Strangers getting on my boat

[cabinetman1955]

Voyeurism

I'm sure I'm in the minority, but it it wouldn't really bother me if someone stepped onto my boat to get a photo taken. No harm done unless they were on the bow with stilettos or something like that.
I wander the docks and peek in windows as well. I don't generally climb aboard someone else's boat, unless the have a lanyard slapping and then I have no hesitation and tying it off properly.

Peeking In Windows is a crime it's called Voyeurism! It will get you A## kicked in my part of the country and entering private property is Trespassing. The docks in my area of SW Florida are all clearly posted boat owners and maintenance personnel only! violaters are prosecuted !
You will be going for a swim if I catch you around my Boat. Without permission!

 

[thataway]

We have had both innocent, and not innocent intrusions onto our various boats thru the years. Some folks have asked--and we have obliged for photos. If they don't ask--then politely asked to respect our privacy and property. (Plus we had a big black dog.)

When in Patrias Greece, an American came aboard, into the pilothouse and announced he was sleeping there for the night. We were Americans, and thus owed him a place to sleep before he took the ferry to Brindisi, Italy. He was rapidly escorted off the boat--but we noted shortly there after that my wife's camera was gone....

Several other times we have had items stolen off deck--usually a coil of line, before we could get up and chase the thieves off.

In Long Beach, CA, shortly before we were to set off on a 4 year voyage, two men came on the finger as I was sanding the varnish. They started to ask questions about the boat's fuel capacity, range and water capacity. I told them I just worked on the boat, and didn't know anything about it. I did alert the neighbor who lived aboard. Sure enough that night at about 1 am the neighbor heard some commotion on the finger--went topside with his Mossberg 500, and told the "visitors" to leave. Later that same night a similar size vessel was missing from 2 gangways over. She was eventually found months later off the coast of Mexico. She had been used for drug runs. I slept aboard every night until we left on our voyage after that incident!

People don't have to come aboard to do harm. Most likely "Greenpeace" (sailing vessel) stole a brand new 13' Achillies and a 25 hp outboard sometime early in the morning when we were anchored off the South Boston Yacht Club. It was windy, and I had gotten up every hour to check the anchor etc. At 5 AM the dinghy was cabled along side. At 6 AM, the dinghy was gone, and the SS Cable hung straight down--the bow tow eye webbing had been cut from in the water. (I normally locked the cable to an eye bolt with peened over head of the nut on the transom.) "Greenpeace" was no where to be found. I had taken the new dinghy; not even any ID or numbers on it yet, past the "Greenpeace" sail boat when scouting out Boston Harbor the afternoon prior. The crew had hailed me and asked a few questions....mistake to have answered them. 2 days later an old inflatable had been stuffed up a chemical company affluent pipe a few miles down the coast. Later in the year, we saw that same "Greenpeace" vessel in St. Augustine. We arrived at about 5 PM--by 6 PM, "Greenpeace" had left the harbor. Circumstantial--but ...l

 

[Fletcher500]

Chill out and worry about the stuff that matters. If you have to deal with an intruder, then do it, but spare us the tough guy talk.

 

[BillyWick]

Lighten up

Ease up and take it as a compliment. Evidently they were impressed by your boat. They just weren't up on boater etiquette. Life is too short to let little things get under your skin. You would have felt good to have taken their family picture for them on your boat I bet.

 

[menzies]

Of those that have had people board the boat without permission, how many have chains/lifelines/gates that must be moved in order to board? Has anyone experienced people boarding even with those types of safety barriers in place?

It seems like a chain drawn across stanchions would prevent most casual boarders, but maybe not?

One afternoon 2-3 years ago, I was looking at a boat for sale in Chula Vista Marina in San Diego. As I was walking the dock, I noticed Tanglewood (twistedtree's Nordhavn) was tied up at the end of the row. I certainly didn't board, but I did stop for a minute to look at it, having recognized it from the blog I'd been reading online.

Didn't you knock?

 

[sbman]

Didn't you knock?

No and I didn't peer into the openings either. If someone had been on deck, I would have greeted them but did not want to disturb the occupants. I had never seen a Nordhavn in person before and having recognized the boat from the blog, I paused briefly and looked at it, it's a beautiful, large boat.

