This year’s guide features a selection of would-be presents designed to make holiday gifting perfect for every boater on your list.
Gifts for Him
World Wide Sportsman Freecast Shirts from Bass Pro wear well using an ultra-comfortable, stretchy blend of cool cotton and polyester that moves with you whether boating or fishing. The high IQ construction boasts moisture-management properties, a mesh-lined cape back for ventilation, two chest pockets with sunglasses loops, drainage ports and a rod loop. A selection of colors come in short-sleeve and long-sleeve styles. $34.99 and $39.99, respectively. www.basspro.com
Wiley, the brand sponsoring 2014 NASCAR Champion driver Kevin Harvick, features a new style of sharp vision and protective sunglasses. The P-17 sports non-slip rubberized temples and nosepiece, exceeds ANSI Z87.1 high velocity standard and comes with a T-Peg Strap, leash cord, black zippered case and cleaning cloth. The company is a leading provider of protective eyewear systems to U.S. military, law enforcement, professional fishermen and others who perform in challenging conditions. Available in a variety of lens/frame colors, including Polarized Emerald Green Lens/Gloss Black Frame. $130. www.wileyx.com/ordering/dealer_locator.aspx
West Marine steps it up with a pair of true hand-sewn leather Premium Comfort Boat Mocs with full-length, molded contour footbeds and EVA inserts designed for comfort and support. Rugged, functional boating performance components are razor-siped, non-marking, nonslip rubber outsoles and continuous surround lacing for stability on wet and dry surfaces. Special design elements include non-rusting brass eyelets, extra leather reinforced toe and rawhide lacing that won’t crack. Color options are Oak and Maple. $84.99. www.westmarine.com
Gifts for Her
The Natural Reflections Loungewear Collection for Ladies from Bass Pro features long-sleeve knit tops with a V-neck and wide cuffs comprised of a 60 percent cotton/40 percent polyester blend waffle knit in camo print, or 100 percent cotton in solids. $21.99. www.basspro.com
Sebago delivers a fashion statement with its Meriden Moc designed with comfort and style for both onboard and onshore excursions. Its “Cement Construction” affords lightweight and flexible durability. A full-length, leather sock-lining allows breathable comfort, and a rubber outsole gives extra traction and resilience. Available in several Nubuck colors,including a muted winter gray, as well as two bright hues in suede. $115. www.sebago.com
Lands’ End iconic tote comes dressed in an array of sophisticated new prints, including Nautical Rope. The large, open-top carryall measures 22.5” wide by 17” high by 9.5” deep and boasts water resistant base and trim, wide felled seams that keep it standing upright, and four inside pockets to easily and safely tuck smaller items. Spot cleaning keeps the durable canvas tote looking good wherever it travels. $44.50. www.landsend.com
Bliss Skincare incorporates natural ingredients that are environmentally friendly and easy-to-use formulas that enhance your mood through delightful fragrances, soothing solutions and good results. In sync with the company philosophy, it keeps a lively approach reflected in every product line package, which leads to this season’s Handy Candy gift set of four 1-ounce moisturizers that feature Peppermint and Snowflake holiday scents. $25. www.blissworld.com
Gifts for All
Rapala introduces a new freshwater line of fishing lures, including the BX Waking Minnow, an “attention-grabbing, top-water bait with a broad waking action that entices predator fish into a feeding frenzy.” Comprised of ultra-responsive balsa core and complemented by a durable copolymer shell that gives it the ability to get hammered all day long, the brilliance of the Waking Minnow as it moves just beneath the surface makes an enticing strike for Bass, Pike and everything in between. Outfitted with two VMC Black Nickel Round Bend Treble Hooks, it’s offered in six striking color patterns, including the Shadow HERO. $12.95. www.rapala.com
Garmin maps it out for you no matter the setting — boat, car, RV or ATV — with its rugged, waterproof Montana Marine Bundle 600 model. With detailed BlueChart g2 offshore maps for the U.S., realistic navigation features show everything from shaded depth contours and coastlines to spot soundings, navaids, port plans, wrecks, obstructions, intertidal zones, restricted areas and IALA symbols. A 4” dual-oriented touchscreen provides an easy-to-read on land and on water navigational device with rechargeable Lithium-ion battery pack. The bundle includes a marine mount with integrated power cable, and tilts/swivels provide optimum viewing at virtually any angle. Includes a micro SD card slot to load additional maps and AC charger. $549.99. www.garmin.com
Draftware offers a 2015 wall calendar with 13 early photos of sternwheel boats printed on heavy card stock suitable for framing. Each month showcases a specific boat, with Judge Ross, Sand Boy, Hercules No. 2, Velva and G.W. Dailey being just a few of those featured, along with its history and a complete calendar page to keep you organized. $15.95. www.draftware.com/calendar
Membership to a boating organization provides an array of benefits, including discounts at marinas, marine retail partners, and 24/7 on-water and on road towing services. BoatUS (www.boatus.com) offers several plans that range from Basic to Unlimited Gold, $24 to $181 per year, while Sea Tow (www.seatow.com) selections Lake Card and Gold Card are priced at $119 and $169 annually. Both companies provide on-road assist options at additional membership costs.
SPOT gives a peace-of-mind gift with its line of lifesaving products utilizing 100-percent satellite technology to keep you connected to the people and things that matter most. TRACE, an affordable and easy-to-use device, tracks your most valuable assets — cars, boats and motorcycles — virtually anywhere using your phone or computer. Pricing starts at $99.95, with a $50 mail-in rebate good until end of 2014. www.findmespot.com
