If you’ve recently found out that someone close to you is a proud new boat owner, you may be wondering what kind of gift to get them. Whether it’s their first boat or an upgrade, boat warming gifts are a thoughtful way to help them celebrate and enhance their new boating lifestyle. The right gift can improve their on-the-water experience, add convenience, or simply bring a smile to their face.
In this guide, we’ll cover five of the best boat warming gifts for new boat owners, complete with price ranges and specs to help you make an informed decision.
1. Personalized Boat Name Gear
Price Range: $30 – $150
Best For: Adding a personal touch
Specs: Varies by product (hats, towels, koozies, etc.)
One of the most sentimental gifts you can give a new boat owner is personalized gear featuring the name of their boat. Items like embroidered towels, engraved tumblers, custom boat mats, or hats are practical and thoughtful. Having the boat’s name on these items adds a personal touch that every boat owner will appreciate.
Pros:
- Customizable options.
- Affordable and personal.
- Wide range of items (from hats to koozies).
Cons:
- Requires knowledge of the boat name.
- Custom orders may take time to arrive.
Popular Retailers:
- Etsy for custom towels and mats.
- Zazzle or Shutterfly for hats and drinkware.
Pro Tip: Double-check the spelling of the boat’s name before ordering!
2. Marine Binoculars
Price Range: $80 – $300
Best For: Navigation, spotting wildlife, and safety
Specs: 7x magnification, waterproof, fog-resistant, rubberized grip
Marine binoculars are an essential tool for any boater, whether they’re navigating tricky waters, spotting wildlife, or simply enjoying a distant view. These binoculars are specially designed to withstand the harsh marine environment and provide clear, stable viewing even in rough seas.
For example, the Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fogproof Binoculars are a great option. They offer 7×50 magnification, are fully waterproof, and have a non-slip rubberized coating that makes them easy to grip in wet conditions.
Pros:
- Improves safety and navigation.
- Durable and waterproof.
- Great for wildlife watching.
Cons:
- Higher-end models can be pricey.
- Bulky for casual use.
Popular Brands:
- Bushnell H2O
- Steiner Marine Binoculars
Pro Tip: Look for binoculars with a floating neck strap to avoid accidental loss overboard.
3. Portable Marine Grill
Price Range: $150 – $400
Best For: On-the-water cookouts and dockside BBQs
Specs: Stainless steel, compact design, propane-fueled
Nothing says “boating lifestyle” quite like grilling up fresh seafood or burgers on the water. A portable marine grill, like the Magma Marine Kettle Gas Grill, is designed for boat use, with stainless steel construction to resist saltwater corrosion and compact sizing to fit in tight spaces. These grills often come with mounting hardware to attach to railings or sit on a stable surface.
The Magma grill runs on propane and features a swiveling control valve for easy, precise flame control. It’s perfect for boaters who love to entertain or just enjoy a good meal while anchored at a sandbar.
Pros:
- Compact and boat-friendly.
- Durable, rust-resistant materials.
- Great for entertaining and meal prep on the water.
Cons:
- Requires propane storage onboard.
- Higher-end models can be expensive.
Popular Models:
- Magma Marine Kettle Grill
- Kuuma Stow N’ Go 160 Marine Grill
Pro Tip: Choose a grill with a locking lid to avoid accidental spills in rough waters.
4. Waterproof Bluetooth Speakers
Price Range: $50 – $200
Best For: Music lovers and party hosts
Specs: IPX7 waterproof rating, Bluetooth 5.0, shockproof, 360-degree sound
Music is a big part of the boating experience, and a high-quality waterproof Bluetooth speaker will allow new boat owners to pump up the tunes while cruising or relaxing. Look for speakers with an IPX7 rating, which means they can handle full immersion in water.
The JBL Flip 6 or Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3 are popular choices for their sound quality, durability, and waterproof design. Both are compact yet powerful, offering 360-degree sound with long battery life (up to 12 hours on a single charge). These speakers can float and are built to withstand the elements, making them perfect for the marine environment.
Pros:
- Portable and wireless.
- Waterproof and durable.
- Great sound quality.
Cons:
- Battery life varies by model.
- May need multiple units for larger boats.
Popular Models:
- JBL Flip 6
- Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 3
Pro Tip: Pair two Bluetooth speakers for a surround sound experience on the water.
5. Multi-Tool for Boaters
Price Range: $40 – $150
Best For: Practical boat maintenance and emergency situations
Specs: Stainless steel, corrosion-resistant, compact, includes knife, pliers, screwdrivers, and marlin spike
A multi-tool specifically designed for boaters is a practical and versatile gift. These tools combine several functions into one compact design, making it easier for the boat owner to handle minor repairs or emergencies on the water.
The Leatherman Wave+ is a top pick for its 18 tools in one, including a marlin spike (used for untying knots), pliers, a serrated knife, and screwdrivers. This stainless steel multi-tool is built to resist corrosion, an important feature when spending time in saltwater environments.
Pros:
- Compact and highly versatile.
- Essential for on-the-water repairs.
- Durable and corrosion-resistant.
Cons:
- Some models can be pricey.
- Not ideal for larger repairs.
Popular Brands:
- Leatherman Wave+
- Gerber Center-Drive Multi-Tool
Pro Tip: Make sure to include a lanyard or clip so the tool doesn’t get lost overboard.
Final Thoughts
When choosing the perfect boat warming gift for a new boat owner, it’s important to consider their boating lifestyle, preferences, and needs. Whether they’re adventure seekers, casual cruisers, or love to entertain, there’s a gift that will enhance their time on the water. From practical tools like marine binoculars and multi-tools to fun additions like personalized gear and waterproof speakers, these thoughtful gifts are sure to make waves.
Before purchasing, keep in mind factors like durability (especially in saltwater environments), portability, and overall usefulness. With the right gift, you can make the new boat owner’s experience even more enjoyable and memorable.
Happy Boating!
Share 5 Best Boat Warming Gifts for New Boat Owners with your friends and leave a comment below with your thoughts.
Read How to Be a Better Boater in the New Year until we meet in the next article.