7 Tips on Hosting the Ultimate NYE Boat Party

7 Tips on Hosting the Ultimate NYE Boat Party

Got any NYE plans? Boat owners have a leg up during the holidays, when it comes to creating a fun, unique space for getting people together. A New Year’s Eve boat party has a great deal of charm—even if you don’t leave the dock. Boatmart’s team of experts have put together a few essential tips to ensure you can maximize your NYE fun while staying safe on the water.

1. Manage the Invitation List Carefully
Hosting a New Year’s Eve boat party is bound to make you the envy of all your friends. But hosting a party on a boat also means you have to keep the invitation list tight. Don’t exceed your boat’s passenger limit, even if you remain tied to the dock.

2. Dress the Part
Dressing to the nines for a New Year’s party is a ton of fun. But make sure guests know they will be exposed to the elements at some point. Consider stowing extra sweaters and blankets so people can bundle up and still enjoy sitting on the deck.

3. Safety First: Safe Boating Only
You need a designated captain—don’t tempt fate or a possible BUI if you plan to take a harbor cruise to view fireworks. Someone also needs to tell uncle Steve that drunken night swimming is not allowed.

4. A Tasty Affair: Food and Drink
Stock up! You don’t want to run out of anything early during your New Year’s Eve boat party. Make sure you have adequate refrigerator space to take care of all your guests’ needs, or bring an extra cooler or two. Don’t forget napkins, plates, cutlery, and items such as wine openers and kitchen utensils.

5. The Head (bathroom)
Make sure the boat’s head, if it has one, is fully functional and stocked with all the necessities. Does your marina have dockside facilities accessible to your guests? Does a friend have a boat with a head that you can use for the night?

6. No Short Blasts
Check with your marina about noise regulations, especially if a lot of liveaboards call the marina home. Sure, it’s not unreasonable for people to expect some late-night partying on New Year’s Eve no matter where you are. Nonetheless, lay down a friendly marker beforehand with the marina folks and the liveaboards near you.

7. Getting Home
Make sure you have a solid plan for how your guests are going to get home safely once things wrap up (Uber, Lyft, DDs). Barring that, make sure your guests park in places where they can leave their cars overnight without getting towed.