Be the Perfect Boat Guest

Fun day! We took the boat out with our cousins and beached on an island.

When you’re invited for a day on the water, being a great boat guest isn’t just about showing up—it’s about contributing to the experience. Whether you’re heading out to fish, cruise, or relax at the sandbar, your actions can make or break the vibe. Boating is all about freedom and fun, but it also comes with unique rules and responsibilities. In this post, I’ll share essential tips to ensure you’re not just a good guest but the kind of person every boater wants to invite back. From dos and don’ts to respecting the captain’s rules, here’s how to make waves in the best way possible.

·       Don’t bring uninvited guests... Just like you probably don’t want anyone in your home that you don’t know, most boat owners feel that way as well. Don’t just assume that it’s ok to bring an additional person because you know the boat owner. Boats have limited space, its important as boat owners for us to make sure we create a safe environment for all our guests; that  starts with not having too many people on the boat that can create a dangerous situation .  If you want to invite an additional person, be sure to ask the boat owner.

·       Don’t come empty-handed...Be sure to ask the boat owner what they would like for you to bring. Don’t ever come empty handed…If they tell you not to bring something, still bring something. You can bring snacks, fruit, paper towels, water, and/or gas money. Your captain will definitely appreciate the gesture!

·       Do not bring pets…Even if the boat owner has a pet, don’t assume yours is invited.  Be mindful and respectful of other guests that could be allergic to animals. Also, it’s not as easy to get to greenspace quickly if you are out on the water and your pet has to go.

·       Do not smoke... Before lighting up, be sure your captain will be ok with you smoking on their boat. Everybody doesn’t care to smell smoke of any kind. Even if you are sitting on one of the outdoor spaces that the boat may have, still get permission.

·       Don’t throw anything in the water...It’s important to respect the water and the environment. It starts with not throwing anything in the water that could be potentially dangerous to the fish and wildlife that call the lake home. Litter floating on the water or washed up on the shore ruins the beauty and experience of being at the lake.

·       Don’t post pics of the inside of the boat without permission.. Most boaters don’t care for people to see what they have. A boat is someone’s personal space, much like someone’s home. It may contain personal belongings, documents, photos etc., that’s not meant to be shared with everyone. If you are invited to someone’s boat, consider it a privilege. You are trusted to be respectful of their space. If you are excited about the boat and want to capture memories, ask for permission first. This small gesture goes a long way in showing respect and appreciation for the owners’ hospitality.

·       Don’t get on other peoples’ boat... I’ve seen this too many times. If you are a guest on a boat, that’s the only boat you should be on unless you are invited to get on another boat. Don’t ask anyone if you can see the inside of their boat. Let them invite you on. Boating culture often involves unwritten rules that emphasize respect and permission. Moving between boats without a clear invitation can be intrusive and rude. If you are curious about another boat, ask the host first. If they think it’s appropriate, they can ask the boat owner for you. This ensures everyone feels comfortable and respected. If you are allowed, DO NOT overstay your welcome. You

·       Do not over drink… You are a guest in someone else’s space, be mindful of that. Being drunk on a boat poses plenty of risks. I have seen for myself how people can lose their balance and fall off the dock into the water. You can easily hit your head, get tangled in the debris that’s in the water, or if an electrical cord is damaged in the water, you could possibly get electrocuted. Water and alcohol don’t particularly mix. If you chose to drink, it’s a good idea not to go in the water. Excessive drinking can lead to arguments, accidents, or reckless actions that disrupt the enjoyment and safety of everyone on board. Not to mention the embarrassment you will cause host who invited you.

·       Don’t put anything in the toilet but tissue and #1… Toilet systems on boats are different from the systems we have in our homes. For this reason, we must be mindful of what goes into it. If you are a guest on a boat, only put toilet tissue (not too much) and #1 in the toilet. It’s embarrassing, but if you must do #2, you may need to ask the host first. Although most boat systems can handle it. Some have a lingering scent that will only go away when the boat is pumped out. Believe me, no one wants to be on a boat for hours that smell like poop! If there is certain food that’s being served that you know will upset your stomach, be sure to pass on it. If you are unsure about anything regarding the toilet, ask the host. By being mindful of what goes into the boat’s toilet, you’ll help avoid plumbing problems, protect the environment and ensure you are invited back.

·       Don’t touch gears and/or steering... Safety First, the boat’s controls are critical to safe navigation. Touching the gears or steering without knowledge or permission can lead to sudden, unintended movements that might cause accidents, such as collisions, grounding, or injuries to people on board. Marine steering systems, throttles, and gears are sensitive and expensive. Mishandling them can cause wear, mechanical failure, or costly repairs. Help with other tasks, such as spotting hazards, assisting with docking, or serving snacks.

             By respecting the boat’s equipment and the captain’s role, you’ll ensure a safer and more enjoyable outing for everyone.

Pulling up to island for a day of fun with our family.