Whatever your flavor, whether power or sail, the holidays are a special time, but they’re also tough on your friends and family to pick just the right gift. After all, how many ties or tote bags with little embroidered anchors does one really need?
Here’s a selection of gifts for skippers that range from stocking stuffers to serious investments.
Let’s start with a $10 stocking stuffer that can save you a bundle. You’ll only have to lose one pair of those oh-so-expensive sunglasses overboard or splash the key to the cabin door, and you’ll realize these budget floats are absolute lifesavers. Chums’ sunglass and keyring floats, start at $10 from chums.com or Amazon.
Comfort on a boat is as important as firm footing, and the Columbia Bahama Vent shoe, is hands-down the comfiest boat shoe I’ve found. Available in beach (as shown) or elk, sizes 7-17, they’re as good on the boat as at the yacht club. They’re priced around $75 and can be found on Columbia.com or Zappos.
Now, let’s talk communication. The Standard Horizon HX210 VHF radio, is handheld, making it easy to move around, and, best of all, it floats in case you get clumsy! Priced just under $100, you can talk not only to other skippers (or, if necessary, the Coast Guard) but also obtain weather updates and find out where the fish are biting. You can find it at West Marine or on Amazon.
Capture your moments on (and under) the water with the GoPro Hero10 camera. While it may not be the newest GoPro model with added features, it comes at a reasonable price of $250. It boasts a sharp 20-megapixel resolution, excellent video quality, image stabilization and its waterproof up to 33 feet. Visit the gopro.com or check it out on Amazon.
On boats, things can break or come apart, and short of having a huge tool box, the Leatherman Wave+ multi-tool, can probably fix it. It might be too heavy to carry in your pocket, but it’s easy to stash, even in a dinghy. You’ll find it takes you months to learn all the tools, from a simple bottle opener (crucial) to scissors. It’s made of stainless steel (no rust!) and makes for a great gift at $120. Check it out on Leatherman.com or Amazon. This may say something about me, but I also have a Victorinox “Skipper” Swiss Army pocket knife. Priced at $104 on Victorinox.com or Amazon, it has fewer tools, but it does have the cork screw, which I find essential.
All boaters understand that the electronic depth sounder on your boat mainly confirms when you’ve run aground. So, be prepared with a Del Mar Nautical Analog Tide Watch, which alerts you to shallow water before the thump. Anglers use it to predict fish activity, and knowing when to expect high and low tides is useful information around the water. This watch is both stylish and waterproof to 200 meters. It features a moon phase dial, luminous hands and quartz movement. delmarwatches.com or Walmart.
Last but not least, Dramamine pills are ok, but the Reliefband Sport wristband, really works to quell nausea. It’s FDA-cleared to stimulate wrist nerves, eliminating the technicolor hurl of seasickness. Additionally, it interrupts migraine pain, calms anxiety and even works for morning sickness. It shuts off in just 60 seconds without skin contact. Available in your choice of color, as long as it’s black or grey, it’s priced at $250. You can purchase it at West Marine or Reliefband.com.
Enjoy your boating, and Happy Holidays to all!
Chris Caswell is an award-winning writer and the former editor of several yachting magazines. He has appeared on Oprah as a boating lifestyle expert and hosted the Marine Voyager series on the Speed Channel.
Need more gift ideas? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide! Or if you need more info on advertising with us, click here.
