What are your boat "Rules"?

Bowen · Posted: May 30, 2011 7:06 am Post subject: What are your boat "Rules"?

My family just procured a 2011 WakeSetter 23 LSV. It will be kept on our dock, and used by multiple people...but at the end of the day I'm "in charge" of protecting the investment because I have the most boating knowledge in the family (driving, riding, trailering, cleaning...). I am actively assuming my role of "Boat Nazi," and need your help.

I'm creating a list of "10 Commandments" to keep in the boat, in a place where all drivers AND passengers can see, and I'm looking for some good rules to put on there.

So far I am thinking of the following:

-No shoes
-No Dogs (we had this problem with our last boat)
-No Glass (bottles, cups...)
-Wipe it down when you pull it in
-Clean it, and remove your trash when you put it up (remember to put the cover on the boat, and speaker covers on the tower speakers...we get spider web infestations if not)
-The boat lift is not an elevator (wait to get in until the boat is in the water...we have a stationary cable lift, not hydraulic)
-If it has less than a quarter tank of gas (maybe I should do half?), fill it up before you put it up.
-If something is wrong (sounds funny, not working right, broken...), write it down so we know. (we will be keeping a running list in a log on the boat so when we service it we will have a list of things that need to be looked at)

Please understand that what you and I would consider normal boating knowledge needs to be included since the rest of the family (my in-laws) have NO boating knowledge. The last boat "we" had got destroyed because no one would listen to me, so I stopped giving advice. Now everyone realizes the error and I'm in charge 100%.

So I need help coming up with some other good rules. What are your rules?...as crazy as some people may think they are, I need to hear them, because before the rest of the family is given the code to the boat they will have to sign a copy of the rules.

(I'm really not this big of a nazi, but I have to be in this case)

taitrt · Soul Rider Joined: 11 May 2009 Posts: 413

Don't leave wet jackets in boat

Wakesetter specific:
Empty the ballast before lifting.
Leave the wedge up unless boarding.

Bowen · Posted: May 30, 2011 8:18 am Post subject:

Perfect examples. Thank you.

And to add to that: Dry out the carpet in the boat, before putting the boat up.

vette74 · Posted: May 30, 2011 11:42 am Post subject:

Always leave the boat full of gas.

DeloBoarder · Outlaw Joined: 18 Jun 2006 Posts: 131 City: Knoxville

Use the appropriate rope for each activity (i.e. non-stretch rope for wakeboarding, stretch rope for skiing, and general purpose rope for kneeboarding, etc).

Be careful with sunscreen spillage on vinyl (don't really know how best to word that one).

ridininmd · Wakeboarder.Commie Joined: 16 Feb 2006 Posts: 1231

kdip · Posted: May 30, 2011 3:11 pm Post subject:

Don't touch the bass control.

slidin_out · Soul Rider Joined: 05 Mar 2010 Posts: 353 City: Pearl

yep, don't fark with the stereo controls, just simply turn it up or down, that is all thank you very much

under all circumstances leave the boat full of gas each time

no sliding coolers across the gelcoat

no leather belts in the boat, board shorts only (had a friend's new x-star several years back get farked up because someone rode in khakis with a leather belt, after they got out and sat in the boat for a while the belt bled all over the vinyl and it would not come out)

good luck, you will probably be a hated person for a while until they see how well it will not be taken care of

Goochy · Soul Rider Joined: 18 Jan 2003 Posts: 470

Found these on line

13 Simple Rules to not Piss off a Boat Owner!

1. Always offer money. $5 is nice, but $10-15 is more realistic. This does not simply cover the gas of the boat, it covers maintenance, insurance, trailer tags, boat storage, registration, and gas for the truck to get the boat to the Lake.

2. Always offer to clean the boat. Cleaning usually means wiping down the boat at the end of the day, but if you are a regular you should volunteer to do more. On the days when it is blown out come over and help wax, or clean the interior. Maybe show up one day with some cleaner because that stuff is expensive to.

