At what point do you stop inviting people out on the boat?

[2000silvers2k]

Seems like one of my biggest frustrations is finding reliable people to come out on the boat with me. Everyone always expresses interest in going out, but when you ask them and set a date and time they are always unavailable.

I like to do skiing and wake-boarding so I need at least two others to make that happen.

Its getting old hearing no, cant make it out, time after time.

Just wondering how you guys deal with it?

I have started my own, three strikes your out rule. if I ask them three times and they say they cant, then I am done asking them.

 

[wahlejim]

I never really exclude invites from people but I have run into that situation before. What I have switched to is inviting a lot of people out for a day on the lake. I usually invite about 20 or so. There is a lake nearby with a sand bar that I can set tubes up and take people out in shifts on the skis if more people rsvp than I can handle on the boat. Over time, I have found people who really enjoy and appreciate the time on the lake so they have turned into my "regulars" that I know I can call on for a last minute boat session.

 

[ziggy]

check the rules in your state. in NE., the way i read the rules is, if ya have a wide angle rear view mirror, a spotter is not required. if that's the case in your state, you and the wife could get ya on your skis w/o the third person. no need for extra people then.

 

[JaCrispy]

http://www.solowatersports.com/

 

[littlerayray]

check the rules in your state. in NE., the way i read the rules is, if ya have a wide angle rear view mirror, a spotter is not required. if that's the case in your state, you and the wife could get ya on your skis w/o the third person. no need for extra people then.

Just cuz it's legal doesn't mean it's a good idea I would never recommend using a mirror cuz when your looking in the mirror your not watching where your going and when your watching where your going your not looking in the mirror it's dangerous practice and should never be done

 

[oldjeep]

Just cuz it's legal doesn't mean it's a good idea I would never recommend using a mirror cuz when your looking in the mirror your not watching where your going and when your watching where your going your not looking in the mirror it's dangerous practice and should never be done

Bah. If you can't see your mirror and where you are going then you shouldn't be driving a car either. No spotter required in MN

 

[Maclin]

So what usually happens? You invite them and they go with you once and then never say yes again? If they were truly skiing and wakeboarding fans they would probably make/take the time and go whenever they could. What age group is this crowd?

Maybe your friend's expectations are different than yours regarding "going to the lake". It sounds like you put them to work when maybe they want a relaxing day on the water. Or the boating experience is less than what they enjoy for some other reasons. Maybe you need to go to "Charm School" ? ..

 

[roffey]

I agree, in my book two people in the boat is a must and three is better. The driver has to be looking forward checking for boats and most importantly skiers and other tubers. I have no rules for asking people out on the boat. If they don't want to come out why get upset. The people who want to go and enjoy you wont have to ask, IMHO

 

[gddavid]

Are there any local skiing or wakeboarding clubs in your area? They often have forums or other means of finding a third.

 

[littlerayray]

Bah. If you can't see your mirror and where you are going then you shouldn't be driving a car either. No spotter required in MN

I'm not saying I can't do both but you don't have your full attention on one task and miss small things it's like driving with a cellphone as far as I'm concerned like you could miss a slow down cue or a speed up cue or not realize right away that the rider has fallen I like 2 people min in my boat when doing watersports my spotter me piloting and a 3rd as a lookout for other boats cuz it can get busy

 

[64osby]

So you take others (possible noobs) out and let them drive the boat when you ski?

Wouldn't happen on my boat.

 

[littlerayray]

No I don't only someone who has been taught by me can operate my boat or someone with plenty of experience after I see how they operate a boat

 

[roffey]

Bah. If you can't see your mirror and where you are going then you shouldn't be driving a car either. No spotter required in MN

I don't want to start a scrap here but I could not disagree with you more, apples and oranges here. If the skier or tuber falls and gets hurt and you don't see or act right away it could be deadly. Your not towing a body behind the car or hopefully not,lol.

 

[JASinIL2006]

Chris, I know what you're talking about and it drives me crazy. The typical scenario is that on Monday someone will accept an invitation to go out boating over the weekend. When I check in with them on Friday to confirm, they have some lame excuse or they've made other plans. I will put up with that about two or three times, and after that, they don't get invited again. It's no different than any other time folks commit to do something and then blow you off. It's rude, and I don't need to keep putting myself in the position of being blown off.

 

[gddavid]

So you take others (possible noobs) out and let them drive the boat when you ski?

Wouldn't happen on my boat.

I have new boaters drive the boat while others ski and I can coach them. How else are people going to learn?

 

[oldjeep]

I don't want to start a scrap here but I could not disagree with you more, apples and oranges here. If the skier or tuber falls and gets hurt and you don't see or act right away it could be deadly. Your not towing a body behind the car or hopefully not,lol.

If a skier falls and you can't see it or feel it then you have other issues. No advice on tubing - no tubes allowed anywhere near my boat.

 

[Maclin]

I am constantly monitoring front sides and mirror. It is rare for a passenger to tell me before I know they are down. On my big boat it is less of a hit but still noticeable. I have not had to lately, but I would feel safe with just me and a skier.

 

[oldjeep]

In answer to the OP's question. If we invite someone else out and they don't show it doesn't impact us, unless we were waiting around for them and lost the good water. My wife and I are the only ones who drive the boat for the most part, with exceptions for a couple people who own and know how to drive a ski boat properly.

 

[MH Hawker]

I ask once

 

[TCATTC]

Wait until you rent rooms at the fishing camp and half of them don't show up. That's really educational.