I get that other cultures do things differently, that's understandable. People from the U.S., and in the U.S. should know better. Most would not climb into a convertible car just because the top is down, or climb onto a motorcycle just because it's parked on the street, or climb the ladder to the top of an RV to enjoy the view and have a drink with some buddies (although a very few will do those things). I don't see how stepping onto someone's boat is any different.

 

[kthoennes]

You know if anybody threatened my family in any way, okay, wife and kids must be protected. And we worked darn hard for the money to buy the boat and the slip, and I work darn hard to keep it all in good repair. And theft is a different matter, no reason to tolerate that, have to be appropriately cautious and prudent. And yes, I've even walked over to the 20-somethings three slips away to bark at them to turn down the profane rap music because I don't want my young boys to hear what amounts to porn music, so I don't suffer rudeness gladly. But when it comes to lookers with no sense of manners - give me a break, it's a boat, an inanimate, replaceable object. One evening we drove to the marina only to catch teenage swimmers using our swimstep and boarding stairs as a diving board. Shoot em!! Rack a shell and wave them off with the threat of instant violent death. Right, that's proportional to the offense.

If my boat's bilge pumps are running continuously and we're not there, I would prefer one of my boat neighbors to feel free to check it out as a good Samaritan (after knocking on the salon window maybe) without fearing a bullet to the head.

 

[OldDan1943]

Doors locked, sound asleep, broken into and they took my wallet. If I had awaken, I'm supposed to invite them in and make them a sandwich?
In what world do you live?

 

[Northern Spy]

In what world do you live?

I live in reality.

Did anyone read the original post?

A family had their picture taken one at a time. One person stepped on the boat. One leaned against it. One sat on it. In a very public place, where the boat is literally tied up to the sidewalk in the middle of a tourist town on a holiday long weekend.

The OP asked of this was normal. Answer: It's not, but it may happen; whether you are there to observe it or not.

And wondered if she did the right thing. It seems as if she avoided the issue. I may have as well. But I'm more integrating ad compromising in my conflict resolution technique. I would have taken their picture as a group, and asked why they were interested. Maybe the knew the previous owner. Maybe they recognized it as an Avro, and attached some of the history to it. (Canadians are very proud of the Avro Arrow). Maybe Grandpa worked at the Richardson factory. Or maybe it was pretty red. You won't know if you don't discuss it with them. It may have been a missed opportunity. And you could have mentioned that is was considered impolite.

What is not normal is injecting a victim and a villain into the answer to the question, conflating the question to criminality and disproportionately discussing weaponry and threats.

If one is a moralist and judges their intention, or if one is a consequencialist and measures the action; there is just nothing there.

Criminals? Sure, have at 'em. I'm a bit of a libertarian. [emoji846]. But expect the consequences if your response is not proportional to the crime.

 

[menzies]

No

Well, that to me is a bit strange.

If i recognize a member's boat from any of the forums I am on I would certainly walk over and see if they are there - and if at an appropriate time of the day knock on the boat as I would a home.

I would also be OK, in fact expected, for others who may "know" me from my on-line presence to come chat as well, and knock on the boat if I am not on deck.

 

[Lou_tribal]

I live in reality.

Did anyone read the original post?

A family had their picture taken one at a time. One person stepped on the boat. One leaned against it. One sat on it. In a very public place, where the boat is literally tied up to the sidewalk in the middle of a tourist town on a holiday long weekend.

The OP asked of this was normal. Answer: It's not, but it may happen; whether you are there to observe it or not.

And wondered if she did the right thing. It seems as if she avoided the issue. I may have as well. But I'm more integrating ad compromising in my conflict resolution technique. I would have taken their picture as a group, and asked why they were interested. Maybe the knew the previous owner. Maybe they recognized it as an Avro, and attached some of the history to it. (Canadians are very proud of the Avro Arrow). Maybe Grandpa worked at the Richardson factory. Or maybe it was pretty red. You won't know if you don't discuss it with them. It may have been a missed opportunity. And you could have mentioned that is was considered impolite.

What is not normal is injecting a victim and a villain into the answer to the question, conflating the question to criminality and disproportionately discussing weaponry and threats.

If one is a moralist and judges their intention, or if one is a consequencialist and measures the action; there is just nothing there.

Criminals? Sure, have at 'em. I'm a bit of a libertarian. [emoji846]. But expect the consequences if your response is not proportional to the crime.

Well said sir.