3. Never invite someone else to come along without first talking to the boat owner.

4. Ask how many people are going to ride that day, if it is over 4 find an alternate ride. Having 7-10 people in the boat isgreat for the wake, but it sucks for riding. There is nothing worse then being a boat owner and towing 10 people.

5. Never go first unless you are told by the owner to go. The owner gets to choose whether or not he wants the first glass. More often then not he will defer to someone else.

6. Never let the owner go last. He has to have his fun too.

7. Always volunteer to drive..

8. Watch what you bring in the boat. Doritos and Cheetos taste great, but having them rubbed in the carpet is not. Also, finding a Dorito 2 weeks later that is hidden by something is not pleasant.

9. Always take off your shoes when getting in the boat, even if the owner does not. It is his investment to treat the way that he wants, not yours. Try to not step on the seats, sometimes you can not help it but try.

10. Bring something to drink ,Water and Cokes and stuff, but only cans. Never bring glass.

11. If you can only be there for 30 minutes, and then you have to leave, do not bother coming. There are very few things worse then having to stop and take someone back to the dock. Also, it kills the riding time.

12. Do not do your parade run over and over again. Never do a trick more then 3 times, seeing a trick over and over drives people in the boat bonkers.

13. Do not ride for more then 15 minutes. Everybody else in the boat has to ride too, but if the owner wants to ride for 40 minutes let him. It is his boat and he can.

Skywalker022 · Outlaw Joined: 25 Mar 2009 Posts: 205 City: Tuscaloosa

No spray sunscreen on the boat, because it gets on everything!!

FlyZone CR · Posted: May 30, 2011 8:00 pm Post subject: Re: What are your boat "Rules"?

slidin_out · Soul Rider Joined: 05 Mar 2010 Posts: 353 City: Pearl

on the fins down thing might put in there that boards must be kept secured in the racks at all times, not under any circumstances are they to be loose in the cabin of the boat

completely forgot about fluids, oil is to be checked before the engine is started

Wakebrad · Ladies Man Joined: 11 Dec 2003 Posts: 12257 City: Dallas

Bowen, sick man! Is that on Cedar Creek? We were just up there today. Grandparents just had a new dock built, thing is pretty awesome.

I wouldn't worry about people riding up and down on the boat when it's being lifted. The extra weight won't make much difference and when the water is down (like it is now) it can be difficult to get in without.

I'd 2nd the no spray sunscreen on the boat. Richard said this stuff really leaves stains on the vinyl.

Chattwake · Posted: May 31, 2011 5:11 am Post subject:

No smoking
No red drinks
No painting toenails or fingernails
No sharp random objects (like surfboard fins) unless they are in a container
No cannonballs/canopeners splashing people in the boat (lost too many ipods)
No jumping off of the tower
Make sure your board is strapped in
Pitch in on gas
Watch the side of the boat near you when we are near a dock, another boat, etc. (don't let it bang into anything)
Stow your shoes/bags, etc.
Keep track of your own stuff. If you leave your ipod on the boat, there's no guarantee it will be there the next time.
If you ride, chip in on gas.
No fireworks

supermanotorious · Soul Rider Joined: 10 May 2010 Posts: 345 City: Phoenix

no smoking in the boat is my number 1 rule

kartman · Posted: May 31, 2011 6:30 am Post subject:

keep control of your fing kids. i keep my son under control, i expect you to do the same. i understand you want to watch your bf ride, but dont forget about your 4 year old in the bow when im driving. my son knows how to behave because he is on the boat many times a week. it is not a jungle gym for your kid to climb all over.

sit your ass down when the boat is moving. not only does it screw with the wake, its not safe.

when im riding, remember to turn the music up. i remember for you. show me the courtesy.

dont throw your can over the side. yes i will stop and make you pick it up no matter who is on the end of the rope.

NO Bubb Rubbing SMOKING

Bowen · Posted: May 31, 2011 7:29 am Post subject:

Thanks everyone. These are great, keep them coming!

