Makes me appreciate being a solo sailor. Keep up the great work. Love your videos.

Absolutely spot on. I prefer sailing on my own simple old boat than fancy and with a bunch of unknown crew. Good on you for being honest and clear! Safe sailing!

My crew, a friend from 45 years ago (not for 45 years of friendship) began unraveling, yelling with spittal, so I left him and his son, on shore, at St. Croix. I very difficult and personal decision. I have been "afraid" to allow others on board since, and I'm using your video, to explain to the future, would be crew. Thanks Adventure Dan. Exfil

The fact that you have quite a list of less nice experiences with crew, seems to mean that you've given a lot of people the opportunity to sail with you. Great you are so generous and friendly to share your sailing adventures.

More Captains need to talk about this! Thanks for the informative video! Happy Sailing!

Wow... crew that won't leave... was not expecting to hear that... crazy!

I'm honestly so glad to see that there is a good community of people online who talk about sailing and living on a boat. I had never even thought about going sailing until I got very unwell and had to drop out of college after only a few weeks of the first term. I desperately wanted to keep doing things, so after a few months of pretty much total social isolation I picked up a job scrubbing dishes in the place my father works. By chance, I got a place on a five day sailing trip with a local charity that provided funded places in such trips for disadvantaged young people. I still had to pay a little bit towards it but I was eager to be doing something new, as well as anxious. There were two other guys on the trip besides the skipper and the mate, so a nice sized crew for a relatively small boat. It was only five days and about 90 miles, but it was honestly life changing. The weather was more than challenging, especially in this mostly wooden and almost century old sailboat, but it was incredible how quickly you got to trust the crew. From the peacefulness of waking up at 5am and watching the sunrise to the adrenaline and madness of trying to reef the mainsail in the most foul weather and almost slipping off - I wouldn't give it up for anything. It wasn't quite the Bahamas - it was the Thames estuary in mid April - but the feeling of hulling over at forty-five degrees and going six knots after the absolute hassle of setting the jib as a crew was such a new, amazing feeling. There is really nothing quite like it. I would love to crew for someone just for the feeling of purpose, to learn more, and for that feeling after getting through a really rough patch where you're finally able to breathe. I may be physically/mentally not in the best place - though hopefully once I'm 18 I can get the surgery I've been saving for - but those five days out on the water were the most whole I've felt in a long time. I know I'm only a kid and know very little about this world, but just know that most mentally ill people are not 'crazy'. Some will definitely not be mentally well enough for a long haul trip, yes, but some will. Obviously it ultimately comes down to the owner of the boat, and whether or not he's willing to take that onboard (both figuratively and literally). Sorry for absolute essay of the comment, and thank you for talking in a down-to-Earth way about living and working on a boat, it's really helpful.

Thanks soooo much for this vid. I will be buying a boat in a few months and will NOT take on any crew. I follow a few sailing channels and I can see why there are a lot of solo sailors. I know its much more demanding but rather take on friends that you know for a while than strangers. Thanks again for this valuable info!

Ive been Living off grid 100% solar and rain water collection. Conserve conserve conserve. Im saving for a boat now and Ive thought about these exact things. Ive already bookmarked various videos for people to watch before they agree to come to my boat. Great video!

I've seen your offer to take on crew a couple of times late last year, at a moment where I wasn't available. And I'm hoping these not so great encounters won't prevent you to share your adventures in the future. I've sailed as crew on other people's boat, and yes the 10 minutes showers are juste a no go. As a crew I'm so grateful for anything I can do and learn on board, I'll happily scrub the deck in exchange for being allowed to be there. But I talked to a few captains and I don't know how you guys do it, i'd be so scared to share my home on the water with people who might end up not being a great fit.

I can't imagine showing disrespect in any form to the skipper. I've just recently started looking at crewing positions since I plan on eventually circunavigating on a sail boat and I view crewing as one of the best ways of learning how to sail and getting my foot in the door. Being a part of a crew is a dream for some, myself included, so it shouldn't be taken for granted or abused in any way. Crewing with Dan sounds enlightening and I can't believe there are people out there that would take advantage of that in the worst ways. Awesome video as always :)

Wow! What a great and informative video. I can't imagine how stressful it would be to be stuck on a boat with that bad apple. I was lucky to be asked to help crew and enjoyed every minute. I was always looking for ways to help and contribute. The captain took good care of me and showed me where I could help. Thank you for giving people the opportunity to spend some time sailing.

