Looking for the perfect holiday gift for the boater in your life? We’ve got you covered! At 50 North, we spend our days surrounded by boats, gear, and the people who love them, and that means our team has strong opinions about what makes time on the water even better. This holiday season, we thought it would be fun to share our own go-to favorites.
From practical tools to clever accessories to the products we love, this guide is packed with real picks from the 50 North crew. Whether you’re shopping for the boater in your life (or treating yourself), these recommendations are designed to help you find the perfect gift this season.
Starting with…
Austin Bladon – Sales 
Staff Pick: FLIR M364C Thermal Camera
Austin’s go-to gift idea is the FLIR thermal camera, a tool he considers invaluable for anyone cruising at night or in low-visibility conditions. He says the enhanced visibility “adds an extra dimension of confidence in safe navigation at sea,” especially when operating offshore. The FLIR M364C helps boaters detect hazards, vessels, and obstacles that might otherwise go unnoticed, making it a standout safety upgrade for any serious mariner.
Learn more about the FLIR M364C 
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Tim Tweed, Sales 
Staff Pick: Garmin Quatix® 7 Pro Smartwatch
Tim’s dream gadget this season is the Garmin Quatix® 7 Pro Smartwatch, a powerful piece of tech designed specifically for boaters. He loves that it keeps you oriented on the water while also giving seamless control of onboard functions, from adjusting the stereo to steering-compatible features, right from your wrist. For boaters who want smart convenience and navigation support in one sleek package, this watch is hard to beat.
Learn more about the Quatix® 7 Pro 
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Mark Gibbons, Managing Director 
Staff Pick: Seakeeper Ride
Mark’s standout pick for the ultimate boating upgrade is the Seakeeper RIDE. He loves how dramatically it improves comfort on the water, instantly reducing bouncing and rolling to deliver a noticeably smoother, more stable ride. By taking the fatigue out of rough conditions, Seakeeper Ride helps everyone on board feel more confident, happier, and ready to stay out longer. As Mark puts it,” the wow factor is off the charts!”
Learn more about Seakeeper Ride 
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Lianne Robertson – Marketing & Operations 
Staff Pick: A Good Bluetooth Speaker and A Stress-Free, Fun-Filled Boat Day
As someone who loves day trips on the water with friend, handing out in the sun, swimming, snacking, and listening to music, a good waterproof Bluetooth speaker is one of Liannes must-haves. “Good music sets the vibe, and I love that these have great sound quality, handle splashes, and last all day.”
JBL portable Bluetooth speaker 
Alternative option – Soundcore portable Bluetooth speaker 
“But honestly, what makes a boat day perfect for me is not having to worry about anything except having fun. (Sorry, I couldn’t pick just one.)” That’s why her other top pick is 50 North’s yacht management services. Being able to show up to a clean, prepped, ready-to-go boat, and then simply tie it up and walk away at the end of the day without dealing with engine flushing, wash-downs, or dive services, is a total game-changer. It keeps boating stress-free so you can enjoy every minute on the water.
Learn more about 50 North Yacht Management Services 
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Bruce Witt, Service Manager 
Staff Pick: SPOT Satellite Communicator
Bruce’s top recommendation for boaters is the SPOT satellite communicator, a compact but powerful tool for staying connected even when far beyond cell range. As he explains, having a SPOT onboard “allows contact when out of cell range and beyond,” offering an extra layer of safety and reliability during offshore adventures. For Bruce, the biggest benefit is simple: “a bit of peace of mind.”
Garmin Compact SOS Satellite Communicator with Photo and Voice Messaging 
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As you can see, the 50 North crew has no shortage of passion for the products and upgrades that make time on the water safer, smoother, and more fun. From high-tech navigation tools to comfort-boosting innovations to simple items that set the perfect vibe, these staff picks come straight from the people who live and breathe boating every day. We hope this guide inspires the perfect gift for the boater in your life, or helps you treat yourself to something that elevates your next adventure. Here’s to a joyful, memorable, and adventure-filled holiday season from all of us at 50 North!