WakeBrad, Yep out at Cedar Creek. This thing is sick - See the photo I put up on FB. I will have to have you and Richard out this summer after I finish breaking it in.

What happened to the prior boat? ... just about everything. No one would listen to me so I stopped giving advice, icing on the cake was that it didn't get winterized before one of the harshest winters in TX (this last one). Blocked cracked so bad you could see through part of it.

Father-in-law told me on Easter he wanted to get a new boat and I laughed. Then he told me I was in control of everything, including picking it out and negotiating the deal. Now if someone doesn't listen to me, I'm "protecting the investment" and taking away the keys (or in this case, changing the code so they can't use it). Plus, they aren't getting the code until they sign off and agree to the rules.

Hollywood · Posted: May 31, 2011 7:40 am Post subject:

If you have to list off all that common stuff the boat will probably get destroyed again. Good luck though.

pet575 · Posted: May 31, 2011 9:21 am Post subject:

Bowen · Posted: May 31, 2011 9:58 am Post subject:

Well, I'm in charge of maintenance too, so that won't happen again.

Also, one of the primary culprits is no longer on speaking terms with the family, so that should help a bit. The other primary culprit was made very cognizant of the cost of the boat and is admittedly nervous about handling it..., so i think that will help cut down on it too. He has agreed to sign off on the rules and has practically sworn an oath to my father in law regarding the boat. None of these steps were taken before.

Hopefully we (I) will be able to create some good habits for everyone.

I appreciate all the advice everyone!

eeven73 · Posted: May 31, 2011 10:11 am Post subject:

I would never share a boat with anyone who doesn't have a fiscal interest in the boat.

Even that isn't perfect.

Bowen · Posted: May 31, 2011 10:30 am Post subject:

eeven73, I agree it isn't ideal, but it's the situation that I'm in and trying to make the best of it. I don't have a fiscal interest in the boat either, but I love boats, I love wakeboarding, and I love the family. That's why I reached out to the good people of Wakeboarder.com to get some good ideas for rules so that I can make the best of the situation (that I'm actually thrilled to be in). Believe me there was a long family discussion before purchasing the boat.

Hopefully this thread will give some people in different shoes good ideas for their boats too. So... any other ideas?

...with a great boat, comes great responsibility...

eeven73 · Posted: May 31, 2011 10:50 am Post subject:

In addition to above lists.

Maybe, you could do some kind of usage sheet corresponding to hours.

That way there is less denial of responsibility for problems.

Ralph · Posted: May 31, 2011 11:26 am Post subject:

Rule#1: Have fun, boating is about enjoying the company and environment, make sure your rules don't spoil that.
Rule#2: Take personal responsibility of your behavior and resulting consequences. If you make it dirty, make it clean again. If you break it, your responsible for its restoration.

That pretty much covers everything, smooth sailing is more about attitude than rules.

Bowen · Posted: May 31, 2011 2:19 pm Post subject:

Ralph,

Thanks for bringing that up. I was probably beginning to lose sight of that fact...

jjaszkow · Posted: May 31, 2011 5:39 pm Post subject:

I like Ralph's rules quite a bit. I would add one more.

Rule#3: If you aren't sure about something, ask someone who knows (aka Bowen).

Too many rules, and people will likely ignore or forget them.

Commodore · Ladies Man Joined: 20 Jun 2005 Posts: 11636

Rule #1, I'm #1.
Rule #2, no tops.

Wakebrad · Ladies Man Joined: 11 Dec 2003 Posts: 12257 City: Dallas

Bowen, sick man. Love the all white. Sounds good. I'm planning to head out there more often this year.

eeven73 · Posted: Jun 01, 2011 8:00 am Post subject:

Okie Boarder · Ladies Man Joined: 03 Mar 2008 Posts: 10056 City: Edmond

jjaszkow · Posted: Jun 01, 2011 2:09 pm Post subject:

eeven73, I don't disagree with spelling out the expectations crystal clear, but I think that trying to account for every possible scenario is going to just lead to confusion and the rules not being followed.

