Gear

2019 Father’s Day Gift Guide

Use our Father’s Day Gift Guide to find the right gift for your boating dad.

Updated: May 21, 2019

2019 Father's Day Gift GuideBoating Magazine

Searching for the perfect gift for your boating dad? Our Father’s Day Gift Guide features nautical products covering a variety of categories. From marine electronics to fishing lures and boat accessories, we’ve got great gift ideas for a wide range of boaters.

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

Everyday Boater Sunglasses

Aviator Stingrays represent an affordable homage to an American classic . They hold up to all premium brands while being both fresh- and saltwater-resistant. The slightly less oval shape on the bottom helps make this a great pair for both boating dads and boating moms. $100; everydayboater.com/collections/sunglassesCourtesy Everyday Boater

Sunday Afternoon Hats

Sun protection is critical. Sunday Afternoon Hats make it stylish, cool and comfortable. Take the Islander, a straw hat with a UPF factor of 50 and a custom fit from either a size medium or large hat. The elastic sweatband insures the had fits snugly but comfortably and the tripilla straw keeps it all cool—in look and comfort. A leather lanyard snugs it down to the chin for fast boating, or it lets it blow back until you retrieve it when you stop. $34; sundayafternoons.comCourtesy Sunday Afternoon Hats

Mission Boat Gear T-Shirt

Why beat around the bush when you can state the obvious? The dad in your life loves boating, that's why you're reading this gift guide in the first place. So get him a simple t-shirt that will make him smile and tell the world what he's all about: being a Boat Dad! $18, missionboatgear.comCourtesy Mission Boat Gear

Jetty Longsleeve Solar Shirt

With the classic outboard graphic on this longsleeve, UPF 50 shirt from Jetty, Dad can have the best of both worlds: nostalgic style and modern sun protection. Thanks to moisture-wicking material, Jetty's sun protection shirt is lightweight and comfortable, while keeping harmful rays off your dad's skin. $43.95; jettylife.comCourtesy Jetty

Fuse Replacement Lenses

If your dad has a favorite pair of sunglasses he just can't part with, but the lenses are toast, Fuse offers the perfect remedy (and gift). With tons of frame styles preset, chances are you can hop on the website and find what you need. If not, Fuse will send you a shipping label so you can mail Dad's shades off to have custom lenses cut. Choose from a variety of colors and glass quality, including polarized with a clear guard coating. Starting at $19; fuselenses.comCourtesy Fuse

Radar Rambler Hybrid shorts

A good pair of shorts is essential for being on the boat, but why stop there? Keep the Rambler shorts from Radar on all day thanks to quick-drying materials with an ultra soft feel. Your dad can go from watersports fun to cruising the marina restaurants in style without having to change. Work smarter, not harder, right? $59.99; radarskis.comCourtesy Radar Skis

SoftScience Tradewinds Slip-Ons

The older Pops gets, the more he appreciates a comfortable pair of shoes, and that's exactly what he gets with a pair of SoftScience Tradewinds slip-on shoes. They feature a knitted textile upper with elastic that creates a sock-like fit, and is easy to pull on and off. The cushiony Trileon removable insole and slender low-profile Trileon outsole provides a supreme level of comfort and slip-resistance. Available in Light Navy, Black and Sage Green. $59.95, softscience.comCourtesy SoftScience

Norchill Boat Cooler

Constructed with a tear and UV resistant PVC tarpaulin shell, the BoatBag will deliver unmatched durability, water resistance and cooling power to withstand even the harshest boating & fishing adventures. It gives boating dads the ability to keep their favorite snacks and up to 48 cans of beverages and 20 pounds of ice at the just the ideal temperature. Also available in a 24-can size, the xTreme Marine cooler is built to last with its anti-skid bottom and puncture-resistant skin. $149, $199; norchillcoolers.com/pages/boat-cooler EXCLUSIVE! Boating Magazine readers save 50% off your total purchase on regularly priced items on Norchillcoolers.com. One coupon per customer. Use promotional code: BOATINGFD. Coupon expires on 6/30/19.Courtesy Norchill

Costa Ocearch Collection Sunglasses

This collection supports OCEARCH, an at-sea lab led by explorers and researchers who generate critical data and put science on the side of sharks. Costa's long-term partnership with OCEARCH deepens its commitment to protect the lifeblood of our oceans. Costa's OCEARCH Collection now features 17 sunglass frames and four optical frame options, with 12 different frame colors. An example is the Ocearch Switchfoot in polarized glass lenses. $269; costadelmar.comCourtesy Costa

