The holiday season has officially started which means it’s time to think about what gifts to get your friends and family. If they are boaters, the Sea Tow Foundation may be able to help! Whether the boaters in your life are brand-new to the pastime or have been boating for the last 40 years, we’ve compiled a list of 10 gifts to help you pick just the right one for them. And, we’ve included gifts at multiple price-points for those budget-conscious shoppers. Plus, we’ve included the links to help you shop right now!

1. Nautical Charts - $49.99

Boating in unknown waters is challenging, but even the local waterways can change as storms or tides move navigational buoys from time to time. A mobile app subscription to Navionics features charts, markers, weather and wind forecasts, tides, currents, sonar for fishing or diving, and turn-by-turn directions from one location to another on the water. Think of it as an on the water GPS, meteorologist and boating expert all in one!

2. Boating Safety Class Gift Certificate - $54.95

Register your loved one with iLearntoBoat - the only interactive, online boating safety course that is recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. It is important to meet the requirements of your state’s boating licensing agency and as laws can often be updated or changed, a boating safety course will ensure that your favorite boater is compliant and stays safe out on the water. . Plus, when they pass the test, many boat insurance companies will provide a discount.

3. Floating, Polarized Sunglasses - $65.00

Protecting the eyes is important for boaters who spend a lot of time on the water in the bright sun. Rheos Sunglassesare featherlight, high-performance glasses that will never sink and are also extremely comfortable to wear. Better yet, a portion of all proceeds helps to protect the coastlines and waterways.  

4. E-Flare - $79.95

A relatively new item on the market is the electronic flare. These devices are certified by the U.S. Coast Guard to replace traditional flares for emergency signaling by boaters. An ACR ResQFlare is 10 times brighter than a traditional flare, doesn’t expire or need to be replaced every few years, can float and still work after being in water, and won’t cause burns to people or equipment. Plus, the light from an E-Flare lasts for hours compared to the 2-3 minutes that a traditional flare burns.

5. Inflatable Life Jacket - $119.99

You always want your loved ones to come back from their fishing or boating trip, which is why a brand-new, inflatable life jacket from Onyx Outdoors is the perfect gift this holiday season. Not only does it allow your boater to have full mobility, but it does so without sacrificing safety.

6. Handheld VHF Radio - $129.95

Cobra makes a handheld VHF radio that also floats, has a noise-canceling microphone, a backlit LCD display, and connects to NOAA weather. Your boating friend will have everything they need to keep in touch when in remote areas or spending time off-shore!

7. Marine Speakers - $157.96

Listening to music on the water is a great way to relax and have fun in your boat. Kicker Marine’s 6.5 inch speakers are UV treated and meant to be mounted in the hull. They feature seven color-changing LED lights and can handle 65 watts.

8. Sea Tow membership - $199.00

There’s no better gift for your favorite boater than peace of mind on the water. Whether your boating buddies are on lakes, rivers or the open ocean, a Sea Tow membership can be the perfect gift. A membership comes complete with 24/7/365 marine assistance, tows, fuel deliveries, jump starts and so much more. You can even buy the membership instantly online, making it the perfect last-minute holiday gift in the days, hours and even minutes leading up to whenever your friends and family open their presents!

9. Qualified Captain First Aid Kit - $200.00

The Qualified Captain has put together a rugged outdoor kit containing first aid supplies to treat common injuries and control bleeding. This first aid and trauma kit is great for a boat, RV, ATV or other outdoor adventure so it can be useful in lots of venues.

10. Satellite Communications - $299.99

Getting help in an emergency is critical for boaters. Cell phones are unreliable out on the water, but a Garmin InReach Mini 2 is always able to get a signal if a boater has a good view of the sky so that rescuers know exactly where the boater is located and can send help to that exact position. And, it can also send a text message in a non-emergency situation so your loved one can let you know that they’ll be 30 minutes late for dinner!

Many people think that boaters are difficult to shop for, but these 10 gift recommendations make it easy, simple and stress free. Happy holidays, and happy shopping!

Please note that the Sea Tow Foundation may receive compensation as an affiliate of Amazon’s for purchases made with some of these links. Prices may vary from what is printed.

Launch A Rental Boat, While on Vacation

Tips for Renting A Boat with content from our friends at Freedom Boat Club

For most boaters, it wouldn’t be a true vacation without spending some time on the water. But what if you don’t own a boat or can’t take your own on vacation? You could go on a charter boat, but many families like the freedom to decide their own itinerary on the water. Fortunately, taking the helm of a rental boat or being part of a boat club is an easy and often an affordable option for you and your family.

If you make the decision to rent a boat while on vacation, here are some helpful tips to make it a successful day on the water.

Start with Research

While planning your vacation, do some online research for what rental boat options are available in the areas where you are vacationing. It’s also a good idea to check the boating regulations where you are going. Some states require you to take an online class and pass a test before you can rent a boat. And don’t forget to research the local waterways so you’re familiar with changing tides or other precautions you may need to take.

Boat Rental Types and Price Estimates

Pricing of a rental boat depends a lot on what type of boat you choose and how competitive the boat rental market is.

Pontoon boats are popular rentals because they are roomy, easy to drive, stable and allow for a wide range of activities. Costs for a 20–24-foot pontoon boat ranges from $220-$400 for a half-day to $300-$700 for a full day rental.

If you are headed to an area with tides and potential rough water, center console boats or runabouts are great choices for inshore and/or offshore boating. Rental prices can range from $300 for a half-day to more than $1,000 for a full day rental.

If there are certain activities you enjoy on the water, choosing the right boat is a must. If water skiing or wakeboarding is your hobby, a ski boat rental may be available to you. If you and your family want to fish, check to see if fishing-compatible rentals are available.

The Benefits of a Boat Club

If you travel or vacation a lot, a boat club could be a perfect solution to your away-from-home boating desires.

There are many benefits to boat clubs, which offer a fleet of boats in various sizes and styles. And, depending on the club, they may be located across multiple states. Larger boat clubs like Freedom Boat Club have more than 285 locations around the world and also take care of all maintenance and storage fees as well as provide hands-on boat operation training to all club members.

Help is Always Available

As a Sea Tow member, you are covered on any boat you rent, wherever you plan to go. If you have additional questions about boat rentals , don’t forget to reach out to the local Sea Tow captain in the area where you’ll be vacationing. You can find the local captain via Sea Tow’s website, and you can even connect with their social media account to get up to date information such as local boat traffic, weather, tides and much more.

Final Thoughts

Renting a boat while on vacation can be an easy solution that prevents you from having to tow your boat over long distances, find trailer parking, fuel, etc. But remember, having the right boat to fit your needs is a must. Also, remember to designate a Sober Skipper so you and the rest of the passengers aboard can boat safely. With enough research, you’ll be at the helm of a rental boat and enjoying your vacation in no time!

If you found this article helpful or entertaining, please consider a donation to the Sea Tow Foundation today to help us continue our efforts to educate boaters and keep them safe on the water. You can donate securely online at www.boatingsafety.com/donatetoday or by clicking on the DONATE tab at the top of the page.