Father’s Day Buying Guide
June 01, 2022 5 min read
Father’s Day Gift Ideas for Boat-Loving Dads
If you have a father in your life who owns a boat, it’s a pretty safe bet that for Father’s Day he’d like something boat-related. We truly never get tired of improving and accessorizing boats, plus Father’s Day happens to fall right at the beginning of prime boating season in most of the U.S.
The problem with buying boat accessories as gifts, though, is that most of them either
- require research and planning to select
- require time and know-how to install, or
- both
Take, for example, a new fishfinder. To pick one out as a gift, even if price no object, you have to know, for starters, whether the recipient wants to flush mount it or bracket mount it, how big a screen there’s room for, what brand the other electronics on the boat are and whether the new fishfinder needs to interface with them, whether the boat already has a compatible transducer and so on.
And even if you manage to pick the right fishfinder, there’s still the installation to think about: Will he do it himself? Is there a good shop around? How much will it cost? How long will it be until they can get to it? How long will the boat be off the water during prime season?
"The problem with buying boat accessories as gifts, though, is that most of them either a) require research and planning to select, b) require time and know-how to install, or c) both. "
The bottom line is that you’re probably better off telling him to pick it out himself, which is, unfortunately, the case with a lot of boating accessories.
That’s fine, but if you want him to have something to actually open, you’ll need to look for a gift that can work with almost any boat and requires little or no effort to install. Fortunately, there are quite a few gifts like that available. Here are a few to consider.
"You’ll need to look for a gift that can work with almost any boat and requires little or no effort to install. Fortunately, there are quite a few gifts like that available."
Suction Cup Gear Holders
The beauty of small gear, tackle and drink holders is that virtually every boat owner needs one, because it’s almost impossible to find a boat that can’t benefit from more storage. Plus, they fit the majority of boats and, with suction cup mounts, require no drilling and can be moved anywhere they’re needed.
Two Knife, Pliers and BogaGrip Holder
On a fishing boat, pliers are in near constant use and tend to get set down in all kinds of different places. A dedicated holder mounted in a convenient location keeps them from getting misplaced. BogaGrips (devices for safely grasping a fish by the lower jaw while unhooking it) and knives are also frequently used and frequently misplaced. This holder can be screwed or bolted to nearly any vertical surface or attached to smooth surfaces with suction cups.
Two Drink Holder with Storage Box
Designed for a horizontal surface instead of vertical, this makes a very handy catch-all for phones, car keys, sunscreen and other small items, along with a couple of frosty beverages. Most of our customers mount it on top of the console, which tends to be wasted space otherwise. Again, it can be mounted permanently with screws or bolts or temporarily with suction cups.
Leader material, which comes on big round spools, is a pain to store. Leader spools take up a ton of room in tackle boxes — if they’ll fit at all — but are lightweight enough that they blow around the boat if they aren’t secured somehow. This leader holder, which can be mounted to either a vertical or horizontal surface, keeps leader spools secure but also readily accessible and easy to use.
Cooler Add-Ons and Accessories
Every dad takes pride in his cooler, now you can make it even better! We offer a wide array of clever “no drill” accessories to add a range of functionality for fishing, or outdoor entertaining. All these add-ons are plug-and-play, making them a perfect father's day gift.
Cooler Top Cutting Boards
Yeti, Engel, and K2 coolers allow this board to lock instantly into place and convert coolers into fish cleaning and bait prep stations.
Drink Holders for Yeti
Yeti and Engel coolers are great not just for boating but also for camping and tailgating. Adding drink holders makes them not only a cooler but an all-in-one outdoor entertainment tool!
Side Mounted Fishing Tackle Unit
Instantly converts any Yeti cooler into a tackle station, complete with a tackle tray, two rod holders, and pliers and knife holders. Great for small boats, the Yeti Tackle Unit is also a favorite of beach, pier, and SUP anglers.
Must Have Fishing Accessories
For all the fishing Dads out there, another great one-size-fits-all accessory is a fish-cleaning and bait-cutting table that drops into any existing flush-mount rod holder. Our version includes convenient slots and retainers for a knife, pliers, rags, lures, and a cold beverage. The same style table is also available with an integrated waterproof tackle storage tray.
Pro Tip: for non-anglers, this table also works beautifully for food and drink prep. Fillet tables in general can make great add-ons to any boat or dock, we offer a wide array of options to fit different spaces and applications.
" Fillet tables in general can make great add-ons to any boat or dock, "
Other Father's Day Products
While buying boat accessories as gifts for Father's Day can be a challenge, there are many options available. Consider choosing a gift that can work with almost any boat and requires little or no effort to install, such as cooler accessories, fishing accessories, or drink holder accessories. Whatever you choose, your father is sure to appreciate the thought and effort you put into selecting a gift. If you are still unsure about what type of boating accessory is the perfect gift, give us a call and we will gladly help you make the best purchase!
