Any regular boater finds it normal to have the floor constantly moving beneath them, so it can be frustrating when some guests fail to recognize this reality of being on the water. If you really want more of those Instagram moments that meet the #imonaboat hashtag requirements, follow these tips to be a professional guest who easily lands a repeat invite.
- Make Sure Nothing Can Fall. Boats can move in any direction: it’s a fact. Up, down, side-to-side. On a boat, what was a flat surface a second ago can easily take a 10-20 angle change, and pretty soon you’re cleaning up that tasty taco dip off the floor. When you set anything down on a boat, ensure it cannot slide off of a surface. Use cupholders whenever possible, grip material under plates, place things in storage compartments with ledges, and in general, keep most items stored in a bag/purse and they will stay there.
- Not Feeling Well? Stay Home. Never try to tough out a day on the water. Whether it’s genuine illness or perhaps a few too many martinis from the previous night, if you’re not feeling well, stay on land and don’t ruin the boat outing for the rest of the guests.
- Small Containers Are Best. So nice of you to make that handed-down recipe of granny’s potato salad, but whoa is the captain ever grinding his teeth at the sight of the glass dish that’s almost a foot tall and…GLASS! Storage on boats is precious, and cold storage is even more sacred. Use containers that cannot break, and several small containers are almost always better than one behemoth.
- Keep Your “Stuff” Together. You’ll score major points when your car keys, sunscreen, sunglass case holder, wallet, and the myriad other items you need to have with you, but don’t necessarily need for your day on the water, remain in your bag, and not scattered about the limited space on the boat.
- Help With Lookout. Whenever a boat is away from the dock, the operator needs to constantly keep a lookout–even if the boat is anchored. Some things to spot? Boats coming toward the one you’re on (but don’t be a backseat driver, either). Rolling waves that could send people, drinks, and food on an unintended trajectory. Anybody in the water who’s in distress. Storms. Really, anything that could have an unintended consequence.
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