Dock Etiquette
As I strode down the dock to access my dinghy earlier today, I noticed a newish 16’ Whaler with a mature fellow sunning himself on the forward section, and the large Mercury outboard tilted completely out of the water. The boat was tied up in front of a sign that read “members only, 30” only”.
How many folks do you know sunbath and better yet, tilt their outboards out of the water, during quick stops? Very few, since most people consider fellow boater needs to pick up passengers, leave off dinghies, etc.
Along the same thread, recently I was in a gas dock queue when the fellow at the front of line decided he had to engage everyone on the dock in conversation, and then follow up his fueling process with a boat wash down while occupying one of just two spaces available at the gas dock.
The point is obvious – don’t be that guy. The one that stands out due to sheer ignorance of fellow boaters needs. Boating is supposed to be relaxing, but sometimes the acts of a few, spoil it for many others. Be conscious of what is going on around you and you’ll enjoy the respect and friendship of your fellow boaters.
