Gear

Cool Boating Gifts for the 2018 Holiday Season

12 rad and random gifts from our 2018 Holiday Gift Guide for your next boating adventure.

By Boating Tech Team

Updated: October 11, 2018

Fishing

Buying holiday gifts for fisherman is tougher than hooking and landing a world record. The experts at Boating put together some reel cool gifts for the boating angler in your life. Check them out and see.

More Gifts: We’ve got a large collection of the top boating gifts! Check out more of our gift guides, here.

Sufix 832 Advance Superline

Anglers always need fresh line when fishing, and the Sufix 832 Advanced Superline is a great holiday gift. The R8 precision braiding and Gore fiber technology provide outstanding strength and casting distance. The Coastal Camo color is best for saltwater fishing. Available in a wide range of pound-tests. $33.99 for 300 yards of 20-pound-test Boating Magazine

Okuma Komodo SS 463

Okuma’s Komodo SS 463 low-profile baitcast reel is ideal for the angler on your list. It features stainless-steel gearing and drive shafts, along with high levels of drag output to take on the largest fish, like pike, muskies, salmon, stripers and jacks. $259.99 Boating Magazine

Shimano 4000XG Fishing Reel

The angler in your family will jump for joy when he or she opens this gift — the Shimano Ultegra 4000XG spinning reel. It includes the Hagane gearing for durability and X-Ship technology for increased smoothness and efficiency. Aero Wrap oscillation makes for perfect line winding and longer casts. Holds 200 yards of monofilament line. $159.99 Boating Magazine

Food and Beverage

Food and drink go with boating like sunsets and bikinis. If you’re looking for a gift for that special boater for the holidays, let the experts at Boating help you make your selection. Choose from one of these great gifts.

Yeti Rambler Wine Tumbler

A wine glass should be smooth and rounded, but for active people, stable.This Yeti Rambler 10-ounce wine tumbler keeps your beverage at the ideal served temperature down to the last sip. It comes in six available colors so your friend can’t “accidentally” drink yours, and it’s available with a locking lid too. $24.99 ($9.99 for the lid) Boating Magazine

Dakine Party Bucket

Yes, there might be bigger, fancier cooler’s on your special someone’s wish list, but the Party Bucket from Dakine checks off the most important box: fun. This insulated insert instantly transforms a standard 5-gallon bucket into a portable cooler. It has a zippered top, and it also has a pocket for sandwiches or other food items. Eight insulated, external holsters keep drinks handy, and a large zippered pocket can hold essentials. $55 Boating Magazine

Watersports

Behind the boat or on the water, these gifts are perfect for those who enjoy paddling and tubing with friends and family.

Sportsstuff Rock ’N Tow 3

Man, will the boat captain on your holiday gift list be a hit when she tells the crew they will be towed aboard the Sportsstuff Rock ‘N Tow 3! Up to three riders enjoy the rocking ride on this tow toy with its air-cushioned dividers, quick-connect tow point and heavy-duty cover. It’s also available in a two-person version. $460 Boating Magazine

Ocean Kayaks Malibu 9.5

The new Malibu 9.5 is the perfect-size sit-on-top kayak to bring aboard a boat. This great gift features a molded-in seat with an adjustable backrest, rod holders and cup holders, plus a dry hatch to keep your phone and valuables out of harm’s way. $549.99 Boating Magazine

Reading and Writing

Relive your favorite memories and document new ones with these great boating gifts.

Rite In The Rain Trio

The waterproof pad, pouch and pen in this kit from Rite in the Rain are offered separately, but they make a great kit any boater will like. The pad is made with waterproof paper, comes with metric and imperial rulers, and is ideal for boaters. The pen writes on wet paper and upside down. The Cordura cover looks great and keeps everything together. $33.50 Boating Magazine

Boats On The Bay

This book, by Jeanne Walker Harvey and illustrated by Grady McFerrin, with its lovely images and insightful description of boats on San Francisco Bay, will inspire, entertain and inform the boater you give it to, regardless of where they boat or what type of boat they own. The spectacular doublespread, gatefold finale is awesome. Ostensibly a children’s book, boaters of all ages will engage with Boats on the Bay (40 pages). $18 Boating Magazine

Lego Creator Cruising Adventures

Give the gift of dreaming! The boater on your list can build a dream boat and outfit for a dreamy cruise. What a great way to while away the winter months. $59.99 Boating Magazine

Sea Tow Membership

Give the gift of a Sea Tow membership this holiday season. From tows and fuel deliveries to unique discounts on fuel, boating supplies and restaurants, a Sea Tow membership makes the perfect gift for your favorite boater. $179/ full year (Gold Card membership) Boating Magazine

BoatUS Towing Membership

Give the gift of a BoatUS Unlimited Towing Membership with towing service provided by TowBoatUS. They will enjoy 24/7 dispatch assistance, and never pay out of pocket for a tow back to the dock or for a soft ungrounding. Included is a subscription to BoatUS Magazine; exclusive fuel, transient slip and repair discounts; and the opportunity to earn rewards on boating gear at West Marine stores. Saltwater $149; Freshwater: $72 Boating Magazine