Learn the Ropes · Template
Boat Work-Day Agreement
This is a sample template, not legal advice. It’s an agreement between the boat owner and the helper only — Sailboats USA is not a party to it. Laws differ by state and province; if you rely on this, have it reviewed by a lawyer where you live and edit it to fit your situation.
1. Who and where
Boat owner: Phone:
Helper: Phone:
Boat (name / make / model):
Location (yard / marina / address):
Date(s) and hours:
2. The work
Tasks the helper will do:
Tasks the helper will not do (e.g. going aloft, electrical, work under the boat):
3. Arrangement
Volunteer — no pay, on a personal (non-commercial) boat
Meals / drinks provided Trade: Paid: $ per
Any payment is made directly between owner and helper. If paid, the owner is responsible for any tax or insurance obligations that apply.
4. Safety — the owner will
- Confirm the yard, marina, or property allows the helper to work on the boat, and follow its rules.
- Give a safety briefing before work starts: the tasks, hazards, tools, first-aid kit, fire extinguisher, and nearest medical care.
- Provide this safety gear:
- Make sure jack stands, ladders, and staging are secure; supervise tasks and show how to use any tool first.
5. Safety — the helper will
- Only do tasks they’re comfortable and capable of doing, use the safety gear, and stop and say so if anything feels unsafe.
- Tell the owner about any health condition or allergy that matters for this work (e.g. to epoxy, solvents, or dust).
- Follow the owner’s and the yard’s safety instructions.
6. Understanding of risk
We both understand that boat work involves risks, including injury from tools, falls, chemicals, dust, and heavy objects. Each of us is responsible for our own health insurance. The helper is participating voluntarily. (Many people add a release or waiver of claims here — whether one is enforceable, and how it must be worded, depends on where you live. Ask a lawyer.)
7. Emergency contacts
Owner’s emergency contact:
Helper’s emergency contact:
Both of us are 18 or older.
Owner signature:
Date:
Helper signature:
Date:
Template from sailboatsusa.com/work-day-agreement.html · Learn the Ropes connects owners and helpers but is not a party to this agreement.