Boating Etiquette 101

[coolbri70]

Re: Boating Etiquette 101

no glass containers, there is the ashtray, there is the trash can, use them. here is your pfd, try it on, adjust it to fit, then keep it with you or wear it. then I show the fire extinguisher and throwable floats. I do all the docking launch/retrieving, keep your hands inside. oh and we are here to have fun, enjoy, don't put your butts it my soda can, that's about it

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Boating Etiquette 101

One general rule here. Don't invite people you don't know!

One absolute rule. NO YOU CAN'T BORROW MY BOAT!

 

[BRICH1260]

Re: Boating Etiquette 101

One basic rule- Contribute to the cause, don`t show up empty handed. Contributions can be beer, food, gas money, ect. Also, don`t expect me to run you back to the dock in the middle of the day, be prepared to stay for awhile.

 

[Slide]

Re: Boating Etiquette 101

The Golden Rule: Put out or swim

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Boating Etiquette 101

The Golden Rule: Put out or swim

Could you please elaborate, I'm not following? What are you putting out and who
s swimming?

 

[StevNimrod]

Re: Boating Etiquette 101

Rule 1. Boats are like wives; don't let anyone borrow (or otherwise use) yours.
Rule 2. Just because you went for a swim doesn't mean you can't...well...you know...

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Boating Etiquette 101

While a mental check list is a good idea, I wouldn't want to spend any time with someone who had an actual list. This is recreational boating, not a survival competition.

It seems the "rules" discussed here break into a couple of groups:

1. compliance with laws, regulations and safety protocal. Those who do not know them need to be informed. If they refuse to comply, they go in group 3.

2. things a non-boater wouldn't know, such as shoe rules, or what to do approaching a dock, or space limitations. Those who do not know, need to be educated, politely. it is always astounding when guests are oblivious to things that are second nature to boaters but that's life among the humans.

3. things not limited to boating that are of common sense and courtesy, like not littering (in or out of the boat), being on time and staying until the end, or being helpful. Those who do not know, should not be invited in the first place, or if they slip through, not invited back!

4. rules of hospitality--way too personal to be a rule for anyone else, such as whether the host supplies the food and bev or the guests contribute. That just takes communication in advance of the trip.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Boating Etiquette 101

I'll stick with my primary 2 rules.

Again #1, NO YOU CANNOT BORROW MY BOAT
#2, Guests do not invite guests.

I don't take unknowns and I don't have a late rule because if your not there when I'm ready then you aint going because I'll already be gone. Catch me next time, maybe!

 

[agallant80]

Re: Boating Etiquette 101

1. The woman is always right
2. Guests are guests I don't expect anything from them If they offer to bring something I will tell them what to bring. Better if the offer to pay for gas but I would never let them do it unless it was a good friend mooching water time because he was too lazy to put his boat in the water
3. Don't help at the dock, you just get in the way.
4. When I am docking stay in your seat where I told you to sit, again you will just be in the way.
5. Have a good time.
6. No kids, don't like them anyways.

 

[greenbush future]

Re: Boating Etiquette 101

If you were invited, it's because I have already decided you have enough common sense to be on my boat. Offering to bring lunch is always a great thing to do, drinks and women are optional. Not bringing lunch or offering some help with fuel, launch fee's and other cost's is never required, but don't expect to be invited back if you don't.
I have a friend (maybe acquaintance is a better choice) who owns a boat, but I invited him down to fish the Detroit River spring walleye bite. He knows it's a $100.00 day no matter how you do it. This guy is nice enough, but failed to offer even the simplest of things, so he will not be invited back again. I most likely wouldn't accept any offers for gas $ but at least offer, cheap scate!

 

[agallant80]

Re: Boating Etiquette 101

If you were invited, it's because I have already decided you have enough common sense to be on my boat. Offering to bring lunch is always a great thing to do, drinks and women are optional. Not bringing lunch or offering some help with fuel, launch fee's and other cost's is never required, but don't expect to be invited back if you don't.
I have a friend (maybe acquaintance is a better choice) who owns a boat, but I invited him down to fish the Detroit River spring walleye bite. He knows it's a $100.00 day no matter how you do it. This guy is nice enough, but failed to offer even the simplest of things, so he will not be invited back again. I most likely wouldn't accept any offers for gas $ but at least offer, cheap scate!

That bites. I remember once I let a really nice co-worker borrow my truck. I gave it to him with a full tank I got it back with 1/4 tank but he cleaned it for me which was not what I wanted. It drives me crazy when someone knows the expense and tries to cheap out of it.