Only honest, hard working, polite, financially capable and helpful crew members are welcome. Timelines, expectations and fun are a critical component of a mutually beneficial relationship- both ways.

Thanks for watching out for us Dan!

My first sail crewing on a boat bigger than a dinghy, sailboat that is. I live on a 50ft narrow boat. My 8th day on the wheel going dead down wind wing on wing with a nice swell behind and not a lot of wind I lost it after a few hours and a big wave accelerated the boat faster than the wind. No steering and we spun around into wind. Was pretty scary seeing the boom of a 48ft boat fly across the deck inches above everyone's head. I was embarrassed and the captain was laughing till he realized his favorite cup had bit the dust. That was 6 years ago and I'm totally hooked on sailing thanks to a guy just like you who wants to teach. Keep up the good work.

Dan You have the right mindset, I've crewed on many boats and had an experience with a bad captain. Let's put it like this I was glad we made landfall and I could leave that unprepared boat with an narcissistic captain. I absolutely 100% agree with all you said in this video. I personally think I'm a pretty good sailor and mechanic/electrician. However I always do what the captain says then and there, I will discuss later on why I was thinking about an other way of doing things. Nobody knows everything so I always enjoy sailing on other peoples boats, so I can learn from them, I also hope other people can learn from me. Love your videos, keep em coming. Who knows we might share an anchorage somewhere in the future.

I am so shocked that you've had these experiences. I'm yet to get any sailing experience, but when I find the right opportunity I am 100% there to help and to learn, and that's where the fun will come from too. Anything I can do to lighten the load on the owner, I'm there for. Honestly, I assumed this was the universal approach of most people.

Very well said. I was crew on OPBs for many years before buying my own boats so had an idea of the dynamics. Now, as a fulltime cruiser, I’ve had three crew who sailed with me for one, two and eight months respectively. They pulled their weight, paid their way and we remain friends. I think I’ve been lucky. After watching this video, I’m glad I’m capable of sailing solo, though I don’t much enjoy it! Best of luck with your future crew, you sound like a great guy to sail with.

You seem a lot more calm and relaxed than I'd be if people played up on my boat mate, good on you. When you vet them lay down the rules, better to be a bit harsh at the start and have the expectations crystal clear, no sugar coating it. Keep up the good work bro.

Good video man. I think a lot of people think these boats are only fun all the time and in some ways you can’t blame them because if the type of info that is put out there but life is still just life no matter where you are

Oh man, am I glad you made that video! I thought those things you mentioned weren't big issues to others, even though to me they were! A lot of them happened to me in just a year and a half.. i will be sharing this video with every potential crew member! Thanks a lot!!

Fantastic video! This should be required viewing for any crew before boarding.

All of these reasons are why we made a decision before we started cruising that we're never going to take on crew. Of course we have the benefit that there's two of us, but it does make longer passages difficult...and we chose to just accept that rather than deal with all of the crew nightmares we've heard about from other boats. We did break our rule last season and brought onboard a friend of mine who really wanted to experience cruising. She did ok, but we had a few challenges. The biggest one being that she just couldn't master the use of the head! This resulted in a potentially dangerous health situation, because she simply refused to use it and would hold everything in (except #1) until we could get ashore and she could find a bathroom. Fortunately it was never more than a couple of days, but her discomfort sometimes led to her being unable to help much. The other issue was that she brought more stuff than we'd told her she could, and even brought some things we specifically said NOT to bring, like a computer! We didn't want to be responsible for any damage to expensive items (as you know, the marine environment is harsh on electronics!). But she did anyway. ARGH! So I would add two items to your list: 1) unwillingness to learn the systems and use them properly, and 2) not following rules about baggage.

