Boat rules

[31BVeteran]

Thanks for your service @31BVeteran.

Thank you for that!

 

[31BVeteran]

It leaves a horrible film on your seats and over time can discolor them, especially is its a tanning spray and not just a sun blocker.

I will warn you, when it's sprayed on the swim deck it can make the Seadek slick once it's wet. It usually washes itself away after a few times coming off plane but I've found it can get slick enough to bust your ass if you've had a few ....not that it was me or anything

Haha, that’s good to know. Thank you for that insight

 

[31BVeteran]

No smoking is the one rule that I’m not willing to waiver for anyone. It amazes me that a couple of folks have gotten annoyed about this.

I don’t smoke and I can’t stanf the look of cigarettes so that’s definitely a no go on the boat

 

[PJ73]

I don't drink and boat, that's me. If my guests want to drink that's fine, but you get fucking stupid and we're done.
You break it, you just paid to repair it.
I got your life jackets (you're welcome to bring your own if you want)
No chocolate, no cheetos, no "sugar sticks" (from hells heart I stabbath thee)
I'd prefer if you feed your 5 yr old a Mt. Dew or a Coke, you put the damn thing in a sippy cup.
I don't expect you to pay, but if you persist and you're out on my boat almost as much as I am, you can pay for a tank if you want.
If you chew, spit in a bottle with a cap, not in the water next to the boat, NO FUCKING SMOKING IN THE BOAT.
Oh, and keep your meat beaters off the controls, stereo and steering wheel (unless I've let you drive it before)

Kinda assholish, but I've had some bad experiences on my old boat. Never could get out that damn chocolate stain.

 

[AboveTheBest]

Before I bought my first boat I would always bring gas (not money) when I went out in a friends boat.

Nobody ever expected it, but it’s hard to say no to a guy holding one or two 5-gallon cans of fuel.

Now that I have my own boat I would never imagine this happening, but it would be great if it did.

 

[Chuck Buck]

I don't accept money for gas. I'm going out anyway, and you're my guest. People are usually pretty cognizant of that, and will pick up the tab for lunch or kick in some extra or whatever. I'm taking friends/families, not strangers. Not many rules - no red wine, shoes off before you get on (most of the time), and don't be a slob. I've never had an issue with someone not heeding an instruction - if I ever did, it'd be there last ride. Also, you can get a variety of life jackets for real cheap at Walmart, I have a dozen or so from youth to XXL. I also have nice ones for my wife and I. If you want a nicer jacket, BYO.

Absolutely. I'm going out to burn gas (and two-smoke oil ), having guests makes it that much better. I NEVER accept gas money, but when people offer, I really appreciate it, but say "no, you can buy the subs!"

Long ago, a coworker invited me on his boat not long after I took him out on mine (gratis). On the way to the launch, he stopped to fill up and asked for 20 bucks. This gave me a great insight into his personality...

 

[Maccam26]

They can use the swim deck to remove shoes. I’m mainly trying to preserve my upholstery.

Agreed no shoes on Vinyl for me but I'm ok with shoes on the carpets (they can be cleaned, replaced easily) if someone is not comfortable removing them.

 

[KC-AR240]

So as I sit here waiting for the boat show to take advantage of the “savings”, I had a conversation with my significant other about the rules of the boat and it’s guest. Here’s what I’ve discussed and would like your opinions as well as any of your rules that has been effective for you.

1: $20 donation towards fuel expense
2: adults must provide their own life jackets before boarding.
3: any spills will result in you deep cleaning the mess and the rest of the boat.
4: fighting and extreme drunkenness will prevent you from being invited for a timeline yet to be determined.

Good Luck on those. My only hope and I guess request to my guests is to Have Fun. Anything else will be a +

 

[KC-AR240]

One valuable reason i supply the food and drinks is I control what ends up on my deck.....

I like the part about helping out at the dock as everyone always wants to pitch in on something, so giv'em a task as part of the experience. For me it's usually I assign anchor duty to one of the lady's and you'll thank me later for the views.

I will definitely remember that one .....OMG hilarious

 

[Beachbummer]

It's important to note that on many situations in our lives we are presented with circumstances that are not win-win. We have to choose between out own happiness and that of others.

As a guest, if you don't take those boots off and step on the upholstery, is going to likely damage the upholstery and i will be unhappy with that outcome. On the contrary if you are unhappy about having to take the boots off, I can live with that. (But if you want to board the boots are coming off)

Some things I roll with, others need to be addressed. It's about how much pain will be inflicted and on whom.

The ultimate goal for all involved is a fun day.

 

[MidnightRider]

I find that indoctrinating your kids on the rules helps in enforcing them on others. For instance when my cute little 11 yr old daughter yells from the boat for everyone to hand her their shoes before they get on so she can store them or daddy says you can't bring those cheetos on board, its much more pleasantly received then if I was to bark "take your shoes off please" or "No cheetos". I smile as my kids give their young friends the "everyone needs to help watch the tow rope, because if it goes under the boat the day is over" speech.
Also I think expectation is key. When guests ask ahead of time what they can/should bring i take the opportunity to say nicely that the interior of the boat is mostly white so if you can avoid cheesy snacks and anything you wouldn't give your little ones to eat on a brand new white couch. Much easier conversation then if they show up with all this food and you have to tell them they need to leave it at the car.