 

[briangcc]

Re: Boating Etiquette 101

1. Alcohol stays ashore. No exceptions. You're welcome to crack one open when we return to the dock and I'm retrieving the boat...provided you do not violate any open container laws for the ramps I use.
2. Come prepared for the day with your own supplies - towels, sunglasses, sunblock, etc.
3. Snacks are welcome and appreciated if offered to the captain. They may very well be declined but its nice to know you care about the guy getting YOU back ashore Same goes for Non-Alcoholic drinks, although I do bring my own as well and I usually a few "reserve" just in case the outing is longer than anticipated.
4. Listen to the quick briefing I give you before we leave the dock if you haven't been on my boat before. I go over start/stop/bailout procedures so if you're not paying attention, you may miss something important!
4a. Life jackets required for all children and any adult who cannot swim. **My father does this consistently now that he's older and losing mobility so this has been added to my ruleset.
5. Offers of assistance cleaning the boat after the outing is always appreciated - mandatory if you made a mess, you will clean it up.

 

[Begester]

Re: Boating Etiquette 101

1. Everyone is required to know where the life vests are and to NOT do any talking if we get pulled over.
2. No pooping in the head.

Both rules have been broken and its not fun.

 

[rogerwa]

Re: Boating Etiquette 101

My wife and I had some friends up to the cabin last summer for the day. There were two couples with two small kids each. With me and my wife and two of my kids, who are older, this made for 12 people out on the toon for the day. Its a 25' and they are small kids so there was plenty of room.

One of the families is from India and generally have no knowledge of the water. What I did was to get all four visiting kids together right before we left the dock for a briefing. I spoke loudly as to inform the parents of the expectations as well. Which were very simple.
1) On the boat, I am in charge - you need to ask permission from me to move
2) stay in your seat while underway
3) lifejackets stay on until we beach or dock
4) do not stand on the furniture
5) stay still while docking and do not help unless asked

The kids were fine and followed the rules. the indian dad on the other hand was standing in front of me, walking back and forth taking pictures, and not sitting down at all. I took him aside as to not embarass him and straightened him out. I still don't think he got it.

 

[boatpoker]

Re: Boating Etiquette 101

I don't care who bought it, the last beer is mine.

 

[littlerayray]

Re: Boating Etiquette 101

I don't care who bought it, the last beer is mine.

+1
cheers to that boatpoker

 

[jigngrub]

Re: Boating Etiquette 101

Shoes must be worn at all times, no sandals or crocs.
No women
No children
No bananas
If I'm wearing a PFD, you'll wear one too.
You reel in all of the fish, follow my instructions to land large fish.
Alcohol on board only by permission and only under certain conditions.

 

[TurboM700]

Re: Boating Etiquette 101

Maybe my friends are different because they have never offered to buy gas for the boat and half the time end up eating my food but it really doesn't bother me. I choose to buy/build the boat I choose to invite them there for I have no problem paying for gas and food. I work very hard for my money and I dont mind spending it.

If a 5 dollar bag of chips is going to make or break you then maybe you shouldn't be in boating.


My Rules
#1 If your not having fun its not my fault.
#2 What my wife says over rules what I think.
#3 When eating sunflower seeds throw them over board they are a PITA to get out of the carpet.
#4 This one for the kids if your going to throw sand at each other do it away from the boat.

One pet peeve I have is helping me clean up the boat after the days over. Empty the beer cans out wipe the seats down and put the cover on. It takes me 3 times longer todo this by myself.

Mike

 

[BrianCinAz]

Re: Boating Etiquette 101

1.No foods or drinks made with red dye. Cheetoh's, Dorito's, red Gaterade, etc stain the upholstery.
2.My boat, my rules. You don't want to do it the way I ask, then get your own boat.

 

[pullin]

Re: Boating Etiquette 101

Most of it's common sense, so I don't have to issue a bunch of rules. But there are a few....

1. Please stay seated as we're docking. There's a strong tendency for passengers to hop up and begin preparing to exit when they feel the boat come to a stop. I have to explain that this is the very time when I need the deck clear so I can scamper around with lines.

2. Help with expenses isn't mandatory, but offers are appreciated. And no you can't borrow it. (Except for Scott. He let's me borrow his airplane. So I figure I'm getting the better end of that deal)

3. Keep a really close eye on the kids at the ramp. Mine have grown up around boats and are aware of the dangers, but kids have no concept of sightlines when backing a large boat down a ramp. Also, there's rarely a good reason to travel between boat and trailer while we're stopped. Always go around (keeps feet from accidentally yanking the wiring harness).

4. Check with me before diving into the water. We need to know the depth, and I need to ensure you're well away from the outdrive. (Texas lakes have very low visibility sometimes).