The holidays are here, and if you're reading this article, chances are there is a boater on your holiday gift list! While wrapping up a 400-horsepower Mercury Verado for under the tree may be a long shot, there are plenty of other options to please the boaters in your life.
Since we have plenty of gift ideas for all types of boaters, this guide will cover items sure to make a splash with dinghy and RIB owners. The list below includes items to optimize on-the-water experiences and create a safer and more enjoyable time for your loved ones.
Give the gift of convenience and simplicity! C-TUG Dinghy Wheels are a lightweight and rugged option for transporting your dinghy up the beach or down the boat ramp, avoiding carrying any arduous or heavy loads.
These wheels are easy to assemble and install. They feature 10-inch puncture-free wheels that can be placed in various positions, are easy to lock and unlock, and can easily be removed when stowing your dinghy. These wheels are ideally suited for inflatable boat tenders or smaller aluminum boats.
If getting in and out of a dinghy seems like an impossible feat at sea, consider a RIB ladder. Armstrong Nautical makes the best RIB ladders in the industry. One of the best features of these ladders is that they require no holes or drilling. Instead, they are surface mounted to the tube sets with pads, which minimize friction and require limited labor to install. Also, these ladders do not swing under the boat; a pair of rubber friction wheels rest on top of the rub-strake, preventing these from turning downwards. They are very easy to use, store, and last forever! Not sure which size to get? Call our parts team at 805-644-6290 and we will help you choose which ladder is right for you!
Everyone could benefit from extra storage and comfort on the water. Fortunately, both Zodiac and Achilles make under-seat storage bags that also function as an additional bench seat cushion!
Zodiac and Achilles under-seat storage bags are a terrific accessory for any inflatable boat. Storage is often lacking in tenders and dinghies, and these include a large main pocket directly under the seat, as well as a pair of smaller pockets for sunscreen, extra drain plugs, snacks, whatever you need!
Maybe this is the year to upgrade to a new dinghy or finally outfit that new yacht or fishing boat! Zodiac makes a wide variety of dinghies and tenders, including the Cadet Roll-Up series, which are compact enough to fit under the tree! (Though we recommend transporting them through the front door and skipping the chimney.)
Zodiac Cadet Roll-Up Inflatable boats are compact and easy to stow in a cockpit locker. Fitting the slatted floor in the Roll Up seriessimply involves inflating the buoyancy tubes; stowage is just a matter of folding it into its carrying bag, no need to remove the slats. With so many options to choose from, there is certain to be a Cadet to fit every boater's needs!
The Torqeedo Travel Series are electric outboard motors made with clean and state-of-the-art technology. These quiet and efficient high-tech outboards were created for tenders, dinghies, and day-sailers up to 1.5 tons. Performance is comparable to a petrol outboard, yet with nothing that can leak into the water, during transport, or in storage. These advanced outboards are also solar-chargeable on water or land, making them a top choice for those looking for an environmentally friendly alternative to petrol outboards.
This is not your everyday stand-up paddleboard (SUP)! Brought to you by the same Zodiac Brand that made rigid inflatable boats a household name. Available in 8 ft and 11 ft and designed with Fusion Technology (FCT), these SUPs stand out against the competition with their lightweight and durable rigid design. Thes SUPs make the perfect addition to any large RIB or fiberglass boat as they can easily be inflated while on deck.
In need of even more gift ideas? Stop by our accessories store, where you will find an assortment of items not available online such as coolers, inflatable kayaks, tubes, dry bags, safety gear, stereos, fishfinders, and more!
Boat Specialists Parts and Accessories department is located at 6060 Nicolle Street in Ventura, CA.