Finding a gift for a boat lover isn‘t always the easiest task. They’re usually type A people who like what they like, especially with anything related to their boat. However, they can be very appreciative of a thoughtful gift!
An area of which they’re less likely to spend on themselves is clothing and accessories. Most of their boat spending will be on the boat itself so a new jacket or pair of shoes will be a welcome gift. The criteria is waterproof, warm clothing pieces that are classic and timeless because they need versatile items that will be long-lasting.
In this blog, we’ve gathered up our top 11 gifts for boaters. Think cosy knitwear, insulated jackets, and fleece layers.
1. Men's Runswick Bay Insulated Gilet
If one thing’s for sure, you need to keep warm when out on a boat. However, some coats can be very restrictive. A gilet counteracts that. It will keep them warm but will also allow them to move freely. It’s padded enough to feel cosy and comfortable but practical enough for working on a boat.
The Runswick Bay gilet comes in four neutral shades: navy, dark green, khaki and black. This means it will go with just about any casual outfit. Because a padded gilet is so versatile, they’ll get so much use out of it. They can wear it for running errands, shopping with the family, days out, colder nights at the pub, even gardening at home! The beauty of a gilet is that you can add layers underneath it as the temperature drops. Add a thermal, a shirt, a sweatshirt, a jumper, or all of the above to keep the heat in!
2. Men's Ulrome Fleece Overshirt
For a country cosy feeling, a fleece checked shirt is a perfect layer underneath the gilet above or worn as a jacket on cool days. It’s a much cosier alternative to our regular fitted shirts, perfect for a winter-time gift! Whilst it’s definitely like wearing a warm blanket outside, this fleece material is lightweight and breathable too.
This button-down style is fitted in style so if your gift receiver is a fan of layers, you should consider buying the next size up. Whether it’s a vest top, a crew neck T-shirt or a thermal, it will add another layer of warmth. When the temperature rises, it makes a great option instead of a jacket.
Boaters are big fans of casualwear but they always look stylish. However, being stylish and casual at the same time can be tricky. Quarter-zip sweatshirts are a classic cut that will see any boater through the years. The relaxed fit makes it another great layering piece, large enough to fit a T-shirt underneath. However, it’s not oversized so will still fit under a jacket or gilet.
When outdoors, staying warm is vital, especially when on the open waters. The funnel collar helps to keep your neck warm too without your movement. Its equestrian style is in keeping with our Rydale signature look and looks great paired with jeans and chinos.
4. Men's Huggate Hybrid Fleece Jacket
Don’t know whether to buy them a fleece or an insulated jacket as a gift? How about a hybrid version of both? For those days when it’s not cold enough for a winter coat but it’s cool enough to want that extra layer on, a hybrid fleece jacket is the best option.
To make it extra cosy, the insulated padding retains the heat, the soft fleece-lined collar will keep their neck warm, and the moleskin trim gives it that luxurious edge, compared to other styles. This will become their go-to jacket between seasons and with it coming in three colours, they might even start to collect them!
5. Men's Warter Waterproof Walking Jacket
For anyone who enjoys outdoor activities, a waterproof and windproof jacket is an absolute necessity. However, it’s been designed to be a go-to jacket in all weather conditions and occasions. This will look just as good when worn on a boat than it will on family walks and wearing to the office.
The Warter style has all of the usual Rydale jacket properties: plenty of pockets, taped seams, mesh lining, a concealed hood, Velcro wrist fastenings, and drawstring cords at the waist. It’s a lightweight jacket so if it’s particularly cold, layers are a must. However, it’s still thicker than a jacket in a packet and much more versatile!
6. Men's Danby Wax Baseball Cap
Every boater needs a hat and a waxed baseball cap is a lovely option, especially as a gift. The minimalist design of the Danby cap makes it one of our bestsellers. Any man will feel comfortable and cool in this style.
The adjustable Velcro strap at the back makes it easy to get the perfect fit too. The Danby also comes in three colours (navy, olive, and brown) so simply choose the colour that they love and will use the most. It’s a relatively inexpensive gift but incredibly thoughtful, especially if their current cap needs replacing!
7. Men's Runswick Leather Deck Shoes
What more of a perfect gift for a boater is there than a pair of boat or deck shoes? The Runswick leather pairs scream classic boating style but still offer up comfort. Take our word for it, they’re just as comfortable as a pair of slippers!
Deck shoes are some of the most versatile shoes too, complementing jeans, chinos, and tweed suit trousers. The slip-on style makes it easy for any men to get their feet into and the rubber sole is grippy enough for being on deck. They’re so easy to dress up and down, they might become their go-to shoe for many occasions.
Especially in colder months, an insulated flask might be just what the boater in your life needs. Even if there are kitchen facilities on board, a travel mug might just make it easier to keep their drinks hot for more than a few minutes.
Our streamlined design slots into most drinks holders and holds 450ml, just the right size for a cup of tea, coffee, hot chocolate or hot beverage of their choice! You’ll see lots of these in the Rydale offices because they’re perfect for long car journeys and commutes too.
9. Men's Danby Chunky Shooting Jumper
Who doesn’t love some chunky knitwear? If there’s an ultimate cosy piece of clothing, it’s a knitted jumper. As the weather gets colder, layers get even more important. Adding in a knitwear layer under a gilet or jacket will help to retain any heat, especially if they pop a thermal underneath it.
The Danby jumper has its Rydale signature of padded shoulders and elbows, quality wool blend material, and ribbed cuffs and hems. Although it’s been designed as a shooting jumper, it can be worn elsewhere! It’s stretchy enough to move around freely in too, ideal for boating.
10. Men's Fordon Long Sleeve Polo Shirt
One of our favourite items to wear when it gets colder is our Fordon long-sleeved polo shirt. It makes a great first layer or a main layer during the spring. The super soft cotton pique fabric is incredibly comfortable and breathable too, perfect for any outdoor activity.
This style comes in three classic country colours, navy, olive, and black, meaning it will go with just about any outfit. Dress it up with jeans and leather brogues for nights at the pub or dress it down with joggers and slippers for cosy nights at home!
11. Men's Lisset Neoprene Lined Wellington Boots
If there’s one item that every country gentleman needs to be practical, it’s a pair of neoprene-lined wellington boots. The Lisset wellies have a deep lined tread for outdoor work and a buckle strap at the top to keep them snug to calves.
Whilst they have a sturdy tread, they’re still comfortable and easy to walk around in. Tuck in trousers to give a more streamlined look. They’re also really easy to clean, which is what we all want in a pair of wellies!
That[‘s a wrap on our 11 gifts for boaters guide, ideal for Christmas, birthdays, and every other occasion. Any of these 11 gifts shows thought and quality so we're sure they’ll be thrilled with whichever one you gift them.