Boaters can be notoriously difficult to shop for, but this year we’ve got you covered with some ideas from our own salty staff. Here’s what we’re hoping to see wrapped up this Father’s Day.
Starlink Mini Kit
One of my favorite things about being on the water is that it allows me to disconnect from work and reconnect with my family. As we idle into idyllic Hamburg Cove I can feel my blood pressure drop as the service bars on my phone retreat to zero. As we all know, however, freedom doesn’t come free. Now, cruising with two young boys, there comes a point where you simply can’t play “I spy” anymore, so you surrender and throw Paw Patrol on the iPad, but the service available isn’t cutting it. This is when I would pull out the Starlink Mini Kit, which is currently available for $500. In those blissful minutes when two kids might be vegging out to a show and Karen and I could savor a Sam Adams Summer Ale in something resembling silence, this gift would be priceless. —Daniel Harding Jr., Editor-in-Chief of Power & Motoryacht
Streamlight MegaStream USB Flashlight
Tipping the scales at 5.4 ounces and at just over 5 inches long, the Streamlight MegaStream USB flashlight is a tiny and mighty torch that punches well above its weight class.
The MegaStream has three output modes to handle a multitude of chores. On its highest setting, a maximum output of 1,800 lumens shines over 1,000 feet, ideal for on-deck, after-dark duties such as searching an unfamiliar anchorage for an assigned mooring. Switch to low mode, and the flashlight’s beam is soft enough to scour the engine room for dropped bolts without a blinding reflection off the gelcoat.
The machined-aluminum design fits into your pocket and comes with a removable pocket clip. The lithium-ion battery is rechargeable via a USB-C port that’s accessible via a sliding-head cover. Or, the battery can be charged separately, outside the light. Waterproof rating is IPX7. —Jeff Moser, Editor-in-Chief of Passagemaker
Hydro-Shield Hydro foil
Years ago, a friend installed fins on his outboard and swore that it improved his boat’s performance. For 15 years, I pondered installing a set, but always found the fins clunky looking. However, recently I discovered the Hydro-Shield Hydro foil, which is installed beneath the prop on the outboard’s skeg, where it provides more protection. It also looks better, so I decided to try it. Not only is the Hydro-Shield product well constructed—the foil is made of a tough, energy-absorbing plastic compound while the brackets are 316 marine-grade stainless. Installation was a breeze and the foil has made an immense difference with performance. The boat now pops out of the water with less bowrise and also planes at a lower rpm. The prop protection feature, which is handy for deflecting lobster pot lines, is also nothing to snicker at. A new prop for my boat costs the same as the foil. Last summer I bent a prop and also the prop’s shaft, which cost a whole lot more than the Hydro-Shield. The Hydro-Shield comes in two sizes, which are based on horsepower and boat size, and is available on Amazon for $180. —Pim Van Hemmen, Deputy Editor of Soundings.
Spot Lock-Equipped Trolling Motor
As joints and discs begin to wear and tear, hauling anchors to change fishing spots all day isn’t quite as fun as it used to be. To be fair, it was never any fun at all, but year in, year out, it becomes an increasingly tiresome, if not agonizing duty.
For the uninitiated boat wife (or widow, as you like), Spot Lock is Minn Kota’s proprietary trolling-motor technology that uses GPS to keep your boat stationary, alleviating anglers from the annoyance of deploying (and retrieving) an anchor. Particularly on smaller boats without a windlass, this is a major time and back saver. If your fatherly companion has a small fishing boat, you’d definitely make him happy with one of these gizmos. (Just make sure to match it to his boat model). —Owen Burke, Senior Editor of Power & Motoryacht
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 VII
Mobile phone cameras have become the go-to hardware for capturing moments ashore and afloat. Their ever-expanding capabilities now rival those of some sophisticated DSLRs. But for serious photography enthusiasts, who prefer a truly astonishing range of still and video features in a package not much bigger than a Marlboro box, few cameras can stand up to the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 VII.
Released in 2019, the RX100 VII remains one of the most impressive bits of personal photo tech around. Among its many attributes are a 20.1-megapixel sensor; an equivalent 24-200mm zoom; a Zeiss lens; a maximum shutter speed of 1/32,000; a pop-up flash and digital viewfinder; a large, articulating screen; 4K UHD video, and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. The list goes on. With all that, it still has an automatic setting if you want to keep it simple. It’s available for $1,500. —Kenny Wooton, Editor-in-Chief of Yachts International.
Yeti Ranchero Backpack
Whether you’re commuting to work or looking for a quick overnight bag for trips on the boat, the Yeti Ranchero Backpack is ready and able. Unlike some of Yeti’s other bags that had waterproof zippers which made them tough to open, the Ranchero has a “ripzip” opening system so you can yank it open quickly with one hand and access all the interior gear. The inside cargo area is surprisingly roomy and consists of various-sized pockets for your laptop, phone, keys, sunblock, and other accessories. The exterior is made of Tuffskin Nylon so it’s water resistant and won’t fall apart if it gets a bit salty. The bag stands up on its own and won’t fall over when stashing your gear or using it as a tacklebag on a beach outing. The Ranchero has side holsters for water bottles up to 36 ounces. The padded shoulder straps are comfy and the entire bag is made Yeti tough — it should last several seasons with no issues. — Charlie Levine, Anglers Journal Editor-in-Chief
Petzl Headlamp
The headlamp has been a great evolution in personal lights, allowing users to keep their hands free to unhook a fish, tie a knot, or move along a slippery side deck. As a veteran nighttime striped bass angler, I have gone through my share of lights, including I can’t remember how many Maglites. We don’t think much about small lights until we need one.
When I’m working a good fish close to the boat and I reach to my forehead to turn on the light, it’s got to work. Period. I buy the Petzl brand of headlamp because it’s proven over the seasons to be durable and dependable, and it offers waterproof models. I like the pivotable head and the red lamp feature, which helps maintain my night vision without blinding my fishing partner. This is one area where you don’t want to scrimp. Buy quality and carry extra batteries. You can buy the least expensive Petzl, Tikkina model for about $20, which should cover the needs of most anglers and boaters. —Bill Sisson, Executive Editor of Anglers Journal
Fell Marine MOB+ Basepack Wireless Engine Cutoff Switch
Ditch your lanyard for a combined wireless kill-switch and man-overboard alarm system. Fell Marine’s MOB+ gives a great deal more freedom of movement around a boat than a coil lanyard and can be worn on the wrist, clipped to a belt loop or PFD, or hung around the neck of both captain and crew. Because it’s wireless, you won’t forget to reattach it after going forward to grab a beverage or haul in the anchor. After you’ve mounted the receiver hub near the helm, up to four wireless xFOBs can be connected at a time to friends, family, dogs, and captains. The device not only sounds an alarm if someone goes overboard, but kills the engine. It can then be restarted by captain or crew automatically after six seconds, or via an emergency override button. The xFOBs have over 300 hours of battery life, the system can be used with single and multi-outboard boats, and it works with nearly every manufacturer’s hardware. My son and I are about to install a setup on his speedy 14-foot McKee Craft—more peace of mind for Dad—and Mom—when he’s out in the tidal currents with his buddies. Available at West Marine for $220. —Chris Dixon, Senior Editor of Power & Motoryacht
