Taking Someone For A Boat Ride?

[LuvBoating]

My wife asked me last night if a female friend of hers at work (and her husband) could go out with us on our boat sometime. Well, after a discussion with my wife about "responsiblility/liability" of boat owners and found out that this girl and her husband had never been on a boat before, to say the least, I got very skeptical about the outting. I don't know this girl or her husband and my wife doesn't know her husband either. Anyway, I was able to talk to this girl on the phone and she was shocked when I told her that we don't wear lifevests while on the water, unless there was an emergency. I told her that boaters/boat owners don't generally wear lifevests on the water. Thing is, my wife doesn't do much "asking" of things, like I do. Just FYI....we are fully USCG legal with lifevests, etc. Anyway, I told her that our boat is a 20 foot cuddy cabin, with not much room to move around in. So, my wife suggested that we meet the couple at the Jacksonville Landing since they live up in that area (we live in South Jacksonville). We will let them see the boat and then decide to ride in it or not.
Now, the reason I'm doing this Thread/asking the question is.......while living in CO and having a 16' bowrider, my wife invited a lady from work, her husband and their little boy. The husband had owned a sailboat before, but not anymore. Anyway, he was like us and didn't wear a lifevest, but his wife and son did. We got about a 1/4 mile out from the dock and this guys wife asked us to take them back to the dock.......she was pretty scared of being out on the water. So, we took them back. Another time, a couple went with us on the same bowrider, they were fine and didn't wear lifevests........BUT, they had owned a cuddy cabin at one time.
When my wife's sister and brother went with us on a "test drive" of the boat we own now, they both wore lifevests. The boat owner and us didn't.
Another time, my wife wanted to ask another co-worker to go with us on our boat, but this co-worker was definitely obese. I told my wife that she would be too much of a liability on our boat.......am I right or ?
So, do you "pick and chose" who goes on your boat?

 

[1979checkmate]

Re: Taking Someone For A Boat Ride?

uhhh.. Well myself and definitely guests ALWAYS wear life jackets while under way, i normally take mine off at anchor.. but underway it is stupid and irreposnsible not to. You really think a 20' cuddy is cramped for 4 people? My family of four goes out on my 16' ski boat all the time..

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Taking Someone For A Boat Ride?

Any passenger over 18 can do as they please life vest wise. Under 18 its up to their parents. ANYONE that cannot swim ALWAYS when underway, and small children always,ALWAYS. As for who I take out, its my boat so whoever I choose to invite. Mostly scantily clad women.

 

[emilsr]

Re: Taking Someone For A Boat Ride?

First.... I've got to ask.....are you saying people shouldn't wear PFD's on your boat?

We have lots of guests on our boat. Mainly they're other boaters, but occasionally we host non-boaters....and are glad to do so. Boating is one of our passions, and we love to share it with those who don't get to spend that quality time on the water that we love.

I understand that I am liable as the captain of the vessel, and take plenty of time to explain the process....both before, during, and after we get underway. Non boaters don't know the "rules" that most of us take for granted, so I try to explain to them what they should (and shouldn't) do and why. This takes a little extra time, but I don't worry too much about time while I'm on the boat anyway so it isn't a problem. I also give them the option to wear a PFD (actually I encourage it), and either hand them or show them where to grab theirs. For children under 14, a PFD is mandatory to even be on the dock so I have the kiddo(s)' PFD ready before we even head to the boat. Finally, I adjust my driving style based on the passengers I am carrying. Not everyone wants to go fast, nor do they want the roller coaster ride that running at speed in seas provides. A person's facial expressions speaks volumes....if they aren't smiling you're probably running too hard.

Taking non boating guests can be a bit of a pain, but to me it's worth it. I don't pick and choose; if they want to go I'm glad to take them.

 

[Captain Caveman]

Re: Taking Someone For A Boat Ride?

