9 Unique Gift Ideas for Boaters Who Are Impossible to Shop For

Looking for a gift for a boat enthusiast? Are people asking you what you want for Christmas? The best gifts are ones that create memories and actually get used. This holiday season, if you’re looking to get away from the typical material gift, check out Herrington Harbour’s handpicked list of unique and memorable gifts.

1. Boat Cleaning Subscription

Give the gift of a clean boat—all year long! Gift weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly washes with on-site service providers Schuman, Payless Marine Detailing, and ​Detail/Wash Service By Eric Graves.

2. Sailing Course at The Sailing Academy

Give the gift of sailing. Located on-site, The Sailing Academy offers basic, intermediate, and advanced courses for all ages. The academy’s seasoned instructors use an on-water coaching method for students to learn how to sail by doing.

3. Bottom Painting Package

Bottom painting is one of the most labor intensive and time-consuming jobs for every boat owner. This year, save your favorite boater time and effort with a Herrington Harbour North bottom painting package. To schedule a bottom painting, use the online work request form or purchase a Herrington Harbour gift card by emailing the marina office.

4. TowBoatUS Membership

Give the gift of a TowBoatUS Membership and enjoy peace of mind knowing your boater will be covered with a year of trusted on-water service. Family owned and operated, TowBoatUS has 11 tow boats equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to serve boaters throughout the Chesapeake Bay. Their experienced crew offers routine and emergency towing, fuel delivery, soft ungrounding and jump start services. For more information and specials, contact Christine at 410-255-8700.

5. Boat US Foundation Boating Courses

Consider gifting an online Boat US Foundation Boating Course. Boat US Foundation offers a variety of online classes such as Cruising Boats & Systems, Propane Systems on Your Boat, Modern Marine Navigation, Sailing Lingo, and more.

6. Herrington Harbour Sailing Association Membership

Give the gift of racing, cruising and enjoying the Bay with a Herrington Harbour Sailing Association membership. The Herrington Harbour Sailing Association holds Wednesday night races in Herring Bay, cruising adventures, seminars, and women-only programming.

7. Herring Bay Yacht Club Membership

Whether a powerboater or sailor, a Herring Bay Yacht Club membership is the fun gift for the boater in your life—after all, their motto is “Real People, Real Cruising, Real Fun!”. HBYC offers members organized cruises, typically 4 or 5 weekend cruises and one 7 to 9 day cruise. Members also enjoy reciprocity with other yacht clubs in the USA.

8. Fishing Charter Experience

Memories make the best gifts, especially ones that involve reeling in large rockfish with your friends. Gift a fishing experience with one of our on-site charter boats: Miss Grace, Patent Pending, and The Last Hurrah.

9. Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Membership

Give the gift of wonder with a Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum membership. Members enjoy free general admission, docking privileges, free or reduced admission to virtual programs and classes, and reciprocal admission to over 70 Council of American Maritime Museums (depending on level of membership).