Maybe you’re not an experienced boater and it’s the first time you’ve been in control of the vessel, or maybe you haven’t boated in the area recently and you’re wondering if boating customs have changed. Have no fear; even the saltiest Floridians don’t expect you to understand every nuance of boating etiquette. However, if you take the time to prepare ahead of time and avoid stepping on others’ toes, you’ll always be welcome to raft up at the sandbar with the regulars. Read on to find the most important boating etiquette tips to keep in mind on your next excursion.
Keep Calm (Watch Your Wake)
Would you drive by a pedestrian waiting to cross in a crosswalk going 50 miles per hour? Probably not; while not expressly forbidden, it’s a bit rude and needlessly dangerous. The same rules apply on the water. Proper boating etiquette dictates that if you pass another boat anchored in calm waters, fishing, or with swimmers or tubers in the water, you’ll slow down and make an effort not to disturb them with your wake. Of course, speed limits apply in many places (like seagrass beds and manatee hotspots), where no-wake signs will prevent you from traveling quickly even in the absence of other boats. But even where your speed isn’t controlled by Florida law, it should be routine to slow down for other boaters.
Try Not to Linger (at the Pump)
The same consideration for other applies while fueling up your boat, which is a stress-inducing headache for many boaters. At 321, we’ll fill the boat up for you before and after your trip. But if you need to fill up yourself, try to make it quick. Experienced boat owners detest those who linger at the fuel dock making phone calls or who decide it’s a perfect time to clean up the boat or run into the convenience store.
Different Strokes
Respecting your fellow boaters should extend to other types of vessels too: jet skis should attempt to stay out of your way, but this doesn’t mean you can pretend they don’t exist. Defensive driving is vital on the open water just as it is on the road. In addition, while you may be a hardcore powerboat purist, sailboats actually have the right of way on the water because they don’t have the same ability you do to maneuver quickly; sailboats take a long time to turn and rely on wind to get them where they need to go, while you have an engine that can turn or stop your boat almost immediately. This one isn’t a matter of simple etiquette: giving sailboats the right of way is actually Florida law and a U.S. Coast Guard guideline. However, if the sailboat doesn’t have its sails up and is running under engine power, it’s considered a powerboat like any other. Human-powered vessels always have the right of way over any other, including sailboats, for the safety of the operator and everyone else involved. When in doubt, yielding safely to the other party is always a good choice. Lastly, if you pass anglers with lines in the water, try to give them as much space as possible to avoid disturbing their lines or scaring away fish with the sound of your engine.
Birds of a Feather
You’ve spotted the perfect space to slip into at the sandbar between two other boats- what’s the protocol here? First, make sure you can actually anchor in this space without disturbing the other boats. Keep a watchful eye out for swimmers and snorkelers down who may be difficult to spot, and remember that it’s best to have a large space between two bobbing boats with people swimming around them. Next, while pulling in, imitate the way that your neighbors have anchored. Use a similar amount of line, tie your boat in a similar manner, and leave a similar amount of distance between neighboring boats. This ensures that all the boats will move in sync in the water, reducing the chances of a collision or other mishap. Now, just have fun and respect your neighbors. Unless you ask others if they’ll be bothered by hearing your music, keep it to yourself. The same goes for trash, which should leave with you when you’re ready to head home.
You might not be a professional charter captain, but no one will guess that you’re new to the salty life if you follow these basic boating etiquette tips on the water. Florida has one of the most welcoming boating communities in the U.S., so if you make an effort to be respectful and considerate of others, you’re likely to find a whole crew of boat friends in short order to help you liven up your boating excursions. If you have any other questions about boating etiquette or laws in the Indian River Lagoon, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask.