The holidays are approaching and you’ll soon need a gift for the boater in your life. How about something that’s more than just another trendy boating gadget? With the help of the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water, you can show your boating buddy or loved one you care by selecting a gift that keeps them safe and our waterways clean.
Under $10
Stuff that stocking with the basic safety goodies like a mini flashlight, a marine signaling mirror, a whistle, and some glowing light sticks. Every boater needs extra deck plate keys for pumping out their holding tank or filling up at the fuel dock. A simple marine first aid kit – a must-have for every boat – starts at about $10, but the more you spend, the more you get.
Under $25
A no spill container is a cool tool that helps keep fuel from escaping from a fuel tank vent during refueling and entering the water. While you’re at it, throw in some oil absorbent diapers to help catch drips while filling up portable gas tanks. A record book keeps track of engine repairs – and can keep tabs on when the next fuel saving tune-up is due. It also monitors expiration dates of safety equipment like flares and batteries, and can remind boaters when its time to replace out-of-sight bilge socks. Wildlife identification guides help foster appreciation for the natural habitat along waterways – fish identification guides for the angler, and birding guides are good for any boater.
Under $100
The right shoes prevent slipping and sliding and they cut down on dirty scuff marks that keep your boater busy scrubbing the deck with harsh cleaners that could end up in the water.
Under $150
A welcome tool for the do-it-yourselfer is an oil change pump. With this handy device waste oil can easily and cleanly be removed and taken to an oil recycling facility. Boaters are more likely to wear a life jacket they find comfortable, and nothing beats an inflatable type – either belt or harness style – for comfort on the water. While you’re at it, pick up an extra inflatable life jacket rearming kit so your boater will always have spares on hand.
Under $250
How about a pair of binoculars with a no-slip grip? They’re perfect for identifying navigation marks and approaching vessels, not to mention checking out water birds and spotting porpoise on the horizon.
Any Amount
Help support the future of safe, smart and clean boating with a tax-deductible donation to the BoatU.S Foundation in a loved one’s name. Clean water and boating safety grants, low-cost EPIRB rentals, and free loaner life jackets for kids are all made possible by your generosity. Donate easily and securely online at BoatUS.com/foundation/donate.htm, or if you’d like an acknowledgment card for underneath your buddy’s tree, just e-mail us at BoatingSafety@BoatUS.com and we’ll personalize a gift card just for you.
Many of the gifts can be found at http://www.BoatUS.com , http://www.WestMarine.com or other specialty stores.
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety & Clean Water is a nonprofit organization of BoatUS – the nation’s largest recreational boating association with over 550,000 members. For more information on making a year end tax-deductible donation go to http://www.BoatUS.com/foundation.
Posted: 12-8-2003
