50 OOO Messages to Get Out of Work & On the Water

Last Updated on May 16, 2025 by Boatsetter Team

National Sorry I Was on a Boat Day is June 5 but honestly, we’re celebrating every Friday until Labor Day weekend. Because when 70% of boats come with a cooler full of ice and Bluetooth, and 57% are ready-to-go in 12 hours or less, the only thing standing between you and the water is a bold little out-of-office message. So don’t say “Happy Friday.” Copy one of these OOO replies, hit send, and log off. #OOOFridays forever.

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1. Subject: Heads down on an important project

 Message: I’m currently focused on an important project. If this isn’t about sunscreen, snacks, or Bluetooth, it’ll have to wait. Sorry I was on a boat. 

2. Subject: OOO for National Sorry I Was on a Boat Day

Message: I’m celebrating the most important holiday of the year. It’s a sacred tradition involving sun, salt air, and zero notifications. I’ll get back to you once I’ve drifted back to reality (and rinsed off the boat day glow).

3. Subject: Sorry I was on a boat

Message: That’s it. That’s the message.

6. Subject: Currently unavailable

Message: I’m off the grid and on the water. I’ll reply when I’m back on land—sun-kissed, slightly windswept, and in a much better mood.

7. Subject: Took a personal day

Message: If it’s urgent, try sending a message in a bottle. Otherwise, I’ll respond when I’m back and mildly sunburned.

8. Subject: At capacity

Message: I’ve logged off everything except the boat’s Bluetooth speaker. I’ll get back to you after I’ve thoroughly dodged adulting for a bit.

9. Subject: Unavailable right now

Message: My current itinerary includes open water, snacks, and not checking my email. Will reply when my feet are dry and my inbox feels less intimidating.

10. Subject: OOO-O: (Out of Office-On a Boat)

 Message: To whom it may concern, I was unavailable for the video call because I was simply heads down on an essential summer project. I find it most effective to immerse myself deeply and candidly require the utmost concentration to fully engage. This particular project will indeed require my attention throughout the summer and while I’m not ready to fully divulge details, rest assured that my best self will soon emerge should I be left alone to complete it. Byebye.

11. Subject: Currently thriving. Will email later.

Message: I’m out living my best life on the water. If this is about work, let’s talk next week. Thanks! 

12. Subject: Bloop, bloop, bloop

Message: Last night, I watched a movie about a lost little fish trying to find their dad. Naturally, I did the responsible thing: booked a boat with snorkeling gear and set off to reunite them myself. So yeah… I won’t be making today’s meeting. Thanks for your understanding. 

13. Subject: Last minute thing came up 

Message: It came down to replying to your email or jumping off the back of a boat. I chose joy. Try again later. 

14. Subject: Away (like on a boat) 

Message: Currently replacing blue light with blue spaces. If this is urgent, send a flare.

15. Subject: Not ghosting, just floating

Message: Thanks for your email. I haven’t disappeared, I’ve just prioritized sunshine over screen time. I’ll resurface soon. 

16. Subject: Seacrest out

Message: I’m on a boat and deeply committed to not being productive. 

17. Subject: Focus time

Message: I’ve made time for what really matters: wind, water, and not checking Slack. I’ll get back to you after my mental reset. 

18. Subject: I’ll get back to you when… 

Message: The tide says it’s time. Until then please reach out to [Co-worker] with any urgent requests. 

19. Subject: PTO (Please Try Outside) Manifesto 

Message: At the time of your email, I was likely applying sunscreen with one hand and raising a sparkling water (okay, it’s a hard seltzer) with the other. I’ve decided to temporarily abandon my responsibilities in favor of chasing the horizon and blasting early 2000s hits on a Bluetooth speaker that came with the boat. This isn’t just a day off; it’s a statement. A celebration of National Sorry I Was on a Boat Day, and a reminder that the best plans are the ones that involve absolutely no planning at all. If this is urgent, I suggest you take a deep breath, step outside, and ask yourself: Would I rather be sending this email or on a boat, too?

20. Subject: Yes, I skipped your email

Message: Yes, I’m anchored at a secluded cove. No, I don’t want to trade places. 

