buy a Zhik UV Active top on Amazon

Slastik snap-on reading glasses

Slastik glasses are a perfect Christmas gift for active boat owners

Perfect for an active lifestyle, Slastik’s smart range of glasses snap open at the front with a magnetic clip but have a continuous strap around the back, meaning they don’t fall off.

No need to resort to contact lenses or squinting over numbers on a chartplotter, the anti-reflective reading glasses are a great cockpit companion for any cruising sailor.

Buy Slastik reading glasses on Amazon

Slastik also do a stylish range of sunglasses. We tested the Swing magnetic glasses at sea and were impressed with how comfortable and unobtrusive they are – you simply forget you’re wearing them.  The lenses offer 400% UV protection and, being polarised, prevent harsh reflection from water or snow.

Buy Slastick magnetic sunglasses on Amazon

Captain Tolley’s Creeping Crack Cure

Captain Tolley’s Creeping Crack Cure – boat owners love it!

No boat should go without a bottle of Captain Tolley’s Creeping Crack Cure. An ailment for leaky windows and fittings, this liquid sealant/ adhesive travels deep into tiny hairline cracks and makes a waterproof seal.

We’ve used it on the PBO Project Boat, and boat owners swear by it, including  Louis Derry of Boat Renovation People . At just £7.95 it makes the perfect stocking filler.

Buy Captain Tolley’s Creeping Crack Cure on Amazon

Red Original eco-friendly laptop bag

Surprisingly, the tough, waterproof fabric of Red Original’s new laptop bag is made out plastic bottles. The process is interesting – it begins with rescuing used plastic bottles, which are broken down into pellets, melted and spun into a fibre, which is then woven into the fabric.

The Red Original waterproof backpack

The backpack has wide, comfortable shoulder straps and a padded back, allowing air to flow through and stop you getting too sweaty. There are two outer pockets for water bottles, and inside, a detachable padded laptop section and secret pocket for keys. 

We put this to the test in lumpy 2m seas whilst covering the start of the Atlantic Rally for Cruisers . It got a thorough pounding and soaking, but everything inside remained dry and intact.

Although the bag holds 30 litres, it feels a lot more spacious, especially if you don’t roll the top too much.

For anyone wanting to keep their tablet, laptop and pilot books safe in the cockpit for easy navigation, this is the ideal bag. 

Buy a Red Original Eco-friendly waterproof backpack

Red Original 40l and 60l kit bags

Also made from recycled plastic bottles is the Red Original kit bag. Sturdy and snag-proof, it’s is a great overnight holdall for taking to the boat, and  will keep your kit dry in damp environments.

The Red Original 40l kitbag

Like Red’s laptop bag, the kit bag is also waterproof, only this one has several different compartments so you can keep wet items separate from dry ones.

We like the fact it has a long zip, enabling quick and easy access (unlike traditional roll-top dry bags), and rucksack straps as well as carry straps, so you have a few different options for lugging it around.

You can read a longer review here , and see PBO Features Editor Ali put it to the test at her Dorset sailing club.

Buy a 40l kit bag from Red Original

Buy a 60l kit bag from Red Original

Gobesty collapsible travel kettle

Making a brew on the companionway of the PBO Project Boat Maximus

This neat little silicone kettle is great for use in the marina as it packs up small and runs on shorepower. It’s only 3.93in when folded and 7.08in unfolded, and can carry 0.6L, which is plenty for 4 small cups or 3 mugs of tea. The plug cord is detachable and can be removed when not in use.

Buy a Gobestry foldable kettle on Amazon

Red Original cooler backpack

The Red Original cooler backpack is great for picnics and boats without fridges

If you don’t have a fridge onboard, this cooler backpack is handy for keeping drinks and picnics cool on day-sails or longer trips. We tested this on the PBO Project boat recently, on a delivery trip recently from Chichester to Poole with an overnight stay in Yarmouth.

