If your Dad is a boater, consider yourself blessed for many reasons, not the least of which is that you’ll never be at a loss for gift ideas. A man with a boat is always happy to receive the gift of gear that helps him boat better, or make his time on the water that much more enjoyable. Here then, are our handpicked items to buy for your boating dad this Father’s Day.
More Gifts: We’ve got a large collection of the top boating gifts! Check out more of our gift guides, here.
Electronics
Garmin quatix 7 Series Smartwatches
With GPS, touchscreen displays, tide charts, and control of multifunction displays (MFD), autopilot and Fusion sound systems, the new Garmin quatix 7 series marine smartwatches make the perfect gifts for Dads who love the water. The rechargeable watches include the quatix 7, 7 Sapphire, and 7X Solar. Sapphire models add an AMOLED display for sharper color, while the Solar models offer solar charging to extend battery life up to 90 days. The series also supports Garmin’s BlueChart g3 and LakeVu g3 charts. From $699.99 to $1,199.99; garmin.com
Sharkbanz 2 Wrist/Ankle Band
If Dad likes to take the boat on dive trips in salt water, the Sharkbanz 2 wrist/angle band can help protect him from sharks. The patented magnetic technology deters shark attacks when swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving or surfing. The three-ounce Sharkbanz 2 uses patented magnetic technology deters shark attacks, and it will fit most people. It uses an electro-magnetic field that impacts a shark’s sensitive electroreception within the organs in its nose known as the ampullae of lorenzini. The technology proved effective in a 15-month study in the waters of Western Australia, according to Sharkbanz. $94, amazon.com
EcoXGear Journey Bluetooth Speaker
The clear sound, watertight construction, included storage vault, shoulder strap included present an outstanding value. EcoxGear Ecocast allows the system to connect to other speakers which become audio repeaters. Answer and make voice activated calls with it while the phone is stowed safely inside. You may not need it on the boat but you’ll want it on the sandbar, campsite or backyard. $179.99, amazon.com
Icom M94D VHF
The MacDaddy of handhelds, the M94D has a crisp LED screen powerful 6 watt or 1 watt (for in port) transmitting settings. Dual watch and Tri Watch settings let you monitor 16 and one or two other channels you select. Enter your vessel’s MMSI number and it becomes a DSC communicator with SOS capabilities to facilitate rescue by transmitting your position when you make an SOS call. It comes with a charging base and a 120 and 12 volt charge adapter. $349.99, westmarine.com
Kicker KMC5 Premium Media Center
This premium media center installs quickly in a 3-inch gauge hole but presents a big 3 ½” by 5 ½ inch color LCD screen with tactile buttons for easy controls. It features 240 Watts output in two zones so you can separately control bow and cockpit or cabin and cockpit volume. Bluetooth capable, it lets anybody DJ by quickly connecting the device for changing tunes and volume. $599.99, kicker.com
Gear
Dometic Patrol 75 Cooler
No Dad can refuse a new cooler, especially one of five models in Dometic’s rugged rotomolded polyethene Patrol cooler series, the Patrol 75 features thick polyurethane insulation and an air-tight lid seal to keep ice frozen for days. Nonskid feet prevent it from sliding on deck. One-handed rubber latches make it easy to open and close the lid. A rack inside keeps provisions dry. Add optional accessories such as a rod holder, cup holder or bottle opener to customize your cooler. Unscrew the large leakproof drain plug for simple cleaning. The 75-quart capacity cooler weighs 42.2 pounds when empty. $336.17, amazon.com
Torcello Elite Steering Wheels
How about a new steering wheel to help bling out Dad’s boat? The new Torcello Elite steering wheels from Schmitt & Ongaro Marine are wrapped in hand-stitched marine-grade synthetic leather that matches the feel, texture and comfort of a wheel on a premium automobile. The 14-inch-diameter polyurethane Torcello Elite outer rim can be covered in an array of fabric and stitching color combinations to complement a boat interior décor. The stainless-steel spokes are available in polished or black anodized finishes It’s available with a 3/4-inch tapered or optional splined hub. The Torcello Elite wheels meet ABYC and NMMA standards. $910, schmittongaromarine.com
HoseCoil 75’ Hose, Nozzle and Canvas Bucket
Turn off the water and it shrinks to 25 feet of scrunch hose you can stow anywhere, but also in this included canvas bucket. A quick release fitting makes it quick to drain and stow and the rubber-nosed nozzle won’t mar the boat. $74.99, hosecoil.com
Worx Nitro 20 Volt Cordless Wet Vac
Choose an angled nozzle or the wide carpet tool to suck up your troubling dirt, grime and spills. It’s 20 volt battery pack and motor provide plenty of power and a low power Eco mode for delicate jobs. It’s as portable as a lunch box and comes with a shoulder strap, battery and charger. $175.96, amazon.com
