Boat Rules

[kailec00]

Re: Boat Rules

My catch all rule covers everything that comes up. Do as I say when I say it.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Boat Rules

Mine have been pretty much covered above. Most important to me is.....be on time (and on time to me means early!).......there is only one captain.......only bring what you truly need (can't believe the amount of cr@p people think they need for a day on the water (am thinking of getting one of those things they use at airports to make sure your carry-on bag can fit in the overhead bin and putting it on the dock)........don't move around while on plane unless asked by me.......no one gets on the swim platform while engine is running.....don't think you are helping me unless you are doing something I asked you to do.

The admiral now fully understands the concept that the captain is in charge while on the boat notwithstanding she out ranks me elsewhere.........

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Boat Rules

i've got 2 that haven't really been mentioned... kids, no sand/seaweed fights within firing range of my boat! I've had entire boats covered with mud while I was away. NOT A HAPPY CAMPER. Also had kids pack an outboard with mud, 100% of the engine was covered. Hadn't realized at the time, but there was sand under the cowl and in the gas tank. $7,000 later... If you don't control your kids, I will. (and I carry plenty of duct tape and rope on my boat...)

2) The contents of my cooler is not for you to get your BAC up to .10. A beer or two, fine, but if you plan on drinking any more than that, common courtesy says bring a couple drinks to toss into the cooler. I've had people go through a 12 pack like water.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Boat Rules

Rules, everywhere, are there for people who don't know any better.
I'm in small boats, and one technique that works well when docking is to tell everyone to keep their hands in their laps. That way, they have to be sitting and they don't reach for the pier and get mangled. This is especially good with a boat load of small children, as I used to carry.
I learned the hard way that non-boaters are clueless and don't even think to fend off or catch a pier, piling, etc. So after I have the rest squared away with the lap rule, and before we land, I tell one person to be the one to catch, fend off, etc.

In summary, captains have to go on the assumption that the passengers know nothing about boat handling and need to be told. And when my daughters were younger and took a crowd of their friends out in the boats, I made sure they understood the concept that they have to tell their friends specifically what to do, and not to assume they know. They did well, and especially enjoyed bossing around the boys.

 

[TestEngr]

Re: Boat Rules

1.) There's only one skipper and that's me. I'm in charge. Do as I say, when I tell you to do it.
2.) Everyone wears PFDs.
3.) If you need to go to the bathroom, jump in.
4.) If you don't like my 3rd rule, refer back to my 1st rule.

 

[takirb]

Re: Boat Rules

I have a small fish and ski boat, so as for "rules", ehhh, they're more like "requests". If the guests have never been on my boat before, i explain where the PDF's, throwable, fire extinguisher, and anchor are at. I don't feel safe taking any children on my boat unless it's my own daughter, and she's only 5 months so that's not happening soon. I don't want the responsibility of your bad a** chaps that don't listen being on my shoulders...

1 - I'm driving till we get out on the open water. After you see how the boat handles, you may ask if you can take the wheel. Your request may/may not be fulfilled.
2 - Don't step on my bait or my things. Step on your things all you want, but don't make a mess
3 - Keep your things in storage or out of the way. If you're not using it, put it away.
4 - If I invited you on my boat, i'll take care of food, drinks, and gas. If YOU invited YOURSELF, well, we won't even be going over this list unless you've already paid half for gas, brought your own refreshments, etc.
5 - I don't NEED your help launching/loading, but you may offer if you'd like. Do NOT feel this in return means i owe you a favor (no, you can't borrow my boat 'cause you think you know what to do now!).
6 - If you do help launch/load, do as i say how i say when i say. If i say that's enough, get off the boat and i'll come to you when done.
7 - If you don't feel safe on my boat, or think you've drank too much or even have to potty, don't hesitate to ask me to let you off or stop at a dock. Long as i'm still on the boat i'm fine, it's really not a problem.
8 - I'll give anyone the benefit of the doubt at first. At any time you make me feel unsafe for your, myself and others, or my boat's well being, then i'm taking you back to land period.
9 - Oh, and have fun and enjoy the day. Pass me a Corona when able, cooler's on the left!

 

[Texas Parrothead]

Re: Boat Rules

Don't step off the swim platform and into the boat until the majority of water has had a chance to drain off your body.

I don't need to replace another deck due to rot!

 

[Andy'sDelight]

Re: Boat Rules

1. I am in charge. Period.
2. Pay attention when I tell you where the life vests/flares/Fire extinguishers are.
3. Pay attention when I tell you how to hail Coast Guard
4. When I am at them helm and I tell you to hold your conversation for a moment, please be quiet!
5. Have fun fishing with all the gear and bait I provide.
6. Don't be offended when I don't accept your gas money, just know I appreciated that you at least offered.
7. Not gonna lie, wouldn't mind you buying me a beer or two when we dock at the local watering hole for lunch.
8. Unless you have some dire life threatening emergency, please stay back and help me wash down the boat.
9. Ladies only may use the potty, and no #2's!!!!!
10. Life vest on kids all the time. No exception.
11. Do nothing "helpful" unless I explicitly ask for it, especially when docking.

