To tip or not to tip, that is the question.

[American Flyer]

Do you tip the mechanic who does the annual service on your boat at your dock? Not sure if I should or shouldn’t and would like to know what is customary. The bill is plenty high so the guy must get paid decently. On the other hand if everyone else does, I don’t want to be known as the local cheap skate!

 

[gswearin]

I do not, but interested if I'm a cheapskate.

 

[JeffreyAC77]

Since I typically use the same outfit for most of my needed odd jobs etc., I typically give each of them something around the holidays.

 

[glider4]

I don’t tip until after the first cruise after the work being done.
If the work was done right the first time, which sadly is not always the case, I will tip. But not always in cash. Good to know what beverage your service team guys like!

 

[sjreib]

My mechanic comes to my boat. I aways give him a little extra($50-75) and say it's for gas and lunch.

Steve

 

[SJI Sailor]

I try to tip all workers when I interact in person, but often I've not been at the boat and thus didn't. Seems OK either way and I've never yet had a feeling that the pros expect it.

I figure if it was semi-mandatory then they would include the option when billing (like restaurants do). So I think it's goodwill, which I'm happy to increase. I'm also glad it's not semi-mandatory 🙂

OTOH I think dock hands and fuel dock crew are in the "expected" camp if they do any real work (tying lines, etc). At least here in the PNW. I try to keep 5s and 10s around for them.

 

[American Flyer]

Thanks for the advice so far, all of it is good!

 

[SkookumR29]

I typically like to meet the guys that dive our boat (Dave's Dive Service) for zinc replacements and cleaning at the dock and when I do, I tip $20.00 or so right up front.