Boating Etiquette

[officeworker]

I'm a complete noob on this topic.

DH and I are buying a motorboat (YAY!).  We will do the requisite safety courses, but I want to read what I can in advance.  Can anyone point me to some good books, magazines, online resources, etc. about basic boating etiquette?  There've got to be hundreds of rules on where to tie up, when/where to empty your fish locker, whether you're supposed to invite the dockmaster on board, etc. etc. etc.  Tips and stories of your own are most welcome!!

I thought this would be another good topic for the EHell Guide to Never Behaving Badly, too. 

[evely28]

I would suggest looking into the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. They offer class'es and membership. Rules, regulations and etiquette are addressed.

Congratulations on becoming a mariner.

[rashea]

Get the book from your local state and read it. It's not etiquette so much as law.

The big ones I think are cleaning off your boat when you get out so you don't spread weeds (they can kill a lake really fast), not speeding right past a motionless boat or non-motor boat, and not hogging the boat launch.

As for emptying fish lockers and such, I suspect that will change in each location.

[Pinky830]

My one and only experience with owning a boat was when DH and I owned a small ski boat for a couple of years. We didn't have a slip, just put in at the public ramp, and the main etiquette rule I learned there was to not waste too much time when you're putting in, and for pete's sake to go ahead and move your truck to the parking place as soon as you're done.

Oh, and to kill your wake if you have to pass close to a sailboat. Operative word being "have to." Sailboats have the right of way and motorcraft should give them a wide berth.

Etiquette for fishing and tying up at the marina, I'm not sure.

[kherbert05]

Set the brake on your truck while putting your boat in, and when parked on the bank. People don't like it when your truck goes backwards down the bank and into the water. (My cousins should have had more sense)

Buying or Leasing a slip/house with a slip does NOT mean you own the water in front of it. Find out what the local rules are before you buy/lease/rent. If you don't like the look of the lobster traps, mussel lines - learn to live with it because deliberately destroying them by going over them with a propellor when the open lanes are clearly marked will result in

1. You being arrested
2. You being held civilly liable for the lost income and destroyed equipment
3. The locals deciding to not do business with you. Meaning you can't buy groceries, gas, or other supplies.

(Messing with my Uncle was a really bad idea. My Uncle held the lease on the water not the summer person with the boat.)
 

[lilfox]

Don't swamp other people's docks, watch out for your wake even when actual signs aren't posted.

Any craft smaller/less maneuverable than you has the right of way (there may be exceptions).  Smaller craft shouldn't abuse this either (eg by canoeing in open water that is frequently crossed by motorboats).

If you're towing people on skis or wakeboard, the spotter needs to be quick with the flag after the person falls, and the flag should be up and visible the entire time the person is in the water.  Respect the flag and give that boat a wide berth, esp if you don't see the person in the water.

Don't blast your music - sound carries REALLY well across the water.

[kkl123]

I'm going to second the Coast Guard Auxillary.  Three important rules to remember are red/right/returning and EVERYONE wears life jackets on this boat and don't dispose of stuff in the water or on shore if you're not sure that's where it goes. 

http://www.boatingbasicsonline.com looks like a pretty good starting spot for you.

Have fun!  Stay safe!

ps: I'm serious about the life jacket stuff... I'm a good swimmer but accidentally came off a boat in a hard turn (avoiding a skier down in the water at the last minute.)  I was literally stunned by the force of impact with the water.   And I've pulled I dunno how many novice boaters out of the water, some without even a life jacket on the babies.  :-(

[CzarinaBurrito]

The big one is that non-motorized craft always, always have the right of way.  Also, don't pass too close to sailboats, canoes, kayaks, etc.  What seems like a reasonable distance to you may be too close.  Give them a wide berth so that your wake doesn't bump them around (or capsize them in the case of smaller craft).    

Be mindful of others' anchor lines when anchoring.  Allow enough space between yourself and other boats such that there is no risk of hitting another boat as the boats swing around their anchors. 

[officeworker]

Thanks for the tips.

Again, we're semi-aware and plan to get further trained in the safety-related rules and regulations (have already completed the online training offered by the Michigan DNR).  I'm looking for those things that may not be covered in the Safety Course but are more etiquette-related.

[mrs_deb]

If you're trailering your boat, remember that the person whose truck and trailer is first onto the ramp is the first one to take out, even if that boat wasn't the first one at the ramp. 

If you're waiting for a public dock in your 20' along with someone in a 36', and a large or double space becomes available, it's polite to let the larger boat take it, even if you were first.

Always snap your ladder up, and bring in your fenders, before getting underway.  Otherwise people will KNOW you're a noob  .

Don't anchor in a channel.  (That's between those solid red and black markers.)

Don't let your anchor line cross another boat's, when in close quarters. 

Keep a second anchor on board for the stern when anchoring in close quarters.

Remember, just like driving on the road - you may have the right of way, but don't expect the other guy to yield it properly.  Always be ready for him to do a Captain Bonehead move.

Boating Magazine has some great stuff.  Also, they have a Facebook page, if you're into that.

Happy Boating!