How to Organize a Boater Rendezvous

Step 1: Getting the word out

You’ll need to invite people with similar boats to the event. This can be a group of friends with a Lowe fishing boat or pontoon, so your dealer may be able to help by posting the event in their showroom or on their website. You can also post the event to online forums you’re a part of.

Designate a contact for collecting RSVPs 

One person, who’s a reliable communicator, should be the pre-party contact point. You’ll need a count of boats and people to plan a boat party safely so provide an event registration form that includes the type and size of the boat, the number of persons aboard and the experience of the captain so you know what to expect.

Identify a rendezvous leader 

This person should be an experienced boater and will be the onsite organizer. Knowledge of the fishing or boating area is helpful and an understanding of how to bring boats together and separate them safely is essential.

Identify the destination 

Pick a location that isn’t too far and that has things to do for all ages like a good sand bar or marine park. Check to make sure there’s room for multiple boats to gather whether on the beach, in a raft-up, or on separate anchors. For an angling rendezvous, decide on the species you’ll be fishing for and make sure everyone brings the right gear and lures.

Set a time—the earlier the better

Make sure the leader is onsite early to organize the effort. Also let everyone know when the party is to start and end so participants can plan on returning to the dock or loading ramp preferably during daylight.

Step 2: Make the rendezvous run smoothly

Consider the wind, rain forecast, tide and currents at your rendezvous location. This may limit the number of boats you can accommodate or the way you position them. Share this weather forecast with others in the party.

Decide how the boats will communicate 

You’ll need to communicate during the rendezvous and that shouldn’t include shouting. Ask people to bring cell phones and share their numbers or decide to use a specific VHF radio channel.

Bring boats together safely 

Whether you’re tying up multiple boats into a raft or anchoring side-by-side for fishing, make sure everyone approaches and departs safely, especially if there are swimmers in the water. Ask everyone to put out fenders and lines for a raft-up and to have anchors ready.

Be prepared for any emergency 

Decide how to manage a medical or technical emergency. In case of an accident, yours may be the central party boat so you’ll need a way to call for help or have competent boaters who can go for help quickly. Bring a first aid kit to share.

Create and share participating captain guidelines  

Share a list of contact information of all who plan to participate. Include guidelines for what people should bring including phones, radios, tools, extra fenders and line, anchors, and flashlights in case you’re out after dark.

Create and share guest guidelines

Your rendezvous is bound to include non-boaters so provide information on personal items and provisioning to bring like sunscreen, sunglasses, towels, rain jackets, food, drinks, etc.

Step 3: Staying in touch

If you’ve enjoyed a successful fishing outing or pontoon party, send a thank you to all the participants. You’ll probably be asked to organize another rendezvous in the future.

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Boat rendezvous are great fun, especially for people who own the same or similar kinds of boats. It’s a great time to share boat tips, learn from others, and make friends who share your passion.