No matter if you’re steering a sailboat, a pontoon, or even a small rowboat, you need 20/20 visibility, abundant eye protection, and all-day comfort. And that’s where SMITH and SportRx come in. SMITH boating and sailing sunglasses allow you to easily know your port from your starboard, not get distracted by glare, and see what’s beneath the water’s surface. Join SportRx for our top picks of the best SMITH boating and sailing sunglasses!

Table of Contents

A. What to Look for in Boating and Sailing Sunglasses
B. Best SMITH Boating and Sailing Sunglasses
1. SMITH Embark
2. SMITH Longfin
3. SMITH Leadout Pivlock
4. SMITH Castaway
5. SMITH Barra
C. SMITH Boating and Sailing Sunglasses FAQs
D. Shop Prescription SMITH Boating and Sailing Sunglasses at SportRx

What to Look for in Boating and Sailing Sunglasses

Before you hit the dock, make sure you’re fully equipped with the right eyewear. Continue reading for our breakdown of how to find the perfect sunglasses for your nautical adventures.

Frame Technology

When you’re enjoying time on your boat, the last thing you want to be thinking about is your sunglasses. A comfortable pair ensures that your mind is right where it should be — on hoisting the sails or dropping your anchor, not on your eyewear. Megol nose pads and temple grips make sure your frames remain in place, while keeping you comfortable.

For eye protection and coverage, opt for larger lenses or a wrap around frame design. Both do a great job of safeguarding your eyes from harmful sun rays, while extending your field of vision. For extra peripheral coverage, keep an eye out for sunglasses that feature side shields.

Lens Technology

If you’ve spent any time out on the water, you’re probably familiar with how glare bouncing off the surface can be distracting and dangerous. To combat blinding light, lenses that feature polarization are a great choice. When sunlight hits the water at a vertical wavelength, it’s reflected horizontally, and that results in glare. Polarized lenses filter out this irritating light, allowing your eyes to properly see and make for a better boating and sailing adventure.

SMITH takes your visual experience one step further with their ChromaPop™ lens technology. ChromaPop™ filters out overlapping colors that lead to confusion and distortion, making the colors around you truly pop. This also results in enhanced clarity and reduced eye fatigue, ideal for a day on the water. This technology’s 100% UV protection is another prominent feature, as it is the key for spending time out in the sun.

If you’re ready to head down the boat ramp, maybe with your fishing rod in hand, also check out our Best SMITH Fishing Sunglasses blog for even more water-centric frames.

Best SMITH Boating and Sailing Sunglasses

Let’s set sail and get into our picks!

SMITH Embark

Kicking off our list with the SMITH Embark! Constructed from Evolve™ frame material, the Embark is lightweight, durable, and stands up to a day spent on the water. Removeable, vented side shields promote airflow, as well as provide peripheral protection from sun, glare, and wind. ChromaPop™ lenses enhance your visual surroundings by heightening color definition, while the adjustable temples allow for a tailor-made fit perfect for you. Even if you hit some rough waves, the optional leash attachment ensures your frames won’t end up on the ocean floor.

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SMITH Embark ChromaPop™ Grey Green

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Embark Key Features:

  • Side shields provide additional peripheral protection
  • ChromaPop™ lenses enhance color and clarity
  • Adjustable temples allow for a customized fit
  • Rx-able
  • SportRx Frame Width (What is SFW?): 134 (Men’s M/Women’s L)

SMITH Longfin

From the dock to the open sea, the SMITH Longfin has you covered. Megol side shields keep blinding light and extreme wind at bay, protecting your eyes from harmful and distracting visual irritants. Additionally, the large lenses provide ample coverage, while 100% UV protection will give you peace of mind. Hydrophobic and anti-reflective lens coatings help moisture run off the lens surface and block out glare. Whether you’re heading out to fish or just casually cruising around the lake, the Longfin sunglasses will have you seeing clearly.

best polarized lens color for fishing the flats smith chromapop polarized brown mirror in smith longfin matte sunglasses

SMITH Longfin in Matte Gravy with ChromaPop™ Polarized Bronze Mirror Lenses

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Longfin Key Features:

  • Side shields help block wind and excessive light
  • Frame ventilation wicks away moisture
  • Available in Elite for added safety ratings
  • Rx-able
  • SFW: 135 (Men’s M/Women’s L)

SMITH Leadout Pivlock

If you’re looking for a tailor-made boating outing, the SMITH Leadout Pivlock is the frame for you. Crafted from durable and lightweight TR-90 material, the Leadout Pivlock features comfortable rubberized grips that keep the frame optically aligned. This frame’s interchangeable lens system allows you to seamlessly swap out lenses to best accommodate lighting conditions and varying activities. Integrated frame ventilation wicks away and drains moisture for fog-free vision, while a hard lens coating protects against scratches and abrasions.

