Dear Reverend,
I really love being out on the water in a boat, but I don’t think I’ll ever be able to own one. I do know some people who have boats, but we’re not particularly close friends. I’d like to go out with them sometime this summer, but it feels wrong to invite myself. Would that be rude?
Mary Time (woman, 32)
Dear Mary Time,
I’ve been around boats my whole life, and I’m lucky to know a lot of people who own them. Boats are called “pleasure crafts” for a reason, and I’ve found that most boat owners are fun-loving sorts who like to share the experience with others.
My motto is “Nothing is rude if you do it right,” so I think you should go ahead and ask. A simple “I’d love to go out on your boat sometime” would do the trick. You don’t want to put any pressure on these folks, so just be casual and lob the ball into their court.
It would be easier to judge their reaction if you brought it up in person, but if you’re close enough to have their number, you could certainly pop them a text and see what happens. Either way, I’m willing to bet the answer would be yes.
If you do get the invite, remember that a good boat guest never shows up empty-handed. Offer to bring snacks and drinks. If your captain says they don’t need anything, bring a little something anyway. You could also offer to chip in for gas if it’s a motorboat.
Be prepared with everything you may need, like sunscreen and a towel, but don’t bring a giant bag that takes up a lot of room. Lending a hand with ropes and such is great — if you know what you’re doing. If you don’t, it’s better that you stay out of the way.
After the cruise is over, help tidy up and make sure everything is shipshape before you disembark. If all goes well, you may just be invited back as a regular part of the crew.
Good luck and God bless,
The Reverend