Whether your special boating dad is into fishing with the kids, high-energy watersports, or enjoys relaxing afternoons spent day cruising, we can guarantee one thing: he loves getting boating goodies. Of course, there’s a ton of different boating gear and equipment out there, and you may have a tough time figuring out just what the best gift will be for Father’s Day, his birthday, or another holiday. We suggest starting out by clicking across the pages of our Boating Accessory Guide, and as you check out all the different options, also keep these dad-pleasing possibilities in mind.
Here's seven boating and fishing gift ideas for dad that will help you narrow down your selection.
1. Safety Gear
Nothing says “we love you” like giving someone a present that could one day possibly save their life. And in this day and age there are lots of candidates to choose from.
- You could get him a satellite messenger, which allows for emergency communications from just about anywhere on the face of the planet. Some even feature remote texting via satellite, so you he can touch base with you from the boat even when out of cell range.
- Another great pick might be a new life jacket or personal floatation device (PFD) that’s so comfortable, he doesn’t mind wearing it every time the boat leaves the dock. Between inflatable models, new form-fitting life jackets, and cold-weather float-coats, you should have no problem finding one that’s ideal for him.
- Or maybe a remote monitoring system that lets him check on the boat’s bilge water levels, state of battery charge, and GPS location would give dad some peace of mind.
The possibilities are many, so check out some of your options on our Boat Safety Equipment Accessories page.
2. Fishing Tackle
It’s a sure bet that if the father you’re gifting is an angler, he already has a stack of rods, reels, and fishing tackle. But it’s just as sure a bet that he’d like more. It’s commonly accepted among the angling community that it’s impossible to ever have too much fishing gear — period. And just when you think you might be nearing such a point, something breaks or a fish steals your lures. So take a virtual stroll through Fishing Gear, Tackle, and Equipment, to get some ideas for the perfect gift.
3. Water Sports Gear
Whether wakesurfing, wakeboarding, water skiing, or kneeboarding is dad’s favorite gig, his spirits are bound to be buoyed by some new watersports gear. And yes of course we have a chunk of our Accessories Guide dedicated to watersports equipment, too. But if your favorite father is into watersports this may be an opportunity to expand the family’s horizons, by adding some new excitement into the mix.
Whatever the sport of choice may be, getting a tow-tube can be fun for everyone, and makes for more mellow watersports action after the hard-core rides are over. If you think a new tow tube is something he’d appreciate—we already know the kids would—be sure to visit Choosing the Best Towable Tube for Your Boat.
Explore All Boating Activities
4. Boat Parts
Did dad come home from the boat with a grimace on his face recently, thanks to a broken part? It’s up to you to turn that frown upside-down. We want to note that in this case, getting the correct specific part is imperative—the ideal propeller for boat A is not necessarily the ideal propeller for Boat B, and whether you’re looking to fix a ripped Bimini top or a cracked cooler seat, matching up the old with the new is imperative.
You can find links to many of the boat parts manufacturers on our Boat Parts, Marine Hardware, and Original Equipment page. But before making any purchases, in this case we recommend matching up part numbers or reaching out to the manufacturer directly, to make sure the gift fits the bill.
5. Boating Pet Pack
Is that special dad a bit bummed when he leaves Fido locked up in the house in order to go boating? If so, a boating pet pack that makes it easy to bring man’s best friend out on the water could make a marvelous gift. A doggie life jacket, collapsible water bowl, and some “puppy pads” on which Fido can relieve himself or herself is all you need to make boating with that pup a piece of cake.
See Tips for Taking Your Dog Boating, if you’ve never tried bringing your pet aboard and are intrigued by the prospect.
6. Boat Club Membership
Even if you already have a boat in the family, gifting dad a boat club membership can be a great move—especially if he spends a lot of time on the road. Boat clubs allow you to schedule the use of a boat where and when it’s convenient, so you can get out on the water if there’s some down-time during a business trip, or when you’re traveling on vacation.
Most of the major boat clubs have locations all across the nation and sometimes even internationally. So while dear old dad may love the boat you already have, a boating club is a great way to help him expand his horizons. And if there isn’t already a boat in the family, boat clubs are a way to dip a toe into the lifestyle before jumping in head over heels.
7. A New Boat
Okay: we admit it, this is a pretty extreme gift. But hey—what present could possibly top a new boat? Nothing! If you want to go for the absolute ultimate gift, visit our Boat Finder and start shopping.
Read Next: Best Boats for Families
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