Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Nine great Father’s Day gift ideas — no ties and nothing that implies work, such as a new drill! All are either fun things or items that make times aboard just that much nicer . . . plus one that’s great if Dad isn’t a cruiser and doesn’t quite “get” what you’re planning to do. Items included range in price from about $25 to over $1,000.

A really good Insulated Coffee Mug that will keep drinks hot (or cold) for hours — see on Amazon or read my review

A 4-Way Wind Scoop will make a huge difference in keeping the boat cool this summer, whether at anchor or at the dock — buy from Cruising Solutions or read my review

For pure fun (but admittedly fairly expensive), how about a Stand Up Paddleboard? I love the inflatable one I have from Tower (very sturdy and rolls up to stow compactly) — see Tower’s iSUPs or read my review

If Dad likes to grill but isn’t too happy about the grill he’s got on board, check out these recommended grills from other TBG readers (again, not an inexpensive gift)

A SodaStream makes great soft drinks and mixers, eliminating the need to lug cases of drinks to the boat. Need a refrigerator and water; best if in the US to refill CO2 cartridges. Buy at any big-box retailer or on Amazon or read my review.

If the boat suffers from a lack of ventilation on rainy days, Port Visors would be a great gift. Buy from Seaworthy Goods or read my review.

If Dad’s dreaming about cruising or you want to show him your dreams a little more clearly, how about some of the Distant Shores DVDs? It’s a Canadian TV show featuring cruising pretty much all over the world — you can buy single seasons, sets by destination, and all sorts of combo packs. Buy from Distant Shores or read my review.

Looking for something really useful but again not cheap? How about a Mantus Anchor? I haven’t written a review yet, but I absolutely love their anchors as they set better than anything else available in almost all conditions. Learn more on the Mantus website. (BTW, a friend was so thrilled to get one for Mother’s Day that she broke down and cried . . . in happiness . . . over an anchor!)

And finally, as a matter of shameless self promotion, if Dad likes to cook and doesn’t already have a copy, how about The Boat Galley Cookbook? Read about it or see where to buy worldwide.