
16 Best Practical Boating Gifts Under $100
Practical Boating Gifts In 2023
Finding gifts for boater that aren’t novelty captain hats or shirts is daunting. Beyond these well-meaning gifts most items for boaters don’t look exciting. Yet that’s wrong, many pieces of practical gear are actually great boating gifts. You don’t even have to break the bank to give a gift someone can use for years to come. To help newbie gift givers or people bored of giving novelty gifts I wrote this hand-picked list. Below are 16 thoughtful and practical boating gifts that are under 100 dollars.
If you are in a hurry, feel free to click the table of contents to take you to a specific gift. Otherwise, start scrolling through to find the perfect gift for your boating enthusiast.
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- Lori Smith
- 10/19/2021
- 01/02/2023
Floating Handheld Marine Vhf Radio
- Floating / Submersible IPX7 Waterproof Rating (3.3 feet or 1 meter for 30 minutes)
- All USA, International And Canadian channels
- High Resolution Dot Matrix LCD display
- E2O Easy To Operate Menu System
- Receive WX And FM Radio Bands 76MHz To 108MHz
- High Capacity 1850 mAh Li-Ion Battery, 12VDC And 11VAC Charging Cables/Cradle
- 3 Year Waterproof Warranty
Ensure clear communication on the water with this pick for practical boating gifts. This is the Standard Horizon HX210 Vhf Radio. Your boater can contact all USA, International and Canadian channels. Plus, it holds a charge for days due to the high-capacity 1850 mAh Li-Ion built-in battery. It’s pretty compact, has a submersible waterproof rating of IPX7, and it also floats! In fact, if it falls in the water it activates an emergency strobe light. For an added bonus you can tune in to your favorite FM radio station. The radio will receive FM broadcast bands between 76 MHz to 108 MHz. To lessen any worries, Horizon backs the HX210 with a 3-year warranty too.
Extreme Max BoatTector Fenders
- Four Black Colored, 6. 5 Inch x 22 Inch BoatTector Fenders & Four 3/8 Inch x 5 Feet Fender Lines
- Equipped With Needle Valve For Precise Inflation Or Deflation Of Each Fender (Pump Not Included)
- Reinforced Molded Eyelets Ensure Strength & Longevity
- UV stabilized, chemically resistant
- Two-Year Limited Warranty
Help your boater protect their boat without putting a dent in their wallet with these practical boating gifts. The BoatTector fenders offer premier protection when docking a boat. They take the beating of wind and waves, so the hull doesn’t have to. Constructed of sturdy PVC walls with reinforced ribs. You can rest assured the consistent wall thickness adds durability and abrasion resistance. Each fender has a needle valve allowing you to inflate or deflate the fender to the desired Pressure. Plus the molded eyelets ensure long fender life expectancy. In this value package are four 6. 5” x 22” BoatTector fenders. As well as, four 3/8” x 5’ fender lines. Needle valve pump not included.
Inflatable Boat Bow Storage Bag
- Bow Specific Shape Storage Bag For Inflatable Tender Or Rubber Dinghy
- Made Of Durable Polyester Canvas Exterior Fabric, With PVC Coated Interior
- SBS Waterproof Zippers; Stainless Steel D-rings
- Adjustable Straps With Quick-Connect Carabineers; Quick Access Pocket With Drain Rivet; Mesh Quick-Access Flap
- Clear Pocket Provides Dry Storage For Electronics And Valuables
- Dimensions: L 22" x W 25" x H 14"
Know a boat owner with an inflatable boat? Give them practical boating gifts that double as innovative storage solutions. The Newport Vessels bow storage bag is the best gift to hold your essentials and maximize space. The specific shape and materials keeps gear safe plus minimizes exposure to salt. It’s simple to install via secure straps and quick-connect carabiners. Last but not least, your boater gets two mesh bottle holders.