I don't get too paranoid about who rides and who doesn't. I always have enough life jackets on board for those who want one and for rough waters. Especially when I take people out for the first time, I always offer a life jacket allowing them to make the choice. I'll take an "definitely obese" person on my 16' boat as well. It's stable enough so I'm sure that you're 20 footer is as well. But you are the captain and know your limitations and are well within your right to make the choices that you have. To me, that's all about being a responsible boater. Anyone that wants to tell you how to run your boat (outside of the USCG) better be making the boat payment as well!

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Taking Someone For A Boat Ride?

I will gladly take any friend of mine or the admiral's out on the boat, assuming they understand that there are rules and regulations (both by the USCG and by me!) that will be followed. Like the poster above, PFD's are mandatory for any child and will be worn once they get on to the dock until they get off of the dock when we return. PFD's are optional for anyone of legal age unless I know that they can't swim OR I know the conditions might dictate it prudent that one be worn. Before we back away from the dock, I show everyone that is not wearing a PFD where their's is located, as well as where the throw cushions and other safety equipment is located. I make sure that everyone understands that they remain seated while on plane and never go onto the swim platform (or into the water of their own accord) while the engine is running. If anyone is uncomfortable with those rules, they are free to stay ashore. If anyone were to become uncomfortable while out on the water, I will gladly and quickly get them back to the dock. Last thing I want is for someone to have a bad memory related to being on my boat. Last thing I say before we leave the dock is........now let's have some fun.......and we always do!

 

[Woodnaut]

Re: Taking Someone For A Boat Ride?

Several good posts by some responsible skippers above. As for me, it's lifejackets for everyone 100% of the time. No exceptions. Period. It's just one less thing for me to worry about. I have good quality, comfortable sport jackets for when we're in the bay, and high quality auto-inflatables for when we're offshore. (Also, I have a couple of PLBs to clip onto the the jackets when offshore.) Wearing them is just not a hassle.

As for who rides and who doesn't, well, that's a judgement matter. And there's no substitute for good judgement. I enjoy introducing people to boating (and fishing), but I expect everyone to be on their best behavior. At the first sign of any shenanigans, the bow gets pointed to shore.

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Taking Someone For A Boat Ride?

To answer your question everyone picks and chooses who goes on their boat and I suppose everyone has different critieria. If I heard it was a couple that had never been boating before I'd be excited to introduce them to something new and perhaps get them hooked. That said, I would also be aware that things I've been used to out on the water for the last 40 years would be new to them and perhaps cause some worry (eg. be extra vigilant to warn them of crossing wakes, help them get aboard, seated, and such). As for obese, someone would have to be the size of a piano before I'd refuse to take them (assuming all capacities remain within limits).

BTMCB, I think your approach to the "prefloat" safety briefing is just excellent - nice work.

I will echo others in refuting the notion that boaters don't generally wear PFDs. I think it's quite common now. I for one, never wore one between my teens and forties - but now do all the time. Just like no one but kids wore helmets when I started skiing - now 99 percent of the adults I see on the slopes do - at least the places I go. Hopefully PFD use is heading that way too.

 

[Fireman431]

Re: Taking Someone For A Boat Ride?

We take non-boaters and friends of the wife's all the time. The more, the merrier. However, I'm in a different position when it comes to lifevests. We keep more than enough on board, but our tub is a bit more stable than others when it comes to crossing wakes and waves. Also, our speed usually hovers around 8-10 MPH so speed isn't the issue.

I always have the safety speech when anyone outside the family gets on board. It only takes 2 minutes and reminds everyone of the rules. Been on my boat 10 times? You'll hear the speech again next time, too.

Take your wifes friends along and let them have the option of wearing the vest ("life vests are right here if you prefer to wear one"). Remind them that at the first sign of trouble, everyone gets one, period. Keep a slower speed until they're comfortable and play it by ear.

You never know...you might just make some lifelong friends out of it and add a new member to iBoats!

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Taking Someone For A Boat Ride?

Even if they were not required by my state, other peoples kids wear jackets in my boat. Adults do as they please, my mom is about the only one I can think of who actually wears one. Don't see too many adult lake boaters around here who wear jackets unless they are behind the boat.

