Things You'll Need:
- Your boat
- Refreshments
- Activities
- Safety Equipment
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Step 1
No matter what size your boat is, it's fun to entertain guests. The first and most important consideration is safety. Make sure you are aware of your boat's maximum capacity. Never boat with too many people on board. Also, many guests have no knowledge of boating etiquette and rules, so take the lead and help them feel comfortable on the water.
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Step 2
Make sure that each person on your boat has access to a life jacket. Give your guests specific instructions on where the life jackets are and how to use them. If children are aboard, make sure they have their life jackets on at all times unless inside the boat with adults. The minute they step outside of the doors of the boat, they need them on!
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Step 3
If you have a larger boat, it is a good idea to give your guests a quick "tour" of the boat - show them how to flush the toilet, how to move from the back deck to the front deck safely, and what should not be handled (such as the anchor, any buttons at the console, etc.). When the captain of the boat is leaving or returning to the dock, explain that all guests should stay seated (if possible) and stay in one spot until the boat owners have finished docking and tying the boat securely. Don't forget sunscreen!
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Step 4
Once the safety information is taken care of, it's time to have fun. No boat trip can be planned without food. Snacks that sit out during the day must be non-refrigerated items such as crackers, salsa, nuts, chips, etc. If you have items such as dip, fruit, salads, etc., make sure they are set out only for a short period of time. Any item with mayonnaise or other types of sauce can sicken the guests.
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Step 5
When selecting the main entree, remember that it doesn't have to be fancy. Hamburgers, buns, brats, pork loins, and anything that can be cooked easily should be seriously considered. If your boat has a grill, many pork loins can be cooked and they serve many people. If you are stopped on a beach and have a fire, hobo dinners are a favorite (hamburgers, carrots, onions, green beans, potatoes, butter, seasoning wrapped in tin foil and cooked on the fire). Also don't forget TONS of water, soda, juices to keep everyone hydrated.
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Step 6
When entertaining, remember that the things you enjoy and see each weekend are NOT seen by your guests. Try to plan activities that are simple and new to everyone (even if not new to you). A simple cruise on the river or lake, pointing out interesting sights and telling stories of local lore, is a great way to spend the day. If there are points of interest that are not expensive and seem to be something the guests would enjoy, dock and let everyone off of the boat and explore for a few hours. We have an eagle viewing site where we live, and we stop there often. Our guests enjoy seeing rescued eagles a few feet away from them, and also view the eagles outside flying and nesting in the area.
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Step 7
If you decide to pull waterskiiers or tubers, make sure that they have life jackets on and that you have a "watcher" in the boat so while you drive, they watch the tubers in case they have a problem or fall off you can let the driver know immediately. Again, each tube has a maximum capacity that should be abided by.
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Step 8
If possible, engage your guests to help you do the boating tasks. Request that they hold a line, or until a fender. This is a new experience for many people, and they will feel a part of the experience by helping. Let them drive the boat if that interests them. If you have a small group, bring fishing poles and stop the boat to try them out (make sure you have a license!). Simplicity is the key. Just cruising on the boat is a treat in itself!