I say, "walk the plank!" In all seriousness Capt. Dan, following all your adventures & seeing the type of captain & person you are, it's fair to say your honest, positive, open & willing to give & share your love of sailing & of the ocean if remarkable. Having tough & open conversations is at a minimum to see if personalities are a fit sometimes fail if the crew is not honest with you and/or themselves. Have you considered as part of your process, VOF (verification of funds), security deposit & upfront funds to cover their expenses/food? We are boater & have had guest travel with us...not anywhere the same, but after lengthy conversation on one trip with this couple of "the good, the bad & the ugly" to be expected of our trip... well let's just say I related to this video! Sometimes, individuals will tell you what you want to hear or don't hear what you are saying just focusing on their perspective of what the trip will "look like to them". Hasn't stopped us from sharing our experiences with others, & I know it won't for you as well. Keep being you, I know these experiences will make your process of finding future crew better! ⚓🐬⚓

It's interesting to hear all of these as sometimes I have thought a great way to learn from real experience would be to crew here and there if we go ahead and buy a sailboat of our own. I have literally worried that I would be more work than help so hearing your side of things has help alleviate some of that worry. The fact that people think of it as a free holiday and you should take over parental care for grown adults blows my mind. Great list.

Wow. You sound like a very sensible and good guy. I would love to crew on your boat.

A good hybrid solution could be to set up a "paying crew" scheme with very clearly defined responsibilities. I’ve been on the crew side of that a couple of times and it has worked out really well. If you’re paying for a position you’re more invested and the freeloaders are automatically filtered out. And the skipper can buy groceries with the proceeds! 😊

Great objective analysis. I think you were very fair and impartial. Honesty and communication go a very long way. Thanks.😢

Finally Dan you were brave enough to tell the truth. Far too many people do not understand team work for the good of all. There are always arrogant, mean, grouchy, lazy, bossy, spoiled or uncoordinated individuals that ruin everything. Luckily most are still sane and beneficial to be around or society would fall apart. Jim Rodgers

OMG!.... I was about to look into crewing with you, but I absolutely DO NOT want to fall into the category of a BAD crew member. Despite being well funded and skills to match, I would feel awful being tagged as a "Bad Apple". I completely agree with your assessment of crew members and the fear it brings. I'm sure it's indescribable. Paring up with people is a tough and delicate process. I wish there was a better way.

And not worth it to have a bad captain with a disgusting boat. I got fooled by a guy on a Jeanneau in the Caribbean. Falsely represented himself. Well, he seemed fun and nice but turned out to be a total slob. The boat was a complete shitshow and included a cat and filthy litter box with a cockroach infestation. It truly was a nightmare. Next boat I boarded was in Belize. Clean and neat. But the captain had many safety features missing and would shout orders at me without giving me a run through. No fun to be in a gorgeous spot with a mean SOB.

Fellow Sailor here. Defo fell for a few of these!

Ahoy mate! Great video because all you see out there are the same stories about living on board is like. We sailors know how good and bad it is to live on board. Good luck out there. And may Polaris guide you to your true North in life.

I think, one issue is that land people, not used to the rigors of a seagoing life, do not grasp the grit and discipline, that sometimes is necessary to function effectively as a team.During my time in the USCG, we always had the concept of being good a shipmates, to our fellow coast guardsmen.Sometimes ,that required self sacrifice.I had the same mindset years later, as a professional firefighter, Teamwork , was most important !.Life at sea 🌊, is not for the faint of mind and heart. Really enjoyed your commentary.!

Hi Dan Michael here again just wanna say great video ,and great information about these different on board cases. And absolutely no I do not think you're too harsh I think you're right on. So stay safe out there and be inspired.

Thanks for your personal experiences with crew. I'm a long time solo sailor who probably should locate crew for upcoming offshore passages this year. This is one area I'm a bit apprehensive about.

Well said, I have never heard all the bad experiences all in one place. Good job, U R living the life, and I enjoy watching your videos, well produced and well-presented.

Thanks for this video well presented and helpful for others. We have had numerous crew and thankfully they have all been great.

Dan THE MAN! Howdy Sir! I'm super crazy but willing to help A LOT! Lol... Just saying hello. You are awesome and it is always tough when you get a grump. Kick them to the curb quickly. Fair winds and following seas to you.

If your a captain, never crew. I used to help friends out on the ICW. I found you end up trusting in bad preparation and skills more than you would think.

