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Originally Posted by NightWing
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.
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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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I see your point and have done my fair share of circling for a space but... The public docks are for all the public unless posted otherwise. The rules and the maximum time limits are posted.
It is not like the use it and move on etiquette for a porta-john (do your business and move on - no reading, eating or relaxing). You may not know what everyone in a boating party is doing. While the family is sunning at the dock mom could be shopping on shore. I ask boaters if they are planning to leave soon and get an idea from them as to when that space will be open.
Public docks can be used like a rest area on the highway. Have your coffee, relax, stretch out or whatever. There are all kinds of reasons for people to sit and read the newspaper on board while at a public dock while you wait your turn. Some reasons are better than others.
Maybe someone waited an hour for that dock space and needs to rest! I encourage my family to go off while I stay on board at the dock for an hour or more. I get a break. And if I'm not too tired and there is not a decent turnover of boats, I might leave the dock and wait to pick up the family.