TERRANCE PHILLIPS -- The Harbor Column

When it comes to Santas around here, we have two. The gentleman in the

red suit, who probably should go on a diet, and Santa Catalina Island.

It’s enjoyable having both close at hand.

‘Tis that time of year when the cash registers are ringing in the

season and the malls are more crowded than a Tallahassee courtroom.

Trying to determine what gift to give can be time-consuming and

hectic. Locating an open parking space in a mall will take you longer

than the drive getting there, and trying to find a salesperson is almost

impossible. But there is an answer.

Marine gifts are both nautical and nice. Marine stores are not

crowded, have ample parking and the boating enthusiast shopper is far

less likely to fight for positioning at the sales counter. The stores

sell everything from sloops to knots.

The folks at Basin Marine, next to the Galley Restaurant, suggest

either the Night Tracker cordless/rechargeable spotlight for $79.95 or a

collapsible dock cart from Kart Ahoy for $44.95.

The Boss lighted screwdriver for $14.99 would fit nicely in a

stocking. And for the ultimate Peeping Tom, the Steiner 7x50 stabilized,

compassed binoculars for $1,058 will bring the Santa across the sea 50

times closer.

To be on the safe side, an Amerex two-pound fire extinguisher for $58

would come in handy when the sparks fly.

West Marine on Coast Highway prints a “Boating Best Gifts” list. Items

are listed in pricing categories of under $25; $25 to $50; $50 to $100;

$100 to $200 and the Bill Gates list.

On the back of the page, there’s a section called the “Wish List,”

which makes it convenient for a person to hint what is desired. If you

just don’t know what to give, manager Jay Carson will be happy to make

some suggestions.

For stocking stuffers, how about a mug buoy drink holder for $10.99 or

a classic Greek fisherman’s hat for $17.99?

I really liked the half-model wall mount of the first America’s Cup

winner, the 1851 schooner “America,” for $99.99. It’s great for a den or

office.

Pond yacht models from $199 to $599 are super for decorating an

office, kid’s room or family room.

Minney’s Ship Chandlery is always a fun place for gift hunting. New

and used equipment is abundant at this legendary shop on Newport

Boulevard.

Employees suggest leather belts with woven schooners or signal flags

for $17 to $25; polished brass ship bells from $10 to $50; or life

preserver rings scrolled with “Welcome Aboard”--great for a game or

family room--for $17 to $40. And you can frame an old navigation chart

for $1.95.

But if you really, truly love someone, just buy an entire yacht. They

are already equipped with all this stuff.

* TERRANCE PHILLIPS is the Daily Pilot’s boating writer. He may be

reached by e-mail at o7 terrykp@email.com .

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