Grunden’s SeaDek Sandals

Deck out your boating dad, with Deck-Boss footwear, two new models of sandals that incorporate SeaDek Marine Products to create durable, shock-absorbent sandals. The Deck-Boss Sandal and Deck-Hand Sandal both utilize SeaDek anti-slip, antimicrobial footbeds to produce the feel of walking on a soft, comfortable boat deck with every step. $39.99 (Deck-Hand), $59.99 (Deck-Boss); shop.grundens.comCourtesy Grundens

WeatherTech CupFone

CupFone is a mobile phone holder that sits conveniently in any vehicle's cup-holder. Fully adjustable tilt and rotation allows you to easily see your favorite app like Navigation or Waze when on the road. Makes hands free voice commands easy to use along with hands free telephone calls. $39.99; weathertech.com/cupfone/Courtesy WeatherTech

Tilley Polaris Hat

Famed Tilley hats, worn by Boating editors, now offers a paddling-optimized series for dads who like to take off on an SUP, kayak or canoe as well as a powerboat. Featuring a sunglass holder and a hide-a-way cape to protect dad's neck from the sun, they also boast eco-friendly 3XDRY Bio fabric to offer maximum moisture repellency. $115; tilley.com/uk_en/tp100-polaris.htmlCourtesy Tilley

LiveTarget Mackerel and Cigar Minnows

In chrome and blue, I like 'em for coho in the Great Lakes, but they are made to be deadly on grouper, kingfish and some pelagics. They troll true and straight at high speeds and reach depths of 20 to 25 feet, depending on the model. Galvanized hooks and stainless-steel split rings and line ties mean they'll hold their shine after saltwater use. They come in various colors, and the Mackerel comes in four sizes and depths from 4 to 6 inches. The Cigar Minnow is available in 6-inch lengths at $22, $17 to $23; livetargetlures.comCourtesy LiveTarget

Engel Live Bait Dry Box Cooler Combo

A 19-quart insulated box with an aeration port and a piggyback air pump is enough to keep several dozen crappie minnows or a few dozen shrimp alive for your fishing expedition. It doubles as a cooler, or a dry box for keeping camera gear, for instance. A fitted mesh liner makes it easy to move bait from the box to the boat's livewell—a handy feature when transporting bait for more than a few minutes. Sizes range from 7.5 to 30 quarts and can be accessorized with one or two pairs of rod holders. $80 to $120; engelcoolers.comCourtesy Engel

Flylow Rainbreaker

You don't always need the heaviest gear to keep the elements away. Sometimes you need something rugged yet lightweight to keep dry in a storm. This portable shell is lightweight and breathable yet fully waterproof, with taped seams and stretchy collars on the arms to shut water out. $140; flylowgear.comCourtesy Flylow

Plano Z-Series Tackle Bags

These zipperless soft bags hold all the tackle you need, and stand up to the elements if you leave them on deck. They have mesh pockets and tool enclosures, plus room to store Plano plastic tackle trays. $70 to $90; planomolding.comCourtesy Plano

Shimano Calcutta Conquest-A

This rugged baitcaster can serve as a big-game freshwater reel or an inshore saltwater baitcaster with equal aplomb. Most notable is its Variable Breaking System (VBS) that solves the backlash problem that affects so many baitcasting reels. Make thousands of casts without worry. $580; shimano.comCourtesy Shimano

Grundens Deck-Boss Safety Toe Deck Boots

These boots feature the Herkules Grip outsole, which has the highest slip resistance on the market. There are other versions of the Deck-Boss, including insulated and regular, but the Safety Toe has a steel reinforcement to keep your feet safe from any on-deck mishaps. $154.99; grundens.comCourtesy Grundens

Pelagic End Game Pro Fishing Gloves

These gloves are great for protecting your hands while working a fish or handling all the gear and tackle that come along with fishing. Now they have smart touch technology in the thumb and forefinger so you can still operate touchscreens while wearing them. $42; pelagicgear.comCourtesy Pelagic

Papa’s Pilar Dark Rum

Hemingway's Pilar is one of the most celebrated fishing boats of all time, and what better way to toast your trophy catch—if you're not the captain—than with a bit of Papa's dark rum? The 86-proof rum has a sweet taste mixed with earthy vegetal tones. $44.99; papaspilar.comCourtesy Papas Pilar

Gerber Neat Freak Braided Line Cutters

If you're not fishing braid, you're missing a lot of potential bites. But if you are fishing braid, you know it's a pain to manage. These rugged line cutters ensure a clean, fray-free snip to make any braided line easy to manage and tie off. $19.99; gerbergear.comCourtesy Gerber

