Boating Etiquette and Tips For New Boaters
As boating season approaches, many people have their fingers crossed hoping to get an invitation to be a guest on a boat. You may find yourself asking, “what should I pack if I’m invited onto a boat?” “Do I offer to pay for gas?” “Do you need to bring a gift for the boat owner?”
Not knowing what to expect, or what is expected in return, can be a bit stressful. To help you prepare for when that call finally comes through, here is some advice on boating etiquette and tips for new boaters. Let’s make sure you get invited back again and again.
Boating Tip 1: Pack Light
Our number one tip for newbie boaters is to pack light. There isn’t usually a lot of extra space on board, and you don’t want to make things uncomfortable because you overpacked. Pack only the basics such as a Turkish towel (thin and quick drying), sunscreen lotion, a baseball cap, and a no-leak reusable water bottle. Keep all of these items in a zippered tote if you can so things don’t fall out and roll around while you’re cruising.
Boating Tip 2: Drinks, Snacks, and Coolers
Secondly, no boating excursion is complete without nice cold drinks! Check with your hosts to see what they already have, and if you need to bring your own cooler. Depending on space, they may ask you to just throw your items into their cooler to save room on board.
Do bring: koozies, canned or plastic bottled beverages, snacks to share, and water. Bringing your own towel if you plan to swim is also a good idea – as stated above, a Turkish towel is a great lightweight option and won’t take up too much space on the boat or in your bag.
Don’t bring: glass bottles or cups, red drinks, messy snacks that will be a pain to clean up or stain surfaces, or bananas. Bananas are considered bad luck at sea! This includes banana bread and banana flavored food items and drinks.
Boating Tip 3: Pack Sunscreen Lotion
Wearing SPF seems like a no-brainer for a day of boating, but what you might not know is that aerosols and spray SPF can be damaging to vinyl seats and/or make surfaces slippery. Not only for the safety of everyone on board, but also out of respect for your hosts, leave the sprays at home and opt for actual sunscreen lotion.
Boating Tip 4: Wear Slip-On Shoes
While on a boat, you’re going to be barefoot most if not all of the time. Wearing slip-on shoes like slides or boat shoes will make everyone’s life easier. Slides are suggested over flip flops because they tend to be more stable, making it easier to board the boat and avoid accidental tripping or slipping.
Speaking of footwear, when embarking and disembarking the boat, please do not step on the cushions with your shoes on. This is considered rude and makes for more clean-up for your hosts later.
Boating Tip 5: Offer Gas Money?
Now, this one is a bit controversial in online discussions. Some boat owners are of the opinion that as they invited you to be their guest, they would never ask for gas money.
The other side of the argument is that gas is expensive, so if you’ll be cruising around all day, you should offer to pay your share of the cost.
If your hosts do accept money towards the gas bill, how much is the right amount? In our opinion, $10-$20 is sufficient, depending on how long you are out on the water, if you are mostly drifting vs cruising around, and what gas prices are like in the area. Expert tip: gas is more expensive on the water, so the prices you see on the road aren’t the same as dockside fuel stations.
There is no right or wrong here, but offering is considered polite. Whether or not your host will accept any money, they are usually appreciative if you bring some drinks and/or snacks to share with the group. You can also offer to help clean up after to help everyone get back home more quickly.
Boating Tip 6: Show Up On Time
If you have been invited on a boat, make sure you show up on time. In reality, if you aren’t early, you’re already late. Holding up the captain/group is a great way to get yourself uninvited in the future. Everyone wins when all guests are on time and you get that much more time to enjoy being out on the water!
*Seasickness Tips
It is not uncommon for people to be surprised by a bout of seasickness, especially as newbie boaters. A few tips to alleviate seasickness include looking out at the horizon, staying hydrated, and eating salty snacks.
If you already know that you get motion sickness, don’t forget your Sea Bands, MQ Motion Sickness Patches, or GinGin ginger candies. If all else fails, try jumping in the water. Sometimes the motion of the water feels more natural to our bodies than the movement of the boat which can help calm down the nausea.
Now You’re Ready to Be the Perfect Boat Guest
When the call to be a guest on a boat comes, you’ll be well prepared. Hopefully our boating etiquette advice and tips will get you that coveted repeat invite. Happy Cruising!
