For boat owners, it's about more than just the boat. There are so many accessories available that we like to say "more gear equals more fun on the water". If there is a boat owner who is on your holiday shopping list, don't fret about hunting down the best accessory gift for her or him. We created this holiday gift guide just for you. Our 10 best category suggestions are below, each with several product choices. Clicking on each highlighted link will take you directly to that product on BOATiD. Enjoy the shopping experience!
1. Fish Finders
Boaters are often fishers, and electronic fish finders are high up on their wish lists. Here are two among the many we offer in our Fish Finders Category that we particularly like:
The Humminbird Helix G4N 9 MEGA SI+ Fish Finder/Chartplotter features a 9'' display, MEGA Side Imaging+, MEGA Down Imaging+, Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar, and internal GPS with a Humminbird Basemap. As with all HELIX G4N models, standard features include AutoChart Live, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet networking for compatibility with the One-Boat Network family of products from Humminbird, Minn Kota and Cannon. This CHO (Control Head Only) model allows you to pick the right accessory transducer for your needs, including compatibility with Minn Kota Built-in MEGA Imaging trolling motors.
The Lowrance HDS-9 Live Fish Finder/Chartplotter includes a 9" screen and base map. This Lowrance unit features support for the best suite of fish finding tools, from Active Imaging and LiveSight real-time sonar, to StructureScan 3D with Active Imaging and Genesis Live onscreen mapping. It's a great solution for anglers who want the best sonar and navigation technology in a mid-sized display.
2. Trolling Motors
Trolling motors are perfect for boat owners who want to be able to move at a slower and quieter pace when fishing, and our category dedicated to them has a nice variety to choose from. We have two excellent gift suggestions, both from the well-known Minn Kota brand.
For saltwater fishermen, the Riptide Terrova Bow Mount Saltwater Trolling Motor is chock full of features. It has a 36V motor, 112 lb. of thrust, and a 60'' shaft. Additional features include i-Pilot Link, Bluetooth, Spot-Lock, and Humminbird fish finder integration.
For those fishing in fresh water, the Minn Kota PowerDrive Bow Mount Freshwater Trolling Motor is a fine choice. In addition to its 24V power, 70 lb. of thrust, and 60" shaft, it also has i-Pilot, Integrated Sonar and Bluetooth.
3. Reels
Our Fishing Reels Department has over 500 choices within it, so narrowing it down was tough, but here are two standouts, either of which would make a great gift.
The Tatula 200 Baitcast Reel from Daiwa is the answer to many heavier tackle demands. Reinforced brass gearing can carry the load of more powerful quarry and is housed with a rigid aluminum frame and side plate. To handle increased torque, a custom 100 mm Swept Handle can turn the barrel with greater ease. The handle also utilizes comfortable soft touch knobs. This is a well-designed reel for many types of fishing.
The International VISX Reel from PENN features a reel size of 30 and a gear ratio of 4.1:1 / 1.4:1, and is finished in gold. The PENN International VI series is designed and manufactured in the US, and is precision machined from high-strength, lightweight, aircraft grade aluminum. The VI consists of a large stainless steel gear train for strength and speed, and a Dura-Drag system which results in a smoother start up and virtually eliminates hesitation, even under extreme drag settings.
4. Dock Boxes
You will find dock boxes in all different sizes and shapes in our Dock Boxes Category. A dock box on your boat is a great way to keep things organized, and it plays a safety role too, by helping to prevent passengers from tripping over loose items. We are partial to this Fishermen's Dock Box by Taylor Made, which measures a generous 95 L x 22'' W x 24'' H. This box has all the features and benefits of standard fiberglass dock boxes with the addition of rod holders installed on the underside of the lid. It easily accommodates poles up to 7' long, keeping your fishing poles stored and out of the way.
5. Safety Lighting
For boat owners and their passengers, nothing is more important than safety, and we have an entire Safety Department as well as a category dedicated to safety lighting. There you will find this very affordable HemiLight 3 Automatic Survivor Locator Light from ACR, which makes a great gift. The high-intensity flashing LED light automatically activates for 20+ hours when it comes in contact with salt or fresh water, and can be deactivated simply by pushing the red button. Once the sensor is wet, and the light is on, the light will stay on even if the sensor is dry, unless manually deactivated. Consider getting one for every passenger.
