Boating, as a recreational sport, has been around for over 300 years. During this time many customs and traditions have been developed; traditions that, over generations, have become the unwritten rules of the road. Just like being on land, we need to be good neighbours; help others when they need it, tidy up after ourselves and be respectful of the people and environment around us.

Top 10 Boating Etiquette Tips

1. Watch Your Wake: You’re responsible for making sure that your wake isn’t causing harm to your fellow boaters. Not only can big wakes in small, crowded places be dangerous, it’s a definite way to anger your neighbours. Be sure to respect the wake rules to keep marine life and everyone else on the water safe and sound.
2. Lend a hand: While there is almost always a Van Isle Marina employee nearby to help, you should be prepared to help your fellow boaters. This unwritten boating law will say a lot about what kind of boater you are and will be really helpful to those in need of an extra hand.
3. Respect your neighbours: If you have blasting music and lots of loud friends on board, be courteous to others on the water and leave plenty of space.
4. Always stop to help, if you see someone in trouble.
5. Keep it tidy: No matter if you’re at the marina or anchorage, be sure to clean up your space and pick up all of your trash, dock lines, and equipment. Your neighbours and local animals will appreciate a clean, hazard-free space.
6. Move along: Whether you’re on a fuel dock or boating ramp, be efficient. Delegate tasks and be prepared so that you can get out of the way of others and out on the water. Our Fuel Dock staff are there to help you get on and off the dock in safe, timely manner.
7. Turn off your Radar: Ensure if it’s not being used that you turn all your radar equipment off. Radar waves can be harmful to anyone who is exposed to them.
8. Select your anchorage carefully: giving yourselves and your new neighbours ample room. Remember winds change, anchors line tangle and hulls and dinghy’s can easily bang into each other.
9. If you use the head, use your head: ensure that it goes into your holding tank, not overboard.
10. Be thoughtful at night; don’t run your generator around the clock, paddle rather than motor to shore and back and be conscious of your activity and noise levels.

Whether underway, anchoring, mooring, docking at a marina or cruising with friends, as in most aspects of life, respect and courtesy go a long way! Being part of the boating community means knowing and following good boating etiquette. When you know the common expectations that have developed over centuries of boating, it will help make your experience a positive one for everyone on board.

Cooking while at sea is part of the adventure. Prepare for your voyage as if you were camping in the woods: space is limited, as are fuel and refrigeration. Luckily, with a little planning and the following handy tips, your taste buds (and your guests) will be content and satisfied out on the boat!

Use Space Wisely: No matter how you slice it, the galley on your boat is smaller than your kitchen at home. When you’re working with a single-burner stove, a small microwave or even a propane or electric grill, you’re going to need to scale back your production. Small cooking surfaces mean small food. Appetizers, salads and single-pan meals can be pulled together quickly and easily. Let the cozy confines be your inspiration!

Think Light: Being able to enjoy a long, hot summer day on the water is what boating is all about. However, the rocking motion of the waves combined the afternoon sun, means you want to steer clear of a menu filled with hot and heavy and stick to cool and light. Ditch the recipes that would require your guests to sit down with a knife and fork. A good steak may be your idea of a great boat meal. Can’t argue with that. But why not transform it into a quick-cooking kebab that includes your veggies and can be eaten easily while relaxing on deck.

Clean as you go: Whether on land or sea any chef can benefit from the mantra: Clean as you go. But in a galley, things can get out of hand quickly if you leave all the mess until the end. Get in the habit of tidying up while you’re cooking. A little bit here, a little bit there, and you’ll have more room to work, you’ll be more relaxed, and the meal will add to your fun, rather than just adding another chore.

No matter what you are able to whip up, everything tastes better on a boat. Busy days of exploring beaches and hiking will lead to hungry guests who will be pleased with whatever food you have made. And when you are in need of a break from the galley, or simply a special treat, there are usually restaurants at the top of the dock in all the local hot spots. Van Isle Marina for example has the Sea Glass Waterfront Grill. Just be careful, one meal there and you will never want to cook for yourself again!

 

The video below is the next in the series, featuring Van Isle Marina’s Maintenance and Storage Facility.  Guests are able to haul-out for nightly, monthly or annual storage. The Yacht Park is fully paved and fenced with security key card access. We are able to haul-out up to 45 tons or 70 feet on either of our two self-propelled trailers. Please enjoy!