I’ve spent every summer since I was 5 years old boating with my family off the coast of New Jersey and I’ve learned quite a bit from my experiences. How to drop an anchor, how to cast a fishing line, how to tie into slip; it’s all second nature to me now. Having spent so much time on my floating home away from home, I’ve come to notice there are some things that seem to be universal to those whose summers consisted of dock boxes and dinghies. Here are just a few:

1.You know all the proper boating terminology and can tell the difference between port and starboard and the bow and the stern of the vessel.

2.Even though you were never a boy scout, you can still tie a pretty mean knot.

3.You appreciate punny boat names such as, but not limited to “Nauti Girl” “Why Knot” and “Yeah Buoy”

Others include "Get Reel" and "Ship-faced"

4.You probably have gone fishing or crabbing many times and learned to cook and eat what you caught.

And regardless if you caught it or not, you absolutely love sea food.

5.Jimmy Buffet is your spirit animal.

You crave a lifestyle as laid back and boat-filled as his songs.

6.You forget that not everyone has as developed sea legs as you do.

You also don’t understand how people get sea sick.

7.You wear Sperry’s not for their fashion appeal, but because they are actually meant to be worn on a boat.

8. You know boats require A LOT of maintenance and care.

And yet some people complain about having to get the oil checked in their car. *rolls eyes*

9.You have your boating license and can personally relate to SpongeBob’s boating struggles.

10.You know there is a strict difference between sailboats and motor boats.

vs

11. The marina where your boat is docked is like your second home.