My brother-in-law keeps 'helping' at the helm. — stu

I’m a new boater but I’ve done my homework. My brother-in-law keeps thinking he knows better than me. He is courteous on the surface, but he shades me. I think he’s jealous of my boat and just wants to quietly put me in my place. If I leave the helm for a minute to go to the bathroom, or grab a beer, he suddenly takes the wheel, even when we’re on autopilot. He doesn’t know nearly as much as I do about the boat and its electronics. This infuriates me. How do I bring the “Captain” out on him?

Billie Billie

Stop offering him beers or anything at all and make sure you give him the stink eye, like you know what he’s doing. Not saying this is you, but sometimes people are too polite. Also, if he doesn’t know the electronics, you can trip him up and embarrass him. On one of those occasions when he “takes over”, tell him to do something with the electronics that is complicated. When he fumbles around with it. you can shade him on that.

Steve Steve

Billie has some good points. Don’t just let it slide and hope the problem goes away. It won’t unless you address it. So, yes, make it clear that you are not happy with his BS. Maybe give him a chance to stand down on that kind of behavior after you give him the “look”. If he doesn’t, pull out the stops. Don’t get into a competition with him, but just be very direct and, while others are there to hear it, tell him not to take the helm when you are gone. If he continues to do it, he will come across to the rest of the guests as rude.

Conversation

Share your stance. Please adhere to our Terms of Service.

?
No comments yet. Be the first to share your stance.