Once you find couple of good crew. Keep the contacts and call em up if they are willing to go again and again. Finding new crew all the time to painful.

I think every new crew member should see and understand this video. Not only for them but everyone involved to have a great time.

I think the answer is to try the crew first and make it clear what the rules are, if they have no experience then I suspect they will be more difficult to mould. take money upfront for food and costs. A bad crew member who would not leave would be dragged off my boat.

Its always the few bad apples that spoil it for the rest. I would be falling over myself to be of use given an opportunity to crew, some people just have no clue. Thank you for the insightful video.

Very interesting. I can't imagine interviewing potential crew. You really depend on honesty. I enjoy following your adventures!

As long as the captain can bring me breakfast in bed with eggs sunny side up, the mornings newspaper, make my bed while I take a long hot shower, not make too much noise why cooking my lunch, have a good wine list of course with chilled crystal glasses and every should be just fine. So when do I start?

Well done for giving so many people wonderful new experiences. Thank you for sharing your insight into the trials and tribulations. With regards to your final comment regarding funds to return home. Are you aware that if a crew is deported from a country, or not permitted to enter a country, then you as the Captain of the vessel on which they are documented, are responsible for the costs of repatriation? This is why, in the few cases that I have taken on crew, I have always asked for a returnable bond sufficient to cover a flight home.

Awesome. I have the utmost respect for what you do! Hopefully this video will weed some folks out preemptively that might not be a great fit for you.

I've found what really separates the wheat from the chaff is when you encounter bad sea conditions for an extended period of time. Will they grin and bear it, or will they turn bitchy? Grouchy people just don't cut it when we all get a bit stressed, and things need to be tended to.

I really think some of these, if not all, should be talking points during a face to face interview, prior to even seeing your boat. I would hope their reaction to questions during the interview would help weed out and decrease prospective crew applicants. A secondary face to face interview could be conducted for those lucky few who are left, on the boat, to give a tour, give a brief of planned routes and timeframes. Questions could be asked during this interview to find out who might possibly be a trouble child or be harmful to the equipment and/or the boat. Maybe this sounds or is too easy. If you get a gut feeling about a person, go with it !

Well done. Great points. Hope you find your crew that have the right stuff!

I'm a captain and owner of a shrimp boat and I totally support you💪 useless crewmembers are so frustrating 😵‍💫 I really enjoy you channel, kind of got me dreaming of my own sailboat 🤩😃

That's why I have a smaller boat (34 ft) and solo most of the time (except when my wife is on board). Met many crewed sailboats around the world with odd things going on.

I appreciate the more realistic aspects. I'm buying a boat soon and things like this are good to know.

Let me tell you of a story I read about a few years back. Disclaimer, I can't verify if it is true. The captain of a sailboat was travelling to Tahiti from the west coast and needed crew. He put out the word and a very attractive couple arrived who wanted to go. They said they would pay for food and share the chores. The captain took them on and they set sail. As soon as they were a couple of days out the couple locked him on deck and began doing drugs in the cabin. He was handed food and water and told to navigate or else. He spent the rest of the voyage in the cockpit day and night. Finally they arrived, the couple cleaned themselves up, went straight to customs and told them a tale about this horrible captain. He was forced by the customs to pay for their flight back and never got his money for food. In 35,000 miles I never took on crew.

Man, you've got a new subscriber. Still binge-ing and liking them videos, keep uploading more content. 😎👍👍

Very honest. Thanks for this. Its hard for me when I want to share my boat with someone, but I know it just won't be fun. Or maybe for some folk, you only have them for a short day trip.

I bought my sailboat to be alone, I'm rebuilding it for a life on the seas, I'm aiming at being able, if needed, to stay out for 7+ years at the time. Next year I'm sailing from Sweden 🇸🇪 to the Philippines 🇵🇭 and retire there 53 years old and doing my hobbies, fishing, sailing drinking beer and staying away from others, just me and God!

If you haven't already - record an onboarding video, where you mention these things, as well as whatever else you think is important for potential crew to know. Then make people watch it, if they are interested to become a crew.

