June 28, 2018
As summer starts to ramp up and boaters begin to revisit some of their favorite haunts on Lake Coeur d’Alene and other waterways in North Idaho, it’s a good time to review the rules of marinas. While many boaters may assume they know these by heart, it’s always good to remind ourselves of best practices while putting in or taking out at local marinas.
Whether you’ve been boating your whole life or just recently purchased your first boat, here are our top six rules of boating etiquette in the marina:
- Move away from specific zones as soon as you’re done using them. This applies to fueling docks, loading zones, and trash disposal areas.
- Adhere to speed and no-wake zones. Marinas are active areas, so go slow to give yourself (and your boat) more time to react.
- Utilize your dock space appropriately. Store lines, ropes, cords and hoses neatly; don’t leave your lines across the dock or in your neighbor’s space. Don’t stow gear on your dock, as this can become a tripping hazard.
- Be a good neighbor — don’t leave electronics on if you’re not using them, keep music at an appropriate level, and keep your area free of garbage and debris.
- Pay attention to local rules. Each marina operates differently. Some have later nighttime hours, while others might have longer quiet hours.
- Renting a boat from a local marina? Ask about local policies or laws. In Coeur d’Alene, we often warn boaters to watch out for our Lake Coeur d’Alene Cruise ships. They have large boats that sometimes host weddings or other gathering, so we ask boaters to be respectful and avoid these rigs.
What other rule would you add to the list? Is there something you always try to do when you enter a local marina like the Boardwalk Marina? Let us know what we’ve missed in the comments below!