Using freezer packs we were able to keep the butter, ham, milk and cheese cool for the two days. Ice is said to last 48 hours in the bag, which comes with a padded back panel and removable chest strap. The backpack  is 15l and can store up to 24 cans.  For more storage, Red Original also do a larger 30l cooler bag .

This year, Red Original is offering a gift-wrapping service , too, to take the pain out of those frantic pre-Christmas sessions.

Buy 15l cooler backpack from Red Original

Buy 30l cooler bag from Red Original

Shakespeare emergency inflatable VHF antenna

An emergency VHF antenna is a great piece of kit to have on any boat, especially if going offshore. If the main VHF antenna fails for any reason, this is your backup.

Shakespeare’s new Galaxy Infl8-5 is an inflatable antenna, which, like lifejackets, inflates using a CO2 cartridge (though a smaller size than standard lifejacket ones). It pops up straight away from the high-vis bag, but you can also manually inflate it, before attaching it to the pushpit to enhance your radio signal.

Handy also for kayaks, jet skis and dinghies, the Shakespeare Inflatable & Special Purpose Antenna inflates to 5ft and is compatible with most handheld radios (check with manufacturers for compatibility with the SMA male adaptor).

Buy a Shakespeare Galaxy Infl8-5 VHF Inflatable Emergency Antenna on Amazon

Liberty Lifesaver Water filtration bottles

Boat water tanks require careful maintenance, but if you’ve let this slip, or simply don’t have a water source you can trust, the Lifesaver Liberty filtration bottle is a great, quick and easy way to get clean water. We should know – we used it to drink bilge water and lived to tell the tale!

Also, handy for hikes into the wilderness or remote anchorages where you might need to source water from a river or lake, this is the ultimate  Christmas gift for adventurous boat owners.

A larger, 5l, Lifesaver Cube is also available, which is ideal to keep onboard.

Buy the 5l Lifesaver Cube on Amazon

Buy the Lifesaver Liberty water filtration bottle on Amazon

Portable gas detector

A gas detector wand is an essential surveyor’s tool

Ok, so this isn’t the most glamorous Christmas gift for boat owners, but if we said this could save yours (or your loved one’s) life, then you’ll agree it’s worth taking a look. A gas detector is an essential tool for a marine surveyor, but it’s also useful for boat owners to keep on board, especially liveaboards. Gas will gather in the lowest parts of the boats – the bilges and engine compartments – so it’s important to inspect these areas from time to time.

PBO’s marine surveyor Ben Sutcliffe Davies uses a TPI 725L combustible gas detector from Screwfix. The battery-powered detector can be used one-handed and has both a visual indicator and an audio alarm that beeps as you wave it around. If gas is detected, the beeping speeds up.

Buy the TPI 725L combustible gas detector from Screwfix

Scanstrut Rokk Dual USB charger

The Rokk waterproof charger can be used inside or out

No more fighting over the charging points! Scanstrut’s Roxx Dual USB Waterproof Charger Socket can be used indoors or out, and can charge two devices at the same time.

It has an output current of 4.2A (total) and click and lock lid to prevent any water ingress into your USB connector.

Buy the Scanstrut Roxx Dual USB Waterproof charger socket on Amazon

Scanstrut Rokk Mini Universal Tablet Mount Kit

As well as having a cockpit socket to keep your tablet charged, it’s a good idea to get a mount to keep it safe. Scanstrut’s Mini Universal Tablet Mount allows you to fix the tablet onto any 19-34mm diameter rail.

There’s some great navigation software out there now, such as Navionics , which you can stream or download to your tablet, so now you have a full chartplotting solution without having to invest lots of money in electronic devices.

Buy the Scanstrut Mini Universal Tablet Mount on Amazon

Zhik drybags

The 30lt backpack (grey) and the high-vis 6lt pack

You can never have enough drybags and Zhik’s high quality kit always makes good Chrstimas gifts for boat owners. The new 30lt dry backpack is made from a heavy duty 100% waterproof fabric with welded seams.