Kayaking Personal Flotation Device
- U.S. Coast Guard Approved
- 200-Denier Nylon Ripstop And Nylon Oxford With "SOLAS Grade" Reflective Material
- Soft Flotation Foam Plus Bubble Foam On Inner Back With Mesh Over Top
- Adjustable Side Belts And Shoulder Adjustments With Neoprene Pads
- Size XS / Small: Fits chest sizes 28"- 36"
- Medium / Large: Fits chest sizes 36"- 44"
- Size XL / 2XL: Fits chest sizes 44"-56"
Safety is paramount anytime you are out on the water. But many kayak users know the annoyance of cumbersome PFD life jackets. Not with Onyx’s revolutionary MoveVent Torsion Life Vest though. This is the most comfortable vest ever! Built with a mix of soft sculpted flotation and bubble foam it curved to the body. Plus, the mesh venting will keep the user cool out on the water. Your gift receiver can paddle with joy while knowing they are safe if they take a dunk in the water.
Emergency SOS Distress Signal Light
- Floating Night Visual Distress Signal For Boats; Never Buy Flares Again
- Complies With US Coast Guard Requirements In 46 CFR 161.013
- Flashes US Coast Guard Spec SOS Signal Up To 60 hours
- 75 Candelas Bright; Visible For 10 Nautical Miles
- Daytime Distress Flag And Whistle Included
- Safe And Battery Powered (Batteries Included)
Boat enthusiasts know the importance to keep our waters safe. One great way is to stop using those traditional lit flares in an emergency. Old flares are explosive hazardous waste for our lakes and oceans. Instead, give the gift of a Sirius Signal C-1003 SOS Distress Light, Flag & Whistle. It’s visible up to 10 nautical miles and lasts for up to 60 hours. Keep your loved one’s safe with practical boating gifts that are easy to use, and family friendly.
Fishing Rod Holder
- Single Rod Holder; All Anodized Aluminum Construction
- Mounting Plate Flush With Carpet – No More Stubbed toes
- 360° Rotational Crossbar And 360° Rod Holder Rotation
- Easy Two Knob Removal; Height Adjustments From 12″ to 20″
- Patented SpyderLok Technology Ensures Secure Locking Angles
- Great For Salt Or Freshwater
Searching for a gift for a boater who loves solo fishing? I know they’ll love the convenience of a fishing rod holder. The Millennium Marine® Single Spyderlock Rod Holder is adjustable and rigid. Meticulous boaters will appreciate that it mounts flush to the carpet. The anodized aluminum frame is premium and won’t rust in saltwater conditions. Thanks to this rod holder provides smooth pole adjustments too. It rotates 360° and the height can adjust from 12″ to 20″. Do yourself a favor and gift your boater an easy day out fishing.
Nautical Signal Flags Set
- 36 Signal Flags 12" x 18"
- Sewn, Light/Medium Duty Nylon Material
- Includes All Letters, Numbers, Repeaters And Answering Pennants
- Comes With Handy Carrying Pouch
The Taylor Made International Code Flag set is a good option for dressing up a boat or for decoration in a home. Each 12 × 8 inch flag is a quality nylon fabric not the cheap printed flags you see out on the market. The set includes all letters, numbers, 3 repeaters and 1 red/white AP flag. To fly the top of the flag has a wooden toggle piece that gets inserted through the eye loop of the next flag. The complete span of all the flags reaches almost 60 feet.
T-top Storage Bag For Life Jackets
- Durable 600-denier Polyester Storage Bag For Boat T-Tops
- UV Treated And Water-Resistant
- Dimensions: 37" W x 20" D x 6" H
- Holds 6 Type II Life Jackets (Life Jackets Not Included)
- Two Zippered Compartments And Three Mesh Pockets
- Stretch Cord Zigzagging Across Bottom For Easy Access Storage Of Gear
- One Year Factory Limited Warranty
Adding a T-top to a center console boat is a great way to add some much-needed shade. Another great use for a T-top is adding a place to hang or store useful items for the boat. One great storage option for the T-Top is the SavvyCraft T-top life jacket storage bag. This water-resistant unbranded bag holds 6 type II life jackets. Plus, it has two zippered and three mesh pockets for other gear. Gifting practical boat gifts is a sure-fire way to make a positive impact to your boaters’ life.
