Episode 7:  In today’s episode, Molley and Chad discuss how Not to be “THAT GUY.”  We’ve all been there.  Whether it’s a scene at the boat ramp, an inconsiderate (or unsafe) boater and even a guest who becomes a problem, these situations can be avoided.  Here are some tips for all of us to review.

ADVICE FOR GUESTS

How to be the Best Guest

If you’ve been invited to spend some time on a friend’s boat, there are things you should consider, especially if you’re new to boating.  If you’re bringing lunch, prepare it before you get to the dock.  Make sure it’s secured in water-tight containers.  Remember lotion and towels.  Take some extra “supplies” for the lake house, as a courtesy.  Bring some extra cash for gassing up the boat.  They don’t run on “Thanks!”

There’s not a lot of room on a typical boat, so if you’re bringing a bag of clothes or other items, try to use a small bag/backpack. 

Bringing Drinks

Let’s face it.  A six-pack of anything for a day on the water isn’t going to go very far.  Bring more that what you think you’re going to need and leave the extras at the lake house, again, as a courtesy. 

Avoid bringing glass bottles and containers.  Everyone is walking around with bare feet and the risk of getting cut is high.

Watch How Much You Drink

Nothing can spoil a day on the lake faster than having a guest who drinks too much, while the group is still enjoying the outing.  Don’t be THAT GUY.  You’ll spoil it for everyone.  This is especially important if you’re bringing a friend and that friend starts to over-do it.  You’re responsible for your guest.  Assuming you’ve cleared it with the boat owner ahead of time.

Listen to Your Captain

There’s a lot of responsibility with having and operating a boat.  Your captain may have preference or rules.  Often, those are for your safety.  Even if you don’t understand them, listen to your captain, while you’re on his/her boat. 

Be on Time

Usually, the boat owner will tell you what time they want to hit the water.  Don’t make everyone wait.  Plan to get there an hour early to change clothes, to get organized, to help carry items down to the boat and to have time for a potty break before leaving.  Your captain is doing you a favor by inviting you.  There may be other activities happening.  He/she might appreciate an extra hand.  Don’t be THAT GUY!

Help Clean Up at the End of the Day

Jump in and help to wipe down the boat.  Help gather the trash or collect other items left on the boat.  There are all sorts of thing that need to be done, so work together.  Your captain might be a little worn out as well. 

Don’t Smoke on the Boat (without Permission)

Always ask the captain if he/she minds.  Cigarette ashes and embers can be a problem.  They can cause damage that can cost significant money to repair.  Let your captain tell you when it’s okay to smoke. 

ADVICE FOR FELLOW BOATERS

Kentucky is considering implementing a boater’s license for people born after 1/01/75.  This isn’t official as of the recording of this episode.  Molley and Chad highly recommend it.

Be Courteous Near the Ramp

If you decide to idle your boat near the boat ramp, it’s better to do so off to the side rather than directly in front of the ramp.  This just makes it easier for people launching or loading.  Remember, not everyone is as experienced as you.  A clear path to the ramp can make it much easier for all boaters.  Don’t be THAT GUY.

Load or Off-Load Your Boat in a Designated Area

Don’t load or unload your boat while you’re on the ramp.  This takes time and can cause major delays for other boaters.  There’s usually ample space for this in a parking area.  Prepare before you get onto the ramp, if you’re launching.

The same goes for the end of the day.  Use the courtesy dock to unload or wait until you get to a designated area.

Keep Your Cool on the Ramp

Chad sums it up, “We don’t get angry anymore.  Just shrug your shoulders and smile.  It’s another day on the ramp.”  Stress and ego can be dangerous on the ramp.  Everyone wants to have a good time.  You may need to take a deep breath and just get through it.  Honking your horn or causing a scene is rarely helpful.  Don’t be THAT GUY!

Remember You’re in a No Wake Zone

One of the best feelings is getting your boat launched, throttling up and heading out for open water.  But remember, you’re still in a no wake zone.  Other people are trying to launch or trailer their boats.  The wakes you create can be dangerous to them, their guests and even the life of the boat ramp itself.  There’s a lot on the line here.  We know you’re excited, but get beyond the markers before your throttle up.  This holds true for jets skis as well.  Don’t be THAT GUY!

Use Teamwork

As we’ve discussed in Episode 1, pick a job.  If you have a partner, have one of you learn to drive the truck and the other learn to drive the boat.  It causes unnecessary delays if one person has to back the truck down the ramp.  Get out and then launch the boat.  Then, get back in the truck and park it.  The process would work much easier and efficiently if the work were divided between 2 people.  Even if you’re uncomfortable with things, you could probably manage to drive the truck up the ramp to the parking lot.  This is especially true on holiday weekends.

That’s a wrap for this episode.  I hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining.

Thanks for Listening!

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