I will only sail with people I already know. Singlehanding is better than crew tensions! But of course the boat has to be set up for single handing. Since you're still single handing with a unhelpful crew! Helm operated windlass, plus self tacking staysail make me independent.

I assume you charge for your service? Why not charge as a package that includes food? Do you send an expectation document?

Back in the late 80s I bought a tayana 37 in the San Francisco Bay to live on. I was in my 20s and had no money but I love sailing. I invited about 10 different people to go out each time, never did they bring anything to eat or drink or a towel to dry off with. Day sailing is not any better with an ungrateful crew

Thanks, super Informationen

Why have crew at all? Just set up your boat to be able to single-hand her, and you won't have the headaches of crew. In that way you only sail with people you know and want to be with.

I've said before I'd love to sail with you and you gave me some good advice. Awesome info! P.S I'm a photographer. If we ever sail together I'll take thousands of shots!

It's nice of you to open your boat to crew members for experience, but it's a bummer you have to deal with these things. It makes it really obvious that one needs to be very careful about who they bring aboard.

Thanks for an interesting video.

I hear what you are saying, but it works two ways. I’ve taken international flights to crew a boat described by the owner as in great shape, in the water and ready to depart…it was on the hard, the owner was still working on it and it was a very tired boat with equipment issues. I joined a 5000 miles passage and half way the skipper decided to stop and go no further. Crew had to charter a boat from super remote location and 2 international flights to get home, and one of the crew had given up their apartment and job to do it….. I’ve had an owner go over the side in bad,cold weather with not even a life jacket because he knew best so I had to do a single handed man overboard recovery. I’ve had a skipper ask for my passport at an overseas port even though he’d had the passports at departure, claimed he’d given me mine back, after much stress and searching, it was found in his backpack. I’ve 35K sea miles and am used to getting along well with people but skippers need to do their bit too.

Does this mean you'll begin paying a competent crew or just continue complaining about not getting something valuable for free?

I have never been on a sail boat. Always powerboating. I never invite people on my boat for all the reasons you mentioned.

That was inspiring. Peace from the UK.

Going to make all potential crew watch this before signing on.

All very reasonable points.😉

Crew won't leave? Call the Police in your location that there is an intruder. Ask what their way Onward is..

Spot on video. Great points.

Now when I turn the other cheek it’s not my face. I keep busy at what I love and only think about positives.

Had in 8 years sailing 2 bad experiences - since that time I do have a kind of 'contract' for the crewmember which defines clearly what and what not to do ... Because it turned out that there are people who indeed think, that to sail is a paid vacation for them ... with full board and that they decide when where to go - there are just a few bad characters around, the ones who thell you it is there God given right to command everything and who are talking about equality and human rights ...

Yeah buddy happy sailing

Great video! Lotta common sense that a lotta folks don’t have…. Question: How would someone on land go about finding a boat that takes on crew? Is your buddy boater looking to take on crew anytime soon? How would I connect with guys like you guys ?

Excellent.

Always require a 5 year or more police records check from them "SEALED" it cheap and a start point, put everything in writing, expectations, requirements, get a copy of ID ETC, references, at least five, resume, an in-depth questioaire!

Some years back I took a group of on a short trip from hudson florida to tarponsprings florida. Two men and two ladies. The two men argued some, I ignored them. One of them spent the last couple of hours below deck. After arriving and seeing everyone off, I noticed my entire cabin had been rearranged. Turns out he had OCD and thats how he spent the time. LOL

What about addiction? We’ve all known people who drink way too much when the opportunity presents itself. Or maybe even use drugs? That is a very touchy subject to manage as a captain if you’re not comfortable with it…

What a great video, brutally honest but in a very respectful way. Well done and thank you for sharing all this very important information and tips.

Keeping it real Dan. Good on ya👍

Cheers mate, a lot of good advice..

its all always a few bad apples that destroy the image of real sailor lovers and who just want to enjoy and help in any way.