Minelab Vanquish 540 Pro Pack Metal Detector
This may be the most infectious way to pass the time there is. Add it to the boat and stop along busy island beaches accessible only by boat and you have a target rich treasure trove of lost jewelry to hunt. The Vanquish 540 comes with bluetooth head set, rechargeable AA lithium ion batteries, a charger and a large and small coil. Settings allow you to filter out all but jewelry of gold and silver, or keep coins in the mix while ignoring gum wrappers, pull tabs and bottle tops. Settings for tools and relics are ideal for hunting artifacts around old battlefields and farmsteads. $500, amazon.com
Steiner Navigator 7×50 Binoculars
Steiner’s optics are always top shelf. The 7 x 50s are the optimum balance between balance and at sea stability–you can keep your eye on the target and enjoy crisp contrast and clear color rendition not possible with a higher magnification. The barrels are non-slip textured and the open bridge adjusts to eye width easily. They are waterproof to 5 meters. $689.99, steiner-optics.com
Safety
Ocean Signal SeaSafe EPRIB1 Pro
Dad’s safety at sea comes first, and that’s why the SafeSea EPIRB1 Pro from Ocean Signal is a great Father’s Day gift. This is the world’s most compact Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon, offering a 30 percent smaller footprint than other EPIRBs. The float beacon has a 10-year battery life and intuitive operating controls to help prevent accidental activation. It is fitted with a bright LED strobe light and comes with a Category I automatic release housing that deploys the EPIRB if immersed in water. $589.95, hodgesmarine.com
Mustang MIT 100 Lifejacket
Get dad the same life vest worn by Boating editors during boat tests. The manual Mustang Survival M.I.T. 70 Inflatable PFD is flexible, comfortable and light without compromising durability, quality or performance. $120, mustangsurvival.com
ACR ResQLink 400
Give Dad (and yourself) the peace of mind that comes from being able to call for help from anywhere at any time. No subscription necessary. Waterproof. Floats. Includes a strobe light, five-year battery and multi clip system. Do it! $339.99, acrartex.com/products/resqlink-400/
Acme Thunderer Whistle
A whistle is an essential safety product that should be affixed to every lifejacket. Our youth working as a coastal lifeguard proved the corrosion-resistance and reliability of the Acme Thunderer. Chrome plated, made in England, it is the best. $12.63, amazon.com
Apparel
XTRATUF Auna Sandals
Summer time is flip-flop time, so why not give Dad a pair of the new Auna sandals from Xtratuf. These cool-looking flip-flops feature a high-rebound, textured foot bed and a soft, abrasion-resistant fore-foot strap. Designed for the boating lifestyle, they include a Tufgrp outsole constructed with a special rubber compound in a unique water-shedding pattern. Available in men’s sizes 7 to 14 in brown, black camo and gray. $69.95, amazon.com
Sperry 7Seas 3-Eye Deck Shoes
Dads and deck shoes—it’s an All American combination. So give him a new pair of Sperry’s new 7Seas 3-Eye deck shoes with water-shedding, quick-drying hydrophobic mesh upper and draining ports that allow for fast water dispersal. The 360 lacing system ensures a comfortable, but firm fit. A lightweight molded EVA midsole with ports for fast draining provides cushioning. A non-marking rubber outsole features Sperry’s signature wave-pattern razor-cut siping for the ultimate in traction on wet surfaces. $47.86, amazon.com
Mustang Callan Top
The boating Dad in your life will love the new Callan waterproof top from Mustang Survival. This top features neoprene neck and wrist seals to keep water out in foul weather. Lightweight and packable, the top is made with a three-layer Marinespec MP waterproof fabric, and offers four-way stretch with an athletic fit. Underarm gussets offer a wide range of motion, and a zippered right-hand pocket keeps small items secure. Available in red in men’s sizes XS to XXL. $249.99, mustangsurvival.com
Fin-Nor Sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses are always great gifts for boating Dads, and the Fin-Nor series is one of the latest to hit the market. Designed by eyewear experts in coordination with fishing guides, models feature Lateral Line lens technology that intensifies color without distortion, reduces blue light transmittance, prevents glare, and cuts through haze. The glass and polycarbonate lenses feature 5- and 7-layer anti-reflective coatings, respectively, to reduce eye strain and enhance visual acuity. Frames venting systems prevent fogging. There are 20 different styles, some featuring names of famous guides such as Bouncer Smith and Robert R.T. Trosset. Ranging from $159 to $209, finnorfishing.com
Bajio Chelem Sunglasses
