Steer Santa toward
West Marine

And, if you're like me, thankfully, some of those folks on your gift list are easier to shop for than others because they're boating enthusiasts.

It doesn't really make any difference if they're sailors, fishermen or cruisers. All it takes is a one-stop shopping trip to a full-service marine hardware store like West Marine and I can find the right gift in nearly any price range.

Its nautical jewelry section is a great place to look for something for the wahine who loves boats (or their owners), or equally appropriate is its nautical apparel section.

The knife display case always gets my attention because I doubt there is a boater alive who has too many multifunction tools like those made by Leatherman, with knife blades, scissors, pliers and screwdrivers all folded into one small leather case.

When all else fails, it's the book section I finally turn to because most boaters, if they're not out on the water, like to read about their favorite pastime and this year there have been several outstanding books published with nautical themes.

For the history buff, author Caroline Alexander has shed new light on a 200-year-old story in her book "The Bounty: The True Story of the Mutiny on the Bounty."

By researching reams of court-martial documents, diaries, letters and interviews of the surviving crew and mutineers, Alexander has created a best-seller that shows another side of the infamous Captain Bligh and his incredible survival across more than 3,600 miles of ocean in a small open boat.

For the angler, a book provocatively titled "All Fishermen are Liars" and written by "The Perfect Storm" author Linda Greenlaw, might be the perfect gift.

Greenlaw takes the reader into a waterfront bar called the Dry Dock in Portland, Maine, where an on-going line-up of commercial fishermen, lobstermen and sportfishermen provide a series of "true" fishing tales with more than one chuckle.

For anyone new to boating there may be no better gift than the boater's bible: "Chapman Piloting & Seamanship," now in its 64th edition. This is the world's most respected boating reference book and it has been completely updated and revised for the first time in a decade.

Of course, if you do give Chapman to a new boater, I would also advise adding to the gift by enrolling him or her in the Honolulu Sail and Power Squadron's "Boat Smart" safe boating course beginning January 10 at the Waikiki Yacht Club.

Other than a charge of $25 for instruction materials, the course is free and graduates are often able to receive discounts on their marine insurance. But this course is often filled quickly, so the Squadron advises calling 395-5080 for an early registration.

I hope all this will help, but again, if you're like me, I'll probably see you out shopping next Friday night -- a hui hou.