Launch guy tip?

[paulk]

Our club does not allow tipping. If it did, the guys with the deepest pockets would get fawned over. Some of them can afford to drop $20 each way in the launch and $50 for delivering a block of ice. Everyone else (like me) would notice they were at the back of the line (see post above) and they'd then join other clubs where they were treated as members, not cash machines. We think banning tipping provides everyone better service. During the winter, members are asked to contribute to an employee holiday fund, which is distributed among all the employees without them knowing who contributed.
When we are off cruising, I do sometimes tip a launch driver or dock assistant if they've been especially helpful. I expect marina or club staff to do their jobs, however, since I'm already paying for their salaries to some extent. Other times, such as with the Carousel Marina in Boothbay, ME, I'll just spread the word about the great service they offer. When I needed to refill our propane tanks, they offered me the marina loaner car (a new Chrysler) to make the trip. Now THAT's a tip!

[Minnewaska]

You don't have to tip huge to get to the front of the line, just treat them fairly. In fact, just being nice goes a long way. That $50 tipper will often be the same guy that feeds the dock hand to the sharks for one slip.

You also engender a good reputation if you are trying to support the place, which most recognize is keeping them employed. Buy stuff from the ship's store, take on fuel, etc, even if you could save a few dollars by clicking on the internet or stopping on your way home at another marina.

I dare say that the guy that saves $10 on docklines by ordering them online instead of supporting his own marina is probably the same one that refuses to give the kids a couple of dollars once in a while.

Finally, and this is just me, I am more generous to students working part time or summers than I am to adults working full time. Not sure that is good logic, but I've assumed the kid is getting paid much less and I like to see kids with a good work ethic and reward the effort.

[eryka]

As BoxedUp so articulately pointed out, I WANT them to remember me and my boat (especially when I'm not around). Besides, I figure I'm out playing while they're working. A couple of dollars goes a long way.