Dogfish Head Off-Center Activity Box

Here's another way for anyone not driving the boat to toast a great day of fishing on the water. This activity box from Dogfish Head features a variety of different beers that can be iced right in the box, leaving room in your cooler to chill whatever it is you catch for dinner. Price varies; dogfish.comCourtesy Dogfish Head

Roswell R1 In-Boat Package With RGB Controller

Give Dad the ultimate gift of audio bliss on his boat with this package from Roswell. Featuring two pairs of the new 6.5" R1 speakers, the kit has everything needed to get a boat sounding better than ever, including an amp and RCA cables. Plus, it comes with an RGB controller and remote so Dad can play with the awesome lighting effects the R1 speakers are capable of. Available in black or white styles. $1,149; roswellmarine.comCourtesy Roswell Marine

SPOT X Two-Way Satellite Messenger

SPOT X provides two-way satellite messaging so Dad can stay connected to family and friends whenever he's outside of cellular range, including direct communication with search-and-rescue services in case of a life-threatening emergency. SPOT X even provides dad with his own personal mobile U.S. number so others can message him directly from their cellphone or other SMS devices at any time. $249.99 (service plans start at $11.49/month); findmespot.comCourtesy SPOT

JL Audio M6 Marine Speakers

If Pop is a music fan, he will love the new M6 series of marine coaxial speakers, subwoofers and tower speakers from JL Audio. All are engineered to produce evenly dispersed, smooth sound with low-distortion bass in an open-air boat environment, according to JL. Each speaker is designed to withstand intense UV and saltwater exposure. Transflective LED illumination is available as an option on most models. Starting at $429.99/pair; jlaudio.comCourtesy JL Audio

Winegard Carryout G3

With the new Carryout G3 portable automatic satellite TV antenna from Winegard Co., Dad won't miss his favorite news, entertainment and sports programming. The compact antenna weighs just 7 pounds and includes a 25-foot coaxial power cable, making it easy to deploy at the dock or on anchor. It serves as a sat antenna for DISH Network (standard and HD), DirecTV (standard) and Bell TV Canada (standard and HD), and supports two receivers for viewing a pair of TVs. $579 (excluding receiver); winegard.comCourtesy Winegard

Glomex ZigBoat Security System

Make sure Dad's boat stays safe and secure with the ZigBoat security system from Glomex Marine Antennas. The system supplies critical vessel information when the boat is unattended and delivers notifications without fees. The compact Gateway core module uses wireless sensors, and can be tucked away in any centralized, protected space. There's no limit to the number of sensors the system will accommodate, including motion, geofencing, GPS tracking, heat and motion. The standard Glomex ZigBoat package retails for $999; $1,399 for pro kit; glomex.usCourtesy Glomex

Lunasea Marine Flood Light

Pops will love the Lunasea marine flood light, which features stylish, rugged, ultrathin, and completely sealed 12- and 35-watt flood LEDs. The new models, which are now being built at Lunasea's Florida office, are engineered to deliver the highest lumen per watt LED available with a beam angle of 110 degrees. They feature tempered glass and 316 stainless-steel brackets and hardware. Starting at $79.99; lunasealighting.comCourtesy Lunasea

Simrad Cruise

Even the old man will find Simrad's new Cruise easy to use. It features a sunlight-viewable display, pre-loaded U.S. coastal charts, a mounting bracket and sonar transducer. This advanced yet simple unit combines essential GPS chart-plotting features with basic sonar capability to deliver safe and reliable navigation at an affordable price. The user interface is controlled with a rotary dial and keypad. The Cruise transducer provides chirp sonar with automatic depth tracking. Available in 5-, 7- and 9-inch display sizes. Starting at $399; simrad-yachting.comCourtesy Simrad

Raymarine Element

Raymarine's Element series of combo sonar/GPS displays feature RealVision 3D and new HyperVision technology, giving Dad the advantage when trying to outfish his buddies. The HyperVision utilizes ultrahigh 1.2 MHz chirp sonar frequency to enhance DownVision, SideVision and RealVision 3D. Element's new LightHouse Sport operating system and intuitive keypad controls let Pops quickly mark his favorite fishing spots and create high-definition bathymetric maps using the new Raymarine RealBathy real-time sonar map generator. The Element series includes 7-, 9- and 12-inch display models. Starting at $879; raymarine.comCourtesy Raymarine

