Boat Valet Etiquette
 

What are your thoughts on gratuities for your seasonal Valet professional?

When we racked at Fay's we gave the staff who handled our boat an end of season gratuity. Additionally we would bring them coffee or other favorite drink when we had the boat launched. We have seen others bring them pizza and other food items on occasion. The high quality service we received was well worth the gratuity and coffee.

I often bring myself a coffee when I uncover the boat ;)

I do tip at the gas dock, or when I use to rent a boat.

I tip the guys who valet each time (forklift operator and at the gas dock as well)
They remember and get to know you and I feel when they see your name on the board they will do their best to accommodate you.
I am generally, generous with all service oriented people that give good service in the way of tipping. I put myself in their shoes and if I were busting my hump to serve and got no acknowledgement, I would certainly remember who that person was.

I don't use valet, but if I did.....
 

.....I would sure as heck tip the guy. First, he's probably not making an abundance of money working in a marina driving a forklift; Second, he probably has to deal with his fair share of demanding, bitchy customers; Third, and most important, riding on the front of his fork-lift truck is tens, (or hundreds), of thousands of dollars of my savings, so I would want to make darn sure that he treats it well!

I think the answer here really depends on how much you use the service. If you are having your boat put in and out, multiple times a week, tipping should be done on a regular basis.. (Day use Model)

If your boat is getting put in and out on a regular once a week schedule, I would be less inclined to tip on a regular basis, and give a nice tip at the end of the season. However I would also be likely to bring donuts or coffee from time to time, or hay even a pizza if I was coming in to get my boat at dinner time.....

If you putting the boat in and out more then a couple of times a week.... you probably should be looking for a Slip.... Valet services, should not be used to save money as opposed to a slip, for someone that wants regular access to their vessel.

What amount would be appropriate for tipping each time?

A simple "slip" of a fiver into his hand as your baby is 20 ft in the air works for me and more if they offer to tend to your boat and cover it for when you're returning from your time on the water so you can leave more quickly, a $20 is not out of line for me.
Most of the time if I forget to have smaller bills in my pocket, they get what I have on hand...If it happens to be a twenty I may skip the next time as I think that's generous.

As someone else said, if you're valeting often, "look for a slip" I am "on the waiting list" for one but that might be a very long wait.

I tip when I either pick up my boat or drop it off. That doesn't always work out since I sometimes go out and come back after hours so it's inconsistent. Usually it's $5 - $10 based on what I have in my wallet at the time.

I chose "rarely" but it really is most of the time.