What Would You Do - Etiquette

A

araxton

Member
Jun 17, 2013
62
Virginia Beach
Boat Info
260 Sundancer (2001)
Engines
5.7 Mercruiser
I have a new dock neighbor to share my finger pier with. Went down to the boat today and there was a line running from his boat across the finger pier and tied off on my cleat. The line was stretched tight about ten inches high across the full width of the pier a few feet from the main dock. If I had gone down in the dark, I would have ended up in the water. I would never even lay a loose line across a dock - not even my own private dock.
This is not the first incidence. I have also gone down to find a ten foot step latter taking up the full finger pier with no one around - it stood for two days. He also thinks nothing of hanging his ropes, hose and other items from the hooks I have posted on my side of the piling.
Question, how far do I go to be a good boating neighbor? So far, I have tolerated these things...but the trip line has me a bit bent out of shape.
What would you do?
 
I'd have a calm yet powerful conversation of Authority with him , I've got a guy who leaves his kayak on the dock in front of my boat , only once did he do that!!


Boltman
 
That is why you have a dockmaster......tell him your safety concerns and ask that he handle it with your new neighbor in a way that looks like he saw the issue and is bringing to the boat owners attention. Explan that you expect complete access to the shared space as well as any common elements pertaining to your leased space.

Remember, there is one thing worse than a bad neighbor......a guy who you have made mad over something as obvious as this.
 
Give him the benefit of the doubt. Give him a courteous reminder that your space is your space and common areas are not to be occupied by his crap on a long term basis. If it doesn't have the desired effect then let the dock master handle it.

There's always give and take. He may appreciate the fact that you calmly approached him in the future. You never know when you need a favor.
 
I have a lawyer as a dock neighbor. 3 weeks ago he took my hose and used it then did not put it back. I called the cops and reported it stolen. I don't think he will do that again.
 
Tell him you donated it to the ladders for losers foundation as you had mentioned your involvement to him previously you thought it was his contribution,why else would anyone leave a ladder on a dock?
 
JV II said:
Ladders sink. Just sayin.
Click to expand...

LOVE THIS!!! :smt038

However, in all seriousness, I would simply re-tie his lines correctly and fold up the ladder and place it on his boat. Any time he leaves something on the dock or on your hooks, put it back on his boat. Every time his lines are tied across the finger, tie them correctly but leave the loose end in the water. If his hose is on your hook, just knock it off and let it drop to the bottom (as long as it's still attached at the dock). He'll eventually get sick of having his crap on his deck or having to pull it up from the bottom and he'll get the message.
 
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I'd definitely approach him first. If you "snitch him off" to who ever is in charge that will just p!ss him off. You want the problem fixed but don't want a turf war with the guy.

I like "Z"s comments. Fix the problem but make it a bit inconvenient for him.
 
Be nice and explain the various boundaries with him. If that doesn't work - dispose of his junk in a remote trash bin for your safety and basic principles.
 
Me being Sicilian and the fact that most younger generation is "The Me First Crowd " going the quiet way was does not make a statement. They brush you off like dirt. I like them to remember me..........each and every time they go to the marina.
 
Talk to him and explain to him you both rented a slip and owners property should be left on there rented portion and any shared dock space should remain clear and not obstructed when you leave.. Any obstructions like the line crossing should be reported to the dock master as it is a Safety Hazard..
 
I agree with Frank, let the dockmaster handle it
 
Thanks everyone for your input - very interesting and helpful. I failed to mention this is a private dock...no dock master to tell.
Since the line has remained in place and the owner has not been around, I chose to simply untie from my cleat and retie to his (instead of cutting his line into pieces and putting them on his boat). We'll see what the response is.
Again - appreciate all the input!
 
The dock staff at our marina is very good at walking the docks every day and keeping lines in check. I'd bring up the safety concern with the marina and let them tell the guy it's unsafe. This also puts authority behind the warning.

My first season in DC my dock neighbor used to walk his poodle on our finger pier and he wouldn't clean up its crap! I love dogs, but that just pissed me off. I said something to him and the problem went away.
 
Would put his stuff where it should be but mention your concerns nicely to him next time you see him, if you don't have a Dock Master. It's amazing what you can get away with saying if you preface it with: "with all due respect......but.....". Good luck!
 
As others have suggested, I'd approach him and try coming from an angle of concern. Some people need the obvious explained to them, and maybe this person is just one of those people. You will know with in the first 30 seconds if he doesn't see the obvious for what ever reason, or if he's just disrespectful ass hat.

If it's that he's consciously disrespectful I'd move to another slip as he's likely to continue to be a bad slip mate and probably become even worse.
 
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You might have to tell a little white lie. Tell him that you did trip on the line and damn near broke your neck. I like the idea of stacking his stuff back on his boat (just trying to look out for your stuff neighbor..."ladders's sink" you know).
 
well not to threadjack but we ran across it this weeknd. we have been at our marina about 1 month with a large older houseboat across from us. had never seen the people there till this weekend but have heard about them. got there and their charcoal grill was sitting right beside my boat exactly where we would step onto the swim platform to get on our boat( it was lit and hot). the promptly came and moved it and apologized. the boat behind us had stuff (paint cans, gas can, tools, ropes) all lined up beside his boat. (it was still there sunday when we left) so it sat there all weekend. when we got there sunday afternoon the grill was back in the same spot but nobody around so we moved it back to their side. on top of all the other stuff they left out from the day before they now left a couple of life jackets right in the middle of the dock. they had brought a smaller boat this weekend so i assumed they were out on it cause their vehicle was still in the lot. they were nice to us, just very sloppy with no regards to public space or safety. they had consumed quite a bit of adult beverages and were quite loud. i like to sit and relax when i'm on my boat. i don't mind some music but the loud vulgar language i can do without. and the boat owner was celebrating his 51st b-day so not some young party goers
 
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