Fusion Apollo RA670

No matter what Dad's taste in music, he will love bumping the sound with the new Apollo RA670 from Fusion. This compact head unit delivers powerful marine audio technology with an optically bonded color display. The RA670 also features Fusion's digital signal processing (DSP) technology, Fusion-Link integration and control, multizone control in up to three audio zones, and PartyBus capabilities when connected to a Wi-Fi or Apollo network. Setting up DSP profiles is simple with the free Fusion-Link app. Dad can set up profiles to play customized audio for his ears and boat. The RA670 will connect via Bluetooth, Optical Audio (TV), SiriusXM, AM/FM radio, aux, USB, and Universal Plug and Play. $449; fusionentertainment.comCourtesy Fusion

Anglr Bullseye

This quarter-size Bluetooth-enabled device lets your dad create a fishing log on your mobile device using the free Anglr app. He just needs to push the button on the Bullseye fob each time he catches fish, and it automatically records the GPS location, air temp, water temp, barometric pressure, wind speed and direction, and moon phase. Cellular service is not required for data collection. Stats and patterns can be reviewed and analyzed later. $29.99 for the battery-operated Bullseye fob; anglr.comCourtesy Anglr

Ronix - Forester CGA Vest

Are you tired of looking at your dad's belly as it pops out from underneath his life jacket, like he's wearing a halter-top shirt straight out of 1999? Do him a favor and get him the Forester life vest from Ronix. Not only is it U.S. Coast Guard approved, but it is cut to fit longer in the torso while still providing tons of flexibility and range of motion for all the crazy watersports Dad likes to get into. Really, it's a win-win. Dad looks good (and floats), and you don't have to avert your eyes from his gut. $179.99; ronixwake.comCourtesy Ronix

WOW Eagle

Designed for up to three riders, the new WOW Eagle delivers loads of fun and waterborne excitement for boating dads and their devoted crews. This custom, deluxe deck tube features a WOW Eagle-themed Secure Saddle Seat as well as a large, wing-shaped deck area for one, two or three riders to sit, stand, kneel or lie down. $359.99; wowwatersports.comCourtesy WOW Watersports

Ronix Koal Classic Longboard

Let dad get back to his soul-surfing roots (or help him discover them in the first place) with this easy-riding, timeless shape from Ronix. This is the thickest, most buoyant board in the Ronix line, which means Dad's gonna love arcing some big turns or getting his toes on the nose while he rides endless waves behind the boat. Available in 4'10" or 5'4". $649.99; ronixwake.comCourtesy Ronix

O’Brien Synchro Slalom Ski

The Synchro ski from the watersports gurus at O'Brien was designed with a wider body to allow for easier start-ups and more stability, but it's hybrid outline means it can be skied in the course or on open water. Basically this ski is great for any dad looking to improve basic skiing skills, or get into the slalom course at slower speeds. Available in 63", 66", 69". $299.99; obrien.comCourtesy O'Brien

O’Brien The Fix

The Fix is O'Brien's first foray into plus-sized (150cm and bigger) wakeboards that have become popular the last few years. Featuring an all wood core and O'Brien's impact base, The Fix offers a lively, flexible ride that is ideally situated for park riding, but don't let that stop Dad from taking it out behind the boat. The Fix is just as comfortable jumping wakes as it is sliding across rails. $529.99; obrien.comCourtesy O'Brien

Connelly SUP Drive Fin System

Want to help Dad get where he's going on his SUP board a bit faster? Or maybe he just doesn't like paddling into the wind? Check out Connelly's electric SUP Drive Fin System. This battery operated 240W motor can attach to any U.S. type of fin box. Bungee straps secure the waterproof battery case to the board, and a wireless wristband remote controls the three forward speeds and single reverse. Dad can cruise for 2-4 hours depending on conditions, just be sure to check your local public waterway regulations about operating a motor. $699; connellyskis.comCourtesy Connelly

Slingshot Hover Glide Wake Foil

If your dad likes trying new things out on the water, then the must-have gift for this summer is the Hover Glide Wake Foil from Slingshot. Simply put, there is nothing like the feeling of riding a foil-mounted board through the water. Some say it's like riding fresh powder on a snowboard, and we have to agree. Not only is it a ton of fun, but you can do it almost anywhere and behind any kind of vessel. You don't need a large wake or glassy, calm water. $1,776; slingshotsports.comCourtesy Slingshot

Liquid Force Avant Wakesurf Board

With a unique sidecut shape, the Avant is unlike any other wakesurf board on the market, and that's a good thing for your dad (and everybody else on the boat). The Avant has a loose feel, thanks to that sidecut, but doesn't lose any responsiveness, while the hatchet-style twin fin setup maximizes thrust. The wider nose and tail allow the board to be ridden a bit shorter. Available in 4'6" and 4'10". $599.99; liquidforce.comCourtesy Liquid Force

