Marina Dock hands - Tipping Etiquette

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korrie

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We are moving our boat into dry dock storage at a marina that provides the service of putting the boat in the water, running fresh water through engines and washing off, then putting the boat back into storage. Plus, of course, gassing up the boat.

What type of tipping should be done? i.e. how much how often. For example .. for gassing up?

For a weekend where we have it put into the water once and pulled out once?

If in the area for an entire week and having the boat pulled in and out, say, every other day.

This is a 30 foot Wellcraft cabin cruiser with 2 Volvo gas engines ...

Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

Oh, and the marina is Holiday Harbor at Perdido Key, near Pensacola Florida.
 
I believe things are very different in the States with regards tipping, but in the UK I doubt whether there would be any thought given to the matter, you pay the price for the job and that's it - tipping is really only expected by hairdressers, taxi drivers and waiters
 
Welcome to the forum, and thanks for filling in some profile information!!

To answer your question i would give a tip like this...

'dont grab the prop when running in gear'

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif sorry could not help myself....
 
In the UK charges in Marinas are so high that we expect the marina staff to be tipping us!!!

....in truth I have tipped them once when they did a really good job, over and above the call of duty. I don't think that they would usually expect a tip.

Out of interest what do they charge you for that service?
 
I give the marina staff a large tin of sweets to share at Christmas and other times when they have been specially helpful 'beyond the call of duty'. Judging from their reaction, they don't expect it but they appreciate it, nevertheless! I wouldn't dream of tipping marina staff for carrying out their normal functions and I certainly wouldn't give cash.
 
when they have been specially helpful 'beyond the call of duty'. Judging from their reaction, they don't expect it but they appreciate it, nevertheless! I wouldn't dream of tipping marina staff for carrying out their normal functions and I certainly wouldn't give cash.
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Why is it that in the Med when entering a Marina, either as a resident & particularly as a visitor, the marina staff will always be on hand to show you where to berth & also help with lines?
What happens in the UK? For an enormous charge, we can enter a totally strange marina, in the dark, few having decent direction/berth signs & there is rarely any assistance offered. The staff seem only to be there to collect revenue. Even during daylight hours when fully manned, there is little help offered.
In the 'Solent' region, its usually the HM's berthing guys at Cowes & Yarmouth who are "helpful" & are the exceptions.
 
Can't comment on tipping in the US, as it's very different to UK. However, in UK, a bottle of whisky seems to be much appreciated, in a non tipping culture. The bigger the boat, the bigger and more expensive the bottle of whisky. A few bottles of wine achieve the same effect. Multiply up by boat size, mine is only 6m
 
I totally agree. One marina round here insist that you moor on a waiting pontoon and visit the marina office to pay before being allocated a berth. You don't have any option since they won't clear you into their lock until you have done so. Not too bad for a fully-crewed yacht but short or single-handed mooring can be a pain especially with the wind blowing you off the waiting pontoon. They won't bend on this rule depsite the fact that it is highly inconvenient for their paying customers - and there is no good reason other than their own convenience in any case.
 
I do not use Marinas all that much but would note that Haslar Staff are most helpful to visitors especially at night and, in my experience, usually come down with torches to lend a helping hand. Staff in Victoria Marina, Guernsey, also very helpful. Dover too, you only have to give them a call and they come on the pontoon to help (they often give you the wrong berthing number on VHF but thats another matter!). But I would not expect to tip anyone unless they did something far beyond the call of duty.
 
Tip Marina staff ???? Why ? unless really exceptional then ok ...

Have found that generally most marinas I visit are not so good at helping boat in ... few instructions over VHF in a rush ... then its on yer own pal.

But there are exceptions and I have received apologies when asking for berth / directions ---- sorry but we can't meet you at berth etc. etc.

Best for assistance I've found ? Yarmouth, Ryde .... and Newport if guys are there !!
 
Yes, Ryde are very good indeed, Yarmouth (IoW) I have found so so. Newport when there, as you say, very good. What will Newport be like when they change it from the nice old place it is into a glittering marine?
 
Fortunately the tipping culture is not as prevalent in the UK as in USA.Tipping is an abomination in a modern economy ,workers should be paid sufficiently that it isnt neccessary.
 
I have just spent a night in the marina in Swansea bay - penarth. Their service was impeccable - guided to berth, lines taken, advice given and charming help when in the office. £19.60 for a 29ft. yacht. A bit of a contrast with Watchet, which has still not got its act together. Pity, really.
Ken
 
Newport ...

having had long discussion with people ther and having been going there for years ......... it will be a sad extension of Cowes ....

It's not something actually welcomed by most I spoke with .... but seems to be baby of a certain person in local govt.

But that is not what the thread is about ....

I would assume that service will go down in line with other developed marinas etc. So called increased facility's etc. - but actually decline in overall appeal and service. Tipping will definitely not be on the agenda once developed ...
 
Re: Newport ...

In terms of boat facilities you will see very little change in Newport whilst it remains tidal (which will probably be forever). You will see development on the quay in terms of hotels restaurant and residential sites.
 
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