Someone in your life who loves the water likely owns a boat.
Boat owners are part of a special club. They are enthusiasts that have committed to something that requires a lot of time, energy, and money ... chances are they enjoy their hobby immensely.
Buying a gift for a boat owner may seem overwhelming, but fear not! This guide will provide you with some of the top gifts to give the boating enthusiast in your life.
How We Find Them
Shopping for a boat owner can be tricky. You don’t want to get them something they already have or something too generic. But when you know someone who loves the open seas, there are lots of great gift options out there!
We've gone ahead and started our search for gift ideas that support their passion.
Read on to find out some thoughtful and fun gift ideas that any boat owner would love to receive!
A Floating Cooler
Keep your drinks cold and your friends happy with an inflatable cooler that floats in the water! This is perfect for long days on the water, so no one has to worry about their drink getting warm in the sun.
*Plus, it makes a fun game of beer pong even more entertaining!
Airhead Aqua Oasis Floating Beverage Cooler
- Removable insulated leak-proof nylon cooler with shoulder strap
- Holds up to 24 cans
- Cup Holders: Keep your favorite summer beverage close by while lounging in the pool
Marine Binoculars
Help your favorite boater spot dolphins and whales from miles away with a pair of marine binoculars.
Not only will these binoculars make distant objects appear closer, but they will also help your sailor identify landmarks and navigate safely around obstacles.
10X50 Marine Binoculars for Adults with Rangefinder Compass
- Waterproof Marine Binoculars for Sailing Boating Fishing
A Portable Waterproof Speaker
Boaters need music too! ... Get them a waterproof Bluetooth speaker that they can take out on the water with them while they enjoy some tunes on the high seas.
*It will definitely amp up their experience and make their day even more enjoyable!
Waterproof, Durable & Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- Up to 10 Hours of Play - Includes Noise-Cancelling Speakerphone & Wireless Streaming
Subscription Boxes
Subscription boxes are all the rage these days, and luckily there are plenty of them out there specifically tailored to boat owners.
Whether they’re interested in fishing or just need essential supplies, you can find a box that will surprise and delight them every month. Plus, subscription boxes make perfect gifts that continue giving throughout the year.
Here's a practical and useful one — a survival & tactical subscription box ...
ClubTac - Premium Subscription
- HAND-PICKED SURVIVAL & TACTICAL GEAR DELIVERED MONTHLY.
- TESTED & APPROVED BY MARINES & SURVIVAL SPECIALIST.
New Accessories
Boat owners always love new accessories to add to their boats! From first-aid kits to spare parts and even custom decals, there are countless options available for any budget.
Gift cards are also great for giving boat owners a chance to pick out something special for their own vessels.
Adventure Outings
Buying an experience is another great way to show your appreciation for the boat owner in your life.
Consider gifting them an adventure outing such as parasailing or deep-sea fishing. Not only will this unique gift create lasting memories, but it can also be enjoyed with family and friends!
And as in any adventure, safety must always be top of mind. A life vest is always best to have ...
Onyx A/M-24 Automatic/Manual Inflatable Life Jacket, Blue
- Automatically inflates upon immersion in water or when the wearer pulls the "jerk to inflate" handle
Here are some more ideas for you ...
For the Fisherman: If your friend enjoys fishing while they’re out on the water, consider getting them a good tackle box. Not only will it help keep all their accessories organized, but it’s also an awesome way to show you care about their hobby.
You can also get them items like lures or rods depending on what type of fish they like to catch.
3-Tray Tackle Box with Tackle, Aqua Blue/Tan, One Size
- Cantilever tray extends open to showcase contents in 22-34 compartments
- Vacuum formed tray includes 180-pieces of starter tackle
For the Sunbather: For those who just want to relax in the sun while they’re out on the boat, consider getting them something like floating sunglasses or a waterproof hat.
These gifts are both functional and stylish and will be sure to make your boat-owning buddy happy when they’re out soaking up some rays.
Floating Polarized Fishing Sunglasses
- Surfing, Kayaking UV400 Protection Unsinkable Water Sport Sun Glasses
For the Entertainer: If your friend loves entertaining guests on their boat, you might consider getting them a Bluetooth speaker or even an inflatable bar set! These items will help turn any outing into an unforgettable experience—perfect for hosting friends and family aboard their vessel.
*Plus, these gifts don't have to break the bank—they come in different sizes and price points so you can pick one that fits your budget as well as your giftee's needs!
Inflatable Floating Drink Holder with 9 Holes Capacity
- Drink Float for Pools & Beach, Hot Tub Accessories
Boating is an expensive hobby--but it doesn't mean it has to be when it comes time for gifting season!
Show your appreciation for your favorite boat owner by giving them something special this gift-giving and any other season — whether it's tackle box tools for fishing or an inflatable bar set for entertaining guests — there's surely something perfect out there that matches your giftee's needs!
Not quite decided yet? We have answers to some commonly asked questions and some fun facts for you. Hope these help ...
Q: What are the common types of sailboats?
A: The three main categories can be broken down into
- dinghies (small boats with one mast),
- keelboats (enclosed decked vessels with a centerboard),
- and multihulls (two-hulled vessels).
Q: What's the difference in use between the types above?
A: Basically, it boils down to size and speed.
Dinghies are great for recreational sailing and racing in sheltered waters or inland waterways.
Keelboats can be either monohulls (single hulls) or multihulls/catamarans. These tend to have larger cabins for overnight stays on board and can accommodate up to 6 people if designed correctly.
Lastly, trimarans offer unmatched speed out on open water due to their long shallow hull design which allows them to ride atop waves more easily than other styles of sailboats.
Q: Some fun facts?
A: Here are a few fun facts.
- When Noah built his ark he was actually building what is thought to be one of earliest recorded examples of a ship with a fixed keel.
- Vikings were some of the first sailors known to build ocean-going ships around 700 AD by attaching planks together without measurements thus designing "clinker" built ships which were known for being leaky but fast at sea.
- It is believed that Egyptians were the first to use sails as far back as 4500 B.C., though then they used them mainly in rivers instead of oceans because they didn't have access to larger bodies of water like we do today!
- Before compasses were invented in 11th century China, sailors would navigate using stars rather than relying on direction from land-based landmarks like modern-day navigators do. Pretty cool stuff!
- Transoceanic voyages were made possible when navigators first figured out how they could use ocean currents to "hitch" onto. These explorers employed ocean currents like natural highways by changing compass directions with each new current they encountered so they never had to retrace routes back home!
Q: Some best gift ideas?
A: Some great gifts for those who enjoy boating?
- A set of binoculars with a built-in compass is perfect for navigation out at sea whether it's day or night; something small yet practical will be greatly appreciated by any sailor out there!
- Also if budget allows, a high-quality life vest makes an excellent gift choice too - safety always matters when traveling on big open waters after all ;)
The Takeaway
Gift-giving doesn’t have to be stressful when it comes to boat owners.
With this guide in hand, you can now easily choose a gift that any boating enthusiast will appreciate and enjoy! ... So surprise them with something unexpected or practical - they’ll surely be delighted either way!
With these suggestions, you can rest assured knowing that you have given your favorite boat owner a thoughtful gift they can cherish forever.
Now go forth and spread some nautical cheer! ...
And may fair winds be ever-present on your sailor's journey across the seven seas!
Disclaimer. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission (that's how we stay in business). FirstFewFinds may use affiliate links to products and services on retailer sites for which we can receive compensation if you click on those links or make purchases through them. We hope you find the list of our first few finds useful and helpful. Each product on our list has been carefully chosen by our writers and all opinions are our own. Check your choices and enjoy finding exactly what you need!