How To Be a Good Guest on Someone’s Boat

You have a friend with a boat, and you finally received the must-wanted invitation on board. You’re in for a fantastic day on the water, full of sun, breeze, and good vibes. But if this is your first time on your friend’s vessel, you want to make sure you act respectfully and responsibly so that they’ll hopefully invite you back one day. Here’s how to be a good guest on someone’s boat!

Bring the Right Things (And Skip the Wrong Ones)

Great guests show up to the party with their hands full of goodies. Ask your host what you should bring before you show up. They might tell you exactly what they need, whether that’s drinks, snacks, sunscreen, or nothing at all. If they say to not worry about it, bring something anyway—a cooler of ice, a bag of chips, or a case of drinks never goes unappreciated.

Just remember to skip the glass bottles and containers. Broken glass is a serious hazard on boat decks because the vessel is always in motion and most people are barefoot. Cans and plastic containers are what you should bring instead.

Help With the Hard Work When You Can

Boat ownership is hard work, and more goes in to simply getting a boat out to water than most people realize. Your host has probably spent hours preparing for your trip, from checking systems to loading supplies. They’ll appreciate a helping hand if you offer.

Even if you don’t know much about boats, you can hold a rope, carry a cooler, or simply stay out of the way when your host needs to focus on maneuvering. If your guest is comfortable with it, you might help them execute a smooth boat launch by making sure it doesn’t drift away after entering the water. You can also offer to steer the vessel so your host can take a break from this duty.

At the end of the day, cleaning up, organizing gear, and securing the boat takes time. Stick around and help instead of disappearing when the fun part ends.

Follow the Captain’s Rules

The boat owner is the captain, and their word is law. When they tell you where to sit, where not to step, or how to hold onto something, listen and follow through.

Also, ask before you touch anything you’re not familiar with. Boats have lots of switches, levers, and electronic equipment that can be expensive to fix or replace. Your curiosity is normal, but let your host show you around and establish boundaries.

Mind Your Manners on the Water

Lastly, keep these tips in mind to ensure you behave respectfully in the eyes of your host and everyone else on the water:

Don’t shout, scream, or blast music the whole time. It’s annoying, and sound carries far across water.
Don’t throw anything overboard, even biodegradable trash.
Wear a life jacket.
Respect the captain’s timeline. Don’t push for more time on the water if they’re ready to head back.
If there’s alcohol on board, don’t get inebriated.
Engage with your host, helping them have a fun time too.

Being a good guest on someone else’s boat is really quite simple. The main thing to remember is that they’re being very generous by having you on board, and you should repay that gesture with respectful, helpful behavior. Show appreciation for the experience your host is sharing with you, contribute where you can, and follow their lead. Do this well, and you’ll probably find yourself with a standing invitation for future adventures on the water!