As for bringing people out, if my wife wants to bring some friends or a couple out I do it gladly. She is pretty good about pre-screening the nervous types out since we have a runabout not a big cruiser.

To the liability issue - we carry insurance and other than that I'm not going to spend my life worrying about the potential liability of normal day to day activities.

 

[ChampionShip]

Re: Taking Someone For A Boat Ride?

uhhh.. Well myself and definitely guests ALWAYS wear life jackets while under way, i normally take mine off at anchor.. but underway it is stupid and irreposnsible not to. You really think a 20' cuddy is cramped for 4 people? My family of four goes out on my 16' ski boat all the time..

You couldn't pay me to go troll around for 6 hours in July with a damn life vest on. My 7 year old, on the other hand, wears one as soon as she sets foot toward the dock.

 

[seaboo]

Re: Taking Someone For A Boat Ride?

Yes it's ok to pick and choose who goes on the boat. If they feel comfortable wearing a life vest let them )or let them have it on the seat next to them). when they board explain the "rules" you have, explain where the safety equipment is, see if they have any concerns or questions and who knows.....in 2 months you may be going out on their new boat with them.

Unless you grew up in a family that had a boat, EVERYONE had a first trip on a boat with someone on a boat.

 

[V153]

Re: Taking Someone For A Boat Ride?

As Captain of a vessel it's probably best for you to know the 'aquatic capabilities' of your passengers soon as they board. And equip them with flotation accordingly. I try to offer at least a couple choices of pfd. Whether they wear it or not is up to them.

Yes of course "The Children". Now they should be wearing a jacket. Else you'll get a ticket. But on the other hand I can remember sitting on the bow of Dad's boat, haulin butt, with my legs dangling over, hanging onto the bowrail for dear life without a lifejacket in sight?

Ah yes, the good old days. However my niece can swim like a Haitian rat & is a total speed freak. So there is hope ...

My advice for potential boat passengers first & foremost is to know how to swim. Then go boating?

 

[steveclv]

Re: Taking Someone For A Boat Ride?

To anyone who thinks that they are covered for liability on their boat insurance - think again!

We are with Progressive and the most that we could get in terms of medical coverage was (I believe) $5000 per person. That's nothing!

My ex Neighbor ran out on our lake in his 20+ speed boat with 5 other passengers at 10pm at night. They hit rocks on the CA side at something around 60mph and ran 100' up the bank. The injuries involved were very serious and involved 3 mercy helicopter flights + ambulances + fire&rescue.
I was told that his insurance cover was $1000 per person - the mercy flights were $15,000 each before the rest of the claims.

If you take other people out on the water then you take on a huge risk and liability - sad but true.

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Taking Someone For A Boat Ride?

To anyone who thinks that they are covered for liability on their boat insurance - think again!

We are with Progressive and the most that we could get in terms of medical coverage was (I believe) $5000 per person. That's nothing!

My ex Neighbor ran out on our lake in his 20+ deck boat with 5 other passengers at 10pm at night. They hit rocks on the CA side at something around 60mph and ran 100' up the bank. The injuries involved were very serious and involved 4 mercy helicopter flights + ambulances + fire&rescue.
I was told that his insurance cover was $1000 per person - the mercy flights were $15,000 each before the rest of the claims.

If you take other people out on the water then you take on a huge risk and liability - sad but true.

Say it with me - umbrella policy. 1M coverage for a couple hundred a year

 

[steveclv]

Re: Taking Someone For A Boat Ride?

Say it with me - umbrella policy. 1M coverage for a couple hundred a year

Please educate me!

I have looked for something that will provide cover without any joy so who sells this cover?

Thanks

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Taking Someone For A Boat Ride?

Please educate me!

I have looked for something that will provide cover without any joy so who sells this cover?

Thanks

Umbrella policy is a general liability policy that kicks in when the coverage maxes out on your homeowners/auto/boat/etc liability insurance. Works out cheapest when you cover all your stuff with a single company - talk to your insurance agent. The reason I bought mine had nothing to do with the boat, I got it when the kids started driving.