L

 

[squimmy27]

I have several Ring cameras onboard mine. Have a caught a few curious folks, but nothing too bad.

My comment isn't about similar experiences but as a single female liveaboard I'm looking at security systems. What recommendations would folks have? I have a 42' GB Europa knock-off.

 

[Alaskan Sea-Duction]

Well, that to me is a bit strange.

If i recognize a member's boat from any of the forums I am on I would certainly walk over and see if they are there - and if at an appropriate time of the day knock on the boat as I would a home.

I would also be OK, in fact expected, for others who may "know" me from my on-line presence to come chat as well, and knock on the boat if I am not on deck.

Agree. Especially if you and Ken E has AA....

 

[Hippocampus]

I ride. More than once have come back to my bike to see some one sitting on it with hands on the bars. Totally pisses me off.
We’ve been cruising the leewards last few years. Dinghy theft has gotten so bad most folks have switched from cable to chain. Engines locked separately with steel tube over handles.
For reasons mentioned above much prefer moorings or anchoring out. When in a slip everything is closed. Shades/blinds down. A interior light is left on. If we’re not on the boat dock steps removed. Also have found being bow in instead of stern in increases privacy. Motion sensors and pressure pads are a great help. Noise and sound do work.

 

[menzies]

Agree. Especially if you and Ken E has AA....

AA?

 

[Northern Spy]

I was never surprised, but always upset when I would return to my bike in a parking lot to find a family onboard taking kid pics. My concern has always been, as BandB said, about teaching respect; particularly when dad sits on the bike with junior between his legs, little feet thumping the tank.

My other concern would be the still hot engine and pipes.

I ride. More than once have come back to my bike to see someone sitting on it with hands on the bars. Totally pisses me off.

Never had that happen yet. Well, that I know of. My response would definitely be sterner, possibility of damage to my bike is higher than sitting on my boat. I really don't care for strangers leaning on my truck either. It's usually dirty, so no one does...

There is a consistent societal norm about etiquette around vehicles in Canada and the US. The person would know they are doing the wrong thing.

 

[sbman]

Well, that to me is a bit strange.

If i recognize a member's boat from any of the forums I am on I would certainly walk over and see if they are there - and if at an appropriate time of the day knock on the boat as I would a home.

I would also be OK, in fact expected, for others who may "know" me from my on-line presence to come chat as well, and knock on the boat if I am not on deck.

3 years ago I didn't have a boat and knew very little about them or the etiquette around them. I wouldn't have known where to knock on a boat, especially a large one.

That's my point, to address the OP's question, I don't think it's normal for people to board your boat and take pictures, it's not something I would do and it seemed pretty obvious to me even though I hadn't been around boats. Posing in front of it, that would be one thing but boarding it is different and I don't think not knowing about boats is a real excuse for the behavior.

 

[jbloyd]

Boats are definitely a gray area. Even if you live aboard, LEO's and USCG can board at any time for no reason and search. Constitution does not apply. That's the major downside to cruising or living on a boat. So I suppose oblivious or rude people coming aboard are just icing on the cake. The price we pay for the life we chose.

 

[Alaskan Sea-Duction]

AA?

Oh grasshopper:

Alaskan Amber

 

[Alaskan Sea-Duction]

Boats are definitely a gray area. Even if you live aboard, LEO's and USCG can board at any time for no reason and search. Constitution does not apply. That's the major downside to cruising or living on a boat. So I suppose oblivious or rude people coming aboard are just icing on the cake. The price we pay for the life we chose.

Agree with USCG, not so much LEO. LEO would need a warrant to search your home, aka Liveaboard.

 

[McGillicuddy]

Generally, I’m a nice guy. I have been known to invite curious dock walkers on board and even offered beer to interesting conversationalists. One nice family’s two young daughters got an ice treat from my freezer. Common denominator: all were genuine people who showed an interest in the boating lifestyle.

Come aboard without permission; that’s a big no-no and if caught would be rapidly escorted off the boat although truth be told, if I’m not there my boarding gate is closed and locked so there is no inviting access.

