Holiday Boating Gadgets

So, it’s that time of year again, when gifting the boater in your life can be challenging. The good news is that there’s a lot of new marine technology on the market. Below are just a few possible gifts to keep the boater in your life happy and grateful.

1. Starlink

The gift of connectivity, especially while on the water, is always welcome. Starlink offers a variety of antennas that allow boaters to be fully connected, no matter where they are.

Although Starlink offers several antennas, two models work exceptionally well for boaters. There is the Starlink Mini, which operates with a built-in router, connects to 12 volts and can be set up anywhere. Simply power up the antenna and connect to it with your smart device or computer, and you are good to go.

Another option with a permanent mount on larger vessels is the Starlink Performance antenna. Designed for in-motion use, these antennas provide excellent connectivity while underway with extremely low latency and fast upload and download speeds. This antenna does not include a router, but a matched Starlink router can be purchased separately, or third-party routers can be utilized.

There are various plans that can be purchased to access Starlink’s extensive global satellite network, starting at $65 a month. Roaming antennas start at $499 at STARLINK.COM.

2. Power Pole Vision

JL Marine, the makers of Power Pole and Move trolling motors, recently introduced a “marine infotainment display” called the Power Pole Vision. This innovative new display can do anything your smartphone can do, but on a bigger, brighter and more usable sunlight-readable touchscreen.

Available in 7- and 12-inch versions, it is the first marine Google-certified infotainment display that combines “total boat control with onboard navigation and entertainment.” The user can download unlimited apps, control onboard equipment, and even take videos and photos with the included mounted camera.

Cellular connectivity is available through your smartphone hotspot, onboard Wi-Fi, or directly through a plan with PureTalk. Users can download any app from the Google Play Store just as they would from any Android device; this opens the door to extensive charting and satellite imagery, as well as anything else you could think of. Great for navigation, controlling your onboard equipment and watching the game while afloat, you can even squeeze a little more time aboard by entertaining the little ones with their favorite streamed shows. Starting at $1,999 at POWERPOLE.COM.

3. Fliteboard eFoils

If you’re looking for a unique gift for the adventurous boater in your life, one of the fourth-generation versions of Fliteboard eFoils might be a good option.

These space-age boards can be seen gliding above the water on their foils like suspended surfboards. They can take a rider for a thrilling ride while being controlled with an easy-to-use hand controller. These powerful eFoils are available in a range of versions for beginners (even with scooter handles), inflatable boards and high-end, top-of-the-line carbon fiber models.

They have a modular system made up of the board, mast, foil and battery. As such, these eFoils can grow and adapt with you. You can change out parts as you progress from a novice to a pro, or just enjoy the simplicity of the basic models. Once you take your first ride, you will want to gift one to yourself. You can custom-configure a board or purchase a complete system. While not inexpensive, they are very fun and addictive. Prices and component costs vary at FLITEBOARD.COM.

4. Garmin Quatix 8

Being able to control a lot of equipment from a display at the helm is great, but so is the ability to do so from your wrist. The Garmin Quatix 8 can do just that.

This full-featured smartwatch can take and receive calls and texts, track your health, as well as control your Garmin autopilot, multifunction displays and other equipment aboard. It has useful features for boaters, such as anchor drag alarms, chartplotter voice commands, boat data streaming, tide alerts and a bevy of sailing apps.

With a bright 1.4-inch AMOLED screen and a built-in flashlight, this watch can help you helm your boat while telling you the time. If you’re on a voyage for a longer stretch, this watch can take it in stride with an up to 16-day battery life. Its housing is even made with “ocean-bound recycled plastics.” Starting at $1,199.99 at GARMIN.COM.