“What’s the best gift for boaters?” is a frequent question we get asked around the holidays. So we’ve created this Holiday Guide with 10 reasonably-priced gift suggestions between $50 and $200 that have proven popular with our enthusiast customers. And while a few of our picks are geared toward fishing, most of them are on the wish lists of virtually all boaters. At checkout, our system will offer you the choice of having your purchase shipped to your address, or to the recipient directly.
1. Bluetooth Compatible Stereo Radio
Good music makes any boating occasion better – especially when it’s possible to play favorite tunes, albums, or mixes from a smart device. So if your friend or family member’s boat doesn’t have a stereo radio capable of Bluetooth audio and phone call streaming, we’ve got plenty of great upgrade solutions in our Marine Audio Stereos section. For an excellent all-in-one choice at a competitive price, we recommend the Dual AM/FM/MP3/USB/Bluetooth/AUX Stereo Receiver with Four 6-1/2" Speakers ($133).
In addition to tuning in AM and FM radio stations, this radio includes a built-in amplifier and four water-resistant 6.5” diameter speakers. It’s easy to connect with any smart device via the Bluetooth streaming function, or plug in through the AUX or USB input jacks on the front. The radio unit will require a 7” high x 2” wide dash space, and comes with its own splash-proof cover, hideaway antenna, and floating remote control.
2. Handheld Radio
Out on the open water past the range of cell phones, marine radios are absolutely essential to communicate with other boats, receive navigational warnings and weather updates, and call for emergency rescue. In our marine communication & accessories section, we’ve got built-in radios, hand-held radios, satellite phones, and more designed for effective communication on the open water.
Our pick for an excellent over-the-water radio is the Standard Horizon portable 6W Handheld VHF Radio ($92). This 12-volt unit is engineered for sending and receiving WX and FM radio bands in the 76MHz to 108MHz range. The radio is waterproof rated at IPX7 (3.3 feet submerged for up to 30 minutes), and will automatically flash a built-in strobe light should the radio fall into the water - even if it’s turned off completely. The light can also be set to flash SOS in Morse code or stay on continuously.
3. Underwater LED Lighting
Lights mounted on the underside of a boat create an otherworldly glow that’s sure to make your boat stand out the water. And while they’re great for ambiance, underwater illumination is an extremely effective tool for fishermen – drawing bait and fish to a boat in droves. For these reasons and more, we’ve got a whole section devoted to underwater boat lights of all designs, colors, sizes, brightness, and mounting styles.
For all uses, we recommend Attwood’s LightArmor (HP) Series 4" Surface Mount Underwater LED Light ($102 each) that’s very easy to install on the surface of your hull. Available colors are blue, white, or green – the best colors for attracting fish.
4. Life Vests
Boats are for enjoying the open water, and when extra life jackets are stowed on board, the boat owner in your life can rest assured knowing friends and family who come along for the ride will remain safe. In our Life Jackets & Vests sub-section, we've got a wide selection of vests that keep the wearer safe and floating effortlessly above water level.
For quality at a value price, we recommend Onyx Outdoor’s MoveVent Curve X-Large/XX-Large Yelow Life Vest ($60) - a non-inflating life jacket with front and rear sections that completely cover adult torsos. Straps and buckles are error-proof and extremely easy to use. We've also got inflatable life belts & vests, life jackets specially sized for children and pets, and Fishing Life Jackets equipped with lots of storage pockets.
5. Trolling Motors
The number one rule of fishing is be quiet and don’t scare the fish! For this reason, a quiet, lightweight electric trolling motor is an excellent gift pick for anyone who enjoys fishing. Designed to mount on a boat’s transom, or bow, these motors are excellent when used as the main source of thrust or as a secondary motor to quietly troll and seek the big fish without scaring them off.
For quiet operation and cool, efficient running, we recommend the Minn Kota 12-volt electric Endura C2 Transom Mount Freshwater Trolling Motor ($117 - $267 based on shaft length selected) which features an easy clamp-on design. With 5 forward and 3 reverse speed settings, this motor allows you to move most efficiently at just the right speed. The C2 allows effortless steering from the back of the boat, and an adjustable bracket makes setting the height and angle of the motor very easy.
