Tips For Tailgating On a Boat (Boatgating Tips)

Updated September 15, 2021

What is Boatgating?

Boatgating is essentially tailgating on a boat; two of America’s favorite leisurely activities combined for the ultimate day on the water. Football season has returned, and for boaters, that means boatgating parties are back in full swing. Why spend half the day in a crowded parking lot when you can experience the same, if not better, pre-game entertainment on a properly outfitted boat with family and friends. Check out our top tips to make the most out of your boatgating season.

TV Entertainment Onboard

While some stadiums offer boatgating options before attending a game, this style of entertainment is relatively new to the sports world. With that said, boatgating parties typically revolve around fun in the sun and access to a TV onboard to catch the game. Most luxury yachts offer multiple flat-screen TVs throughout including, on the aft deck, salon, or flybridge. These types of boats provide the perfect setup for Sunday football or any other sporting season.

Safety Onboard

No matter what type of boating you plan on doing, safety is always of the utmost importance. More than likely, adult beverages will be served at boatgating events, which means having a designated driver is crucial. Strict rules are set forth by the USCG for impaired drivers that include hefty fines, suspension/revocation of boating privileges, and worst-case scenario — even jail time. It is critical to choose a designated driver in advance who will not partake in drinking while onboard.

Keeping watch of children and pets during boatgating events is especially important. It is easy for adults to get sucked into all of the entertainment which may cause them to lose sight of the little ones on board. Before kick-off or any pre-game festivities take place, ensure children and pets are suited with USCG-approved life jackets to keep them safe.

Other safety tips include: having plenty of life jackets on board for all guests, preparing a ditch bag in case of emergency, safeguarding your pets, and understanding basic safety guidelines while out on the water. In the unfortunate circumstance that you find yourself in bad weather, view our guide on what to know when boating in bad weather.

Beverages & Fan Day Favorites

Gameday would not be complete without your favorite ice-cold beverages, grilled fan favorites, and boat day snacks. If you have a boat with a built-in grill, all you will need to worry about is the food. Fan day favorites include burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, kabobs, and other BBQ-related items. Plus, plenty of snack items such as chips, wings, nachos, sliders, and dips. If you do not have a built-in grill, you will want to consider purchasing a portable electric or propane grill. Boat-ready grill mounts are also available, so you don’t have to lug the grill to and from the boat each time.

Being in the sun all day without much water intake is likely to cause dehydration and many unhappy guests. Be sure to stock plenty of water and other beverages of choice onboard for game day festivities. This includes a fully-stocked bar for those that have the entertainment option onboard.

If your vessel does not possess a refrigerator or icebox to keep drinks cold, having plenty of coolers available onboard is imperative. Also, don’t forget about ice if your boat does not come equipped with an ice maker.

Water Activities

Boatgating typically replaces traditional tailgating games like corn hole and beer pong with water activities such as snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, sunbathing, and more. Don’t get me wrong, yachts with the available space on the flybridge or aft deck can surely set up traditional games, but the beauty of boatgating is surely being out on the water.

Many boaters opt to anchor on a sandbar and set up floatable games and rafts for even more options of fun in the sun. Some games include water basketball, cornhole on the water, water volleyball, Yacht-Sea, Jumbo checkers, and much more. With that said, if you are hosting a boatgating party, be sure to pack plenty of floatable rafts, games, snorkeling devices, watersport equipment, and other water toys that are available to use.

Support Your Team — Boatgating Season

It is safe to say that boatgating requires some sort of representation of your favorite sports team. These events wouldn’t be the same without a little friendly competition between family and friends. Show off your team spirit with flags for your boat, team koozies for drinks, sports team engraved grill set, team-colored swimsuits, sports team beach towels, hats, and other attire. Regardless if you are on land or on the water tailgating, repping your favorite team is a fundamental part of any sporting event.
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