Roswell Triton Strapless Board Rack

The Triton strapless board rack takes board racks to the next level. Thanks to adjustable, telescopic arms, the Triton makes getting boards in and out a breeze. The vertical mounting orientation reduces board chatter when driving at cruising speeds, and the inserts are padded with SeaDek to protect whatever boards are on the boat. The Triton is available in anodized or brushed aluminum, but Dad will be extra happy to know that custom colors can be added to really make your boat stand out. $1,599 - $2,177/ea; roswellmarine.comCourtesy Roswell Marine

Tidal LED Drain Plug

Help the dad in your life add some underwater LED flare to his boat without the crazy prices of a custom installation. Tidal's drain plug lights not only look great, but they're easy to install. Feed the wire through the drain plug hole and either plug it into a 12-volt outlet, or hardwire it to the boat's system. The light detaches for draining and safekeeping when trailering. Available in white, blue, green, and red colors. $89.97 (12-volt), $69.97 (hard-wire); tidalwake.comCourtesy Tidal Wake

Kicker Bullfrog BF400 Bluetooth Speaker

Portable Bluetooth speakers are a dime a dozen these days, but a lot are either lacking in overall quality and volume, don't have much battery life, or can't handle the elements. If your dad likes his audio outdoors, the Bullfrog BF400 from Kicker could be the perfect gift. First off, this thing packs a punch, and you know it when you pick it up because it has some weight to it. Turn it on and link an audio device and you'll instantly hear full, well-rounded audio from the two 3-inch drivers. With a 100-foot range, 20-hour battery life, USB port for charging your phone, FM tuner, and an IP66 rating for life outside, the BF400 has all the features Dad needs. If you really want to crank things up, two BF400 units can be paired together. $329.95; kicker.comCourtesy Kicker

OtterBox Trooper LT 30 Cooler

Did you think OtterBox was just a cell-phone case company? Think again. Start with this Trooper LT30 cooler. Not only is this 30-quart cooler ultra portable thanks to an integrated backpack strap system, but the unique closure and clam-shell top makes accessing the interior a breeze. It's also leakproof with water-resistant exterior pockets for keeping Dad's phone and wallet safe. Two clever clip areas on the front allow him to attach a variety of OtterBox accessories, like the included bottle opener or a drybox (pictured, not included). $299.99; otterbox.comCourtesy OtterBox

Liquid Force Eco Suit Neoprene Top

If your dad is the kind that prefers to be warm as opposed to cold when he's out on the water (and honestly, which dad doesn't?), check out the Eco Suit neo top from Liquid Force. This 2mm long-sleeve heater is made from limestone that is 98% water impermeable, which not only makes it warmer, but it's also lighter than traditional neoprene and Earth friendly. $89.99; liquidforce.comCourtesy Liquid Force

O’Brien Pike Wakesurf Board

Maybe Dad isn't a pro wakesurfer, or he doesn't want to invest in a board that can easily get dings (or even worse, ding the boat). That's where the Pike's soft-top foam deck comes in handy. Wrapped around an ultralight stringer core and fiberglass deck, the soft-top adds both comfort and durability, while still being a great shape with lots of response thanks to its thruster fin setup. Available in 58". $219.99; obrien.comCourtesy O'Brien

WORX Hydroshot

This will knock off bugs, road grease and other grime in your boat at just the right pressure—450 psi using just 0.9 gallons/minute and zero-, 15-, 25- and 40-degree spray streams, to clean without damaging vinyl or gelcoat. In my test, dual 20-volt li-ion batteries gave me better than 30 minutes to clean the deck and furnishings of my 25-foot boat. Drop the included snorkel in a bucket of boat soapy water to get the job done. It takes a couple of hours to recharge the batts with the included charger, and various attachments make it a specialty tool. $200; amazon.comCourtesy WORX

WORX Pegasus

For dock- or trailer-side boat projects, the 31-by-25-inch work surface is 32 inches high and folds away like a saw horse. It holds 300 pounds as a table or 1,000 pounds in tandem as saw horses. Special lock links let you secure two or more Pegasus worktables together too. Each Pegasus comes with two bar clamps with special clamping channels, and four clamp dogs enabling the bench to lock down both stock and irregular-shaped workpieces, making it ideal for working on storage devices, dashboards or household projects. $99; worx.comCourtesy WORX