25 Great Gifts for Boat Lovers [2022 Best Boating Gifts Guide] - What's Danny Doing (2024)

We all know someone who lives and breathes for their next adventure on the water.

Indeed, around 4 million Brits go boating on one of the UK’s 1 million registered watercraft every year.

Meanwhile, across the pond, a whopping 100 million Americans take to the water every year on more than 12 million registered boats!

Do you have friends who are passionate about boating?

Would you like to get them some boat accessories or boating gifts they’ll love (and actually use)?

Well, read on!

Here’s a go-to list of great gifts for boat lovers.

Heads up, this post contains affiliate links.

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25 Best Gifts for Boat Lovers

Whether you need boating gifts for him or for her, that serve a practical purpose or simply add to the fun, there should be something here that does the job!

Practical Boat Owner Gifts

Let’s begin with 5 top gifts for boat owners that solve a problem onboard!

1. Waterproof Dry Bag

Nothing puts a damper (quite literally) on a boating excursion than uninvited water.

Rough seas, high winds, or a passing shower can wreak havoc on an otherwise pleasant outing.

That’s why waterproof dry bags are some of the most practical boat owner gifts you can give.

They allow people can easily store their phones, cameras, food, outerwear, and anything else that needs to stay dry.

2. co*cktail Bar Drink Caddy

A day on the water isn’t complete without some type of tipple.

The problem is that it can be tricky to keep those drinks from spilling!

Keep those bottles, cups, and glasses secure with this classy caddy from Docktail Bar.

Pre-cut slots keep two bottles, three cups, two knives, and two bar accessories safe and secure — no matter how big the waves get.

3. Electronic Fish Finder

A relaxing day of boating is one thing. A serious fishing trip is another.

If your boating friends love to fish, they won’t want to spend hours circling the shores looking for the best catch.

Make their lives easier with this high-resolution, sonar-based fish finder.

The split-shot transducer reveals exactly what’s under the boat, while the GPS plotter makes navigation a breeze.

4. Premium Boat Scuff Erasers

These gifts for boat lovers may not be the sexiest, but they’re essential boat accessories that every owner will appreciate!

A few drops of water is all it takes to activate these erasers, which effortlessly remove scuffs and dirt from the boat’s interior and exterior.

There’s no bleach or other harsh chemicals, so they’re safe to use on virtually any surface.

5. Fishing Tackle Storage Bag

Tackle, lures, and bait, oh my!

If your boating friends love to fish, they know how frustrating it can be to keep track of all those tiny items they need.

Make it easier for them to land their next big catch with this convenient tackle bag.

It’s tough and water-resistant, with seven internal and external compartments to hold a variety of fishing gear.

Fun Gifts for Boating Enthusiasts

Some of the best gifts for boat lovers are all about fun. Here are 5 lighthearted items they’re sure to adore:

6. Vinyl Floating Keychain

If you drop your keys when you’re getting into your car, no big deal — you can bend over and scoop them up.

But if you drop your keys overboard when you’re on a boat, that’s a whole different story!

Perhaps one of the most practical gifts for boating enthusiasts is this adorable floating keychain.

Whether the keys go overboard or your friend dives in and forgets their keys are in their pocket (whoops), this keychain will float right to the surface.

7. Heartland Boat Plaque

Did you know there’s a patron saint of sailors and seafarers?

Legend has it that the adventurous Saint Brendan sailed from Ireland in the 6th century and made it as far as Iceland, Greenland, and even the shores of America!

St. Brendan the Navigator has been protecting sailors for 1,500 years, and he can do the same for your boat-loving friends.

Get them this small brass plaque for their boat so they’ll have ultimate peace of mind every time they raise the anchor.

8. Matching Captain & First Mate Hats

Who’s in charge when all hands are on deck?

These adorable embroidered caps leave no room for mystery.

The baseball-style caps are 100% cotton with fully adjustable closures, ensuring a perfect fit for both men and women.

As to who actually gets to wear each cap, we’ll let your friends decide!

9. Custom Engraveable Compass

Before the days of GPS and Google Maps, sailors had to rely on compasses to navigate.

Compasses are among the best gifts for boat lovers because they’re not only thoughtful but highly practical.

This customisable compass is made of corrosion-resistant antique brass.

Its lightweight, pocket-sized design makes it easy to carry anywhere. Choose from one of their inspirational quotes or write your own to engrave on the inside.

10. “Things I Love” Funny Coffee Mug

Would you describe your boat-loving friends as coffee connoisseurs?

If so, this hilarious mug could be the perfect boat gift idea.

Beneath the ship’s wheel design is a list of things the drinker “almost” loves as much as their boat.

As you may have guessed, the list includes items like talking about, driving, and looking at their boat. It’s sure to bring a smile to their face and — bonus — it won’t break your budget either.

Food and Beverage-Related Gifts for Boaters

Know someone who loves taking good food, cold beers, and fine wine out onto the boat with them? The following boating accessories could make ideal gifts:

11. Nautical-Themed Stemless Wine Glasses

Next up on this list of great gifts for boat lovers is a set of wine glasses that look like they’re made of glass but are actually made from BPA-free plastic.

The stemless design is perfect for a day on the water, and the four unique designs mean there’s no need for wine charms.

They’re also perfect for the beach, the pool, a day by the lake, or anywhere else you don’t want to use actual glass cups.

12. Ship’s Wheel Cheese & Charcuterie Board

If you’re hunting for a really clever gift, look no further than this wooden cheese tray in the shape of a ship’s wheel.

It’s not only unique, but it’s incredibly practical too.

The round design sits on a lazy susan, making it easy to spin on any surface.

And the spokes of the “wheel” are actually an assortment of pullout cheese tools that fit into magnetic slots!

