Marina Etiquette
A memorable day on the water can easily be ruined by a bad experience at the marina. On days that are especially hectic, most marinas will be packed with boaters looking to launch and dock their boats. You’ll need to pack your patience when navigating a marina full of boaters. Additionally, it’s helpful to learn proper marina etiquette. You don’t want to be one of the many people who don't know how to handle themselves on a busy day at the marina.
Fortunately, Jet Ski of Miami has provided some tips. If you’re still shopping for the perfect boat, visit our dealership to browse our inventory! You’ll find us conveniently located near Hialeah and Aventura, FL. We also proudly serve Key Largo and Key Biscayne.
Go Slowly
Pulling up at top speed is not the way you want to approach the marina. No matter how crowded it is, you should be conscious of your speed. You wouldn’t zip into a parking lot at 50 mph and create a stressful and dangerous environment for others. You should display the same courtesy when pulling your boat into the dock, which will lower your risk of crashing or hitting someone. Slow down as you approach and use caution until you’re docked. You also want to avoid creating giant wakes that can jostle other boats.
Keep it Moving
You wouldn’t linger around at the gas station after filling up your tank, so you should keep that in mind at the marina once you’re done fueling. Be sure to clear out as soon as you’re ready to hit the water. Whether you’re departing the dock or returning to your boat slip for the night, you should keep it moving for others in the area. Avoid taking up space when others in the water are trying to maneuver their own craft around yours so they can dock or fuel up.
Clear the Dock
If you’re not careful when you’re docking your boat, you might block the walking path for others with your bow. You can prevent this by using spring lines to control the motion of your craft as you pivot around the dock. Alternatively, you can practice stern-to-dock to keep your bow from overhanging.
After you’ve successfully docked your boat, be mindful of your belongings. You shouldn’t leave your equipment all strewn about. Coil up your ropes neatly before leaving and don’t leave any garbage or food behind that could cause a stench. The dock area surrounding your boat should be clear and easy for others to walk on.
Respect Others
Don’t forget to show others the same respect that you expect from them. This maxim rings true for marina etiquette as well. It can be frustrating to deal with loud boaters who are partying and blasting music, so you should refrain from acting this way, too. If you find that the general atmosphere of the marina is quiet and peaceful, be respectful of that. Of course, you can feel free to socialize calmly and enjoy the sunset without making a ruckus and disturbing others.
Shut it Off
Lastly, remember to shut everything off before you leave for the evening. This includes TV sets, stereos, and VHF radios. You should also make it a point to turn off all electronic equipment so it’s not making noises. Be sure to shut off all the lights so you don’t blind others who are coming in at night or create light pollution that’ll affect stargazing.
As you can see, a little consideration and forethought can go a long way at the marina. Stop by Jet Ski of Miami to check out our boats for sale. Our dealership is located near Hialeah and Aventura, FL. We also proudly serve Key Largo and Key Biscayne.