Gift for a barge skipper

[DoubleEnder]

A friend has just been enormously helpful to us. Their generosity really saved us a lot of stress and money, and I’d like to buy them a gift.

They have a 60 foot steel cruising boat on inland European waterways, which is pretty well sorted and equipped but I wonder if anyone can think of a useful or luxury item that would make a good present? An indulgence sort of thing…

The default is a very good case of wine. But in case anyone has ever thought ’ oh I’d love one of those but really can’t justify it’

Any ideas?
thank you

 

[KevinV]

Consumables like wine, or a meal out, are a great idea imo- I certainly wouldn't want anything (clutter!) on the boat that I didn't choose to have there.

 

[Poignard]

If expense is no object: a Smart car and a crane to lift it on and off.

 

[henryf]

I appreciate they are probably more aimed as offshore and coastal cruising but these charts look great on a boat…

Nautical 3D Charts from Latitude Kinsale

Henry

 

[Bowlerhat]

A proper, solid brass clock and/or barometer. There are heaps around, of course, but the real mccoy (such as here: Brass marine Clock - FCC Precision) make a lovely gift. I received a personalised doormat for our boat recently, which although less luxurious, was a very well received gift.

 

[paradave]

Embroidered towels with boat name?

 

[Wansworth]

A Hamper byHarods or similar

 

[Bouba]

If they are full time bargees then something like a book would be appreciated

 

[Seastoke]

d

If they are full time bargees then something like a book would be appreciated

Print off a copy of Bouba s diesel thread , that will keep them busy over winter.

 

[stelican]

Portable icemaker

 

[Bouba]

Giving gifts for favors is fraught...for example, the new neighbors asked us to look after their dog (lovely fella) one day.. I was more than happy...because I thought to myself, great and one day they can look after our dog...instead they bought us a gift (dog bowl)...so the favor has been repaid and if they look after our dog I will owe them...
Just say to the bargees....anytime anyplace call me if you need a favor...(believe me, any Brit living on the Continent needs a favor from a Brit living in the UK...be it parts or an address for Sky TV)

 

[Wansworth]

Yes we have that here the Galician peasant mentality is very cunning,……don’t accept a gift