17 Father’s Day Gifts for Boat Owners

Did you know it took 63 years for Father's Day to be officially recognized? Congress believed it would become commercialized. However, thanks to the persistence of many people, including Presidents Wilson, Coolidge, Johnson, and Nixon, Father's Day is now the third Sunday in June. 

Sure, maybe it's a little commercialized – but our dads deserve a little compensation for their love and toil. So, we found 16 great gifts for the boating dad this year. We start with safety (because it's the biggest priority on the water)! 

Safety First

Keeping Dad safe on the water makes these first few ideas some of our favorites for Father's Day gift ideas!

1. A Life Jacket (PFD)

Life jackets get a bad rap for being too bulky or not flattering enough to wear on the water. However, that doesn't take away from the fact that they save lives.

There are lightweight, inflatable personal flotation devices that remedy most of the complaints with life jackets. Plus, as long as the U.S. Coast Guard approves them, they should help keep your Dad afloat in the water.

Learn how to choose the right life jacket for yourself or your Dad in our video below!

2. A First Aid Kit

While we hope Dad won't need a first aid kit, keeping one onboard is a top priority.

Avoid the small travel sizes and look for kits that are waterproof and have multiple supplies. When you're out on the water, anything can happen, and you're never in complete control.

3. Personal Locator Beacon

Time can fly or drag by (depending on how many fish you're catching) when you're on the water. Even so, checking in can slip his mind when your Dad is on the boat.

While this item can be a bit pricey, knowing Dad can use his personal locator beacon to send a distress signal with GPS coordinates will ease your mind and allow him to sail safely.

4. A Tool Set

Your Dad can fix anything with duct tape – but why not make his job easier? Make sure his boat is equipped with a simple toolset that can help him fix a variety of issues that could come up while on the water.

Additionally, with the right tools, he'll have what he needs to conduct routine maintenance on the boat's engine or other features that need a tune-up from time to time.

5. A Boater Safety Course

The best way to help your Dad stay safe on the water is to make sure he has the knowledge he needs for safe boating.

Gift him an online course through Boat-Ed, and he'll understand how to launch the boat from a ramp, navigate the waters, anchor his boat, and help someone who falls overboard and call for help.

Captain Dad

If your Dad considers himself a "captain" of your local waters, these following gifts could be just what he needs to really own that self-proclaimed status. 

6. A Navigation System

Real men might not need maps or instruction manuals, but no one wants to be lost on the water.

While this could also be pricey, your Dad will love it and put it to good use. Update your Dad's navigation system with options from Garmin, Raymarine, and Humminbird. Make sure you purchase one suitable for his boat and with features he'll appreciate.

7. Sea Tow Gold Card Membership

A Sea Tow membership is like the AAA for your boat.

The gold card has the most amenities nationwide for any boat you own and anyone who operates it. Locations are independently owned, so check for one near you before you purchase.

8. Slip Fees

Depending on where your Dad lives, marinas and slips can be pricey. It's a necessary fee unless you have the space to park your boat at home.

Talk with your Dad about where he keeps his boat and offer to cover the fees for a month (or a year, if you really love your Dad).

9. New Rod, Reel, Fishing Lures, or Tackle Boxes

Can you really have too many fishing supplies? Maybe, but this is Father's Day, so what are a few more?

If your Dad is an avid angler making frequent fishing trips in his boat, check his supplies to see what he likes and is low on. There's a chance your gift could end up in a fish, but it's the thought that counts!

10. Boat Shoes

Does your Dad cherish a pair of shoes that are falling apart and have acquired a smell that would make a skunk turn up its nose?

If so, surprise him with a new pair of boat shoes from Sperry Top-Sider.

11. Depth or Fish Finder

You might be able to get this feature in a boat's navigation system, but a good fish finder is handy if your Dad likes to fish and doesn't need a nav system.

It is a great way to decrease his odds of leaving the water empty-handed.

Your Dad's Boat Should Look Good

His boat is likely one of his pride and joys (other than you, of course). So, help him make sure it looks good at the dock and in the water! 

13. Boat Wash

Boats get dirty, like really dirty.

Pick a day, grab some supplies, and show Dad's boat some love with a good wash. Some favorite boat washes in the boating community are Orpine, Shurhold Mop, chamois, NeverDull, and Prism Polish.

Imagine the look on your Dad's face when he sees a clean boa: priceless!

14. Paint or Gel Coat Job

If the boat's condition is beyond the help of a good wash, a makeover can be your next option.

You can do it yourself or hire a professional. Home Depot and West Marine both carry boat refinishing supplies.

15. A Boat Cover

Covers shield a boat's interior from wear and tear, and after a while, they need to be replaced due to the abuse the environment heaps on them.

You'll need to know the boat's specifics for the right cover (make, model, and length) so you know what you're looking for ahead of time.

A Few Extras

A little something extra could be just the feature your Dad's boat needs to help him have a great season on the water.

16. A Wakeboard or Skis

For the thrill-seeking father, these are somewhere on his wish list.

Wakeboarding is growing in popularity, so there are plenty of options available. You also can have the skis or board customized by a local shop.

17. A Cooler

Did your Dad ever pack your lunch while growing up? A cooler is the adult version of a packed lunch.

Your Dad can be out on the water for hours. Keep him hydrated and his catches cold with a heavy-duty YETI Tundra 50 that can keep ice for five days or a simple soft-sided cooler. As long as it gets the job done, he'll be happy.

We Hope Dad Enjoys Gifts for Boat Owners and Has a Safe Boating Season

These items are great gifts, but the most important thing you can give your father this year is time – and time doesn't cost you anything. Take the day to celebrate what Dad means in your life by enjoying his interests. It might be worth more than any of the items on our list!

If you like the idea of gifting your Dad a boater safety course, Boat-Ed is here to help. Find the course for the state where he lives and send it his way!

Originally published June 10, 2013. Content updated June 6, 2024. 

*The items listed do not indicate an endorsement from Boat-Ed® or Kalkomey Enterprises, Inc.