 

[camarors8992]

Re: Boat Rules

Jeeze, I just have a small 18.5' open bow and I've never had rules so to speak. I think that will change this season though, last year I had some inconsiderate people actually break the wood on one my front cushions, and another friend spilled an entire can of his energy drink all over the inside of my boat. Everything was sticky when I got the boat home, made for a miserable time cleaning up after people. I'm thinking this is how it will go this season:

1. I have no problem paying for gas, water, ice, and any lock fees
2. NO KIDS, I don't have any of my own kids, I don't want to deal with yours.
3. Watch where you are stepping, don't stand on my WHITE seats, engine cover, or cushions with your shoes on.
4. You want to drink, that's fine, but if you get carried away I will not deal with you. I will find the next marina, and you can find your own way home.
5. There should be more women than men, and good looking women. I'm out there to have a good time, and I'd like something nice to look at.

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: Boat Rules

RULE 1. I am the Skipper, and the Skipper is ALWAYS right. [ Im the Skipper, YOU are all Gilligans]

RULE 2. If you wanna be the Skipper,or the Skipper is wrong, see Rule 1

RULE 3. Being former NAVY I believe in the saying, A place for everything, and everything in its place. I dont want stuff
blowing around or crap/clutter all over the floor. Same with the term, Ship Shape, it means something. SAFETY!

RULE 4. Plz leave glass containers at home. Glass doesnt mix well with boats, beaches, pools or hot tubs.

RULE 4. Dont litter, I usually bring home more trash then I left with, I will pick up a can or bottle from the beach to dispose
off properly.

RULE 5. Listen for me to say HOLD ON ! And do it ASAP. I am either slowing down, speeding up, turning or about to
impact a wave.

RULE 6. A quick demo on how to start and stop the boat in case the Know- it - All Skipper falls overboard.

RULE 7 Have Fun !!

 

[fat fanny]

Re: Boat Rules

1. Captain's word is the only word! unless the Admiral is aboard. 2. And absolutly no alcohol period aboard. (My rig or any of it's passengers will not end up on the stupid human tricks board of this forum or any other for that matter.) 3. If you can't prove you can swim your wearing a life vest while underway. 4. No inlaws I only allow people I can tolerate for more than 1 hr aboard (even the Admirals twin brother) 5. don't ask to help launch and or retrieve.

 

[infideltarget]

Re: Boat Rules

1. I am the Captain. Period.
2. When in doubt, refer to rule #1. (just like most everyone else's rules)
3. I will not ask for gas money. You can repay me by helping wipe it down when we are done.
4. NO SHOES ON THE UPHOLSTERY!!!
5. NO...you cannot borrow my boat...so dont even ask.
6. Have fun...OR ELSE!
7. If anyone feels the need for a "Hey yall! Watch this!" ... someone MUST get a camera ready!

There are others, but it depends on the crowd that is going with me.

 

[veritas honus]

Re: Boat Rules

My wife and I launch the boat.

Please wait on the dock until my wife has the boat secured (usually less than 2 minutes).

Everyone wears a PFD while under way.

Strong swimmers do not have to wear one while anchored (or beached)

Please remember where all safety equipment is, and how to use it, if necessarry.

Have a great time!!!

 

[shout]

Re: Boat Rules

+1 on all of these.

I don't want to hijack the thread, but am I the only one who has a 5 minute safety meeting prior to each trip? Where the life jackets are, fire extinguishers, ditch bag, etc?

I do this every trip with everyone, other than my wife (she doesn't need to be reminded), doesn't take long and I consider it to be very important.

- shout

 

[DaNinja]

Re: Boat Rules

My new favorite thread!!
I don't know if I can find a rule that hasn't already been posted.

- Sit where I tell you to, and don't ask me if it's weight related. You won't like the answer.
- When I, or Mrs. Ninja, are docking it's really not a good time to dicuss the dinner plans for the evening.

 

[scipper77]

Re: Boat Rules

My boat is no show boat. Other than obvious sefety related things there really are no rules. I do expect people to follow my orders if I have a reason to give them. Things have come up like....

Don't sit in the seats next to the doghouse when we are cruising at low speed like in a channel (boat will not plane).

I once had to make the two guys I was fishing with pile up in the bow area when the chop picked up to the point where the boat was having trouble getting through it. It was 3 miles to the bay we launched from. The extra weight in the bow really helped the boat cut through the chop. We made it in, but they were soaked. They did understand that I had safety in mind and not my personal comfort when I sent them up there.

 

[Dolfan0925]

Re: Boat Rules

I just learned this past week that the rules are harder to enforce when your father is on board. I'm amazed at how effectively I've been loading and unloading the boat in the past, when in fact this week I've learned how wrong I've been doing everything. Can't believe I haven't sunk the boat! :facepalm:

 

[halfmoa]

Re: Boat Rules

I've only owned a boat for 3 weeks now but I've been on the water for 15 years so I've had some time to think about this...

I am the Captain and she is the Admiral. You will do what we say when we tell you to do it or I'll leave you on the shore. ANY shore.
My kids must wear a life jacket when underway and your kids are not invited.
If we're going out all day you will be buying either the gas or the food and beer or you can stay on shore!

 

[pikefisherman]

Re: Boat Rules

My big thing if you say you like fishing, and you want a fish fry, then help me clean the fish.
Also all kids and some young adults, wear life jackets.....

 

[ErikF]

Re: Boat Rules

I really don't have rules on my boat, more expectations.

I expect you to chip in gas money if you want to drive.
I expect you to be pleasant company and not a constant annoyance.
I expect you to help me when I need a second hand as long as you're able.
I expect you to understand that I'm responsible for your safety, if I tell you to put the jacket on, you better put it on or this will be your last trip on the boat.

That's about it ...oh, and NO, you cannot borrow my boat!