Sign up with NauticEd for FREE (no obligation) and receive 2 free boating courses, a free eLogbook and boating resume, and more! If you want to get started in boating or are experienced and want to expand your knowledge and skills, consider taking our many online sailing and powerboating courses.
The Perfect Date Night on a Boat
As I’ve mentioned before, having a boat is like having the ultimate wingman—who doesn’t love being out on the water? In fact, the only response you might get more than “yes” is, “Wait, you have a boat?”
Here’s my tried-and-true game plan for a perfect boating date:
11:00 AM:
Leave the dock, motor around the harbor, and casually point out some interesting sights. Spend about 2–3 hours cruising and taking in the scenery.
Early Afternoon:
Grab a mooring at a local island, go for a swim, enjoy a drink, and just relax. Plan about 2 hours here—it’s the sweet spot between chill and boredom.
Late Afternoon:
Head back toward the city and dock at a marina with a restaurant. Nothing beats pulling up dockside for dinner after a day on the water.
Evening:
After dinner, take a slow, relaxing cruise back to your home marina, soaking in the nighttime views. Finish the night by docking and unwinding at the marina, letting the evening settle.
Tips for the Perfect Boat Date
Have a Plan
Plan your date at least a week in advance, especially if you’re boating in a popular area or near a holiday. Marinas fill up quickly, and nothing kills the mood faster than scrambling last-minute to find a slip.
Book Marinas and Moorings Early
Use Dockwa or other marina booking apps to secure your spots ahead of time. If you’re comfortable anchoring, that’s great—but make sure it’s allowed and you’re confident in your abilities, so you’re not stressing when it’s supposed to be chill time.
Don’t Overdo the Sun
Back when I ran charters, we’d offer 1-, 2-, 3-, and 4-hour trips. The first two hours were always smooth sailing, three was manageable, but at four hours things inevitably got dicey. Sun and alcohol can be a tricky combo, so stay hydrated, pack plenty of sunscreen, and pace yourself.
Be Competent and Confident
This is crucial. The more comfortable you are with boating, the more relaxed you’ll be—and that relaxation sets the vibe for the entire date. Assume your date knows nothing about boating, handling lines, or nautical terms, meaning you’ll likely be doing everything yourself. Confidence and competence are cool—take it from experience. If you need to sharpen your skills, check out some of NauticEd’s advanced courses. A smooth docking is the ultimate flex to show you’ve got it under control.
Time the Sunset
Do yourself a favor and look up when the sunset is that day—it’s easy enough to do online. Being out on the water when the sky turns orange is pretty unbeatable. It’s a simple but effective way to add that extra touch to your date.
Check the Tides
Seriously, don’t overlook tides. I had a buddy whose marina required perfect tide timing. One evening, he took a date out and forgot to check the tides—ended up stuck in the mud literally within throwing distance of his slip. They sat there for three painfully awkward hours. Don’t be that guy.
Have a Quick Safety Chat
You might be the seasoned boat guy, but your date probably isn’t. Briefly go over basic safety points: always keep one hand on the boat if moving around, don’t dangle feet off the sides, and point out where life jackets are stored. Doing this casually keeps everyone comfortable, safe, and actually sets a reassuring tone for your boating experience.
Wrapping up, remember the goal of a perfect boat date is simple: keep it relaxed, safe, and memorable.
You can learn more with NauticEd
Sign up with NauticEd for FREE (no obligation) and receive 2 free boating courses, a free eLogbook and boating resume, and more! If you want to get started in boating or are experienced and want to expand your knowledge and skills, consider taking our many online sailing and powerboating courses.
