Floating Dock Etiquette. Just because you love boat docks does not mean your neighbor does. Boat dock owners need to practice courtesies to be a good neighbor. Just moved to your waterfront property and installed a boat dock? Follow these common courtesies to ensure that you do not start on the wrong foot with your neighbors.
Even if you are not a new boat dock owner, you may not have been aware of these courtesies, but you will be now, so it is a good idea to follow them. Here is what you need to do to get in the good books of your neighbor:
1. Boat with a Large Bow or Pulpit
If your watercraft has a large bow or pulpit, keep it on a boat lift to ensure it does not get in your neighbor’s way. You do not want a lawsuit lodged by your neighbor because they bumped their head on your watercraft. Get a boat lift to store your boat. You will also benefit from a boat lift, as it will be easier for you to get on and off your boat.
2. Do Not Go Fast
Everyone likes to show off once in a while, but going too fast, especially in no-wake zones is just overconfidence. The “no” in no-wake zones means going slow even if the lake is empty.
3. Do Not Stay at the Fuel Boat Docks
Doesn’t it anger you when you have to wait in line because another customer who is done with everything continues to stand in the way? Such customers cause huge delays and frustrate everyone in line, including you. The same goes for boaters who linger on at fuel boat docks after they have added fuel to their boat. If you are guilty of doing it, we hope it will be the last time you linger. You want to make friends out of the fellow boaters you meet, not enemies.
4. Keep Boat Docks Clear
Keep your boat dock clean and clear by ensuring there are no tripping hazards due to lines and cords. You need to remove lines and cords from your floating dock, keeping them stored neatly. If it is a public boat dock, ensure you do not leave any garbage, food, or gear on it. Even if it is your own personal boat dock, leaving it messy will only drown the beauty of your waterfront property.
5. Do Not Play Loud Music
It is okay to play music on your boat dock as long as it is within the noise limits of the area. You do not want your neighbor to call the police for noise pollution. If you are hosting a little get-together on your boat dock, inform your neighbor beforehand.
Whether you have a boat dock, or you use a public boat dock, follow these floating dock etiquettes to the tee. If you are planning to get a boat dock and you live in , , or , contact EZ Dock at 800-654-8168 for a quote.