Portable Bluetooth Speaker
- IPX7 Waterproof Wireless BlueTooth Speaker
- Built-In 3000mAh Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery Supports Up To 12 Hours Of Playtime
- Ability To Connect Up To 2 Smartphones/Tablets At Same Time
- Built-In Noise And Echo Cancelling Speakerphone For Crystal Clear Conference Calling
- Connect Multiple Speakers With JBL Connect+
- Dual External Passive Radiators Deliver Intense Bass And Premium Sound Quality
For under a hundred bucks this JLB waterproof Bluetooth speaker is an awesome gift. It delivers booming bass and crystal clear sound for over 12 hours of playtime! No need to worry about splashes or dropping it in the water as the speaker is IPX7 waterproof. Meaning you can dunk underwater with no damage. With a simple button press, it has voice assistant integration to access Siri or Google. Finally, it’s available in 6 vibrant colors to match any boaters unique sense of style.
Women's Minimalist Kayak Water Shoes
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Is your wife, daughter, or female friend a lover of minimalist clothing? If so, she’ll love this outdoor/water shoe from Astral. It is a low profile and lightweight water shoe that has incredible traction. There nothing worse than slipping on a slippery deck or hopping off the kayak. The canvas upper with mesh are breathable and comfortable. It’s water ready with a super grip sole that has a level foot bed for all day comfort. Best of all the Loyak is attractive, fits true-to-size and has a great price.
Marine Binoculars
- 8x Magnification And 42 Millimeter Objective Diameter; 12 Foot Close Focus Distance; 17 Millimeter Eye Relief
- 100% Waterproof, O ring Sealed And Nitrogen Purged For Reliable, Fog Free Performance
- BaK 4 Prisms And Multi-Coated Optics Equal Crisp Clear Images With Improved Light Transmission
- Non-Slip Blue Rubber Armor Gives A Sure Grip While Absorbing Shock
- Large Center Focus Knob For Easy Adjustments; Twist Up Eye Cups
- Package Includes: Bushnell H2O binocular, Neck Strap, Carrying Case with Belt Loop, Rubber Lens Covers
- Limited Lifetime Warranty
The Bushnell H2O Binocular is actually an inexpensive priced pair of marine-ready binoculars. What makes these great is that they have similar characteristics of expensive binoculars. Including quality optics with stunning high definition clarity. As well as being 100% waterproof and nitrogen purged for reliable, fog-free performance. Any boater on your shopping list will appreciate the non-slip rubber armor and soft texture grip. Even better is the limited lifetime warranty! Bushnell has been an industry leader in excellent optics for more than 65 years. Choose these if you know a boater who wants precision optics for any marine situation.
Duffle Style Marine Dry Bag
- IPX-6 Rated Waterproof Dry Bag
- Made Of Heavy-Duty 500D PVC With Watertight High-frequency Welded Seams
- Secure Roll-Down Top To Seal Out Rain, Snow, Mud And Sand
- 2 Interior Zip-Pockets Plus 2 Outer Zip Splash-Proof Pockets
- 3 Ways To Tote: Padded Double Handles; Cushioned Shoulder Strap; Attached D-rings Latch To Your Boat Hooks
- Choice Of 40, 60 Or 90 Liter Sizes; 7 Vibrant Colors To Choose From
- 90 Day Money-Back Guarantee
Gifting someone this dry bag will protect all their stuff while on the water. Allowing them to enjoy a stress-free adventure. With its PVC exterior, welded seams & secure roll-down top, DuffelSåk seals out water and grit. Boaters love the roll-down top (not a leaky zipper). To close, simply roll it down 3-4 times, snap the side clips, and you’re set. In fact, it’s so tight it can even float without leaking! Although I should note it’s not rated for submersion. Buyers looking for innovative boating gifts are always happy choosing a DuffelSåk.