 

[bthessel]

Mostly the same rules as everyone else:

• No glass
• No shoes inside
• Nothing that will stain for food or drink
• When the boat is in motion sit down (really a general boating rule but some people don't know that)
• During trailering, docking or rafting up with another boat sit down and be quiet unless asked to help. Those times can be stressful enough without someone thinking this is a good time to get their kid a snack.

Most of our friends that join us know this anymore, mainly because they have heard me snap at my own kids for not listening ?

 

[Joshua Miller]

Smoke, shoes, Cheetos, whatever you want. At this point I’m so sick of looking at my boat on a trailer I’ll do whatever to get it on the water lol...

But anyway I guess I’m with most—safety is key but relaxed on most rules. I’m out to have a good time, and I don’t trust a newbie watching my tow rope or launching/recovering a boat. That’s why I have boys.

 

[waternutt]

I will echo a lot of the previous comments. I am typically super anal-rententive with my stuff, but my boat is a means to relax so I try not to get too bent out of shape about stuff on the boat. Don't think I might not curse their name later when I am cleaning the boat, but it is what it is .

- I never ask for money. Typically don't accept even if they offer. I invited them and I am going to burn the gas anyways.
- I typically have enough life jackets to cover everyone, but if not I will ask them to bring an appropriate PFD.
- Typically don't provide food or drink (except when I make a pitcher of drinks for everyone). Guests can bring their own. My friends don't expect me to feed them and their kids.
- I don't care if folks get on the boat with shoes on, but I ask they take them off and store them for the trip. The only exception is the kiddos with water shoes on. The spots we anchor sometimes have sea urchins (I have stepped on two) and other not so feet friendly stuff, so the little ones get a pass.
- Captain is in charge always.
- Sit while the boat is in motion. If we are docking or anchoring, sit still, be quiet, and stay out of the way unless I ask for your help.
- I never ask anyone else to clean the boat. Some have offered, but I would rather they just get on and enjoy their day. Again, I was going to be doing it anyways.

Since we typically boat and meet up with the same group of people and I don't invite random people out on the boat, the friends I take out are considerate, not slobs, and look out after their kids. Therefore, I try not to stress too much about it. If I was stressed, then boating wouldn't be fun.

 

[biglar155]

Good topic.

1. Shoes off at the dock
2. Topless optional but encouraged
3. Drinking optional but encouraged
4. Guests aren't charged anything except hugs and good company
5. Guests aren't expected to contribute to anything but fun

Am I the only one that noticed the potential for topless hugs here????

 

[AlphaKap]

Saw this posted on FB...

Copied from another boater. This is very true

Some things to remember as it’s that time of year...

Boating etiquette 101:

1. Show up on time, we don't need to be waiting for your stoner ass to arrive while we bake in the sun on hot asphalt while our ice melts. (And show up with ice)

2. Bring your own booze. Seriously. The fact I have to even mention it is pathetic... And bring enough for other people too. Don't be that asshole asking to "bum" a beer off people. I don't care if you're a hot chick or only gonna have 1. Everyone contributes. 12 pack to a rack of beer per outing is considered customary, or a bottle of hard alcohol.

3. Don't bring red wine. We already know about your sophisticated pallet. We aren't on a Yacht, and you're a fucking drunk with bad balance, so leave the glass at home while you're at it too!

4. Kick the boat owner down for gas. $30 is about standard. Remember that big ass lifted truck with the huge wheels and tires and the loud exhaust that dragged the boat to the lake/river, while blasting Florida Georgia Line? That shit doesn't run on hopes and dreams, or thank you’s. A great day of boating can easily go over $200 in fuel. You’re not the one making the monthly payments, insurance, and maintenance for the boat. Not to mention, one of you drunk assholes breaks something every time we are out, so consider that a deal.

5. Don't bring any random people without prior consent of the boat owner! Nobody wants to be held hostage for 6 hours in a confined space with someone who is crying, mad, an asshole, hitting on your chicks, ugly or any combination thereof. And don't ask if you can bring a dude, I'm sure he's amazing and all. He can meet up with you later..... Or not. To bring a chick, send a photo (recent) to the boat owner beforehand (full body in a bikini) for prior authorization.

6. That chick in your group? The one doing shots at 11 am and vomiting by 11:05? She can stay home too. You know who your train-wrecks are and you'll be held responsible if you bring one. I don't care if she's hot.

7. We don't go back early to drop off or pick up. As fun as it is to run the gauntlet of Sheriff boats back to the dock as they watch you try to dock a boat wasted, in the wind, while you're seeing double isn't fun, not safe. Don't ask.

8. Don't smoke on the boat, not even on the edge. You're a drunk idiot, so I'll tell you twice before you burn the upholstery. And chew at your own risk, because if I ever take a swig of Redman and get a mouthful of your spit, we are going to have problems. No exceptions.

Have a wonderful Summer and don't forget the sunscreen!