I am going to offer another side of the public dock courtesy formula.
It is very annoying to be waiting in line for a spot and to see a boater sitting in his boat with his feet kicked up and reading the paper. Or, see a family of sun lovers laying face down on the sun pad getting a tan, completely oblivious to the fiberglass sharks circling the docks. I can't forget those people cooking out on the gunwale mounted grill, or eating carry out while the waiting line gets longer. I even had one of the paper readers look up and point to the 2 hr limit parking sign next to his boat, as if to say he had a right to use it all. In truth, I suppose he did have some kind of right.
Personally, I always gave up my spot as soon as our shore business was completed. If we had carry out food, it was enjoyed back out on the water. Papers and books were read while on the hook in some quiet cove. As far as tanning goes, I kept the bimini top up because I don't need the extra sun.
All in all, the courtesy issue goes both ways. Common sense and a willingness to share public facilities should govern our docking style.
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