The holidays are approaching and Black Friday is almost here. If you’re shopping for the boater in your life, here are a dozen well-tested gift ideas recommended by the editors and staff at Soundings and SoundingsOnline.com. These selections prioritize safety, practicality and comfort aboard, and are suitable for everything from day trips to offshore outings.
Soundings senior editor Gary Reich:
Leatherman WAVE+ multi-tool
I keep a Leatherman WAVE+ on my belt whenever I’m aboard. It’s a versatile multi-tool I use to unhook fish, cut line and tighten loose fasteners. Adding a plier leash is a smart move to keep the tool secure; you can find one at most tackle shops. This durable tool is priced at $99.95 and makes an excellent everyday carry for boaters who value reliable hardware.
Patagonia Stormsurge Wet/Dry Duffel Bag 65L
The Patagonia Stormsurge 65L wet/dry duffel is my go-to bag for sea trials, fishing trips and days on open boats. It has two compartments with room for a DSLR, a tackle box, fishing flies, an inflatable PFD, a personal EPIRB and more. I pad gear with a small fleece blanket to protect camera equipment and keep everything dry. Robust, well-organized and weatherproof, this bag retails for about $249.
Soundings editor-in-chief Jeanne Craig:
Danforth S-160 Standard Anchor
When we started cruising Long Island Sound, stern-anchoring became part of our routine in shallow, shoreward anchorages. Dropping a stern anchor and using it as a brake while motoring in can prevent drifting in soft mud and shifting currents. Choose an anchor size appropriate for your boat and for the type of bottom you’ll encounter; for a stern anchor, a common rule is to go one size smaller than the primary bow anchor. The Danforth S-160 is available in a wide range of sizes, with prices from about $24.99 to $424.99.
Plastimo Marine Safety Whistle
Every PFD should have its own marine whistle. Unlike pea whistles, pea-less marine whistles keep working even when wet and can be heard over a long distance—often up to a half mile or more—making them far more effective than shouting over waves and wind. Attach one to a lanyard so it stays with you in the water. This simple, affordable safety item is a perfect stocking stuffer at about $1.99.
Soundings editor-at-large William Sisson:
Boye Knife
I’ve relied on a slim, blunt-tip Boye folding knife for nearly 20 years. It’s easy to open, durable and handy for cutting lines or freeing a fouled prop. I also keep a mask and snorkel aboard—useful for snorkeling and essential when you need to inspect or work on a prop beneath the water. The Boye folding knife is a quality tool and lists for around $219.
Cocoons Polarized Fit-over Sunglasses
Prescription polarized sunglasses make life on the water better, but fit-over polarized sunglasses like Cocoons are a great, budget-friendly backup. They fit over regular glasses and cut glare effectively, which is especially valuable on bright, reflective water. Lightweight and affordable, these run about $59.95.
Soundings associate editor Carly Sisson:
Sperry Bionic Boat Shoe
Sperry boat shoes are a year-round staple for me on and off the dock. They break in quickly, conform to your foot and offer excellent versatility. The Bionic version stands out because it’s made from recycled plastics recovered from marine environments, combining sustainability with comfort and durability. A practical, eco-conscious choice at about $59.99.
Columbia Windgates Jacket
This lightweight Columbia jacket has kept me warm and dry from the rainy Pacific Northwest to New England. It sheds wind and rain without restricting movement, features ventilation under the arms to prevent overheating, and works well layered for colder conditions. A cost-effective option for open-boat boating at roughly $99.
Soundings art director Briana Smith:
BrüMate Hopsulator Slim Koozie
BrüMate’s Hopsulator Slim keeps slim cans cold without condensation and fits standard cup holders, making it great for seltzers and canned drinks aboard. The sealed gasket holds the can securely and prevents spills—perfect for recreational boaters who want to keep drinks cold and tidy. These run about $19.99.
XtraTuf Ankle Deck Boot
XtraTuf boots are favorites for fishing and deck work. Comfortable straight out of the box, waterproof and slip-resistant, they’re ideal for wet decks and long days aboard. Both functional and stylish off the boat, a pair costs around $95.
Soundings executive editor Pim Van Hemmen:
Helly Hansen Crew Hooded Jacket
The Helly Hansen Crew Hooded Jacket is a reliable all-purpose outer layer for boating. It’s windproof, waterproof and breathable, thin enough to avoid overheating on warmer days yet roomy enough to layer under when it’s cold. Durable and flattering, it’s a versatile jacket for serious boaters and costs about $160.
ACR ResQLink 400 Personal Locator Beacon
For anyone who goes offshore, a personal locator beacon (PLB) provides an extra layer of safety. The ACR ResQLink 400 is compact and reliable—handy to clip to a PFD for emergencies. It offers real peace of mind for solo trips or extended passages and is priced around $349.
These staff picks balance safety, comfort and practicality—topics that matter most to boaters. Whether you’re buying a stocking stuffer or a substantial gift, these recommendations reflect real-world experience on the water and cover a range of budgets and needs.