Besides, if you try to account for all of the stupid or irresponsible things that someone might do that is detrimental to the condition of the boat, there's always going to be that one thing that wasn't accounted for. The individual can then say "well ... it wasn't on the list so I though it was ok".

Setting a few simple expectations (personal responsibility / you break it you fix it) and (if you are unsure, ASK). Having a clear conversation with the users of the boat on how to keep it in good condition should cover the rest.

Suprahunter · Soul Rider Joined: 28 Apr 2008 Posts: 486 City: Lowell

Every ship needs a captain every army needs a general. In the end its up to the person in charge the owner or in this case whoever takes charge of the boat to make sure the boat and equipment are cared for and not abused. We are all there to have a good time but not at the expense of the boat. Sometimes you have to be the heavy to make sure all are safe including the boat. If you dont like my rules then dont come out with me.

LaynDoor · Outlaw Joined: 26 Feb 2010 Posts: 152 City: Meriden CT

I have a family boat also and it is docked at the marina all summer... one of our rules is that you clean (as much as possible) below the water line every time you go out on it.... we have this crazy glove thing with a sponge on it... we just sit on a throwable and float around the boat scrubbing the scum off... if we keep up on it it never gets too dirty.

We also have an issue with too much crap on the boat and things being left out... mainly because people dont want to have to walk down the dock with ANYTHING in their hands... Take an inventory of what people want / need on the boat and then designate an area of the boat for each person to keep their stuff... I, for example, have the ski locker and the left side of the bow on our boat.

But a word of advise, we have a Boat Nazi in our family... and, at times, that person sucks all the fun out of it for us and themselves because of petty things... Gotta try and find a way to reasonably enforce the rules w/o getting emotional.

Nauty · Addict Joined: 12 Feb 2004 Posts: 827 City: Lake Dallas

Congrats Danny Boy!

My #1 piece of advice is to make sure spooge stains get wiped up immediately .... they will stain the upholstery as bad as sun screen. Wink

Seriously though, the rules listed above are all good, but remember to have fun and that most everything can be restored to new as long as the boat gets wiped down after each use. Even if you get slack on wiping it down you can still restore it back to new, it will just take a lot more elbow grease.

The one regret I have with my boat is not using 303 on the vinyl religiously. My boat is now 7 years old and still looks new (except for a gel coat ding on the bow), but my upholstery is starting to dry out and crack. I'm not sure that any amount of 303 would have made a difference in 7 year old vinyl, but you never know?

As far as food rules etc.... with a teenager and a 6 year old I've had more crumbs in my boat than a box of Ritz crackers. At the end of the day they all vacuum out. Therefore, my rules wouldn't be so much about what not to bring on the boat, but more so on cleaning the sucker up at the end of the day.

Congrats again!!!

cadunkle · Criminal Joined: 16 Jul 2009 Posts: 60 City: NJ

Jeez some of you guys are real nazis about your boats. I think I'm pretty loose with my rules though.

I smoke, and most of my friends do... So of course I allow smoking. I encourage anyone smoking to do so while we are stopped and sit on the transom or hold the cig over the side the entire time. All butts go in a water bottle immediately when done. All other trash goes into a plastic bag stashed in a compartment immediately when done. Few things piss me off more than people throwing trash into the water.

Food is what it is, bring whatever but if you're eating anything messy sit on the transom over the platform and wash your hands before getting back in.

I wear shoes in the boat sometimes, but take them off as soon as we leave the dock or before I get in the boat if the ground was wet.

I hate it when people start climbing all over stuff, stepping on vinyl with shoes, or otherwise treating my boat like a jungle gym. I make this known when it happens.

Gas money would be nice but I rarely get it. I'm always hurting for a third so I can't be picky if I want to ride.

At the end of the day it's just a boat. I accept that for every time out I'll be spending a lot of time cleaning things up and whatnot when I put it away. It's it what it is, but the good times and memories are worth every penny and every bit of blood and sweat.