3 gifts for boat owners that are sure to be a hit!

Are you already looking for an original Christmas present? Or is someone's birthday coming up who loves spending every spare minute on the water? Then the search for the perfect gift for a boat owner begins!

Fortunately, there are plenty of original, practical and surprising gifts that boat owners will genuinely appreciate. From handy boat accessories to personalised maritime gifts that bring back memories of wonderful days on the water. We've put together three great gift ideas for you, so you won't have to spend ages searching this year!

Number 1

Easy-to-use fender hooks from Fastfender

Of course, we couldn't start this article without mentioning our own product. After all, what skipper wouldn't appreciate a gift that makes life on board easier? Especially when it comes to a recurring task: hanging fenders. Because nobody enjoys tying fender lines. With fender hooks from Fastfender, you can attach fenders to the railing in seconds and easily adjust their height. No more fiddling with knots!

Fastfender is suitable for various types of boats, including small recreational boats, motorboats and sailing yachts. For sailing boats with wire railings, there's the Fastfender Sail. The fender hooks are sold in pairs. Tip: check what type of railing the recipient's boat has before ordering, so you can choose the right model.

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Number 2

Personalised fender covers

A personal touch makes a gift even more special. With personalised fender covers, you can give a boat its own unique look. The great thing about this gift is that it's not just personal, but practical too. The covers help prevent fenders from leaving marks on the hull.

You can order fender covers from various online shops and have them personalised to your liking, for example with your own design or the boat's name. Search for 'personalised fender covers' to explore the possibilities. When ordering, make sure to check the dimensions and type of fender to ensure the covers fit properly.

Read everything you need to know about fenders

Number 3

A surprise boating route with special mooring spots

For someone who already spends a lot of time boating, discovering a new destination might be even more exciting than receiving another accessory. Why not surprise them with a custom-made boating route featuring some special places? For example, plan a relaxing trip along the winding River Linge in the Netherlands, passing charming towns such as Leerdam and Asperen. Include a stop along the way for lunch by the water or a stroll through a historic village centre.

With a digital boating map, such as the Waterkaarten app, you can plan the route in advance and check which waterways and mooring spots are suitable. Then create a map showing the planned stops and write a short note explaining why each place is worth visiting. Print out the map and give it as a gift, perhaps together with a lunch voucher. That way, you're not just giving someone inspiration for their next boating trip, but also a wonderful day on the water to look forward to.

Frequently asked questions

What should you consider when buying boat accessories as a gift?

Not every accessory is suitable for every boat. That's why it's important to consider the type of boat, its dimensions and how the accessory is attached. With fender hooks, for example, it makes a difference whether the boat has wire railings or tubular railings. The available space on board also plays a role, especially when it comes to larger accessories.

It's also important to pay attention to the quality of the materials. Accessories on board are regularly exposed to water, sunlight and changing weather conditions, so they need to be able to withstand these elements. Not sure exactly what type of boat the recipient owns? Take a look at a photo or try asking discreetly. This will help you avoid giving a gift that doesn't fit or can't be used.

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What's a nice gift for someone who enjoys cruising on a small motorboat?

For someone who enjoys cruising on a small motorboat, gifts that make a day on the water even more enjoyable and comfortable are an excellent choice. Think of a picnic basket filled with delicious sandwiches, local cheeses, fresh fruit and a bottle of artisan lemonade for the journey.

Or choose a personal gift inspired by their favourite boating area. Does someone enjoy boating in the Biesbosch, for example? A beautiful map of the area, a nature guide to the Biesbosch or a pair of binoculars for birdwatching would make an original gift. A compact fishing rod can also be a great present for someone who enjoys fishing while out on the water.

Opting for accessories to use on board? Make sure to consider the available space and choose materials that can withstand moisture and sunlight.
How can you make a practical gift for a skipper feel festive?

A practical gift doesn't have to be boring. For example, wrap it together with some tasty treats for the journey and add a personal card. You could also put together a gift hamper that's perfectly suited to life on the water.

Think of a snack hamper for enjoying on board, filled with delicious nibbles, nuts and a nice drink. Or create a comfort kit for long days on the water, including a quick-drying towel, sunscreen and a sunglasses strap.

For someone who loves discovering new places, an explorer's kit with a waterproof map, a notebook for recording boating trips and a list of beautiful mooring spots would make a lovely surprise.
What's a nice gift for a boat lover who doesn't own a boat?

Even without owning a boat, there are plenty of great gift options. Think of a beginner's sailing lesson, a sightseeing cruise on a special vessel, a visit to a maritime museum or a book about boating. An experience on the water is an especially thoughtful choice for someone who loves being on the water but doesn't own a boat themselves.

What customers say

Best Fender Holder For Boats Ever!

We've had these for the past 2 years and they are by far the best fender holders we've every had. Once the fender is attached at the right length, the holder can be easily added or removed from the boat rails. They stay secure and are very strong.

Great idea and product!

It may be simple but most amazing things are. I bought them for my Sea Ray 240 Sundancer and it makes fender adjustments for different docking or rafting tie ups very easy. Plus install/ removal is so much nicer than dealing with four lines all the time.

Easy to use

I've used a lot of different fender holder quick tie ups over the years with both boats I've owned and these work and are by far the easiest I've used for quick adjustments.

This makes docking the boat easy

Excellent product! The design also allows for quick pack up at the end of the day. Takes 15 seconds to attach/ detach 4 fenders. I love boating and anything that makes it easier is a great find.

Should have gotten them sooner

I used to get annoyed with permanently tied bumpers on a 20' key west boat. Passengers that rode in the front area would have to use the bumpers as pillows.
Now I can easily take off the bumpers and store them out of the way, the clips worked great on hand rails on the bow as well as the metal poles that hold the canopy.