Finding the perfect gift for a boater can feel impossible. They already have the basics, they’re picky about their gear, and everything on the water has to survive sun, salt, and long days offshore. This guide breaks down smart, useful, and genuinely appreciated gifts. We’ll start with our holiday picks first.
Christmas Gifts
- Personalized Boat Name Gear
- Custom tumblers, hats, towels, glasses, or cutting boards featuring the boat’s name and/or line drawing
- Great stocking stuffer that feels extra thoughtful
- Boat-themed ornaments
- Nautical glass ornaments are perfect for new boat owners celebrating their first holiday aboard
- Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker
- Small, rugged, party-ready
- Great to have for in the cockpit as well as for sandbars & dinghy cruising
- LED Headlamps
- These come in handy for night-docking, engine-room troubleshooting, and lots more
- The only “con” to these is the missed opportunity for a young kid to hold the flashlight and build character!!
- Marine binoculars
- Go for image stabilization and water-resistance
- Our pick – Sig Sauer’s Zulu6 HDX OIS Binoculars (yes, Sig Sauer builds more than 9mms)
Bonus: Nautical Wrapping Paper
Year-round Gifts
- West Marine Gift Card
- Foul-weather Gear
- 12V Espresso or Coffee Maker
The best thing you can give a boater? An opportunity to enjoy their boat. Set up a getaway with friends or family – it could be a weekend of dockage at HarborWalk Marina in Destin or a Floatilla in Corpus Christi Bay.
How to Choose the Right Gift for the Right Boater
If you’re still unsure about what kinds of gifts are appropriate, here’s the cheat code:
- New boat owners: think custom gifts, gadgets, and safety gear
- Fishing-oriented: tackle, knives, organizational gear
- Cruisers: comfort items, navigation backups, practical tools
- Weekend warriors: fun lifestyle items, sun gear, drinkware
- The boater who “has everything”: personalized or upgraded versions of the basics they already love. They shouldn’t mind having a backup!
If you’re still stuck, our Team is always here to help answer questions or offer guidance.