Trailer-able Boat Cover: Vessels Under 19 Feet
- 600D Marine Grade Polyester Canvas With Double PU Coating
- Designed For Long-Term Storage, Mooring And Highway Travel
- Includes Adjustable Straps And Storage Bag
- Elastic Cord Sewn Into Bottom Hem Provides A Tight Custom Fit
- This Model (D) Fits V-hull Runabouts (Outboards and I/O) Length: 17'-19' Beam Width: Up To 96”
- 2 Year Limited Warranty
Give the gift of preserving the boat while in storage with the MSC trailer-able boat cover. This double stitched, medium weight material is durable and water-resistant. Your boater will appreciate the easy custom fitment this cover provides. Likewise, if they like covering their boat for distance travel on a trailer this cover can do it. Your boater will need a pole support system to prevent water from pooling. All-in-all, this well priced gift provides a good all-weather protection.
Women's Boat/Fishing Jacket
- Full-Zippered Hooded Jacket; Made Of Medium-Weight Polyurethane-Coated Polyester Fabric
- 100% Waterproof; Exterior Membrane Resists Common Contaminates
- Athletic 4-Way Stretch Cut, Underarm Gussets Deliver Protection Without Restricting Boating/Fishing Actions
- 2 Zippered Hand Pockets; 2 Interior Mesh Pockets
- Adjustable Hood, Hem And Cuffs
Nothing is worse than being wet and cold out on the boat deck. To prevent uncomfortable days out on the water gift my favorite foul weather jacket. The Grundens® Women’s Neptune Jacket provides 100% waterproof protection. It’s a full-zip hooded jacket made of medium-weight polyurethane-coated polyester. With 2 zip hand pockets, 2 interior mesh pockets, and an adjustable hood, hem, and cuffs. It has a modern athletic cut and underarm gussets, so it’s comfortable for all day wear. Help her look great and feel dry with one of my favorite practical boating gifts.
Fishing Tackle Bag
- Hydrophobic Tackle Bag Made Of 420D Rip-Stop Nylon Outer And Inner PVC Layer
- Store Up To (8) 3700 and (4) 3600 Size Lure Boxes With Terminal Tackle & Tools
- 15 Internal And External Storage Pockets
- Neo-Grip Anti-Slip Shoulder Strap
- Waterproof Non-Slip Compression Molded Bottom & Resilient No-Rust Self-Healing Zippers
- Dimensions: L 19.7” x W 13” x H 10.6”
As an angler I can admit I love organization, which is why I always like getting a new tackle bag. The Kast King Lunker tackle bag is my absolute favorite. It has a ton of basic storage options, plus allows you to store containers flat or upright. The amount of place to put thing is almost overwhelming. As an added bonus it’s super water resistant, I left it out on the boat in the rain and nothing got damaged. It’s just a great piece of fishing gear.
Ambient Weather Barometer
- Weather Station Measures Temperature (in °F), Barometric Pressure (mmHg & inHg) Plus Humidity (%)
- Finished In Laquered Wood Frame Made Of Dark Cherry
- Inside It Has Faux Brass Bezels & A Mineral Glass Lens Display
- 8 Inch Diameter Frame, 5 Inch Diameter Face, 1.5 Inch Depth
- Approximate Weight: 2 pounds
Here is a gift idea that was once common in planes, ships, and households across the world. The brass barometer predicts approaching weather by measuring changes in air pressure. Enthusiasts of traditional boating equipment will love this cherry wood framed brass barometer. Any boater will feel proud to have such a beautiful piece of boating equipment in their vessel.
In Summary: Practical Boating Gifts
By now you have a many gift options that are sure to bring a smile to your boaters face. To further aid you here are my methods to narrow down a gift search. First consider use, will they use it on their boat or is this gift just something nautical inspired. Second is location, where does your boater spend most of their time? Saltwater boaters need gifts which will stand up to salt, whereas freshwater boaters don’t.
As always, thanks for letting Outdoors Informed to aid in your gift search. Gifting something practical ensures your boater will cherish it for years to come.
Last update on 2023-03-14