Our picks for the Ultimate Boatie

Author: Will Hay

Father's Day is just around the corner on 1 September, and if your dad lives and breathes all things boating, then you know that the best gifts are those that elevate his time on the water. Whether he's an avid fisherman, a seasoned sailor, or simply enjoys a relaxing day out near the water, we've curated the ultimate gift guide to level up his next adventure. These handpicked products are sure to impress the old man and get yourself in his good books so get ready to spoil your dad this year in the fishiest way possible!

Hutchwilco Kai Cooler 1000 Series Insulated Catch bag

The Hutchwilco Kai Cooler 1000 Series Insulated Catch Bag is an essential addition to any boat without the bulkiness of a traditional chilly bin. Designed to keep your prized catch in perfect condition, this catch bag is a space-saving alternative with top-tier features. Its 3D welded construction forms a waterproof, gusseted bag that stays upright, ensuring stability on board. Crafted from heavy-duty marine tarpaulin and lined with 12mm insulation foam, this bag maintains cooler temperatures for extended periods, keeping your catch fresh. The bag also features convenient storage straps, hook and loop fastener tabs for easy packing, and heavy-duty water-resistant zips to keep out unwanted pests. With a drain hole and optional hose fitting, it can even double as a portable live bait tank. Easy to clean and reuse, it’s perfect for fishing, hunting, and transporting cold goods. Plus, it comes with a built-in fish measure, so you can easily verify the size of your catch—or settle any debates over who landed the biggest fish, you may need to let Dad win that debate on Father’s Day though… 

Century CC1206 Battery Charger

Charge up Dad's smile and his boat’s batteries with the Century CC1206 Battery Charger. This smart charger is a versatile solution for charging and maintaining a variety of battery types, including automotive, AGM, Flooded, EFB, and Gel batteries. Backed by a 5-year warranty, the CC1206 is designed for ease of use and long-lasting reliability. It’s the perfect tool to ensure your dad’s batteries are always ready for the next adventure, whether he's heading out for a day on the water or storing his boat for the season.

Okuma Coronado CDX 60 Baitfeeder Reel

Engineered for Saltwater Fishing Excellence, the Okuma Coronado CDX 60 Baitfeeder Reel is built for the serious saltwater fisher-dad. Featuring an on/off auto trip bait feeding system, this reel allows for seamless control of the spool, letting the bait run freely until the perfect moment. Its precision dual force drag system, combined with carbonite drag washers, ensures high-end drag pressure and exceptional smoothness. The reel’s slow oscillation system improves line lay, while the Quick-Set anti-reverse feature ensures rock-solid hook sets. With Cyclonic Flow Rotor technology, the reel offers precise gear alignment, maximum casting ability, and ultimate durability. Plus, its high-performance bearings are more than 10 times more resistant to saltwater than standard stainless-steel bearings, ensuring longevity even in the harshest conditions. This reel is a solid gift that promises to enhance your dad’s fishing game for years to come.

Matai Gallery Bamboo 3D Topographical maps

Give your dad his favourite boating spot right in his own home with these epic handcrafted 3D topographical maps from Matai Gallery. With a suite of locations around NZ and even some abroad each map is constructed out of bamboo layers, painted, assembled and framed in-house capturing every little detail. Due to the handmade nature and natural materials used no two maps are the same so you can be sure you’re gifting something very unique. The hand painted teal of the ocean pairs perfectly with the natural tone of the un-stained bamboo on the land with major roads and depths marked out also. Each map comes in a presentation box and includes a hanging kit, and mounting holes are pre-drilled into the frame for easy fitting.

ACR ResQLink 400 Advanced Floating PLB - NZ Coded

What better gift to give dad than making sure he is safe at sea than the ACR ResQLink 400 Advanced Floating Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). This compact and lightweight beacon is designed to be your trusted link to rescue in life-threatening situations. The ResQLink 400 features a user-friendly design with a protected activation button, multiple mounting options for easy accessibility, and an improved antenna enclosure. It also boasts dual strobe lights, including a new infra-red light to assist rescuers using night vision goggles. Operating on the three Cospas-Sarsat satellite systems, including the advanced MEOSAR network, this PLB ensures near-instant signal detection and transmission. With pinpoint accuracy, the ResQLink 400 can locate you within 100 meters, 95% of the time, in just five minutes. Perfect for any adventurer, this beacon doesn't require a subscription but must be registered with the national authority. It’s the ideal emergency companion for boating, hiking, fishing, hunting, and all your outdoor escapades.

Insta360 X4

If your dad is a bit of a tech head and loves capturing his on-water escapades, then the brand new Insta360 X4 will go down an absolute treat this year. The 360 camera ensures your dad will never miss that epic shot allowing for full capture all in 8K! With AI-powered reframing tools in the Insta360 app, just hit record and find the perfect shot after. Capture incredible third-person shots and drone-like angles that are impossible with other action cameras on the market.

Shimano Travel Reel Bag

Offering premium protection for Dad’s prized reels, the Shimano Travel Reel Bag is a must-have. Specially designed to protect valuable reels during transport and storage, this case can hold up to six smaller reels or four larger ones, making it ideal for both land and sea adventures. The internal dividers allow for easy organization, keeping each reel securely in place and safe from bumps, knocks, and scratches. Crafted from durable 420D 600x300 polyester, the bag features a corrosion-resistant zip and a sturdy handle, ensuring long-lasting use. Measuring 300 x 245 x 130 mm, it’s compact enough to fit in a backpack, making it perfect for land-based fishermen who like to travel light. With adjustable hook-and-loop walls for custom organization, the Shimano Travel Reel Bag is the perfect way to keep reels safe, secure, and ready for action.

Whether it's keeping his catch fresh, ensuring his safety, enhancing his fishing prowess, or just giving him something truly epic these gifts are sure to make his upcoming days on the water even better.