Gear

2018 Cruising World Holiday Gift Guide for Sailors: Gadgets and Gear

Have some sailors on your holiday shopping list? Check out our picks for gear and gadgets that would be appreciated by anyone who enjoys spending time on the water.

By Jen Brett

Updated: November 2, 2018

2018 Cruising World Holiday Gift Guide for Sailors: Gadgets and Gear Courtesy of the manufacturer

From a cool underwater ROV to a water-resistant down blanket and a tandem kayak that can actually fold up and fit in an onboard locker, Cruising World‘s gift picks for sailors for the 2018 holiday season. For even more ideas, check our picks for top eco-friendly gifts for sailors.

West Marine Coastal 7×50 Waterproof Binoculars

Every sailor needs a good set of binoculars. The West Marine Coastal 7×50 Waterproof Binoculars are an excellent value for a fully waterproof set of marine binoculars. They are durable and lightweight with nitrogen-purged optics to prevent fogging, have multi-coated lenses for brightness in low-light conditions and sharp optics. Courtesy of the manufacturer

Eagle 3 Pro Quadcopter Drone with Wi-Fi Camera

Want to get some cool shots of your boat under sail or in that postcard-perfect anchorage? Try your hand at drone photography. The Eagle 3 Pro has a 328-foot range, can do 360-degree flips and tricks, and can capture it all on the built-in Wi-Fi camera. Using the free app, you can watch streamed footage live and take photos. Priced under $50, it’s a good starter drone. Courtesy of the manufacturer

PowerRay Wizard ROV

This might be the ultimate splurge — but it’s really cool! The PowerRay Wizard Underwater Drone ROV Kit allows you to explore the underwater world from the comfort of your boat. The ROV comes with a 210-foot tether, batteries and chargers, a 64GB memory card, a pair of Zeiss VR One Plus virtual reality goggles and more. Use it to explore underwater environments up to 98 feet down, locate fish and inspect boat bottoms. The ROV records in 4K UHD video and captures 12MP still photos. Courtesy of the manufacturer

VR Regatta game

Want to share the gift of sailing with someone who might not have much access to the water? VR Regatta is a cool new virtual reality sailing game where you can explore around islands, compete in races or just enjoy a moonlit sail. It’s available in the Oculus Store for $19 (VR headset not included). Courtesy of the manufacturer

Fusion Apollo Marine Stereo

The perfect gift for nautical audiophiles, the Fusion Apollo RA770 features a 4.3-inch glass touchscreen display and can deliver high-quality audio over Wi-Fi. Apollo is also the first marine stereo to be compatible with Apple AirPlay which makes it easy to stream from Apple devices. Courtesy of the manufacturer

Oru Haven Tandem Origami Kayak

While your cruising boat is great at getting you where you want to go, you need something smaller and more maneuverable to explore once you get there. The Oru Haven is a tandem kayak that folds down to the size of a suitcase — . It’s made of 5mm double-layered custom-extruded polypropylene and can comfortably hold two adults and their gear. Courtesy of the manufacturer

Musto Effortless Shirt

No matter how long you’ve been at sea, you want to look nice when going ashore. Damp conditions and cramped lockers can sometimes make this a challenge though. The Musto Effortless, which is available in men’s and women’s, shirt solves this problem. The shirt is made from a 4-way stretch fabric that has quick-dry and moisture-wicking properties. What makes it effortless? The shirt’s anti-crease construction is made to look great pulled straight from a bag. Courtesy of the manufacturer

Kammok Firebelly Trail Quilt

Perfect for cooler evenings onboard when you want to be cozy under the stars, the Firebelly down trail quilt from Kammok is rated to 30 degrees F. It’s not an ordinary down quilt – the soft ripstop nylon fabric is abrasion resistant and has been treated with a durable water repellant, and the insulation is 750-fill DownTek, a responsibly-sourced down with a PFC-free water repellent treatment. DownTek absorbs 30 percent less water and dries 60 percent faster than untreated down, so it will retain more loft and keep you warmer after exposure to moisture. The quilt only weighs 24 ounces and can easily pack down into a stuff sack. Courtesy of the manufacturer

Mustang Pacifica 60L weatherproof duffel

There isn’t much that’s more annoying than putting your bag down in the dinghy and having it soak up any water that’s pooled on the floor — especially if your bag was filled with clean laundry. The Mustang Pacifica weatherproof duffelsolves that problem. Waterproof bathtub base means you can put this bag down anywhere, and water resistant lid completes the weatherproof design. A removable foam liner protects fragile gear and removable shoulder straps allow you to carry the bag like a backpack. Courtesy of the manufacturer

Helly Hansen Lifaloft Insulator Vest

Helly Hansen’s new Lifaloft insulation is the result of a collaboration that combines the company’s Lifa fibers with Primaloft insulation. The new Lifaloft offers increased warmth, lighter weight and superior moisture management when compared to traditional polyester insulation. Lifaloft is available in a range of products including jackets and vests for men and women. The women’s Lifaloft Insulator Vest is lightweight, packable and versatile. Courtesy of the manufacturer

ACR Global Fix Survival Kit

If you’re planning on going offshore, you need to plan for the “what ifs.” The ACR GlobalFix Survival Kit covers some of those “ifs” and includes a GlobalFix Pro Cat. 2 EPIRB, a C-Strobe H2O rescue light, a Hot Shot signal mirror and Res-Q whistle and RapidDitch Express Bag. Courtesy of the manufacturer

Gill Hybrid Down jacket

Designed to keep you warm and comfortable on damp, cool days, the Gill Hybrid Down Jacket can work as a mid or outer layer. The torso is windproof with 650-fill down with a water-repellant finish and the stretchy side panels and sleeves allow for full range of movement. Courtesy of the manufacturer

Pretty Rugged blanket

Looking for something to keep you warm on chilly nights aboard — but also looks luxe? The Pretty Rugged brand was launched in 2016 by Tracy Slocum, great-great-great granddaughter of famous circumnavigator Joshua Slocum, when she wanted a practical yet beautiful blanket to warm up with on the boat. Pretty Rugged blankets are made with faux fur on one side and waterproof, windproof RuggedTex fabric on the other. It comes packed in a waterproof duffel bag, is machine washable and can be embroidered. Courtesy of the manufacturer

Xtratuf Slip-On Ankle Deck Boot

If boots can handle the rigors of commercial fishing in Alaska, they can handle the cruising lifestyle. The Xtratuf deck boot is easy to wear and comfortable, but more important, it features a non-marking, slip resistant sole for sure footing on wet, slick surfaces. The boot is waterproof and has an antimicrobial, evaporative cooling liner so your feet stay cool and dry. Courtesy of the manufacturer

Cruising World’s 2019 Calendar

The call of the sea sounds clearly in this calendar from the editors of Cruising World magazine. Escape on a relaxing sail to far-flung ports of call and exotic locales. The Cruising World calendar is ideal for weekend sailors and everyone who loves sailboats and the sea. This is the 32nd edition of this popular calendar! Jen Brett