It’s like a universally accepted language of boaters

Pleasure boating is an indivisible part of life in many parts of the world, but here in this corner of the ocean, this way of life is not entrenched yet. Even so, there are certain things about boating that are just understood the world over – much like the rules of the road – and boaters everywhere will know what we are talking about. Let’s have a look at this lighthearted list.

We don’t necessarily want to own a boat

The cat is out of the bag now. Yes, we love being on the water, and yes we love helming a motoryacht or sailing a boat, but not every boater will want to own a boat in their life. While all will unequivocally eulogize their love for boating and the activities that come with it, not all will want to buy and upkeep one, and that’s alright. Owning a boat is not just about passion; we also advise buyers to be logical and count every cost before embarking on the journey.

But we dream about owning a boat all the time

However, perusing preowned boats for sale and keeping up with new yacht launches is a well-loved hobby for us, and we often think of the places we can go and the many things we can do with a yacht. Yes, perhaps we are fickle like the weather at sea.

We know the weather forecast every day

Speaking of weather, every boat lover will have an app or two (or three) that will forecast weather that is checked daily (and almost religiously). The more judicious of us will even check out wave heights, tide and current forecasts!

Our storage is just cooler

All we have with us when we head out is what we bring along, and so we have high requirements when it comes to our coolers. Refrigerators on board are well organized, and cooler boxes must be well stocked. Moreover, we are highly discerning when it comes to cooler boxes, and these heavy-duty containers of libations and nourishment must hold absolutely everything, including the kitchen sink.

We love early mornings (but only on the boat)

Every expedition must begin early in the morning, so we can hopefully catch the sunrise on the horizon, which is an experience that is magical every time. No true boater will ever suggest a later departure.

We’ve considered circumnavigating the globe

At some point or other in our lives, we have considered leaving everything and everyone behind to sail around the world. That’s THE dream, isn’t it?

Sure you can drive a boat, but can you park it?

Parking, or to use the more nautical semantic, docking, is an art form. Sure, most people can take over the helm when at sea, but only someone who really knows the vessel and is properly skilled can perform the delicate manoeuvres needed to dock her safely. Docking well is a point of pride to all captains, just like airplane pilots and soft landings, and in fact, only licensed boaters are allowed to dock a boat in some countries.

Forgetting to bring something on board is compulsory

We’re only semi-serious with this one, although it just seems like no matter how hard we try, something will inevitably be left on dry land when we head out.

Puny names are the best names

Where gravitas is needed, names like Galactica or Serendipity is understandably chosen. However, every boater will agree that the best names are puns that elicit a chuckle.

Dressing up is optional

We often put up lists of things to wear and bring for boaters heading out to sea – because they will make life easier, in our humble opinion – but really, boaters know that very little is needed to have a good time. All we need is a shirt, a pair of shorts, good footwear, and we’re good to go.

Always wave. Always.

If a boat is passing in the opposite direction, we wave. If they are passing alongside, we wave, AND exchange pleasantries. The boating community is small, so chances are high that we know each other but even if they be strangers, it is good manners to wave. Not doing so is considered to the height of boorishness.