Boat Etiquette

I just wanted to put out a reminder to everyone on the water, to provide support to fellow boaters in need. This should be #1 when somebody is stranded in the water.

We had to rescue a boat this weekend as it was starting to get dark. They had been dead in the water for 40 minutes but nobody had stopped for them yet.

I know I have been in the same situation before, but people have stopped and said "we don't have time". So just a reminder, if someone is in need of a tow, help them out and don't make them sit there for your own personal needs.

nice point and you would be surprised how grateful some people can be for a tow.. we had one guy (from out of the area) we towed a good ways back to the ramp, two weeks later he sent our daughter's two seahawks tickets and gave us a room comp at a local hotel for our kindness... needless to say, he and his wife are regulars to come visit us up at Tamarack now.. great way to make friends!

Karma.

Totally agree and I will always help out, except for this one time. We had just gotten out and were trying to beat sunset, and while the first person is putting their board on a boat idles up to us, asks if we have a crescent wrench to work on something, which I look for and can't find and reply "Sorry nope". Well they had turned the motor off and it wasn't starting, and they just looked at me as we tightened the rope ready to pull. So I was struggling over actually pulling the rider but went ahead and figured we'd ride quick and then pull them in, as they would be right where we were riding. They eventually got it started and continued to go to other boats and ask, even to people on shore, so I didn't feel all that bad since they were choosing not to just go in, and I just don't get what they were thinking. Just had to share as it still confuses me as to what they were thinking.....

I hope ther is a Karma thing about it, and if I ever need help someone stops. I have towed at the river (guy did'nt even say thanks after),Bullards Bar (all four people just gave a wave once at the dock but did'nt say a word), and Folsom (guys actually made a effort to say thanks),Camp far west ( guy offered $10.00)

The people I have towed in before were very gracious. This past weekend they offered beer and a tow when the water warmed up. They could not stop saying thank you either.

Previous time I had to two someone was two teenage girls stuck on Lake Washing-machince with a jetski that would not start.

I will add that after taking them to the dock I came out $25 ahead at the casino

My cousin ended up david hasselholf-ing diving off the front of our boat while I was riding to save a runaway jetski... Needless to say it was a brand new sea-doo and I don't think the stupid girls who fell off would have even cared. I guess daddy could have bought them a new one. All they did was laughed and rode away.

But on the other hand, we've towed a number of people and they are always thankful.

have towed and been towed....what goes around comes around

got caught on a rock/tree on the river about an entire foot away from 20 boats tied to each other blastin thier music, havin a good time... we jump into the water to get our boat off the rock, struggled for about an hour or two with nothing but a few glances from the other boats. Not sure what to make of it as my brother and my dad are power-turners. Karma?

I've never had to tow someone in, but I wouldn't hesitate at all, I know that I greatly appreciate the tows I've had. I wish I could track down 2 guys in particular and buy them a beer because they saved me and my crew a long paddle back in.

We had one situation where there was another wakeboat not more than 200 meters from us, we had the engine hatch up and steam pissing out after we hit the bottom and sucked mud into the radiator, and 2 guys on the paddles. They sat for a few minutes watching us and then took off in the opposite direction.

If I saw a boat in that situation I'd at least head over to see if they need any help. I know how much it sucks to be the guy that needs a tow when it's getting dark and cold and the wind is blowing away from the ramp.

I will always tow someone in but I must say the last time I towed in an x-30 all the way across the lake a good 30 min. then give them yes 2 of them a pull as the water was some how still nice and then drop them off and I didn't even get a thanks. then to top it off at the end of the day we pull in to my fav. restaurant and low and behold heres the same guy sitting in front waiting for a slip and all he can say is whats up man. Ill tell you whats up don't drink my beer tow your broke ass master craft across the lake take pulls behind my ride and not offer me a drink the next time you see me. damn cheap asses. A thank you would have been nice, a beer would have been great, gas cash should have been offered. sorry to rant.

Just remember that when some one does stop too tow you in they are going out of there way and that deserves a little appreciation. a thank you would have gone a long way.

We try to be good about it, I've been on both sides, but if the water is glass you're just gonna have to wait...

Yesterday we were coming back in from a jetski ride and there was this one couple sitting in a 21' I/O that had run out of gas so we rushed back home (they were only like 1 minute from our house) get in the fishing boat (center console not a bass boat) and go tow them to the nearest gas dock we were able to hook them up right before they hit the rocks at the bridge (they were like 5' from them hitting them) they were very nice and even offered to pay us

the funny part was that as I was hooking them up a Sheriff came by stopped and asked if everything was ok and then proceeded to ask me to go ahead the couple in because he had to go help some lost people

2 years ago we were out for a twilight run with some people from Korea. As we are driving to a spot to ride i see a tackle box go by, then a pail and finally a life jacket. At that point we figured we had better head towards where they would have come from. Low and behold as we came closer we could see about a foot of a nose of a boat sticking out of the water. Three guys over 70 were in the water. Only one had a life jacket but luckily he did as his foot was caught in the anchor rope. Head about a cm above the water line. They had been treading water for about 20 minutes they figured so we got them in the boat, clean towels and towed in. Not only did we receive absolutely no thanks whatsoever we missed our gap of perfect water. Eventually i'll be thankful for the karma but all three were clearly ready to pass out from swimming. Luckily we were there as there was not a single soul on the lake.

Michael, funny you mention the sheriff go by you. The NPS was actually coming out of the marina as we were getting close to them. All he did was wave and take off. I didn't mind at all, but did think it was weird that he did not approach us.

Brett, thanks or no, its gotta feel good saving three lives. Strong work. Thanks

I have been on both sides of this fence. I have helped others, and also been helped. I have even pulled into someones slip while they were having dinner one evening and borrowed a gas can from them just to get home. It doesn't take a lot to help, and normally not to much of your time either.

Whocares, sorry to hear you didn't even get a thank you. That person sux in my book!

I have always wondered why more people don't carry paddles in their boats these day. This is standard equipment for me, and they are well used!