6. Marine Autopilots
An autopilot is a self-steering device that allows the vessel to hold a steady pre-set course. A properly chosen autopilot can keep your boat on a steady course, giving you a chance to do other important tasks, as well as decrease fuel consumption and minimize helm movements. We have devoted an entire category to autopilot units, and have selected the following two as great gift ideas.
The NAC-3 Autopilot Computer from Simrad is the brains behind your Simrad autopilot system. It contains the electronics needed to operate a hydraulic steering pump or mechanical drive unit, while also interfacing with other components including heading sensors and rudder feedback units. This computer was designed for boats ten meters (35 feet) or greater in length and is rated to operate high-current pumps, mechanical drive units, and solenoid valves (30 amps continuous/50 amps peak).
The Evolution EV-150 Hydraulic Autopilot Kit is from Raymarine, and it includes Computer, Compass, and Control Unit. This is a complete autopilot-in-a-box kit that is ready to install on many popular fishing and cruising powerboats with hydraulic steering. The EV-150 system is engineered specifically to meet the needs of small to medium sized hydraulically steered vessels with a steering ram capacity between 4.9 cu. in. (80cc) and 14.0 cu in (230cc).
7. Fishing Rod Holders
Fishing rod holders are a must for those all-day fishing expeditions. Our category for rod holders has a plethora of options, but as gifts go, you can't go wrong with this ORCA 1.60'' I.D. Rod Holder from Scotty. The inner sleeve opens in one quick and complete motion allowing instant release of the fishing rod, so the rod can be lifted straight out into the fish-fighting position. It is completely adjustable both vertically and horizontally, and its fiberglass-reinforced nylon offers strength, resilience, and reliability.
8. Boat Pumps
Boats require pumps for all different reasons, and our Boat Pumps Department has bilge pumps, waste pumps, aerator pumps, and more. A great gift idea is this 12 V 390 GPH Electric Heavy Duty Vane Utility Pump from Groco. Vane pumps are self-priming, are instantly reversible, and are capable of operation in either direction. Relatively high flow makes them suitable for general purpose duties such as deck-wash, bilge pumping, fuel transfer, ballast transfer, and oil changes. All models have an ignition protected motor and stainless steel shaft.
9. Marine Plugs & Outlets
Most boats have some kind of electrical system on them, and mixing electricity and water means that extra caution must be taken. Marine-grade connectors and receptacles are a requirement when performing any kind of electrical maintenance or upgrade work. Our website has an entire category dedicated to marine plugs and outlets. Two gift ideas from this category may not be the most romantic choices, but they certainly will be appreciated for their usefulness.
This Hubbell Locking Receptacle is rated at 30A and 28V, using 10 AWG wire. It's a 2-pole 3-wire setup, housed in a yellow thermoplastic locking receptacle, all making it perfect for outdoor boating use. HBL328DCR - 30 A 28 V 10 AWG 2-Pole 3-Wire Yellow Thermoplastic Locking Receptacle
If your boater has a trolling motor, then consider this ConnectPro Trolling System/Downrigger Receptacle & Plug Kit from Marinco. It's a 40A, 12/36V 2-Wire plug and receptacle system which is a revolutionary concept in trolling motor DC connections. The superior current carrying capacity of the this system eliminates problems that rob motors of power and reduce battery life. The ConnectPro system features a locking plug and receptacle that provides a secure electrical contact.
10. Communication & Accessories
Boating can be about getting away from it all, but there also needs to be a way to stay in touch. We have an entire category for Marine Communication and Accessories chock full of radios, phones, and the accessories to accompany them. Two gift ideas from this category are below.
This 25W fixed-mount VHF radio from Uniden is a great way to ensure you have reliable communication channels. It's compact and easily installed, so that it's always at hand when needed.
This charging cup from Standard Horizon is a great gift for someone who owns one of their hand-held radios, helping to ensure that the handset is always where it can be found, while keeping it charged up so that it's always functioning.
11. Bonus Gift Idea: A BOATiD E-Gift Card
Still can't decide? There is always the BOATiD E-gift card, the one present guaranteed to please the most indecisive family member or friend. Available in your choice of denomination, our E-gift card never expires, so let the recipient take their time and browse the entire BOATiD site, as well as our related websites as shown below.
We trust that you found this holiday shopping guide helpful, and remember that you can always access BOATiD.com from the device of your choice, whether that is PC, tablet, or smart phone, and scroll through the thousands of brands and products we offer. You might even find something for yourself! We wish you a happy and healthy holiday season.