13. Beer Coolie Nautical Gift Set

Is that your beer or mine?

With this beer coolie set, no one will ever lose or confuse their beers onboard again.

The six-pack set includes six uniquely decorated coolies with funny quotes such as “Knot your can” and “What happens on the boat stays on the boat.”

They’re machine washable and they also fold flat for easy storage on or off the boat.

14. “I’m the Captain” Stainless Steel Tumbler

Keep hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold with this elegant stainless steel tumbler from The Navy Knot.

This cup is sure to bring a smile to your friend’s face when they read the tagline:

“I’m the captain, to save time let’s just assume I’m always right.”

It’s cheeky, it’s fun, and its spill-proof, insulated design makes it ideal for all seasons.

15. Oversized Floating Cooler

Storage space is limited on most boats, and keeping drinks cold can be a real challenge on those hot summer days.

Solve both problems with this ingenious Airhead Aqua Oasis floating cooler.

Your friends can tie it to the side of the boat for easy access whether they’re in the water or lounging on the deck.

Bonus: It also works great in pools and at the beach!

Gadgets and Gizmo Gifts for Boat Owners

Some boat owners can never have enough gadgets on board! If you’re buying a present for someone like that, then check out the following 5 ideas:

16. DeckMate 6-in-1 Boating Tool

It can be frustrating to keep track of different tools on a boat, especially if you need to adjust or fix something quickly.

This handy (and downright ingenious) tool is one of the best boat gift ideas I’ve seen anywhere!

The tool includes a bottle opener, toggle pull, hex nut socket, shackle key, flathead screwdriver, and universal deck keys, all attached to an ergonomic handle.

It also includes a lanyard to ensure it won’t fall overboard.

17. Motor-Powered Underwater Scooter

This underwater scooter is sure to make your boating friends the coolest people on the water!

Lightweight and portable (yet surprisingly powerful), this scooter is easy for both adults and kids to use.

Simply power it up, grab ahold, and relax as it propels you effortlessly through the water at a leisurely 3.35mph.

18. Spot Gen4 Sat Messenger

Everyone wants to stay connected these days, even when they’re enjoying a day on the lake or the sea.

And, in the event of an emergency, it’s crucial to be able to connect with the mainland!

This satellite messenger fits comfortably in the palm of your hand, but it’s packed with mapping and tracking features.

It also uses global GPS to transmit location, which means it works even if the boat’s outside of normal cell phone range.

19. Marine Bluetooth Stereo Radio

Do people still listen to standard AM/FM radio stations?

With this marine radio, your boat-loving friends can stream all their favourite playlists from Pandora, Spotify, and much more.

It works with any device that’s Bluetooth-enabled, including tablets and smartphones.

It also has a built-in mic for answering incoming calls, meaning they won’t have to fumble for (and potentially drop) their phones while onboard.

20. Inflatable Two-Person Kayak

Unless your friends have a yacht, chances are there’s not much space onboard for additional watercraft.

That’s why this inflatable kayak is such a brilliant buy!

When it’s fully inflated, it’s over 3 metres long and can comfortably and safely hold two adults.

When it’s not in use, it can be stowed away inside a convenient carrying bag with the oars and pump.

Unique Boat Gift Ideas

Still hunting for the perfect gift for a boat lover in your life? This set of unique boat accessories may have what you need:

21. 438 Days: An Extraordinary True Story of Survival at Sea

Whether your friends are seasoned sailors or novices, they’re sure to appreciate this incredible story of survival at sea.

The book is the true story of two fishermen who left for a weekend fishing trip from Mexico.

An unexpected storm pushed them out to sea, where one of the men survived for fourteen months before washing up on an island in the South Pacific — over 7,000 miles away!

22. Antique Ship Decanter

A lot of these gifts for boaters are designed for use onboard — but probably not this one.

However, your boating friends will enjoy using this beautiful gift in their home!

This handcrafted decanter features a striking antique sailing ship design and four stemless glasses with world maps.

It’s perfect for wine, whiskey, or scotch and is sure to become the focal point of any room they keep it in.

23. Anchor Fleece Throw Blanket

What’s a boat lover to do when it’s too cold to be on the water?

The next best thing is to cosy up at home beneath this nautical-themed throw.

The micro-plush blanket is velvety soft to the touch and easy to care for — it’s machine washable in cold water.

Choose from a variety of colours stylishly decorated with anchors, sealife, or other fun patterns.

24. Swedish Dream Seaweed Hand Cream

Nothing takes a toll on your skin like long days in the sun and saltwater.

If you’re out of ideas for boat accessories, why not give your friends something to help them take care of themselves?

The same family has been making this seaweed-based skin cream for over 25 years.

Its rich formula is made with shea butter, lavender, calendula, and other natural ingredients to nourish dry, rough skin.

25. Ship’s Log/Boat Journal

This beautiful hardbound journal is sure to win a coveted place in any co*ckpit.

Its 100 pages are lined with places to track excursions and maintenance.

There’s also room to include photographs and other memorabilia from different outings.

A pen holder, place marker, and gilded monogram of a sailing ship complete this book’s distinct look.

Remember These Great Gifts for Boat Lovers

This list of the best gifts for boaters could have gone on much longer!

But hopefully the suggestions above have given you some inspiration for what to buy.

From funny items like coffee mugs to big-ticket items like fish finders, there should be something here to float peoples’ boats.

And remember, no matter which boating gift you choose, the best gifts for boating enthusiasts come from the heart!

The recipient’s sure to appreciate the thought as much as the item itself.

Now you’ve perused this list of great gifts for boat lovers, what comes next?

Well, why not check out these gifts for beach lovers too?