Boat Doc Special
On a recent fishing trip, I welcomed aboard two crewmembers who arrived ill-prepared for the brisk, damp late-autumn weather at sea. Both were lulled into poor planning by an Indian summer that had warmed inland areas.
Acold mist and wind pierced their light jackets, leaving both chilled to the bone.
It led me to conclude that a skipper is responsible for the comfort as well as safety of crewmembers because boating is more enjoyable when everyone feels comfortable. If even one guest starts to feel ill at ease, the trip goes south quickly. Case in point: Two years ago, I took my wife (who never developed sea legs), son, daughter-in-law and three granddaughters out for a day of local fishing. Winds and sea conditions were calm, and the fish were biting. The kids were having a great time, but my wife’s ashen face told me that she was teetering on the edge of seasickness. We reeled in and headed back to port.
So, what else can a captain do to help ensure the comfort of those new to boating? Here are a few tips.
PROTECTED WATERS
I learned long ago not to venture too far out to sea with guests who are unfamiliar with boating. Breezy weather, steep waves and a heaving deck—conditions old salts might take for granted— can leave the unseasoned feeling uncomfortable and lead to seasickness. It’s better to stay inside, cruise the Intracoastal Waterway, tour the harbor or bay, and keep the outing short, perhaps stopping at a shoreside eatery along the way.
SPARE JACKET
I carry a spare rain jacket on the boat. It’s mostly for me, but more than once I have offered it to a guest who hadn’t anticipated the coastal chill. It keeps them warm and happy, rather than miserable, cold and praying for a merciful end to the trip.
EXTRA SEATING
Today’s new boats incorporate comfy seating for crew, but some older craft—especially centerconsoles like mine— woefully lack guest seating. For comfort’s sake, I now carry a couple of beanbag chairs. They are comfy, and easier to stow than folding chairs.
ABUNDANT HYDRATION
Many times, crewmembers forget to bring drinks, or simply assume I will have water and other beverages on board. Now I ice down plenty of bottled water, sports drinks and sodas (no alcohol) so we always have abundant hydration.
MARINE HEAD
Having adequate accommodations for those times when nature calls is an important facet of making guests feel comfortable. That’s why I have a portable marine toilet inside the step-down center console. While not exactly spacious, the interior provides a modicum of privacy, and that adds to the sense of comfort. If the boat doesn’t have a head, ask your crew to take care of things before leaving the dock, and clearly spell out the rules to them before you’re already out on the water.
SPARE SUNGLASSES AND HAT
This might sound odd, but a bright sun glaring off the water can wear on a crewmember, leading to eyestrain and discomfort. So I carry an extra pair of cheap polarized sunglasses and a cap to loan out when someone forgets their shades and/or lid. The trick is getting your accoutrement back from your guests at the end of the day.
SUNSCREEN
There’s few things more painful than a bad sunburn. Aboard a boat, you’re subject to a double threat: rays from above and reflected UV light below. So I carry sunscreen and encourage all crewmembers to layer it on to help avoid discomfort while on board, as well as the days afterward.