Proposing on a Boat – 12 Classic and Quirky Ideas.
So, you want to propose on a boat? How awesome. Let me help the creative process.
Well, step one, read this post in an incognito window (duh!).
As we called a sailboat home for quite a while, I can help you with a few ideas, which tie in perfectly with the nautical theme.
And save you a few headaches you might not be thinking about.
Read on.
Classic and romantic
Being on a boat itself is plenty romantic. You spent all this time preparing and arranging the trip. Why not take it a step further?
1. A message in a bottle.
Write the question on a piece of paper, may I suggest waterproof paper, and waterproof ink. Or, even better, have is sewn on a piece of fabric (ask at the local dry-cleaners/clothes repair shop).
Fill the bottle with a little bit of water, come on, make it look real and authentic. This way it will sink a little. Then close with a cork plug.
Tie it to the boat with some fish line (it is not visible). Then throw it in. Have the captain “find it”.
2. Propose in the dinghy.
If dropping anchor and exploring by dinghy, you will enjoy a more private setting.
Take the dinghy to a beautiful location, or one you may have been to before.
Getting in the dinghy will allow you to be closer to landmarks and to the shore, where you would not be normally able to drop anchor.
3. Hop in the kayak.
If you both enjoy kayaking, propose from the kayak. As you explore the calm water.
Just like in the dinghy, find a beautiful location.
Even better, have the message already hidden in a place reachable by kayak (a branch in the mangrove, the support of a small bridge, etc.)
4. Put the message inside a seashell.
It is a classic way to propose, and ah, so romantic.
But where to hide the shell?
Find at “accidentally” underneath the lounge cushions on the bow. Or, on the oyster platter.
5. Have a message ready on the bow.
Ask a friend / the photographer / the captain to tie the sign with the message to the bow of the boat, and then take your loved there.
Be creative, order the sign in a nautical theme, or in your favorite colors.
Fun and quirky
Below are a few more creative ideas. These take a bit more fun approach to the proposal. Perfect for boaters, or anyone with a good sense of humor.
Still, super memorable.
6. Fish out the message.
Hook the message (sewn on a piece of fabric) to the fishing pole, wrap some fake seaweed around it (looks more authentic) and cast it secretly.
Ask her to reel it in. Or to check on the lines for seaweed (a very common thing to do when fishing).
7. Swap the bottle with a thermos.
Drop the message in a coffee thermos, or some other airtight container. Tie it with a fish string and throw in the water.
Finding floating everyday items is less suspicious, than floating glass bottle with a message.
Alternatively, order a custom plastic tumbler with the message (the double-layer ones float).
8. Raise it as a small flag, then look up.
Have the message on a small flag and have someone raise the flag half way up the mast (otherwise it will be hard to read).
Then go lounge and look at the pretty sky…
9. Ask over the VHF.
This one is a little tricky. You might have to ask a friend to pop the question, as you are checking the “local weather channel”.
Our boat was called Graceful, so, for example, “Graceful, Graceful, Graceful, this is vessel on your route, I have a message from (your name here and then message).”
Just stay away from channel 16, it really is for emergencies only.
10. Tie it to the helm.
How about tying the message, or the ring to the helm and asking for some help driving the boat, “Just hold the helm for a second, please.”
11. Snorkel for the “lost” mug.
Order a custom mug with your message. Tie it with a fish string and secretly drop it behind you, as you are snorkeling around. Keep it attached to the string.
Then get her attention, “Oh, what’s that over there? Let’s check it out.”
Make sure you are snorkeling in shallow water, and you are both comfortable diving down.
12. Write it on a flipper.
Write it with a sharpie (or white duct tape) on the bottom of a flipper. Then casually swim right in front, as you two explore the reef.
Or dive down to see something, so the message can be seen as you swim to the bottom.
Tips for success
Having lived and cruised on a sailboat, let me offer a few boat-specific tips, to ensure the proposal goes smoothly.
Wait until a landmark is in sight.
If planning to propose near a landmark, wait until it is in sight. Then it will be always in the photos (if you have a photo taken).
Ask the captain for ideas for cool landmarks – lighthouses, navy ships, bridges, statues (of Liberty), etc.
Propose on the Bow.
It is the best place to propose. With the best views. There is always breeze aboard, especially on the bow, adding to the romantic setting.
It is in all the photos for a reason.
Check the weather.
Coordinate the weather and make sure you can change plans if needed.
If stronger wind is expected, you might want to change plans. The captain should be able to help you reschedule and make the best of the trip.
Have someone ready to take a picture.
If you are bringing a photographer for the boating photos, you will not have to arrange much.
If it is just the two of you, ask the captain, or someone from the crew to take photos.
Check with the captain.
Before starting the surprise, check with the captain.
Sometimes when sailing, course might need to be changed, obstacles avoided, and so on.
Make sure it is the best time during the trip – the calmest weather, and the best location. Also, if possible, have the engine(s) off (if motoring).
Arrange the music.
If proposing on the bow, and the boat is sailing, you might not be able to hear any music, unless there are speakers in the bow.
Sometimes the wind is strong at the front, taking all of the sound downwind.
Just something to think about, if proposing on a sailboat, underway.
Do not wait too long.
If you are not used to being aboard, expect to start feeling seasick during the trip.
It does not always happen during short trips, and it very much depends on the weather.
Take something against seasickness at least an hour before the trip.
Fair Winds
It is one of the most romantic and timeless ways to propose. It will be a memory of a lifetime.
If something does not quite go according to your plans. Do not be discouraged. It’s how life goes anyway.
Especially family life 😉
Good luck!
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