Finding the right gift for a boater can be anything from budget-friendly to seriously high-end — but there’s no shortage of useful gear that’ll make anyone’s time on the water better.

Handheld VHF Radio

A handheld VHF radio is one of the smartest gifts you can give. While many boaters rely on cellphones to contact marinas, friends, or even the U.S. Coast Guard in an emergency, true mariners know phones can break, can’t get wet, and only reach 5 to 10 miles offshore. A VHF radio broadcasts over Channel 16 — the Coast Guard’s hailing channel — so anyone listening can respond or relay a call for help.

A solid option is the Uniden Atlantis 275 Marine Handheld VHF. It floats, is IPX8 waterproof, has 6 watts of power, and receives all U.S./international/Canadian marine channels plus NOAA weather alerts. It lists at $149.99 and was available on Amazon for $115.12 at the time of writing. Similar radios range from about $39.99 to more than $350.

Dry Bags

Waterproof storage bags — better known as dry bags — are always appreciated for their versatility. They protect clothing, provisions, phones, first-aid items, and other water-sensitive gear. West Marine carries them in multiple sizes and styles. At press time, options ranged from small waterproof hip bags to 10-liter dry bags priced between $20.99 and $99.99. A three-bag set (3L, 5L, 8L) was available in stores for $64.99.

Fish Finder/Chartplotter Combos

A fish finder/chartplotter is a great gift for boaters who love to fish. Bass Pro Shops offers units starting at $179.98 and reaching $3,000 depending on capability. A standout mid-range choice is the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 53cv with GT20-TM transducer and Navionics+ U.S. Inland Mapping for $399.99 — a savings of $50.01.

Boarding Mats

For boaters who like to keep things clean, boarding mats help keep dirt off the deck. Basic versions can run under $30 on Amazon. For something more personal, The Custom Captain offers mats customized with the boat’s name: $60 for an 18-by24-inch mat, $85 for 24-by-36, and $149 for 36-by-60.

Monogrammed Towels

For the yachtsman, a monogrammed towel set is both useful and upscale. The Cape Marin sells a six-piece luxury embroidered set for $139.99, with turnaround in as little as five days.

Boat Hooks and Multi-Tools

No boat is complete without a reliable boat hook for docking and fending off. Prices range from under $20 to more than $70 on Amazon. For a premium pick, Revolve offers a 3-in-1 boating tool that combines a boat hook, stiff deck brush, and soft cleaning brush in a compact rollable kit. Regularly $174.95, it was offered at $119.99 at press time.

Offshore Beanbag Chairs (pictured below)

For offshore anglers, nothing beats a marine beanbag chair for stability and comfort in rough seas. Ocean Tamer carries three sizes — small ($109.95), medium ($119.95), and large ($129.95) — all double-stitched with two handles for those “oh-sh*t” moments.

Crew Shirts

Crew shirts make a great year-round gift and are perfect for holiday gatherings on board. East Coast Customs has served Volusia County for two decades and holds a 4.9 Google rating with nearly 500 reviews. Prices vary based on shirt quality, design, and quantity, and quotes can be requested online at eastcoastcustoms3.godaddysites.com.

DISCLAIMER: Prices and availability were accurate at the time of writing and are intended as general guidance.

Ponce Inlet December 2025 Tide Chart