6. Battery Charger
Every boat owner needs a reliable battery charger to keep it fully juiced when not in use – especially if there’s an electric trolling motor on board. In our marine chargers section, we’ve got a variety of chargers rated by amperes and number of battery banks. For example, a “2 bank” battery designation means it can maintain two batteries at the same time, and so on. The chargers we offer can vary the rate of charging as needed based on existing charge levels and outside temperatures.
For the boat owner with a single main battery, we recommend the Minn Kota 6A 1-Bank Digital On-Board Battery Charger ($99) designed specifically for nautical use with waterproof sealing and durable construction that’s resistant to shocks and high-frequency engine vibrations.
7. Protective Battery Box
If there is a battery on board, the boat owner in your life should have a protective marine battery box to contain and seal off the 12-volt battery necessary for engine operation, preventing unwanted water contact, and ensuring harmful battery acid won’t leak out in the event the battery tips over.
For safety, quality and value, we recommend the Minn Kota Power Center Battery Box for 24/27 Series Batteries ($64) equipped with resettable circuit breakers. After the battery is connected within the box, it safely supplies power to two charger leads on the outside of the box. A built-in meter displays the battery’s state of charge, and the box is also fitted with two additional 12-volt power ports for cell phone chargers or other equipment.
8. Powerful Emergency Beacon
When night falls on the water, there’s at least 100 ways that powerful lighting can prove useful. For this reason, our Marine Lighting section features navigation lights, search lights, flood lights, underwater lights, interior lights, dock lights, flashlights, and more. On the subject of lighting, we feel strongly that every boat should have a highly-visible emergency beacon light on board. Designed to be visible from far away in darkness, these are purpose-built for distress situations when lives may depend on being noticed.
In this category, your best bang for the buck is the ACR C-Strobe H2O PFD Light ($21). With 3 modes of operation (strobe, steady-on, and SOS) this LED flashlight puts out 45 lumens of brilliance, and can last approximately 120 hours continuously in strobe mode. The C-Strobe H2O also features an “Armed” setting which automatically activates if the light becomes immersed in water.
9. Fish Finders
One of our most popular gift items chosen by, and for, true anglers - electronic fish finders. These devices make it easy to locate and track schools of fish in a 360 degree radius around any boat. If your boat lover isn’t into fishing, it’s no problem. In our Marine Electronics & Navigation section, you’ll also find GPS systems, autopilot kits for boats, depth finders, radar equipment, security equipment, cameras, and more.
For electronic fish finders, we recommend the transom-mount Humminbird PiranhaMax 4.3" Fish Finder with Transducer ($113 - $168 depending on sonar type) because of its competitive price, easy-to-use interface, 320-foot depth reading capacity, available dual beams for wider scope, fish alarms, depth alarms, and zoom ability.
10. Fishing Rod Holders
For the boating enthusiast in your life who enjoys the fishing experience, our Fishing Rod Holders & Storage section is packed with adjustable rod holders, fixed rod holders, holding racks, and other creative storage methods. Because a rod holder frees up both hands for bait preparation, picture taking, phone communication, eating, and other important things, we consider it a must-have item.
Our pick is the Millennium Spyderlok Single Rod Holder ($126) – an ideal choice for the person who doesn’t already own one, and for the enthusiast who spider rigs multiple fishing rods around their entire boat. With lightweight, corrosion-free anodized aluminum construction, and pole angle adjustability that’s second to none, this holder is extremely easy to use. Plus, it adds the convenience of quick 2-knob removal, 360 degree rotation, and easy height adjustment between 12 and 20 inches.
11. Bonus Gift Idea: The BOATiD Gift Card
No matter what, it’s hard to go wrong with a BOATiD gift card that gives loved ones and friends the enjoyment of looking through our array of products with purpose and discovery - along with expert advice from our knowledgeable staff at no extra cost if they prefer.
We hope you’ve found these recommendations helpful. If you didn’t see the right item here, however, we feel a quick look at our related article Ten Must-Have Boat Accessory Products may prove more fruitful. You might just find something for yourself as well! All of us at BOATiD wish you a happy and healthy holiday season!