This week, Lynette asks, "My husband plans to buy a boat at a winter boat show. I'm thinking about getting him a Christmas gift that he can use on the boat. Can you tell me what equipment is required to have onboard?"

The answer to this question actually varies depending on what state you live in. Since Lynette didn't tell me where she lives, I'll do my best to provide a general list of must-haves that are pretty much required across the board, regardless of which state you call home.

(As a side note, for a list of specific boating laws in your particular state, visit the Discover Boating website.)

Here's a quick laundry list of "Don't leave home without it!" items to stow onboard:

• A proper fitting life jacket for each person
• One throwable safety device (ring buoys, boat cushions, etc.)
• A horn or other sound-producing device
• A fire extinguisher (if your boat has a motor)
• Proper navigation lights (if you operate from dusk 'till dawn)
• Proper state registration documents and numbers

This covers the bases, but definitely be sure and check with your local boating authorities to confirm what the law requires in your specific area. Always better safe than sorry!

If you're looking for a "required" gift, then I recommend a nice inflatable life jacket. New models come in two types: Automatic or manual. The top-end models are called "auto hydrostatic" and retail for a few hundred dollars, while the more basic, bare-bones models start under $100. If your husband plans to go boating alone, then go with an auto inflate or hydrostatic.

I suggest a life jacket-gift not only because it's a requirement for all boats to have onboard, but I imagine no matter how nice the wrapping , opening a fire extinguisher on Christmas Day is a lot like getting that terrible Bill Cosby-esque sweater from Aunt Mable. You've gotta put on your best game face while opening, but inside you're thinking you just lost in overtime on a last-minute, Hail Mary play. Quite frankly, it doesn't give anyone the holiday warm and fuzzies.

If your husband likes to fish, you may want to consider a life jacket with lots of pockets to hold lures, tools and other fishing-related gear. If he's into water sports, then a snug-fitting, sport-type life jacket is the way to go. These vests can withstand high impact, which is sometimes necessary when experimenting with new skiing tricks for the first time.

If you're willing to consider something that's not necessarily "required" but good to have onboard, here are a few more suggestions. A hand held VHF radio could be a wonderful gift if your husband plans to boat in large bodies of water. He can use it to talk to other boaters or check the weather, and in case of an emergency he can use it to call for help. In large lakes or along the coastline, there may not always be cell phone coverage to count on. You can find a hand held VHF radio at most marine retailers.

Another cool and useful gift idea is a multi-tool, like a Leatherman. This tool is popular for most any style of boater, and it's something you can take off the boat and even use at home. Most boaters do haul around a small basic tool kit, but I can testify from personal experience that my Leatherman has come in handy on more than one occasion – not only to get a hook de-lodged from a big fish mouth, but also to tighten a loose screw holding my livewell pump in place, among many, many other things!

I hope these ideas help with your holiday shopping list. And best of luck with the new boat. Hopefully, no matter what you decide to buy him, your husband will like it – even if it is a bow-clad fire extinguisher!