Guide to Marina & Boating Etiquette: If you own a yacht, a sailboat, or any other type of marina equipment, it’s important that you know the proper etiquette involved in sharing a marina with your fellow marine neighbors. In this guide we’ll tell you how to use proper boating etiquette to your advantage so you can keep you and your neighbors safe, as well as how to keep from causing harm to you, your equipment, or other people. This also helps to improve your reputation with the marina itself.
Guide to Marina & Boating Etiquette
Table of Contents
Don’t Rush
By the end of the day, you’re waterlogged and usually ready to get in and get back to land lover’s life. When the darkness starts to creep in, it’s really easy to pull into the docks too fast, and you can possibly harm the dock, or even your equipment, or friends that are with you. Take your time and ease into the dock, and if you need, let someone spot you on your way in.
Don’t Pull in Forward
Believe it or not, it’s better to station your vessel with the back turned to the land. It’s also a lot easier to board and unboard your boat as well. This way it also allows for a good walking path along your docks. When you use large boats and pontoons, this is even more important.
Also be sure to shut your boat off before you actually start to dock. This helps you also when it comes to slowing down. Be courteous to those who are possibly on the shore. By doing things like turning off the lights, and making sure you turn off your engine and ease in there. Your fellow marina mates will thank you later.
If You Need to Refuel
You need to make it a quick refueling if you’re at a marina. There are other people who want to get in there. Don’t mess around on fuel docks and play around, or you can end up frustrating pretty much everyone else, especially the ones who frequent them. If you need to refuel, think ahead and get it and get out of there quickly.
Pay Attention to the Surroundings & Follow the Rules
Be sure that you know what the rules are regarding quiet times, docking times, and when to avoid going to certain marinas. At the same time, you may notice that some marinas have more traffic at different times of the day. If you’re pulling in and all seems quiet, then don’t get all loud and crazy. If you’re pulling in and there’s a party next door, don’t get upset either. Be courteous also to those who are in houseboats or yachts. Chances are, if it’s late, they’re probably sleeping if they’re there.
Conclusion
Pulling into Lake Geneva marinas safely and efficiently is equally important when it comes to the two. At the same time, you want to make sure that you treat your neighbors on the water the same as you would if you were at home. Also be sure not to litter when it comes to your marinas. This is not only against the law, but is also harmful to the animals and overall rude as well.
