Class Warefare

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Curse of the Yellow Spot
I love dogs, but even those that live in a pocketbook are a bad fit on a boat. Discourage your pet from peeing on a shore-power pedestal, unless of course it is well grounded and the pedestal isn’t — just kidding! Does your dog bite? If so, give it something to chew on other than your neighbor’s ankle (perhaps the shorepower cord). Do not leave your dog baking in the cabin.

Heads Up
Do yourself a big favor and warn your guests that marine heads are by nature irritable and vindictive. Ask them — no, beg them — not to overfeed the head with toilet paper or tempt fate by offering it anything that is not on its approved diet. If fresh water is dear, suggest they limit use of it when showering.

Free-Spirited
If you are the sort that feels the world is your oyster, please consider this pearl of wisdom. Folks tied to a dock pay for the luxury of fresh water, electricity and sanitation. If you arrive in a trash-filled tender thirsting for water, check with the dockmaster before you borrow a hose or relocate refuse.

Flags and Pennants
If you are new to the sport, one sure way to show it is to fly the U.S. yachting ensign from the bow staff — or better yet, the American flag. If you are a local, the ensign should be flown from the stern staff of a power vessel. The bow staff is most often used for yacht club pennants. Fish-release flags or courtesy flags are not intended for permanent display.