… And What’s Actually Worth Adding to Your Cart
It’s that time of year again! Prime Day is here and while most of the internet is loading up on air fryers and robot vacuums, we are over here quietly stocking the boat with gear we’ve been eyeing for months. If you’ve been putting off upgrading that aging handheld VHF or finally getting a proper waterproof speaker for the cockpit, this is your time!!!
Living aboard Avocet has taught us that the best gear is the kind you reach for every single day without thinking about it; the stuff that quietly makes passage-making safer, more comfortable, or just a little more fun. Prime Day is the one time a year where some of that gear actually goes on sale, and I’ll be honest, I look forward to it the way some people look forward to holiday shopping. Only this time, nobody’s buying me an ugly sweater.
So, whether you’re treating yourself, subtly sending this to the landlubbers in your life who keep asking what you want, or just looking to smartly restock the boat, here is our Sailing Avocet-approved list of Prime Day deals worth watching for. As always, if you plan to shop Amazon anyway, click here first so we get a small kick-back at zero cost to you!
1. Handheld VHF Radio ($80 – $180)
If there is one piece of safety gear that every sailor should have as a backup — or as a primary if you’re on a smaller vessel — it’s a handheld VHF radio. We have one aboard Avocet that has lived through some truly questionable conditions and still works flawlessly. Prime Day typically brings solid discounts on Standard Horizon and Uniden models, which are reliable, waterproof, and float (yes, float — that matters). Whether you’re hailing a marina, monitoring weather, or just trying to reach another boat at anchor, a handheld VHF is non-negotiable. If yours is more than a few years old, now is a great time to upgrade.
2. Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker ($30 – $120)
Sundowners in the cockpit are significantly improved with good music — that is just a fact. A waterproof Bluetooth speaker has been one of the most-used items aboard Avocet, surviving splashes, salt air, and the occasional overly enthusiastic passage through a squall. JBL and Bose speakers consistently go on sale during Prime Day and either brand is a solid investment. Look for models that are both waterproof and floatable, with at least 12 hours of battery life. Bonus points if it can pair to two devices at once — trust me, you’ll appreciate that when you have crew aboard.
3. Solar Power Bank / Portable Charger ($25 – $60)
We are constantly charging things on the boat — phones, headlamps, cameras, the list goes on — and while we’ve got our solar setup dialed in at this point, a good portable solar power bank is something I still reach for regularly. These are perfect for dinghy days, hikes ashore, or as a backup when the boat’s power situation is less than ideal. Anker and BigBlue make excellent ones that Prime Day tends to mark down significantly. The dual-USB models charge two devices simultaneously which is a major win!
4. Headlamp ($15 – $45)
I know, I know — we put this on our Gift Guide (Second Edition) too. But listen, a good rechargeable headlamp is one of those things where more is more. You want one at the nav station, one in the cockpit, one in the ditch bag — and they all need fresh batteries or a charge at the worst possible moment. Prime Day is the best time to grab one (or three) of the low-profile LED models that are rechargeable via USB and have a wide, even beam. We gave some as gifts this past holiday season and they were a hit. A red-light mode for night watch is a must — it preserves your night vision and keeps the person not on watch from losing their mind.
5. Dry Bags ($20 – $60)
Another gift guide repeat offender, and for good reason. Dry bags are non-negotiable on a boat and Prime Day deals on them are genuinely good. We like to have an assortment of sizes aboard: small ones for phones and documents, medium ones for clothes on passage, and a large backpack-style dry bag for dinghy excursions ashore. The backpack style is my personal favorite — you can throw it over your shoulder, your hands stay free, and everything stays dry even if you flip the dinghy (not that that’s ever happened to us… 👀). Stock up during Prime Day because you will use every size you own.
6. Waterproof Phone Case / Mount ($15 – $40)
Let’s be real: most of us are using our phones for navigation apps, weather routing, music, communication, and about fifteen other things at any given time. A waterproof phone case or cockpit mount is a small investment that protects a very expensive one. I love a good suction-cup mount for the companionway — it keeps the phone visible and out of the way. Prime Day routinely has great deals on Catalyst and Lifeproof cases as well as adjustable RAM mounts and similar brands. If you don’t already have one, this Prime Day is a great time to fix that.
7. Noise-Canceling Headphones ($50 – $200)
This one has been on our gift guide since 2020, and it still belongs here. Whether you are grinding through a boatyard project, settling in for a long night watch, or just trying to drown out the sound of the marina generator next door, noise-canceling headphones are genuinely life-improving. Sony and Bose both run Prime Day deals on their over-ear models. I was obsessed with having one earbud in during night passages to listen to audiobooks — it made solo watches feel like my own personal movie. AirPods also tend to go on sale, and they are fantastic for their seamless connectivity if you’re in the Apple ecosystem. A gift that keeps giving, as I’ve said before!
8. First Aid Kit (Marine Grade) ($30 – $80)
Here’s the less glamorous but genuinely important one. When was the last time you went through your first aid kit? If you can’t answer that question quickly, it’s probably time for an upgrade. A proper marine-grade first aid kit — or at minimum a solid general wilderness/outdoor first aid kit — should be aboard every vessel. Prime Day is a smart time to grab one. Look for kits that include blister care, wound closure strips, SAM splints, and a first aid manual. Once you have the kit, take an afternoon to actually go through everything and know where it all is. The kit is only useful if you can find what you need fast.
9. Sailing Gloves ($20 – $50)
Okay, this one might seem basic, but worn-out sailing gloves are the kind of thing you tolerate for too long because replacing them feels like a non-urgent task. It is absolutely a non-urgent task — until you’re hauling in a jib sheet in 25 knots and suddenly it is very urgent. Sailing gloves from brands like Gill, Harken, and Ronstan frequently show up in Prime Day deals. We like the three-quarter-finger style for good grip and dexterity. If your current pair has more holes than glove, let Prime Day be your sign.
10. Boat Cleaning & Maintenance Supplies ($10 – $40)
Not the sexiest category on this list, but hear me out. Star Brite, Meguiar’s, and similar marine cleaning brands regularly show up in Prime Day sales, and boat maintenance supplies are one of those things you will always use. Teak cleaner, hull polish, vinyl protectant, and waterproof grease are all worth stocking up on. We like to use Prime Day as a “refill the maintenance cabinet” moment — it saves money and means we’re not making a frantic marina store run mid-project. A clean boat is a happy boat, and a happy boat makes for a happy crew.
A Note on Shopping Prime Day as a Sailor
Prime Day can feel overwhelming, there are a lot of “deals” that are, let’s say, not actually deals. A few tips from someone who has done this a few too many times:
Check the price history first. A browser extension like CamelCamelCamel (or the Honey app) will show you if the “sale price” is actually the normal price with a flashy badge on it. Real Prime Day deals are real — but not everything labeled a deal actually is one.
Prioritize safety gear. If you’ve been putting off upgrading your ditch bag, your flares, your EPIRB, or your life jackets, safety items are worth full price — but it’s nice when they’re discounted. Check those categories first.
Don’t forget the basics. Tether webbing, shackles, rigging tape, spare line — unglamorous but essential. These often go on sale and are easy to forget about until you need them.
As always, if you’re planning to shop on Amazon this Prime Day anyway, click through our link before you start adding to your cart. It doesn’t cost you a single cent and it helps keep Avocet moving — literally. If you’re looking for more sailor-approved gift and gear ideas, check out our previous guides: Practical Gifts for Salty Sailors and Minimalists and Second Edition.
Happy shopping, happy sailing, and may your Prime Day cart bring you fair winds.
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