The Gift of Boating Safety: What to Get a Boating Fanatic
Whether shopping for a birthday gift, Christmas gift, or something for your dad for Father's Day, finding the right item for your boating fanatic can be challenging.
So, where do you start? If your loved ones are crazy about being out on the water, here are a few gifts that show how much you care about their safety on the water. They also show off your good taste. Yes, these boating safety-themed items also have a bit of style!
1. A Cool PFD
Be safe. Look great.
It's a fact: the number one way to prevent a fatality while boating is to wear a life jacket. However, many boaters still resist wearing one, citing how they look or feel.
Well, the latest generation of PFDs (personal flotation devices) not only do the job (keeping your head above water) but also look and fit great. So, there are no excuses.
Here are a few of our favorites:
- For the recreational boater and angler: the Inflatable Mustang M.I.T.
- For the paddler: the Kokatat Ronin
- For the wakeboard fan: the Hyperlite Indy Vest: Men's
No matter which PDF you choose, make sure it fits your loved one!
2. Navigational Tools
A gift that doesn't require wrapping? There's an app for that.
Need to send a last-minute gift to someone out of town? For a smartphone or tablet owner, here's a gift that requires no wrapping or postage – an app.
Gifting an app (for an iPhone, iPad, or Android device) is incredibly easy. There are some great boating apps out there! Some of the most useful are marine navigation charts, which are also great from a safety perspective.
Here are three popular choices:
- Wavve Boating: Nautical charts, tide data, and more
- iNavX: Marine Navigation for iPhone and iPad
- Navionics: Electronic Charts for iPhone, iPad and Android
A good app while on the water can be a lifesaver for your boating enthusiast!
3. A Waterproof VHF Marine Radio
Be heard when it counts!
A marine VHF radio is a must-have on all larger vessels, but it can come in handy on even the smallest boats for checking in with marinas and other vessels or getting the weather update.
Most importantly, Channel 16 is dedicated to distress signaling. So, if you get in trouble and have a VHF radio, you will be heard.
There are many options, but this handy and affordable waterproof model caught our eye: the Uniden MHS75 VHF Waterproof Two-Way Marine Radio.
4. A Tri-Power Whistle
Be heard when it counts (again).
Whether on the water or on your street, your greatest need in an emergency is often to be heard.
Approved by the U.S. Coast Guard and used by the National Association for Search and Rescue (NASAR), this is not your everyday piece of plastic.
This small, very loud (120 decibels loud), almost indestructible whistle is the perfect everyday safety companion.
Designed by search and rescue professionals, it's less than $5! So please pick up a few as stocking stuffers and make sure the people you care about have one on their keychain and their PFD.
5. Personal Locator or Tracker
A personal locator or tracker can be a huge asset for those really going out in the wild. If you get a SPOT Personal Tracker, you can also use it to check in with loved ones to say you're okay.
The SPOT uses satellite positioning to provide your location when you're off the cell grid. Another option for personal location services is a Position Locater Beacon, such as the McMurdo Fastfind.
Unlike the SPOT service, PLBs do not require a subscription; however, they cost a little more upfront. There are arguments for both; however, the bottom line is that if you need to be found in the wilderness, either of these is better than none.
6. Re-entry Ladder
Get back in the boat.
Falling out of your boat is one thing. Not being able to get back in is quite another. Struggling in the water does not look very smooth, and it can be downright dangerous, especially if you're out fishing solo.
Statistics show that many boating fatalities stem from falls overboard, often when boaters are out alone. Getting back in your boat can be very difficult, and cold water shock can set in quickly.
One way to ensure your favorite angler is prepared for an unexpected spill is to install a re-entry ladder on their boat. You can install a fixed ladder to a boat, but two other interesting options caught our eye: a spring-loaded ladder and a flexible boarding ladder.
7. A Boating Safety Course
The gift that keeps on giving.
Whether it means knowing what to do at the boat launch or what to do when storm clouds roll in out on the water, being prepared is always cool.
Not to mention, getting a fine for violating a boating regulation never looks good.
In Canada and most U.S. states, you need a boating safety certificate to operate a motorized vessel legally. A boating safety course leading to certification also prepares boaters for various situations, from routine maintenance to trailering to storm preparedness.
Many boating courses are out there, but we'd like to toot our own horn as one of the best options. Our online course is convenient and engaging and has been approved by NASBLA and recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard.
We have also certified over 2 million boaters. Not bad!
Give our course as a gift and help your favorite boater be prepared and stay safe this year.
Keep Your Boating Enthusiast Safe with Boating Safety Gifts
The gift of safety is the gift that keeps on giving! Whether you or someone you love is the boating enthusiast in your life, the items we discussed today can help any boater stay safe on the water.
We're especially partial to item #7, although wearing a PFD is crucial! A boating safety course helps prepare boat operators (from big jetboats to smaller fishing boats and kayaks) for spending time on the water.
Whether you need to get certified or you want to give this gift to someone else, find the course for the appropriate state or choose the Canada-approved course!
Originally published December 9, 2011. Content updated October 12, 2023.
