You’ve chosen a Buddy Davis boat because you refuse to compromise on exceptional design and unparalleled performance. And of course, you can ride with your young ones aboard in total security knowing that only the best materials, equipment, and technology went into the craftsmanship of your Davis boat.
But besides for all those perks that you’ll enjoy, there are plenty of benefits to boat ownership when you have young kids. One of those benefits is the valuable opportunity you have to teach your kids responsibility.
An early sense of responsibility or duty will give your kids a sense of empowerment and accomplishment. From daily chores like cleaning and tidying up to bigger duties like docking or driving the boat, there’s ample opportunity for kids to start getting more involved and take on added responsibilities. So don’t hesitate to include your kids and have them lend a hand. Of course, you’ll want to be sure to supervise tasks carefully to ensure both your child’s safety and that proper care is given to the boat.
Even if your kids are younger, there are still plenty of ways they can help out around the boat or at least start learning about the many responsibilities that come with boat ownership.
The most logical first step for kids to take on more responsibilities is as a “first mate in training” by shadowing the first mate to learn how to do important tasks on the boat. Assistance jobs can be tasks like fetching gear for the captain, prepping or preparing meals on board, being a spotter with watersports or even being a helpful hand during maintenance work.
Younger kids can also help out with cleaning. The task of cleaning a boat never seems to end, so “start ‘em young” with helping out! You can hand your little ones a damp cloth to help wipe down the vinyl in the cockpit, while older kids may be able to help wash the boat’s exterior.
They can also take part in tidying up. From stocking provisions in the cabin to pulling the dock cart to and from the boat, kids can help with many daily chores. Carrying gear onto a boat, stowing gear before or after a cruise and packing up to go home are more examples. Assigning ongoing responsibilities will give them a sense of ownership with daily chores or duties.
What about learning to handle the boat lines? This may start with learning to tie up loose lines in the cockpit and progress to bigger tasks like helping to dock and tie off the boat.
The companion seat next to the helm is a great spot to learn the rules of the water while assisting with navigation. Your little one could be the look-out for buoys or channel markers and help keep an eye on charts. Get them even more involved by helping to decide on an itinerary or chart a course ahead of a trip.
Eventually they will progress enough to be able to help with driving. With proper supervision and boater education courses, older kids can start driving a boat (or at least co-captaining).
When kids step up to new responsibilities, they realize that going to the boat is about more than just having a fun day out on the water – it’s about learning what it takes to own a boat, care for a boat and operate a boat. These moments teaching your children will create a lifetime of knowledge. And as they gain confidence and acquire new boating skills their new role becomes a learning experience that sets them on the path to an even deeper appreciation of their boat life.