Boat Flag Etiquette

[Drago]

I'm wanting to add flags to the bimini frame and thought the U.S. flag should go on the port side and the Texas and Dallas Cowboys flags should go on the starboard side. Does anyone have info on placement of these flags? There is a ton of stuff on this in a Google search but it appears to apply to larger vessels and yachts. I'll not be boating in foreign waters so those rules get tossed. Lots of good stuff here... http://www.usps.org/f_stuff/etiquett.html

[GregF]

From that article

If your boat is rigged with one starboard halyard and one port halyard, fly the signal of superior dignity on the starboard side and the signal of lesser dignity on the port side

Of course a DC guy would say you fly the Cowboy flag under the boat but I don't have a dog in that fight

[Old Dog]

Here is a Canadian perspective on this insofar as who can fly the Canadian Flag (see point #2). This excerpt was taken from a Government publication on boating:



I don't know if the same would apply in the USA.

My suggestion for your US flag would be the white light pole which would display the flag top and center.

Cheers!

[Drago]

Halyard?? Does your pontoon boat have that? I've been using stick flags and tie strapping them to the bimini frame at the back. Thinking of using snaps to hold the new flags in place so they can be put up and removed quickly. I bought car flags from http://www.united-states-flag.com/ because they are much more durable than most. There is room just below where the canvas ends at the back to screw the snaps to the frame.

Location for snaps are red spots in this best shot I could quickly create.

[Drago]

Old Dog,
I thought of the at anchor/mooring light pole but I keep it down during the day because of several bridge passes we make. Also I'll be running three flags.

Greg,
So it seems I have it wrong. I should display the U.S. flag on the starboard side and the Texas and Cowboys flag on the port side?


I also had considered using industrial strength Velcro but decided 3 snaps each on the 12x18 flags will work better.

[GregF]

The American flag does belong on the starboard side. The halyard thing is just an interpretation since the flag etiquette is a historic protocol that dates back to sailing ships and we are just trying to keep up.
You will never get a ticket for doing it wrong but you might get a dirty look from a salty old quartermaster.