Features include an internal zipped pocket, padded laptop holder, and water bottle pouch. Extra compression straps will help to reduce bulk when the bag is only partially full and can double to secure jackets and the like on the outside.

Zhik has also launched a new 6lt high vis dry bag. Again this is 100% waterproof with taped seams and is supplied with its own pouch for easy stowage when not in use.

Buy it now on eBay

Scanstrut Rokk Wireless Nest charger

Scanstrut Nest – for recharging phones the tidy way

Tired of the tangle of wires and multiple phones and all too frequently clutter nav stations and other work surfaces on board? This Scanstrut Nest is a neat pocket with a built-in wireless charger in which to keep the phone when it’s not being used.

It’s designed for easy integration into voids within consoles and cabinets, behind seating and so on. A grippy mat stops the phone moving around inside the pocket, while the front lip acts as a further physical barrier to help keep it in place.

Inesis 900 Laser Rangefinder

Designed for golfers, this is equally useful on any cruising boat that encounters crowded anchorages. Even the most experienced skipper can struggle to judge distances accurately enough to identify a safe spot to anchor between other vessels – the deck of a boat simply isn’t a good vantage point for this.

A decent laser rangefinder solves this problem – when preparing to anchor you can figure out exactly the distance to other boats. Equally if another vessel anchors close to you it can be used to figure out if there’s safe swinging space for both vessels. Maximum range of this unit is a whopping 1,200m.

Buy it now on decathlon.co.uk

Spot Gen4 satellite tracker

This device completes a trio of relatively low cost Spot satellite tracking and messaging devices. The Spot Gen4 fits between the basic Spot Tracker , which only pings a position to your phone or email, and the Spot X that allows two-way email and SMS text messaging of up to around 500 characters. The Spot Gen4 allows your friends and family to track your location. In addition, you can pre-programme short custom text messages to indicate whether you’re OK or in need of a specific type of help.

There’s also an SOS function that sends an alert to the GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center, which in turn can raise the alarm with the relevant coastguard agency. The unit uses the Globalstar satellite network which now includes almost all of the Americas (apart from the very southern extremities of Chile), the north Atlantic ocean, plus all of Europe, the Med and north Africa.

Yachts on passage across the Atlantic from the Canary Islands to the Caribbean will, however, pass through a band with only fringe coverage.

Helly Hansen Men’s Arctic Ocean Parka

Helly Hansen designed this for sailing in the harshest conditions and it’s perfect for winter days afloat. It has a waterproof outer layer, a breathable inner fabric, plus an insulating layer made of a high loft and quick drying recycled polyester material. Taped seams, a double storm flap and watertight cuffs are provided to keep the water out.

Gill Penryn Hybrid Jacket

Gill’s new Penryn Hybrid Jacket is super lightweight and made from a four-way stretch fabric with a soft brushed interior. A down-like synthetic insulation is used, which provides excellent warmth and can be packed tightly for easy travel. It’s available in both men’s and women’s fits.

Gill OS Thermal Neck Gaiter

Gill’s new Thermal Neck Gaiter made of a pill-resistant fleece, a four-way thermal stretch material and a soft brushed waffle interior.

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated boating page for more marine products.

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Travis scott’s disorderly intoxication charge dropped in miami yacht incident, travis scott off hook for public drunken charge in miami yacht fight.

Travis Scott is getting some legal relief -- prosecutors are dropping a disorderly intoxication charge from his June arrest after a rowdy night with yacht staff, but he's not in the clear yet.

The rapper had a hearing Thursday morning in Miami, and our sources say prosecutors officially dropped the disorderly intoxication charge against him. Travis did not appear in court for the hearing.

It's not all good news for Trav ... the state of Florida is moving forward with a misdemeanor trespassing charge against him.

