Good gift for a recreational sailor
Posted by Existing_Marketing65@reddit | sailing | View on Reddit | 34 comments
Howdy sailors,
My uncle turns 60 in May, he’s someone I look up to and admire and really want to get him something special to mark the occasion, he’s taken to sailing in the last few years through a sailing club, while I can’t afford to get him a boat, I would like to get him something sailing specific up to a value of about $1000aud.
Can any of you guys think of an item that you find a necessity and you couldn’t live without while on the water?
Thanks for taking the time to read this far.
RepulsiveTadpole8@reddit
Just give him the money.
Any_March_9765@reddit
As with ANY hobby, I personally think the best gift is cash - not that you are thoughtless, but often if you are not in this hobby, you don't really know what they want. Some people might be saving up money to buy a fancy piece for their hobby, so they would probably prefer cash towards that goal, rather than getting a mediocre piece that they don't really want. You can make it clear to him that you know he loves sailing but bc you are not a sailing expert, you'd rather have him make the call on how to spend your gift. That's why people have wedding registeries or honeymoon funds to prevent unwanted gift
Existing_Marketing65@reddit (OP)
You know what this is probably a good idea. He’s fairly well off so I kinda presume anything he really wants he will have bought himself already but cash could be good
Lazy-Conversation-48@reddit
The fact that you made an effort to get him something makes all the difference. I’d get him something like the binoculars or folding knife because they are always handy and he will think of you when he pulls it out.
jthechef@reddit
a really nice auto inflating life jacket.
a new sailing jacket
a real water proof hold all
a hand held marine radio
Exciting_Traffic3013@reddit
Sailing knife with marlin spike
johnbro27@reddit
Hand bearing compass
lokeypod@reddit
Drogue anchor?
Uncle_Bill@reddit
Personal EPIRB.
krengel@reddit
Get him an asymmetrical spinnaker if he doesn’t have one. You can find them used for a few hundred dollars. I was your uncle a couple years ago and wanted one but felt it was a splurge purchase. I don’t have a cool nephew like you, so I bought it myself.
BlackStumpFarm@reddit
If he doesn’t own a tablet (iPad or Android), get him one in the operating system he would prefer, plus a year’s subscription to Navionics. Many people who already own a chart plotter are adding the convenience and portability of a mobile device to their navigation equipment. BTW, that’s a very generous gift! Good on ya!
RashiAkko@reddit
Go for a sail with him. They are sways looking for crew. Get him dinner and a beer after.
BitemarksLeft@reddit
Yeah this is a great answer. I love having people join me for sailing!!
Existing_Marketing65@reddit (OP)
I would love that but we live on separate continents. I’ve been with him before though and sailing seems to be an excuse to hit the beers, my kinda people
3-2-1_liftoff@reddit
A handheld bearing compass and a subscription to a chart service. I can’t tell you the number of times that has been useful to me. GPS plotting isn’t always there, but MK I eyeballs and a paper chart never go down.
Also fun to noodle around on a paper chart in the evening figuring out the next day’s adventures. “Where shall we go next?” is the best convo starter there is.
Fast_Personality6371@reddit
There are a few YouTube videos that cover great ideas of best gadgets or necessities to have on sailboats. Search “must haves for sailing “
BamaTony64@reddit
A nice handheld sailing GPS.
KCJwnz@reddit
If I had $1000 discretionary as a sailor I'd probably deck myself out in some foulies. I'd get a nice jacket and a bib with a crotch zipper, nice boots, nice pair of gloves. I'm also in the PNW so take that into account
R_051@reddit
If they already have a good set I would check if they might need a nice inflatable life vest
pheitkemper@reddit
All I know is that I need this guy as a nephew.
Existing_Marketing65@reddit (OP)
I’m available for rent on weekends
leakybilge1968@reddit
A sailor can always use a high quality pair of light weight binoculars with good lenses.
rex8499@reddit
With gyroscopic stabilization is a huge game changer on a boat as well.
sdbest@reddit
Put me with the guys suggesting binoculars.
Weird1Intrepid@reddit
What about a nice set of bread instruments like a barometer etc or a gimballed brass kerosene lamp. They might not ever be used over more modern equipment but they are backups in emergencies, plus they look beautiful and add some charm below decks. A sextant would be another possibility - a good quality metal (brass/stainless) sextant could easily set you back a grand
schmichael3@reddit
Get him image stabilizing binoculars.
Reasonable-Pension30@reddit
1000$ is a lot of money. Maybe buy him a good folding knife ( highly recommend spyderco salt series serrated ) and the rest in a gift card to the local ( or online ) sailing shop. Clothing is a good suggestion but it's so personal that it's better to let the person buy it (same goes for pfd). As a longtime sailor I'm never without a knife.
CulpablyRedundant@reddit
I wish Spyderco would make the Tusk again. Or a new version of it.
Alesisdrum@reddit
Really good life jacket with a tether and dog lines
CulpablyRedundant@reddit
A bit out of their price range. OP said $100. My offshore PFD was $400-ish. Even the tether was $150.
Rum on the other hand...
mrthomasfritz@reddit
Salors like multi-use tools, like this:
Inflatable Ring Cushion Portable Donut Cushion Seat with A Pump Anti-Decubitus Hemorrhoids Seat Ring for Hemorrhoid, Tailbone, Coccyx Pain Relief
Tell him it is good also for a life ring to throw out to a drowning person.
/s
FlickrPaul@reddit
Rum
Existing_Marketing65@reddit (OP)
I love it 😆
New_Day_Co-op2@reddit
Good quality rain gear, light weight inflatable life preserver, if he’s racing a sailing watch. Your local chandlery will have some more expensive ideas.