Need Some Advice on Tipping?

[Ray Smith]

I need some advice on tipping when staying at a marina and when stopping at a gas dock for gas. I’m not sure on what occasions to offer a tip and how much is reasonable. I certainly don’t mind tipping when it is appropriate. On the other hand, I pretty much work seven days a week during the fall, winter, and spring to afford to take a few weeks off in the summer to boat so I can’t really afford to be giving money out by the fist full either. I would appreciate any advice you can offer.

Thanks,

Ray

[Go Aweigh2452]

FWIW, I have never tipped for gas... or anything else at a gas dock and I have been gasing up since around 1963. I don't consider it the same as tipping for good service in a restaurant.

I'd have to agree. Most marinas put all the responsibility on the skipper anyhow. It's the only way they could avoid culpability in most cases (spills, fire, damage, etc).

I'd say they get enough of your money... do you tip at the local Texaco when you fill your car?

[Ray Smith]

Thanks for the quick responce. I'm off the hook at the gas pump. Now how about a marina like Roache Harbor where the dock hands come out and meet you and help you tie up?

Thanks,

Ray

[Stratocaster]

I figure the gas dock should tip ME.

I have been known to slip a fiver to the kids who pull me in and tie me up at some of the marinas in the Gulf Islands.

[Go Aweigh2452]

yeah, but that is loonie money... so 3 bucks US would cover it? :lol:

[heymagic]

If the kid at the gas dock needs a tip...tell him to start saving now or he won't be able to afford boat gas in 10 years. :roll:
I never considered tipping dock hands, but if they save a ding in the gel coat that is way better than throwing a burger on a table.

[Seapuppy]

tip= ruptured duck...3rd race...hialea.......

at dags this yr..we have these kids that are supposed to come out to the dock and catch us from the river current....sometimes they make it in time..most of the times they wait until we get in and marsha has the lines in both hands before they show up....now...we've been boating at this marina for 5 yrs and all the forklift operators know us...we've been docking and loading the boat onto the lifts all this time with no help from them....I give the operator the hand signals to adjust to forks out and when he's got my boat in the right position...these kids look at me like I'm reaching in thier pockets ..... :shock: .......they don't get tips from me....I figure I pay enough in my bill monthly that if they provide better service..I might give a tip.......that's just my take on it.....these kids won't even say "how was the trip..have a great weekend??..." or anything..they just run up and wait till my wife gets us secured at the docks.......
at the fuel docks we don't tip either cuz the operators are usually inside reading a paper or something like that until we show up....everett's not bad...but the other places don't bother to catch us ....so why tip...?? :argh arrr.......

Actually, I came in with my friend Pat a few years back and they were pretty adament that we not tip the dock rats. The manager wanted them working for wages only. Felt kindof wierd, but they weren't exactly beating themselves up to get the lines back then either. :D

[Roel Jansen]

Tipping is always difficult for us when visiting the US.

Overhere and in most parts of Europe all prices in Restaurants, bars etc. have a 15% tip included. So if you want to add more it's up to you. Two days ago after my sanitation experience I gave the chief mechanic 20 euro tip for the crew. That's to show my appreciation for the work they do as a team.

Personally I don't like the US or the system we had years ago of the income of a lot of people like waiters, depending on tip money and therefore we customers getting a note with preprinted the percentage of tip that's expected when you are satisfied. I think it's in the interests of the selling party to give good service and do their upmost to get a satisfied customer but on the other hand it has it's advantages also.
But I never feel the need to tip people and if I am not pleased with the service, they get nothing at all.

[SPUD]

When we get assistance at the dock, I always give a tip (one buck). The gas dock at Everett always gives a needed hand when the tide or wind is strong and I am coming in by myself. What's an extra buck when you're dumping in 200 gallons or so ? I was a dock attendant once an an extra buck can go a long way when you're 16 !

Spud
(Live from Hong Kong)

But, I think it depends on the situation and what level of service the person is providing. There are lots of service related jobs that tip, and many more that don't.

You tip a guy who delivers your pizza... but not the guy who delivers your mail?

You tip the guy who cuts your hair... but not the guy who fixes you when your sick?

You'll tip the guy who washes your car... but not the guy who fixes it?

You'll tip a cab driver... but not a bus driver or a pilot or a flight attendent?

Tipping is expected in the US... it's disrespectful in Japan... and illegal in China... but legally required in France... :)

Each summer Dagmar's hires kids to help people dock. I appreciate their help when I'm alone or with people without boating experience. My wife sometimes takes the boat with my daughter and her friends and she also appreciates a helping hand when she returns to the dock.

As far as tipping, I wait until the end of the season. Then I give a few bucks to the kids that have been the most helpful.

Raul

[3788sam]

Colple of years ago windy as hell and current was ripping in at the Everett fuel dock and I was have problems gettin into the dock.The guys there where a big help! I tried to give a couple of bucks to them and both flatly refused.
I was walking to the docks over the last couple of months just to check prices and shoot the breeze. I brought over 6 pack of beer and soda to them last week to thank them for their help over the years. You would have thought I gave them the wining lotery numbers with all the thanks I got!

Got to thank your regulars some times!

[Randygh]

Last summer we arrived at Cap Sante just at closing time, 5:00 PM. I wanted to have the boat slung-in and one of the employees stayed late to accomodate us. He was a good kid and didn't grumble a word about having to stay. I tipped him $20.00 for his extra time. He was very appreciative and I doubt if he would have received any OT for his work.

[Ray Smith]

Okay, I think I have it now. Gas dock and sling - no tip unless the attendant goes beyond the call of duty. A dock hand who greets and actually helps you into a slip gets a few bucks. I can live with that.

Thanks!

Ray