As we reported, Travis was arrested in June after cops said they were called to a marina near Miami Beach where Scott was allegedly arguing with one of the workers on a yacht.

Cops initially escorted him away and let him leave ... but, they say Scott came back, telling the officers he needed to retrieve something from the yacht.

Cops intercepted him, and say Travis got belligerent ... which is when officers slapped the cuffs on him.

As of now, he's scheduled to go to trial for the misdemeanor trespassing charge on September 10.

We reached out to Travis' attorney, Bradford Cohen , but no word back yet.

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Justice Clarence Thomas took undisclosed 2010 trip with GOP megadonor, Democratic senator finds

FILE - Associate Justice Clarence Thomas joins other members of the Supreme Court as they pose for a group portrait in Washington, Oct. 7, 2022. The Democratic chairman of the Senate Finance Committee said Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, that Thomas failed to publicly disclose additional travel on GOP megadonor Harlan Crow’s private jet. Senator Ron Wyden of Oregon wrote to Crow’s lawyer asking about the trip. Wyden is backing an election-year push to tighten the high court’s ethics rules. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

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WASHINGTON (AP) — Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas failed to publicly disclose additional travel on GOP megadonor Harlan Crow’s private jet, a top Democratic senator who is backing an election-year push to tighten the high court’s ethics rules said Monday.

Thomas and his wife, Virginia, took a round-trip flight between Hawaii and New Zealand in November 2010, according to international flight records maintained by Customs and Border Protection, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., wrote.

The letter to Crow’s lawyer is part of an inquiry that Wyden, the chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, opened after several reports that Thomas had for years received undisclosed luxury travel from Crow.

Wyden’s letter demands additional information about private jet and superyacht trips. “I am deeply concerned that Mr. Crow may have been showering a public official with extravagant gifts, then writing off those gifts to lower his tax bill,” he wrote. The letter was first reported by The New York Times.

A spokesman for Crow said he has always followed tax law and Wyden’s inquiries have “no legal basis.” “It’s concerning that Senator Wyden is abusing his committee’s powers as part of a politically motivated campaign against the Supreme Court,” said spokesman Michael Zona in a statement.

The Senate Judiciary Committee previously uncovered at least three additional trips in its own investigation, including to Indonesia and California.

Democrats, including President Joe Biden, are separately pushing for changes to the high court, and seeking to capture voter attention in an election year after ethical revelations about some justices, including trips by Thomas and Justice Samuel Alito.

In recent days, Justice Elena Kagan has voiced support for an enforceable ethics code for her and her colleagues. Justice Neil Gorsuch, in an interview with The Associated Press last week, declined to comment on proposals on ethics and term limits for the high court.

Justices fill out financial disclosure forms each year detailing any outside sources of income or gifts. The form Thomas filled out in 2010 does not list any flights aboard Crow’s jet, Wyden wrote.

Thomas did not immediately respond to a request for comment sent to the court.

The justice, 76, has maintained that he is not required to disclose the many trips because they amount to personal hospitality from a close friend without business before the court.

The November 2010 trip came a month after Thomas flew to the capital of Trinidad and Tobago, on a private plane owned by his friends, Anthony and Beatrice Welters, the Times has previously reported. Beatrice Welters was serving as the American ambassador to the country in the Caribbean, having been appointed by President Barack Obama.

This story has been corrected to show that Beatrice Welters, not Anthony Welters, served as American ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago in 2010.

Associated Press writers Mary Clare Jalonick and Mark Sherman contributed to this report.

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Clarence Thomas Failed To Disclose More Harlan Crow Trips, Senator Says

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Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas took even more luxury trips paid for by real estate magnate Harlan Crow without disclosing them than had previously been reported, Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said Monday, asking Crow in a letter whether his gifts to Thomas are part of a broader scheme to “lower his tax bill”—including allegedly paying for Thomas to travel in Russia.

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas poses at the Supreme Court in Washington, DC on October 7, ... [+] 2022.