One interesting situation occurred in Pensacola at the Palafox Marina. I was sitting on the flybridge on a Saturday evening enjoying a beer. The dock is floating pontoon and my dock was 4’ off and parallel to the breakwater which was a popular promenade area. Often persons walking on the breakwater would stop and look at the boat and some even took a picture. Some engaged in conversation. I would ask where they were from and after some polite conversation they would move on. This particular evening was obviously Prom Night given the multitude of young tuxedo clad men with glamorous young dates that were parading nearby. They were taking selfies by the hundreds which is fair enough as they would likely never look so sophisticated again. It was getting on towards sunset and they were positioning themselves for that perfect shot of themselves with the orange sun reflecting in the bay behind them. One particular loud and self absorbed clown who had been making a fuss of himself with the others in his group yelled over to me ‘Hey, can we come over and take a picture on your boat up by the steering wheel where you are?” I looked at him with his tuxedoed outfit, patent leather black soled shoes, girlfriends billowing evening dress with $150 5” heels, his friends all looking at him expectantly. Then I looked at the distance to to the coded gate that I would have to walk to to let him on the pier. i figured if one came it would be a never ending stream. I took a long slow draw on the beer, looked at him in the eye and said;

Nope.

 

[jbloyd]

Agree with USCG, not so much LEO. LEO would need a warrant to search your home, aka Liveaboard.

And, sometimes, DNR and some state agencies with delegated authority (varies with jurisdiction/state). But mostly just USCG. And the occasional oblivion or rudite taking liberties.

 

[SteveK]

Oh grasshopper:

Alaskan Amber

And hear I thought members of AA, as in Anything Alcoholic.

 

[psneeld]

Agree with USCG, not so much LEO. LEO would need a warrant to search your home, aka Liveaboard.

Even USCG won't board at the dock without a warrant these days unless it is REALLY unusual.

Not so much they cant, more that they don't want to lose the right to do so.

 

[menzies]

Oh grasshopper:

Alaskan Amber

Oh that's right you guys can't get Yuengling!

 

[CharlieO.]

What happened to "Look but don't touch"?

I know people are going to look at my stuff, whether it my classic Harley, my custom truck camper, or boat, I'm ok with that and actually take it as a compliment. But yeah, don't climb on it, sit on it or sleep in it unless we talk about it first.

 

[mvweebles]

This reminds me of the time I was awakened at 2AM by a beautiful woman banging on my door.

I finally got up and let her out.

She-boom

Peter

 

[OldDan1943]

I guess we should be very thankful 'they' do not untie the boat and push it out.

 

[Cartouche]

Hello All,

Something happened over the weekend and I'm looking for some feedback as to what I should have done at the time.

I was tied up at the Fenelon Falls lock, which is on the Trent Severn system here in Ontario, for a couple of nights before taking Arrow Naut to the marina for the haulout etc.

It was Thanksgiving here in Canada so there were lots of people around fishing and strolling up and down the locks. On Tuesday morning as I was getting ready to leave, I took my two dogs off the boat for their last "business" trip. As I stepped off the boat, I saw a family standing down the dock watching me. It was a mother, father and 2 teenagers. They definitely saw me get off the boat with my dogs. I walked past them, smiled and we exchanged a good morning.

The dogs and I wandered up the path and steps to the top of the locks so I could also put the last of my garbage in a bin. As I got to the top, I glanced back just in time to see the mother step onto my boat so that her husband could take a photo.

I stood in stunned amazement. I was about 200 feet away and it was windy so I knew they wouldn't hear if I called out. As I stood watching, one of the teenagers looked up and saw me staring. She turned and said something to her parents. The mother looked up at me and then stepped off my boat. Her husband then had his photo taken holding onto the side rail. Then the daughter had her photo taken sitting on the side of my boat. The other daughter respectfully stood beside my boat but didn't touch it. She was the one who saw me staring.

As I have only been boating since June, is this a normal thing? If not, what should I have done? Walk back and politely explain that I wasn't happy with them just getting onto my boat without permission?

Thoughts?

I would say that you and all of us are lucky enough to own smart looking vessels and others are not but want to say they are doing better than they are to their distant family - I would be flattered, I know our boat is featured in many videos as we pass through the locks on the Rideau, makes me smile

 

[alormaria]

I would say that you and all of us are lucky enough to own smart looking vessels and others are not but want to say they are doing better than they are to their distant family - I would be flattered, I know our boat is featured in many videos as we pass through the locks on the Rideau, makes me smile

Ha Ha! I know Angelina is featured in many Asian family videos while on the Canadian locks.