 

[444]

Re: Taking Someone For A Boat Ride?

I would bring anyone on my boat so long as they are well mannered and friendly. If I don't like you, you won't be getting on my boat in the first place and if you act in a way I disapprove of while on the water, it will be a short ride for you. As for weight, I would have no problem taking someone large so long as boat overall capacity limits are observed, AND you are wearing a life jacket rated for your weight. I am only able to test my life jackets out on my own weight.

uhhh.. Well myself and definitely guests ALWAYS wear life jackets while under way, i normally take mine off at anchor.. but underway it is stupid and irreposnsible not to. You really think a 20' cuddy is cramped for 4 people? My family of four goes out on my 16' ski boat all the time..

Same here, everyone wears a life jacket while on the boat 100% of the time. I've got a 15' speed/ski boat 4-seater and a 20' speed/ski boat 5-seater. Both are shallow v boats that can go 55mph, so as long as I'm captain, life jacket is mandatory, not optional.

I will echo others in refuting the notion that boaters don't generally wear PFDs.

Actually I have observed at the lake that most people IN the boat don't wear any kind of PFD. People in old beater looking tri-hulls, pontoon boats, deep v bowriders, whatever, I usually see them not wearing PFD's. I would say where I go, at least 75% of boaters don't wear.

I do admit, on a hot day sitting in a fishing boat, I do unzip or remove my PFD.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: Taking Someone For A Boat Ride?

Here in CO the kids under I believe 13 are required to wear PFD's by law and I agree with it, outside of the law anyone who cannot swim wears a PFD on my boat all the time.

Other then that I think the only real consideration is the heavier folks, I do not have many heavy family members so you have to take into consideration a proper fitting PFD for them, I have saved my childrens PFD's since they were little and grown through them so I have a nice selection for children however for big people thats something you may want to discuss with your wife.

As for Passengers in general, I am eager to take newb's on the water but you have to feel them out, people that are scared to death are very easy to read and well you may want to go easy on them!! I had a similar situation with a young lady who was one of my daughters friends so I just took it easy for a bit, it didn't take long for her to get comfortable and the next day we got her on the tube!! (I was given very strict orders from the ranking officer on deck that if she got thrown I would not get an action later that night though!!) Orders of the Captain are law except when the Admiral over rules the Captain of course but we are always on the same page. Anytime I take family friends camping or boating whatever I have discussed the events planned with the friends mom and dad so were all on the same page and documents can be written up in the event of an accident to give me and my wife permission for care(ask me how I know). Look you have the opportunity to share your recreational sport with others, if you are apprehensive in this then your certainly not going to relax which is why 99.9% of us boat so I think you may be better served to not take anyone with you, I choose to share and that makes the experience that much more enjoyable for me and my wife. There is nothing in this world that is 100% liability proof that I know of so why not make the best of it??

 

[infideltarget]

Re: Taking Someone For A Boat Ride?

Not throwing the rider from the tube? Where's the fun in that? We used to have competitions to see who could throw the victim...errr...rider the farthest! I fully intend to try that same competition again this year whn my brother in law is on the tube, and I already have permission from his wife (Admiral's lil sis) to do that very thing! Liability be darned! Full speed ahead, and damn the torpedoes!

Life jackets are optional if over 12yrs, and can prove you can swim for us. Guests are always welcome, after a briefing. Friends must sign a small waiver of liability, while family is on their own. Kinda kills the mood sometimes...sort of like a pre-nup. But, better safe than sued. If you are the slightest bit anxious about your or your boat's abilities, then leave 'em on shore. Oh...and NO ONE other than the Captain or the Admiral drives our boats/skis. That is just trouble waiting to happen, IMO. Oh...and as far as the weight thing goes...if these are your passengers (here comes your favorite pic, Lipp) then you might want to look at adding some extra floatation to your rig! Not sure they make PFDs in size 'WHALE'.