Boat tie up etiquette
 

I grew up with ski boats and boats not as nice as the ones you guys have nor the one i have now. I know about the fenders with boots on them etc. If you have to cross over others boats to get to dock walk on top? Across seats? With bare feet? Flip flops shoes etc? Sorry if this seems like a stupid question but better to ask and know than get into an altercation on the water!!!!

I myself go barefoot all the time, and always step on the swim platform, never on seats in the cockpit area and never over the bow. If I have to step on the engine hatch and there is someone on board I'll give them the respect of asking permission first. Most people who raft off know that people are going to step on there boats, as long as you are barefoot and on the swim platforms then your good in my book.

Every boat's different, so there's no catch-all answer, but generally the swim platform is your best bet. If one is not available, you should use any intended step pads or non-skid areas for walking across. Avoid walking across interiors, with the only exception being perhaps the engine hatch. Never ever have your shoes on, doesn't matter what kind they are. Bare feet or socks only. And always ask permission if the owner is around.

I'll +1 both of those posts, pretty much covers it.

Soooo, do you pass the ones sitting on the hatch with your front side or back side facing them?

Depends on the size of stern your looking at!! lol

Actually its customary to grab a beer out of the cooler as you pass by and even feel free to use the head if you want, most people dont mind at all. You can even change the radio to a station you like and poke around in the bilge checking out the motors and rigging even if no one is on board. Go right ahead an make yourself at home :D


lol, just kidding. the first two post pretty much sum it up. Just treat everything with respect and if someone is on board just a quick "do you mind if I . . . " is usually all thats necessary. Be sure you have good fenders and its also important to have covers on them. If there is a towel out across the bow or sun pad use it but i think it is best to use swim platforms first.

i usually drop my family off at the end of the nearest pier to lessen the number of people doing said walking barefoot across the swimstep while not looking at the ones sitting on the hatch.

lol

Bare feet. :)

bare feet, fiberglass is better then vynal.... ask if somone is there.