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SMITH Leadout Pivlock - White

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Leadout Pivlock Key Features:

  • Interchangeable capability allows for easy lens swapping
  • TR-90 frame material is lightweight and durable
  • Megol nose pad and temple grips keep frames in place
  • Rx-able
  • SFW: 136 (Men’s and Women’s L)

SMITH Castaway

While the name may evoke images of Tom Hanks and Wilson the volleyball, the SMITH Castaway won’t leave you stranded. Its wrap around design and large lenses provide the needed coverage for a day out in the sun. The bent temples help keep the sunglasses secure, and spring hinges ensure the Castaway is comfortable all day long. The TR-90 frame material is so lightweight, you may forget you’re even wearing them. An oleophobic coating repels facial oils and minimizes smudging, so your lenses remain crystal-clear. An optional leash attachment takes security one step further, allowing you to focus on wakes and waves instead of readjusting your frames.

smith castaway sunglasses in black with bronze polarized lenses

SMITH Castaway in Matte Black Gold with ChromaPop™ Polarized Bronze Mirror Lenses

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Castaway Key Features:

  • Wrap around design extends field of view
  • Spring hinges help maintain a comfortable fit
  • Optional leash ensures sunglasses safety
  • Rx-able
  • SFW: 136 (Men’s and Women’s L)

SMITH Barra

Last, but most certainly not least, is the SMITH Barra! With its featherweight Evolve™ frame material, the Barra is easy to wear from sunrise to sunset. Megol grips placed on the nose pads and temples ensure the sunglasses remain comfortably secure, while frame ventilation keeps air moving and prevents the lenses from fogging up. With a hydrophobic and anti-reflective coating, you’re guaranteed moisture-free lenses and protection from blinding glare. The Barra flatters a variety of face shapes, and is the perfect frame for anybody ready to hit the water.

SMITH Barra in Matte Forest with ChromaPop Polarized Brown lens

SMITH Barra in Matte Forest with ChromaPop™ Polarized Brown lens

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Barra Key Features:

  • Eco-friendly Evolve™ frame material is lightweight
  • Megol grips provide a slip-free fit
  • Sweat management system increases airflow
  • Rx-able
  • SFW: 138 (Men’s and Women’s L)

SMITH Boating and Sailing Sunglasses FAQs

What is ChromaPop™?

A day spent boating and sailing means your vision will be tested. From glare to color definition, the weather elements can affect how you see the world around you. To achieve the best visual experience, you need the best lens tech for your sunglasses.

ChromaPop™ is SMITH’s proprietary lens technology that filters out wavelengths of light that cause color confusion. Overlapping colors can make it difficult to distinguish definition and receive the necessary clarity. With ChromaPop™ lenses, you’ll receive sharper colors, increased clarity, and a faster reaction time because of those enhancements. This lens tech is especially beneficial when boating, sailing, and fishing. You'll be able to track fish beneath the water's surface better and irritating glare won't stand a chance.

Do you need polarized sunglasses for boating or sailing?

When it comes to boating sunglasses and sailing sunglasses, polarization is a must-have feature. When sunlight hits the water’s surface, it reflects back horizontally as polarized waves. To combat this, sunglasses with a polarized filter prevent that horizontal light from passing through, and only vertical light is allowed to pass, much like with Venetian blinds. So, in short, yes, you need polarized sunglasses when out on the water.

For more information on polarization, visit our blog on Polarized Lenses.

Where can I buy SMITH prescription sunglasses?

Through SportRx! When you shop with us, you’ll find video guides and tool tips throughout the build process as you customize the perfect pair of SMITH sunglasses. An answer to all your questions is at your fingertips, and if you want to chat with an expert, give us a call. We’ll put you in touch with one of our friendly in-house opticians, who can help you build your prescription SMITH sunglasses.

Shop Prescription SMITH Boating and Sailing Sunglasses Online at SportRx

Ditch risky online shopping with our See Better Guarantee™. Try your prescription SMITH sunglasses for 45 days and if you’re not 100% satisfied, simply let us know. We’ll make it right. Get a full refund, exchange, or credit towards a better pair. And return shipping? Covered. Get your pair of prescription SMITH boating and sailing sunglasses at SportRx today!

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