There’s a new looker in town, with eyes on your dad. Bajio. But their new “Chelem” polarized glass is designed to fit larger faces and meet the new fashion trend of larger lenses on women, too. In short, a matching pair would make sure your dad didn’t have to hide them from your mom. They have recessed nose pads and temples that make them “stick” to your face, but the hug is light and gentle. Lapis technology filters blue light relieving eye strain and easing glare from the water. $199 ($249 for glass lenses), bajio.com
Grundens SeaKnit Boat Shoes
These lace-up shoes so flex with your foot, I don’t lace them. I just knot each lace to keep it off the floor. The look is great, the comfort and breathability surprising from a full height shoe. The stability on deck is also impressive, thanks to the wide sole tapering to a wider tread. The shock absorbing EVA sole also fights knee fatigue, cushioning from impact climbing up and down decks or from dock to boat. $109, grundens.com
AFTCO Rangle Shirt
The fabric is so thin, it’s nearly weightless, so tough I haven’t managed to tear mine no matter whether fishing, farming or doing shop work. Pleated pockets are closed with snaps, not Velcro–yea! Roll up sleeves have button up keepers and the collar and shirt front close with buttons. The fit is loose and breezy, the look is upscale Sunday afternoon. The design is battlewagon-ready for all anglers. It’s UPF 50 protects from the sun and it back vents, keep the wearer cool. $48, aftco.com
Salt Life Aqualite Performance Polo Shirt
Dad will look great at the helm or at the dockside restaurant in this performance polo shirt. This poly-spandex blend has UV30 sun protection and is lightweight and quick-drying, so it’s ideal for wearing on the water when a collared shirt is preferred. $45, saltlife.com
Casio PRW61-1A
If Dad needs a rugged, reasonably-priced watch to wear while he’s on the water, this Casio could be just the ticket. Part of Casio’s Pro Trek line, the PRW61-1A is made from durable yet eco-friendly plastics, is water-resistant to 100 meters and is solar-rechargeable. It’s got a built-in compass and can provide temperature and barometric pressure readings. $420, casio.com
Salt Life Tradewinds Micro Ripstop Hooded Jacket
Keep this jacket stowed on board in its pouch until there’s a chill in the air or a slight drizzle, and Dad can break it out and protect himself from the elements. This water-resistant windbreaker has a cinched hood and zipper pockets where you can safely throw the boat keys. Great for when Dad goes out on those days with moderate weather. $85, saltlife.com
Kizik Lima Tidepool Shoes
These slip on shoes might be the most comfortable, hassle free lace-up sneakers around. The key feature is the reinforced heel design that allows you to leave the laces tied, and still slip in and out of them hands-free. Plus, they’re lightweight and breathable and they dry very quickly, so they’re a good fit for boaters. The rubber traction sole works well on non-skid decks. $109, kizik.com
Columbia Escape Thrive Endure Shoe
Dad will look as cool in these waterproof kicks as he does at the end of the tow rope. A multi-sport shoe built for the trail and beyond, the new TechLite Plush midsole delivers a smooth heel-to-toe transition, ensuring lasting underfoot comfort. Secure midfoot lockdown and a wet-dry traction outsole keep dad going mile after mile. Available in a variety of colors. $160, columbia.com
Fishing
Penn HD Line Winder
Watch Dad’s eyes light up when he sees the Penn HD Line Winder. It makes life so much easier when spooling up revolving spool reels. The heavy-duty corrosion-resistant frame has rubber to keep it from sliding. It will adapt to large bulk spools, as well as small filler spools of fishing line, and Dad can increase or decrease the tension. Plus, it folds away for storage. $69.99, amazon.com
Shimano TwinPower XD Reels
The fishing father in your life will love one of Shimano’s TwinPower XD spinning reels. They combine lightweight construction, toughness and sensitivity for inshore saltwater fishing. The Magnumlite (MGL) Rotor provides smooth rotation for ultra-fast line pickup and increased lure control in windy conditions. This also reduces the overall weight of the reel. Shimano’s cold-forged Hagane gear system offers smoothness, strength and durability, and the aluminum Hagane body virtually eliminates flex. Available in 3000, 4000 and 5000 sizes. Starting at 363.61, amazon.com
Hardy Zane Carbon Fly Reels
If Dad likes to fly-fish for bonefish, permit or tarpon from his flats skiff, a Zane Carbon fly reel from Hardy represents the perfect gift for him. It’s lightweight, sports a large arbor, and has a sealed disc drag reel capable of handling fish in the shallows. It’s make from 6061 anodized aluminum. The Carbon features a 340-degree regulated drag control with hard indents for fast, accurate adjustments. Available in four versatile saltwater sizes. Starting at $550, amazon.com
Toadfish Elite Carbon Series Spinning Reel
Seven sealed bearings, sealed drag and watertight aluminum body means this super smooth reel will stay super smooth for years. We recently tested a 2500 series($150) with 20 lb. braid and six feet of 20 lb. flourocarbon leader. The leader knot zipped through the guides. The smooth drag is predictably powerful and the heft and balance in the hand is comfortable. Ours was paired with a two piece 7’4” ML XF graphiteToadfish rod ($138) and the action of it handled 1/16 to 3/4 ounce lures nicely. toadfish.com
