Father’s Day is coming up, and if the dad in your life knows how to rig a reef, eyeball the wind, or crack a cold one after setting anchor, skip the usual socks and gadgets. Get him something that makes sense for the sailor he is—gear he’ll actually use, appreciate, and brag about on the dock.
This year’s lineup is practical, salt-ready, and tested by those of us who know the joy of early mornings at the helm and late-night cockpit chats.
These products have been tested both on the water and off. Father’s Day isn’t about fancy boxes or brand names. It’s about picking something that feels right, useful, reliable, and built for adventure. These gifts were chosen by sailors, for sailors. They aren’t flashy. They’re functional. And they’ll make Dad feel seen, not just as a father, but as the sailor he truly is.
Gill Men’s Pursuit Shoes
If Dad’s still wearing his old sneakers on deck, it’s time for an upgrade. The Gill Pursuit Shoes were designed for use on wet, slippery surfaces. With non-slip razor-cut soles, water drainage channels, and a breathable mesh upper, these are the shoes that stick when the deck is slick and dry fast when the spray’s flying. Lightweight, flexible, and they look good enough to wear to a restaurant. Maybe it’s time to ditch the flip flops and elevate his look.
Garmin inReach Mini 2 Satellite Communicator
Peace of mind fits in the palm of your hand. The Garmin inReach Mini 2 is ideal for dads who sail beyond cell service and want to reassure their family back home that they’re still afloat. It’s compact, reliable, and capable of two-way satellite messaging, tracking, and SOS alerts. We call it the “honey-I’m-okay” button. It’s an essential for coastal adventurers and offshore dreamers alike. Now, a bonus feature allows you to track the device so drop it into your teenager’s bag and you’ll always know where they are at.
Grundéns 38L Wayward Roll Top Backpack
Waterproof gear bags are like foul weather jackets—you don’t think about them until you really need them. The Wayward Roll Top Backpack is burly enough to toss in the dinghy, stuff with wet clothes, or lug across a muddy dock. Welded seams, 38L of space, and a roll-top that seals out rain and spray—it’s the kind of gear bag that earns its keep on day one. This can be a travel bag and if you over pack the airlines see a backpack. Put an extra jacket in the bag!
West Marine Coastal 200 7×50 Waterproof Binoculars
A reliable set of binocular can make the difference between a smooth approach and a guessing game. These Coastal 200 7x50s are waterproof, buoyant (yep, they float), and built to handle life on a boat. With a wide field of view and great light transmission, Dad won’t miss a marker, a boat name, or the pod of dolphins off the port bow. These are no-frills binoculars that do the job without any fancy options that can be confusing.
Grundéns Men’s Bulkhead Jacket
Designed for guys who don’t wait for perfect weather, the Bulkhead Jacket is a do-it-all outer layer. It’s windproof, water-resistant, and surprisingly lightweight—ideal for those misty mornings at sea or post-sunset sails when things get chilly. With Grundéns’ classic rugged style, this is a jacket that doesn’t shout “technical,” but sure acts like it. Also, it is cut so well it almost looks like you decided to dress up to go sailing.
West Marine Heavy-Duty Waterproof Rechargeable LED Spotlight
Every boat has a flashlight. A smart boat has this one. This West Marine LED Spotlight is bright—10,000 lumens bright. It’s waterproof, floats if dropped, and doubles as an emergency light source that actually lasts. Rechargeable and rugged, this thing has already earned a permanent home in my dry bag. This is bright on a different level. You will never miss a mooring ball again.
West Marine Men’s Printed Performance Hooded Shirt
Sun protection meets salty style. This lightweight performance hoodie is perfect for full days on the water—quick-drying, UPF-rated, and breathable even in the heat. The prints are subtle but sharp, and the fit is forgiving enough for casting a line or lounging on deck. It’s a staple for sailors who understand that sunburn isn’t a badge of honor. If you worry about heating up, this is the right apparel for you as it does it’s job without making you steamy.
