Trimming and Taping a Boat: A Surprising Lesson in Running a Business (and a balanced life)

Just returned from a weekend trip from South Florida to the island of Bimini by way of a speedboat. In between the convivial conversations with cohorts, my mind couldn’t escape the metaphor for stability and survival. 

If you’ve ever spent time on the water, you know that preparing a boat isn’t just about tossing some gear onboard and hitting the throttle. Two unsung heroes of boating—trimming and taping—can make or break your day on the waves. And oddly enough, they’ve got a lot in common with running a successful business. Let’s dive into how these nautical necessities mirror the art of keeping a company afloat.

Trimming: Finding the Perfect Balance

On a boat, trimming is all about adjusting the angle of the hull to optimize speed, fuel efficiency, and stability. Too nose-up, and you’re plowing through the water like a stubborn mule. Too nose-down, and you’re risking a face full of spray—or worse. It’s a constant tweak: reading the water, feeling the wind, and responding to the load onboard.

Running a business is eerily similar. You’ve got to find that sweet spot—balancing costs, revenue, and growth. Lean too hard into expansion without the resources, and you’re burning cash faster than a speedboat guzzles gas. Play it too safe, and you’re stagnating, letting competitors zip past. Just like trimming a boat, it’s about small, deliberate adjustments. Market conditions shift, customer demands change, and your team’s capacity ebbs and flows. A good leader keeps their hand on the wheel, tweaking the course to stay efficient and steady.

Taping: The Art of Precision and Prep

Taping a boat—whether for painting, sealing, or repairs—sounds simple: slap some adhesive on and call it a day. But anyone who’s done it knows it’s a test of patience and foresight. Miss a spot, and you’ve got paint bleeding where it shouldn’t or water seeping into places it doesn’t belong.

In business, taping is like your planning and processes. It’s the stuff nobody sees but everyone feels when it’s missing. Think about setting up clear workflows, documenting procedures, or double-checking contracts before signing. Skip the prep, and you’re left with leaks—missed deadlines, miscommunications, or costly mistakes. Take the time to “tape” properly, and the results are clean, professional, and watertight. It’s not sexy, but it’s the difference between a polished operation and a sinking ship.

Rough Waters Teach the Best Lessons

Here’s where the comparison really hits home: both boating and business throw curveballs. A sudden storm can force you to re-trim on the fly, just like a market crash demands quick pivots in strategy. A bad taping job might hold up in calm seas but fail when the waves kick up, much like cutting corners in business might work until the pressure’s on.

The key in both? Adaptability paired with attention to detail. On the water, you learn to trust your instincts while respecting the fundamentals. In the office, you lean on data and experience but stay ready to shift gears. Trimming keeps you moving forward; taping keeps you from falling apart. Together, they’re the yin and yang of progress.

The Takeaway: Steady Hands, Sharp Eyes

Next time you’re out on the water or think about the parallels. Trimming and taping aren’t just chores—they’re metaphors for leadership. A well-trimmed boat glides effortlessly, just like a business firing on all cylinders. A meticulously taped hull holds strong, like a company built on solid systems.

So, whether you’re adjusting the outboard or steering a team through a fiscal year, remember: balance and preparation aren’t optional. They’re what keep you afloat, no matter how choppy the waters get.