We asked our exclusive BOAT International Captains’ Club WhatsApp chat about yacht toys, and what happens when the boss’s fun means a headache for you.
When the owner likes to move the boat every day, a 100-foot inflatable set-up is a handful.
In truth, I have had pretty good success with toys. I did have some issues with the first-gen JetSurf, but I think they have all been ironed out now.
Problems? Anything with a sticker that says “Made in Italy.”
We have an adjustable net for children paddling and to help prevent drunk adults from drowning. It can be extended for guests who don’t like their feet touching the net while swimming. It’s a great design idea but I feel guilty about the work it creates for the crew.
Back in my day when we swam in the ocean, we didn’t need a safety net.
Do inflatable slides even need a mention?
I second the first-gen JetSurf comment. What a nightmare that was! Lift foil batteries were also a nightmare but maybe they’re better now. Seabobs are the best bang for your buck in terms of guest fun versus crew headaches — easy to maintain, easy to deploy and guests can’t get hurt unless the depth is programmed too low.
We once got thrown a curveball on a freelance gig where the owner wanted to bring on board an inflatable swimming area to deploy behind the boat — and the management company approved. It was a third of the length of the boat and had to be brought in with a forklift. Why they thought this dayboat could handle that was beyond me. We trialed the inflatable for a day without guests — and I resigned from that position.
For more information on the BOAT International Captains’ Club, email captainsclub@boatinternational.com.