We all have different approaches to tipping, so no judgment here for all who have replied. We have gotten to know one of the longer-term team members at The Moorings, and he has become more of a coordinator for us. He ensures the boat is properly prepared in the day or two prior to our departure, takes care of us when we are there, gets us off the dock early, and coordinates anything we need while we are out. Therefore, we tip him well (>$250), which we feel is well worth it, and we know it helps him and his family.

Since he has become a friend, I felt comfortable asking him a few years back about appropriate tipping for others. He says that $5 to $20 is appropriate for most of the routine things - use judgment based on the degree of help. We have tipped more to maintenance guys who went above and beyond, etc.

I don't think the dock teams make much per hour, so tipping is a key source of income for them. Therefore, we view it as a way for our blessed family to give back and to support a destination and people we love.