Wyden, who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, sent a letter to Crow’s attorney Monday asking about the full extent of Crow’s travel with Thomas, as multiple reports since 2023 have detailed how the wealthy magnate has treated Thomas and his wife to luxury vacations for decades—largely without Thomas recording them on his financial disclosures.

The Senate Finance Committee has discovered Thomas traveled on Crow’s private jet on a round trip between Hawaii and New Zealand in 2010, Wyden said, which had not previously been disclosed.

A relative of Thomas also reported witnessing the justice travel on Crow’s private yacht in the Caribbean, Russia and the Baltics—with the trip to Russia also including travel via helicopter—according to the senator.

That Thomas “accepted free travel to Russia paid for by a billionaire and failed to disclose the trip” is “undoubtedly concerning and merits continued investigation,” Wyden wrote.

Wyden accused Crow of improperly classifying his private yacht as a for-profit business but actually just using it for him and his friends, alleging Crow’s yacht use “has all the markings of a tax scheme to write off the cost of operating and maintaining a pleasure yacht used entirely for the Crow family's enjoyment” and suggesting Crow may have committed “unacceptable tax avoidance, or worse, outright tax evasion.”

The Supreme Court has yet to respond to a request for comment, but Crow’s spokesman Michael Zona told The New York Times Crow has “always followed applicable tax law” and Wyden’s inquiries “have no legal basis and are only intended to harass a private citizen.”

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What To Watch For

Wyden’s letter to Crow’s attorney asks for a full accounting of all the justice’s trips with Crow by August 26, though Zona’s response to the Times suggests they likely will not comply. A spokesman for the Senate Finance Committee told the Times its investigation into Crow’s taxes and any potential issues would likely be a “long process” if the real estate magnate doesn’t turn over his tax records voluntarily, which could lead the committee to try and get them from the Internal Revenue Service directly. Thomas has previously amended his financial disclosure forms to note past trips he’s taken with Crow—claiming he was previously told he didn’t have to disclose them—and it remains to be seen whether he’ll do the same with the trips flagged in Wyden’s letter.

Crucial Quote

“I am deeply concerned that Mr. Crow may have been showering a public official with extravagant gifts, then writing off those gifts to lower his tax bill,” Wyden wrote in his letter to Crow’s attorney Michael Bopp. “Any effort to mischaracterize expenses from trips involving personal hospitality as business expenses is a run of the mill tax scam, plain and simple.”

Chief Critic

Both Thomas and Crow have previously denied any wrongdoing in response to the reports of Thomas’ travel with Crow, as the justice had claimed he was solely accepting hospitality from close friends and had been advised the trips did not have to be disclosed. Thomas started disclosing some of his trips with Crow last year, claiming he was now doing so because of a rule change that requires justices to report “transportation that substitutes for commercial transportation,” but was previously told to “exclude gifts received as the personal hospitality of any individual.” He then disclosed two additional trips from 2019 in a disclosure made public in June.

Key Background

ProPublica first reported in April 2023 that Thomas had accepted luxury travel from Crow for 20 years, mostly without disclosing it, kicking off a series of reports about Thomas accepting scores of gifts from wealthy friends that has drawn widespread criticism from the left. Wyden’s report comes after the Senate Judiciary Committee said in June it also uncovered trips Thomas had taken without disclosing them. Thomas has repeatedly denied wrongdoing, but the controversies inflamed existing ethics issues with the justice already under scrutiny for his wife Ginni Thomas’ right-wing activism. Thomas’ controversies are part of broader ethics issues that Supreme Court justices have faced in recent years—particularly Thomas and Justice Samuel Alito —which have ramped up efforts by Democratic lawmakers to impose a binding code of ethics on the high court like lower federal judges have to follow. President Joe Biden endorsed those efforts last week, but ethics legislation is still unlikely to pass Congress, as Republicans remain staunchly opposed.

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