21. Subject: Unapologetically unavailable 

Message: This message is coming to you from the past. Right now, I’m probably singing off-key to a yacht rock playlist and ignoring all obligations. 

22. Subject: Work-life balance

Message: Currently testing the theory that boats solve everything. Results pending.

23. Subject: You up? I’m not.

Message: I’ve traded deadlines for dock lines. Back soonish, probably with sea legs.

24. Subject: Reclaiming my time

Message: I’ve officially OOO’d myself into bliss. I’ll reply once I find shade and motivation.

25. Subject: Deeply unavailable

Message: This message is coming to you from the past. Right now, I’m probably singing off-key to a yacht rock playlist and ignoring all obligations.

26. Subject: Work-life balance: achieved

Message: Currently testing the theory that boats solve everything. Results pending.

27. Subject: Living my truth

Message: Which is, apparently, being barefoot on a bow with a cooler full of sparkling water and zero meetings.

28. Subject: Out living 

Message: I went where the Wi-Fi is weak and the vibes are strong. Back soon, full of stories and sand.

29. Subject: Find me where the fun is

Message: Some people take mental health days. I took a mental float day. Will reply when I return to land-based problems.

30. Subject: Sorry, I was out living your dream

Message: I’m on a boat. You’re in your inbox. Life’s funny like that.

31. Subject: Getting water 

Message: Today’s forecast: 0% productivity, 100% vitamin D. I’ll respond when I’m rehydrated.

32. Subject: Sorry, I was on another line 

Message: I’d answer, but I’m currently locked in a high-stakes battle with a fish who strongly disagrees. I’ll reel back into reality soon—unless they win. 

33. Subject: Weak signal 

Message: I went where the Wi-Fi is weak and the vibes are strong. Back soon, full of stories and sand.

34. Subject: Find me where the fun is

Message: Some people take mental health days. I had a mental float day. Will reply when I return to land-based problems.

35. Subject: Signed out, sailed off

Message: II’m currently embracing my right to ignore all digital pings. I’ll get back to you once I’m back (if I come back).

36. Subject: Happy Friday

Message: I hope this email finds you well. Unfortunately, your email finds me on a boat. I’ll reply when the anchor’s up and the Wi-Fi is back.

37. Subject: I’ve made other plans

Message: I had the option to respond to this email or float around listening to 2000s R&B on Bluetooth speakers. I made the obvious choice.

38. Subject: Making waves, not deadlines

Message: Catch me out here living like PTO is permanent. I’ll reply when reality calls me back.

39. Subject: Presently unavailable due to sea-related priorities

Message: This message was pre-scheduled because right now I’m yelling “WOO!” off the back of a boat. Back later.

40. Subject: Logged off

Message: Hey, you’re reaching after I’ve logged off and boarded a sunset cruise. I’ll reply when the sun sets on this OOO.

41. Subject: Gone to pursue my passion 

Message: Every hero has a call to action. Mine came with a boat rental confirmation.

42. Subject: Temporarily rerouting my priorities

Message: Inbox? Nope. Boat snacks? Yes. I’ll catch up with you when I come down from this nautical high.

43. Subject: In pursuit of peak leisure

Message: I’m conducting a scientific experiment on the exact number of hours it takes to become one with the ocean breeze. Will report back.

44. Subject: Inbox status: docked

Message: I’m not ignoring you. I’m just incredibly committed to my role as “person who dipped out and got on a boat.”

45. Subject: BRB.

Message: I’ll reply eventually. Probably.

46. Subject: Email me when it’s about snacks

Message: Unless this email contains a charcuterie board and directions to the marina, it can wait.

47. Subject: On a mission 

Message: I’m out here doing absolutely nothing and doing it well. Back later. Maybe.

48. Subject: Sorry, I’m currently overboard

Message: With joy, that is. It’s boat day, and I take that seriously. I’ll reply when I dry off.

49. Subject: Inbox reached capacity

Message: If you’re reading this, I’m somewhere unreachable (on purpose). I’ll be back after some light maritime soul-searching.

50. Subject: Floating my responsibilities

Message: If it’s truly urgent, ask the dolphins. Otherwise, I’ll get back to you when I’ve made peace with adulting again.