Greys Tital Fly Reel
Greys TITAL all water fly reel isn’t just for salt, not just for fresh. Follow salmon on their inland beats, chase stripers on the beach of tarpon wherever they are found. This reel is machined of quality barstock, anodized for corrosion protection and fitted with a sealed arbor carbon fiber drag with 12 pounds of power to turn fish. It’s light, easily rinsed at the end of the day and capable of carrying 100 yards of backing under a 10 weight fly line. Sizes range from 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 and 9-10 for big snook, reds and tarpon. $235.99, basspro.com
Watersports
Tidal Wake XLR8
Turn dad’s boat into a surf machine! Engineered wedge-style performance shaper that is easy to install from inside the boat plus compact “glove-box” size storage. Best shaper for both skim and surf style riders. Patent pending design grows and accelerates your wake for a larger sweet spot with more push. Great for big air, tricks & more wake to play with for those new to the sport. Strongest suction cups on the market make it easy to switch to either side of the boat. If you drop it in the water, it floats. Rotating lanyard loop to better protect your boat’s finish. Easy to grip handle. Tool-Free. $199.95, tidalwake.com/product/xlr8-wake-shaper
Liquid Force Horizon 160 Foil Set
Get Dad in on the foiling fun! The Horizon 160 wing is for the bigger riders and smaller waves, with plenty of lift to get you out behind smaller boat boats or jet skis. Feeling comfortable on the 1st wave? The Horizon 160 Foil Set will allow you to drop back on the 2nd and 3rd waves for even more fun. Horizon 160 Front Wing – Surface Area 1600 cm² | Wingspan 78 cm TC 28 Rear Stabilizer Wing – Surface Area 280 cm²
$1,399.99; liquidforce.com
WOW Watersports Inflator
Save Dad’s breath and give him more storage aboard his boat. This 12-volt inflator easily inflates tubes and more. Additionally, it will rapidly and completely deflate inflated items, making them easier to stow aboard. Comes with a variety of air valve adapters for tubes, floats, fenders and more. $21.99, wowwatersports.com
O’Brien Intent Wakeboard
If Dad rides like a pro, consider the O’Brien DZ Wakeboard. The Intent is the epitome of a performance boat board. It’s fast, insanely responsive, has the explosiveness of a rocketship, and lands softer than an astronaut doing jumping jacks on the moon. While riding flat, it’s loose and lively but put it on edge, and a mind-warping connection between you and the board builds as it morphs into an all-out wake charging machine. $459.99, obrien.com
Airhead Slider
Looking for a fast and wild ride for Dad? Indulge him in the ultimate towable ride with Slider, our small and lightweight towable deck tube for boats. Riders will feel a surge of adrenaline upon picking up speed, and the bolster fins will help keep you secure on the tube, no matter how fast you can go. $99, airhead.com
Ronix Koal Classic Fish Wakesurf Board
You’re looking for something that will check all Dad’s boxes – fun, snappy, easy to ride and fair for all levels. Luckily you’ve stumbled upon the Ronix Koal Classic Fish Wakesurf Board, designed with a profile that shoots down the line while remaining nimble enough for cutbacks and airs off the lip. A long-running favorite from Ronix, the Koal Classic Fish is a staple on boats all across the country. Dad will love it! $699.99, amazon.com
Drop N Fill
This fuel transfer aid helps dad fill up his boat easier and with less chance of spills. Watersports often takes place on small lakes without fuel docks. That means carrying gas cans down to the boat,. Make dealing with those cumbersome necessities easier with Drop N Fill. Drop N Fill is a self-supporting fuel transfer system. It supports itself and the fuel can, while funneling the liquid into wherever you need it. See our complete review: wakeboardingmag.com/story/gear/drop-n-fill-for-easier-boat-fueling
$149.99, dropnfill.com/products/drop-n-fill
Roswell Board Racks
Coming in a variety of styles and prices, Roswell board racks , like the Elite Knee/ Wake Rack shown, allow dad to safely and proudly carry his boards and those of his fellow riders. The Elite Knee Wake racks are saltwater friendly. They feature a brushed anodized tines and a backing plate with black RWA logo medallion and integrated webbed bungee strap with loop. It will hold one kneeboard up to 5 inches thick and one wakeboard up to 1.15 inches thick. $639, roswellmarine.com/product/elite-knee-wake
Body Glove Harley Clifford Vest
If Dad competes in wakeboarding, he needs a competition vest like this Harley Clifford model from Body Glove. It features and ultra-low profile design and a Magnaflex shell. There is a boardshort connector, convenient drain panels and more. NOTE: NOT USCG Approved. $129.99, bodyglove.com
