So after this holiday weekend I had several epiphanies after having maximum capacity on the boat a couple of times.
We have been boatng for several years, so this is not the first time there have been "issues" come up with guests. I never want to be bossy or come across as rude, but then I get frustrated when something goes south.
After the 3rd day I was getting to the point that I didn't care what anyone thinks, and since I'm half Meskin and half Viking I'm only one bad decision from becoming the most violent person in the room...
Seriously, shame on me for expecting folks to always read my mind!It all worked out great and we had an awesome time, but it would have been much easier had they known what was expected. At least I would not have come across as such a hard-ass constantly harping.
I'm thinking I will have these printed on a piece of coroplast and mounted somewhere at the lakehouse. Then I can always point and say "Read that".
Hopefully this will help some of you guys that have just gotten into, or back into boating. And I'm sure some of you Old Pros that have been at it for a while can add to this list!
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These are the rules of my boat. If you feel they are too harsh or too big of a hassle then you go buy your own and I'll come hang out with you!
1. The Skipper is in charge. Always!
2. Remove shoes before boarding. This should go without saying, but your shoes track grass, oil, gum, sticky crap, and little bits of rock in the treads.
3. No Red or Blue food or drinks allowed on board. This includes any kind of berry, red wine or juice, tomato or marinara sauce, and pretty much anything else that might stain. Ask the skipper what is allowed.
4. Unless the Skipper has told you otherwise, plan on bringing your own food and beer. Refer to # 3.
5. Boats don't run on friendship and love, they run on gas. Plan on contributing, or better yet offered to fill up the tank.
6. Apply sunscreen an hour before boarding. If you have to reapply, stand out on the swim deck, ESPECIALLY with the spray on kind, because some Brands stain. Let it dry before you set down. If you have applied suntan oil or your sunscreen has not dried then please put a towel over your seat.
7. Know where the life jackets and first aid kit are stowed so you don't have to ask in an emergency.
8. Don't assume you can bring anyone extra without asking first.
9. When boarding for launch, get on, find a seat and sit down. Don't just stand there in the middle of the boat, especially in a group. The same applies when docking. The skipper may need to move about quickly and he'll get frustrated if he has to work through a crowd.
10. No standing in the boat while underway. If you have to move somewhere, keep one hand on something to steady yourself, because the throttle maybe chopped or applied without warning.
