Boating Etiquette for Newbies

Boating Etiquette for Newbies — Lake Cowichan BC

The sun is shining, summer is here, and you’ve been invited out on a friend’s boat — nice! Good boating etiquette in Lake Cowichan BC will go a long way toward making sure you get asked back. Here are the top 5 tips every first-time boat guest should know.

1. Be On Time

Nothing kills the vibe faster than one person holding everyone up at the dock. Plan your route ahead of time. Give yourself extra buffer for traffic, pit stops, or a late start. Don’t be the reason the cooler gets warm before the boat leaves the dock.

2. Offer Gas Money

Boats don’t run on “thanks” — they run on diesel or gasoline. In addition, on-water fuel is always more expensive than at a land station. Offer the captain cash for fuel. For a tow sports session, $20 is a good starting point. For a full day on the water, offer $40–$100. The more the crew chips in, the less each person pays.

It’s a nice gesture to bring snacks for the crew. However, always ask the captain first — some boat owners, especially tow boat owners, don’t allow food or drinks onboard. Their boat is their pride and joy. Respect that. Bring extra napkins and hand sanitizer regardless.

4. Take Your Shoes Off

Remove your shoes before boarding. Boats are floating living rooms and captains take cleanliness seriously. As a result, leaving your footwear on the dock is just good manners — treat it like entering someone’s home.

5. Don’t Ask to Leave Early

The captain has the day planned. If you have other commitments, it’s better to skip the trip entirely than to cut the day short for everyone. Furthermore, being flexible and easygoing makes you the kind of guest who always gets invited back.