Boating experience for non-boaters

[204 Escape]

We are taking friends of ours out this week-end. Its a couple with 3 smaller kids. They've never been out on a boat in their life. They are so excited, my phone has went crazy all day from them about what we will do, etc. Kinda nice seeing someone that excited about it.

As far as I am concerned it's all on me !!!!! After all it was MY suggestion that they go !!!!!!

 

[seaboo]

Re: Boating experience for non-boaters

Good deal, I hope y'all have a good, fun day out. Take 5 minutes before you pull out and explain where your life jackets are, fire extinguisher is, what you expect from them (help or no help with lines, to listen to you when you ask them to do something, when to unload at the dock, ect.) You will be surprised at how much they apperiicate this "safety briefing".

 

[204 Escape]

Re: Boating experience for non-boaters

Yes, a explanation will be done. The 2 little ones are "live wires". It will be an experience for sure. If nothing else, it will remind me how happy I am that my kids are 16 and 18.

The parents own a resturant that we eat in all the time, + she works un-Godly hours as a nurse. It will be o.k. I'm kinda looking forward to it myself !!

 

[soggy_feet]

Re: Boating experience for non-boaters

Sounds like a handful, but it should be fun.
Im anxious to have my grandparents come up and take a cruise on the houseboat this summer. This will be my third season living on it, and they haven't seen it yet.
The anxiety comes from wanting it to go perfectly, because my grandmother can't swim, and is afraid of water deeper than she can stand in with her head staying dry. Kind of a big deal that she wants to come out for a cruise.

 

[rallyart]

Re: Boating experience for non-boaters

It will be great fun. The only thing I would recommend is that you talk to the Mom and then talk to the kids about listening. I've had small kids who didn't when they came out (usually a relative) and it can be distracting. When the parents don't support you or understand the problem never goes away. (Well a couple hard throttle changes wil help if the young ones aren't near a sharp object)

Other than that, it is a wonderful thing to take first timers out in the boat.

 

[JoLin]

Re: Boating experience for non-boaters

I assume you have child-sized PFD's aboard? Make sure the kids wear them! They probably won't like it, but their safety is your responsibility.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Boating experience for non-boaters

I assume you have child-sized PFD's aboard? Make sure the kids wear them! They probably won't like it, but their safety is your responsibility.​

in my state, that would be a rule (law) for children under the age of 13.

good luck in your adventure 204 Escape, and have a lot of fun..

 

[sw33ttooth]

Re: Boating experience for non-boaters

ya, think my state any one under 7 or 8 has to wear then at ALL TIMES while on a boat. if entertainment is something your after and they dont get sea sick my nefews all like it when i go on lake michigan and cruise at about 25 on some 3-5 foot rollers, lots of bouncing around of course its hard on the hull and i only do it for about 20-30 minuites till i get to a good spot to swim, achor swim and same thing on the way back.

 

[KBHumphrey]

Re: Boating experience for non-boaters

You might be surprised at how much the kids just like charging through the wakes. My 11, 7, and 3 yr olds came out with us for the first time last weekend and spent most of the day begging me to keep bouncing through the water. When we tied up for some swimming, they were ready to get back out there within 10 mins.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Boating experience for non-boaters

I love taking people out on the boat that appreciate and enjoy it. One of the best things about owning a boat IMHO.

Agreed. Took my cousin and her daughter out last weekend. They've had a rough go of things and don't have much money so they don't get to do cool stuff too often. We let the 10 year old drive the boat for a while and you could tell she was absolutely thrilled.

 

[soggy_feet]

Re: Boating experience for non-boaters

ya, think my state any one under 7 or 8 has to wear then at ALL TIMES while on a boat.

I know 'deck' might as well be 'boat' for most people, but at least here, kids are required to wear a PFD while on deck.
Either way, I gave away all my kid sized PFD's as an excuse not do have kids on board. I have enough trouble babysitting my adult friends...

 

[the vision]

Re: Boating experience for non-boaters

I my state pfd's are required till your 17th birthday while boat is underway. I personally like this law, because kids can't argue I just tell them it's the law wear it or stay home.They're 7 and 13.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Boating experience for non-boaters

be nice to the children. don't bark at them or take their allowance for gas. Don't go postal if (when) they spill their juice or step on a cracker, but ply them with lots and lots of snacks and drinks. let the children drive, sitting in your lap, of course.

I have carried dozens and dozens of small children through the years. A great technique when docking/departing is to tell them one rule: "hands in your lap." They understand. They have to sit. They can't grab the dock, get smashed fingers, etc. And it doesn't sound bossy.

 

[emoney]

Re: Boating experience for non-boaters

I just had this experience a couple of weeks ago. I found out that friends of ours with 2 young children (3 & 4), had never been on a boat. We made a day of it and they had a blast. The recommendation I'd give is plan an outing that you consider ideal that includes; the semi-thrilling boat ride (as fast as is comfortable with the kiddies) for the adults, the standard "drop-the-anchor-and-float" spot for swimming and to give the kids some release, a stop at a beach for on shore excursions and again to let the kids unwind, more thrill riding, and of course, FOOD!!!

They'll have a great time and you will too. LIke others have said, keep the PFDs on the kiddies (I even wore mine so that the kids would see it was kinda "cool") and be patient and appreciate the "good deed" you've done! Your friends will be thanking you for years, especially when they see how quickly the kids fall asleep that night.