As there no doubt can be nightmare crew, but there are also nightmare captains as well. 30 years ago I hired on such a nightmare boat crossing from Sri Lanka to Africa (i was supposed to stay on until Europe). My mistake was that i underestimated the character of the owners, two racist ex-military, who ran their small boat with military discipline - which only turned out that way once we left shore, and there was no way to leave anymore. Doing my agreed work was suddenly not enough, i was supposed to show deference as well, including having to listen to hours of mindnumbing monologues. The sole joy was the nightwatch, where my watch partner - one of the owners - who was supposed to share the watch with me snored away while i was awake - but at least i had some peace and quiet then. I also did not in my youthful naivety and inexperience vet them enough for their seamanship - which was atrocious (every day i had to correct their sail positions), nor did i look at their safety equipment. That turned out nearly deadly for me when we faced a massive storm, and there were no safety ropes or harnesses on board, and all of their navigation equipment broke apart from the first available GPS they have never bothered to learn how to work with, and never even unpacked. I was nearly swept overboard by the main boom crashing into my side while doing a reef (and i am absolutely sure that they would not even have made any attempt to safe me if i would not have managed to hold on a few ropes and get myself back on board). First port in Africa, i decided to leave - both because we simply did not fit together in terms of character, and because the safety issues, and they tried to threaten me to stay on, and attempted to withhold my passport. Which i had to snap out of their hands (it nearly came to violence - fortunately i was young and strong, if i would have been any smaller it would have been bad), and finally managed to leave only with the help of local police and the consulate. I can only advise both to prospective crew and to captains, to first test during a short trip if things work out or not. In my case, i did not, and it was a three week nightmare that nearly got me killed.

Valuable information, thnx

Yip !!! 🥾🥾 Crew need to be appreciative 🏖️ "you" want this >>> >> PULL YOUR WEIGHT.

I go over these 10 commandments with everyone before they come onboard my vessel. If anyone has a problem with any of these rules, they don’t get to come aboard, even if we never leave the dock. I discuss that the laws of man are unenforceable aboard Star Fire and the only laws that exist are what I say they are. 1. I am the lord your captain! There shall be no higher authority aboard this vessel. My decision is final. 2. Thou shall never disobey my order 3. Thou shall never tell me a lie 4. Thou shall not lose thy cool 5. Thou shall never take any strong drink or strong drug other than with my permission 6. Thou shall not sleep on watch 7. Thou shall not waste water 8. Thou shall not hassle thy shipmate 9. Thou shall not piss to windward 10. Thou shall not bitch Numbers 1 and 4 are the most important. Of course, I try to take a democratic role, as captain. I want to hear all the ideas before I make a decision. But when I make that decision, it’s final and there will be no further discussion. As a retired home builder, I’ve had my regrets on hiring people and learned to recognize the early warning signs of people who will be degenerates. Like you said, we have a passion for sailing and love to share it with others. But, sometimes there just isn’t time for cordialities like please and thank you. My biggest pet peeve is when I say “let go of the jib sheet” in a tack, and they want to hold onto it preventing the Genoa from coming across. Another thing I’ve come to learn is that it’s my responsibility to be a good teacher and recognize the signs of a bad student before they come onboard. I really hope to see you out there, one day. Your videos are very insightful and I’ve learned from some of them, I really vide with some of them, and I’m always entertained!

You’re a better person than me! I wouldn’t cope at all, they be put in my oven! No crew for mee

Well presented.

balanced, fair, insightful and informative. as a potential future crewie i took a lot away from this. thanks.

sounds allot like renting out a room in your house. except more work is involved.. and i can tell yea.. its hard enough to find the right room mate, little alone find one that will be an asset. but i do admit, i have had some really good room mates, and it was magical to have them around. thanks for doing the video.. its good to hear the reality of things when all you really see is the good or faked. lol. cya..

Nice info

I wouldn’t dream of treating my Captain in that way. Especially if they are giving me valuable tips and training although I would prefer to keep myself to my self as far as existing issues and would prefer to let things carry on normally. We all have various kinds of mental illness and knowing what people can be like telling them anything out of the ordinary can result in unjust judgements. Schizophrenia is a problem that could cause serious problems later on though I can imagine. Personality disorders involving lack of empathy or motivation would also be a problem. Main problem is none of these people come with their issues written on their foreheads. You are better off keeping yourself to yourself. Or not being alone while under charter.

Well said!

Spot on Dan!!

Awesome and great advice. People will definitely find this helpful and insightful. Cheers!