Boat Bumpers & Gravy Boats: Thanksgiving Boating Traditions
Thanksgiving might be known for turkey, travel, and football, but for boating families, it’s also one of the best times of the year to enjoy quiet marinas, crisp fall scenery, and that unmistakable holiday nostalgia on the water. And if you're taking the celebration to the dock or hosting a post-feast cruise, your boat bumpers deserve a seat at the table too.
Whether you're planning a festive dockside dinner, cruising with visiting family, or simply securing your boat before traveling for the holiday, here’s how to blend Thanksgiving traditions with stress-free (and scratch-free) boating.
Why Thanksgiving Boating Is a Hidden Gem
Crowds drop, slips quiet down, and late-autumn sunsets hit different. If you’re lucky enough to live near a marina that stays open year-round, Thanksgiving weekend is one of the most peaceful times to get out on the water.
A few benefits:
Fewer boats → easier docking
Gorgeous fall photo ops
Kids get the “holiday magic” moment without the cold-weather chaos
A fun twist: enjoying pie on the bow
Just make sure your gear is ready, especially your bumpers.
Holiday Decking: Making Sure Your Boat Is Protected Before the Fun Starts
Even if you’re only tying up for a few hours or using the boat as your Thanksgiving “backdrop,” your setup matters. Thanksgiving weather can be unpredictable, and boats tend to shift more in cold, windy conditions.
Hosting Thanksgiving on the Dock (or On Board!)
It doesn’t have to be complicated. Some families go all-in with table settings on the dock; others enjoy a simple “pie cruise” after dinner.
Here are fun, easy ideas:
1. The Dockside Dinner Setup
Bring a folding table, LED candles, reusable plates, and a blanket or two. Use your bumpers to create a safe, cushioned step for kids or grandparents climbing aboard.
If you’re serving food on the boat, take inspiration from Discover Boating’s holiday entertaining tips:
➡️ https://www.discoverboating.com
2. The Turkey-Day Cruise
A calm, slow-paced Thanksgiving afternoon ride can become a core memory for kids, especially if extended family is visiting and seeing your boat for the first time.
Just remind guests of:
Safe stepping points
Staying seated while docking
Dry storage spots for food
Keeping pumpkin pie away from the bilge (trust us)
3. The Gratitude Photo Tradition
Start a new tradition:
Everyone takes a “thankful for this boat” photo before dessert.
Feature the whole crew standing by the dock with your bumpers in the frame. It’s a fun annual comparison and you’ll secretly be documenting how your bumper setup improves over the years.
Black Friday for Boaters: Gift Ideas
Thanksgiving also kicks off a perfect moment for early holiday gifting. Take advantage of our BIGGEST discount ever. Click here.
Fun Thanksgiving Tie-Ins for the Whole Family
A few playful ideas to bring boating and Thanksgiving together:
“Gravy Boat Decorating Contest” – Kids decorate paper boats (or use toy boats) with Thanksgiving themes.
Dockside Scavenger Hunt – Find: a leaf bigger than your hand, a red buoy, a feather, a seagull footprint, an empty cleat.
Pie on the Pier – Easy cleanup, big smiles.
Bumper-Turned-Drumsticks – Let kids gently tap bumpers like giant drums (supervised, of course).
Final Thoughts: Give Thanks… and Give Your Boat Some Love
Thanksgiving is about family, tradition, and gratitude and for boating families, the boat is often part of the story. Whether you're cruising, feasting dockside, or securing your vessel before traveling, your bumpers play a quiet but important role in keeping memories scratch-free.
Before you carve the turkey, take a moment to check your setup, inspect your gear, and appreciate the year you’ve had on the water.
Then?
Kick back, enjoy the food, enjoy the view and enjoy the peace that comes with Thanksgiving at the marina.
