Our son wants to use our boat

Nothing for free. He should at least replace the gas and if he breaks something he should pay for its repair. Otherwise, why not? Boating is for family.
 
When I had my 20' bowrider I would have let my kids borrow it--IF they had learned how to use it by being on it often, watching and learning how things are done, and if they'd taken a safe boating course.

They were too young at that time so loaning it to them was never a question.

Now, with the size boat I have, operating it requires a higher skill set than a small boat does. My kids would never ask if they could take it out, but they do ask when is the next time they can come. I'm always glad to have them on board.
 
I don't value things over people. I would let my competent kids use my boat. I wouldn't ask my insurance permission. I would be nervous the first time.
 
He is your child. He dirtied his diaper you changed it. He trashed his room you cleaned it. He is your child, share and be rewarded with his joy.

Parenthood is a very rewarding journey!
 
I would have him and his family spend a bunch of quality time with us on the water and while we were out I would have him skipper the boat as much as possible with me aboard. Once I was comfortable with his skills and felt that he had an adequate amount of respect and appreciation for the boat I would give him his own key.
 
wjamwhitis said:
I just wanted to see what other boat owners were doing. The only thing that concerns me is its an older boat and when something breaks on it, we are left paying the bill, because the children can't afford it or they would have their own boat. And it kinda gets me that I am the only one to wax it, winterize it and do maintenance.
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Ya, obvious room for, um “growth” on the lads part there, in that last sentence. I lack finesse and am told I am too blunt so, I am confident you will do a better job of addressing the need for rectifying those deficiencies than I would!

wjamwhitis said:
Thanks everyone for your input. ... I just believe that everything has a set number of uses and if someone else uses them all up, then when I want to use my own boat, it won't work for me. If I wanted to buy him a boat, I would, but he is an adult and can provide for his own family when it comes to toys!
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I can (could have) seen my Dad expressing the exact same sentiments!

JVM225 said:
I would have him and his family spend a bunch of quality time with us on the water and while we were out I would have him skipper the boat as much as possible with me aboard. Once I was comfortable with his skills and felt that he had an adequate amount of respect and appreciation for the boat I would give him his own key.
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I spent decades developing “radar” for foreseeing “requests” from others BEFORE they arose so, I truly like this tact!

Funny as, I can wax as academic on this topic with regard to power boats as I like. On the other hand, there are 3 things I never lend out ...

As the old saw goes, “Lend out your chain saw, your jet ski or your wife and, you’re always gonna get ‘em back f...” well, in a particular condition (I’ll leave it at that as I am aware there are genteel ladies and younger family members frequenting these boards)!

OP, here’s to all going well and everyone coming away from the experience happier and the better for it!
 
I'm too meticulous. My kids wouldn't even think of asking because i would expect it to be polished when it was returned.

Let him have it. Tell him the gas tank needs to be full when he brings it back. When the time comes for polishing or winterizing, ask him to come over and help.

If he does, good to go. If he refuses, next time he asks tell him it needs polishing and the gas tank is empty, so its not ready for boating.

His having to put in an effort or pay some $ will show you what you need to do.
 
I trust my son without issue. He is learning the ins and outs of handling AMFM when he’s on board. Once I’m comfortable, there will be no issue. He’s 38 and actually cares about the care of the boat.
 
AMFM3 said:
I trust my son without issue. He is learning the ins and outs of handling AMFM when he’s on board. Once I’m comfortable, there will be no issue. He’s 38 and actually cares about the care of the boat.
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My son is considerably younger but he too is learning the ins and outs of my boat. He’s pretty much mastered the maintenance on his 18’ bowrider, but while he was pretty comfortable running and docking my old 300 Sundancer with me alongside him he is still apprehensive about taking the helm on the 410.
 
stephens013 said:
Some one said skin in the game.
That’s the key
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I like the skin in the game way . With proven competence to my liking . I would allow use of my old boat and even put fuel in it for him as a treat once in a while if I could afford it. I figure about 1200 in maintenance items annually on my 89 268Da 454 B1 drive so 1200 divided by 50 averaged yearly use is 24$ per hour as for winterizing and polish I'm going to anyway so if he's not a slob that doesn't count . Does he have anything he really lives that you can borrow is another question if he does ask and see how willing he is to be reciprocal.
Skin in the game for my boat would be 24$ per meter hour ,all fuel burned cleaned boat , and any accidentally broken stuff repaired or replaced. As I say I might give the fuel if I could afford it but the real lesson here is the cost and if he doesn't pay he doesn't learn it.
 
I trust my son and would let him use it. It works like this in my family...If he used it he replaces the gas. In my eyes hes 19 and an adult. It's called responsibility...He has a job so he can replace the gas. If he can't he doesn't go out. Same goes for the jet ski. It's mine and if he wants to use it he gasses it up. If something breaks i'll play it by ear.
 
I did agree with the gentalman the mentioned "skin in the game"
I'm 100% behind that.
I told my boy to do as you wish. I took him out in our first boat, a 31 Capparell, and showed him as much as I knew at the time. Kind of figured boating a twin engine was not his forte but he was attentive and responsible. He and his mother did take the boat out one time, I was over seas. They are still talking about adventures getting back in the slip. Thing is is he is a responsible man that knows his limitations. He's an enthusiastic hand when we go out and that's enough.
 
I have 15 year old twins who help do a lot of work on our boat,they can launch ,pick up,drive and even cook burgers when it's lunch time but I would have a hard time letting them use the boat...............because I'd be jealous I wasn't going out also. Lol
It wouldn't bother me at all if they used it.
 
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