Does your sweetheart have a birthday or anniversary coming up? Or maybe a special surprise is in order for someone you love? Here are five boating gift ideas collected from West Marine to make the day special for the boater in your life!
1. High-quality sunglasses.
One thing to quickly note is that while out on your boat, the water acts like glass—reflecting the sun’s rays with a sharpness that can seriously impair vision. If your man is an avid fisherman, he’ll love the Costa Blackfin Sunglasses that stay in place no matter what the water throws at him.
As West Marine so candidly puts it, “you might have gallons of brine in your face and 600 pounds on your hook, but these glasses still won’t slip.”
With several options for women like the Blacktip Women’s Mizzen Polarized Sunglasses, your sweetheart will have perfect vision while out on the water. The wide frame on these sunglasses offers full protection and mirror polarized lens designed to handle both low and bright light settings.
2. Pet life vest. 
If your boat-lover has a best friend of the four-legged variety, they would love the West Marine Neoprene Pet Vest. The rub-resistant neoprene used in this vest is comfortable and includes a handler’s strap. SOLAS reflective surfaces ensure that their pet is visible even at night.
3. Tube tow rope.
Specially designed for up to four-rider tubes, the Airhead Tube Tow Rope has the tensile strength of 4,150 
pounds. The 16-strand, 60-foot dimensions are hardy, durable, and knot-free thanks to the Rope Keeper that guarantees neat storage. With a 6-inch loop at each end and Rasta color scheme, this rope is designed with the most fun—and longevity—in mind. If your companion loves taking the family out for wild tube rides, having a reliable tow rope that can haul so many at once is a great plus to ensure everyone has a chance to have a great time.
4. Tote bag.
Having a deep tote bag to stuff things in for a boating trip is an extremely helpful idea. If our readers remember Katie Burke’s article a few weeks back about being prepared, this will ring a bell. Katie says, “When everyone else is busy loading up in the truck, I grab [a beach bag] and walk around my house. I put anything and everything I think I might remotely need or have forgotten. Brushes, ponytail holders, water bottles, socks and a ton of other stuff end up in there.” The Dorfman Pacific Lurex Stripe Tote offered by West Marine is versatile, soft, and would be appreciated by any boater.
5. Weather Forecast Guide
Finally, few things are more helpful in keeping everyone safe while boating than knowing your weather signs. The On-Board Weather Forecasting (Captain's Quick Guides) is a quick reference by Robert J. Sweet that includes color panels and succinct information based on the world’s biggest boating library. Help your boat-lover learn a few pointers and feel more confidence in the captain’s seat.
