Common courtesy (lack of)

[rottenray6402]

Re: Common courtesy (lack of)

I think a lot of this has to do with common courtesy and doing the right thing. When I was in the Navy I was stationed in Corpus Christie, TX for about 3 years. I scraped together enough money to buy a small john boat, 12ft I think. I found an old Scott-Attwater outboard and managed to get it running. A friend of mine and I used to go up to Lake Corpus Christie and bass fish whenever we could. I'm over 6ft and at that time weighed around 190 and my friend out weighed me by probably 30lbs. One day we were heading back to the ramp because a storm was coming up and about 1/4 mile out the motor died. The wind was getting stronger and I was pulling on that old motor while my friend was trying to paddle us to shore against the wind. We were in a bad situation getting worse by the minute when I saw a man at the dock jump in his boat and head out towards us. He offered a tow which we gratefully accepted and in no time we were safe on dry land. I don't know what would have happened if he hadn't come out to help us but I think minumum we would have been in the water and probably lost our fishing gear. I have never been as happy to see someone in my life and to this day every time I think of him I say a prayer for him and a prayer of thanks for people like him. So the moral of this story is if I see someone needing help you can bet I will stop. It is amazing how many times that all it is is a tank vent closed or something simple so you don't even end up towing them. So thanks to all of you who stop and render assistance and even though at times it is irritating to see what stupid things people do I guess we have all done stupid things at one time or another!

 

[Rick K]

Re: Common courtesy (lack of)

There is absolutely no courtesy where I boat. I was almost run over 3 weeks ago by a 42 footer going full stick before he even got out of the canal. The CG will speak to him.... Then there was the guy in the Donzi that thought 70mph half way into the canal was normal. Coastie will speak to him too.<br /><br />Then the guy who was flipping his lid at the ramp 'cause I was taking too long to launch... It takes me less than 5 minutes to back down, push off, park, board, and go. Next time I go into "slow mode". Maybe I'll wax her up before shoving off.<br /><br />Then there's the drunks, loud mouths, and oh, the kids on the pedal boats who own the canal. We've been sworn at by brat teenagers, because THEY'RE to stupid to even know how to pedal and navigate.<br /><br />I have always helped anyone in any way I could. I've siphoned gas out of my tank, to give to others. I've pulled my battery, to get someone else going. Heck, I even threw a fisherman a few of my worms for bait! <br /><br />I've been boating since I've been 12, and in 32 years of boating all over, I've never seen a more ignorant, or selfish lot as what's in Western NY. (Oh boy, look what I just started...)<br /><br />The best was when I was on the river when I saw a a family all forward in the bow, and 1 guy feverishly bailing water. He either blew a bellows, or left the plug out, or whatever. Can you believe he actually bit**ed at us for getting too close? If it wasn't for the fact he had wife/kids aboard, I'd of helped sink it.<br /><br />Hey, my thousand dollar 15' runabout is just as nice to me, as your $300K Sea Ray is to you. Play fair, and be nice!<br /><br />AAAGGHH!

 

[Gone]

Re: Common courtesy (lack of)

My BIL (in the Fla Keys)told me that when you take on a tow line from a distressed vessel, you take on the responsibility for what ever happens to that vessel. He told me that you should stop to see that everyone is OK and wait with them until the CG arrives, and let them tow it in. Is this true??<br />Now, I've learned enough from him to not believe everything he says. I boat on nothern lakes where the CG doesn't exist. I'll take a tow line but be very careful with it.<br /><br />CD

 

[cougar1985]

Re: Common courtesy (lack of)

wouldnt supprise me if you got in trouble for trying to help somebody. today it seems that people are so self absorbed and ready in an instant to put the blame on somebody else.i will help and be damned ,i hope this is just a florida thing crusty and id bet some damn shyster proably had a hand in it somewheres.

 

[bamadave]

Re: Common courtesy (lack of)

Rick, Here in Bama land, there is a saying that you are wasting your time if you were to ask the time of day from someone in NY. But, My family and I were there(NYC)this year. We got off the subway at the wrong stop(very wrong stop if you know what I mean). We were wandering around, looking obviously lost, when a man in an electric wheelchair, without any legs, came up and asked if he could help. Not only did he give us directions, but MADE SURE we found the bus stop. So, there are at least 2 nice people in NY.<br /><br />I live on Logan Martin Lake, which is a very popular recreation and fishing lake. There are distressed boaters frequently and I will offer help even at the risk of my own life. Call me stupid, but if my child has done something stupid, to the point that someone else would have to risk their life for my child, well you get the point. I have seen alot of grateful people when you offer a tow. And yes, I have had gifts left on my dock with thank you notes from thankful boaters. <br /> We're all part of a priviliged club, courtesy should be the first rule.

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: Common courtesy (lack of)

I was born in Ohio but moved away because of people like that.<br />I think the people in the south where i live now are usually more helpful.I never had a problem getting a tow at my local lake.<br />I have towed a few myself...

 

[horsefly38425]

Re: Common courtesy (lack of)

man,i can tell you one thing around here people usally stop to help maybe 100 or more boats were we beach about 3mi down river every wk'nd and i have never seen anybody get left/ broke.Me and my 2 small girls/3yr-8yr were fishing last sunday on our 24ft and rain was moving in. We had 5 or more boats stop and ask if we needed help My 8 yr old told replyed ONLY IF YOU CAN MAKE THE FISH BITE after i thanked them for stoping to ck

 

[kozman01]

Re: Common courtesy (lack of)

Agree with Gary H. on the Ohio thing. I know there are a few people on this forum from Ohio and I'm sure they would help ANYONE who needed it. For the other 3 million boaters in Ohio, forget about them. I try to help anyone I can AND who will accept it! I try to help people and usually get the "buzz off" and as I'm about to leave I explain the many violations with their boat and that as a law enforcement officer, I'm obligated to inform the marine patrol of the condition of their boat. That usually gets their attention Anyways, OH is filled with non-educated boaters as I'm sure many places are but not like here. I moved from Detroit, MI where boating is a way of life and I found it to be the rare occurance when you couldn't find a helping hand out on the water. Maybe it's just because OH has so many state park lakes and all the richy type, but still white trash, get on these lakes and boat like they own the lake. ANyways, enough of my ranting. For those from OH on this board, I'm sure that everyone you help in the future will appreciate the assitance you give them!! Keep trying to set the example.

 

[JustMrWill]

Re: Common courtesy (lack of)

I wasn't trying to bash Ohio boaters...I am sure that there are many inconsiderate boaters everywhere. That picture was from the ramp in Lorain, OH...Black River??? Right around the bend is Lake Erie. <br /><br />I was just surprised...EVERYBODY I met on land in Ohio was very friendly...but this was the first time I have ever seen a stranded boater not get any help. In Massachusetts...it "seems" to be almost opposite...on land...can't get the time of day from people...but on the water....guy will go 20 miles out of his way to get you towed in safely.<br /><br />I am sure this was just an "isolated incident". Maybe those two are regulars and have pissed off all the other boaters....<br /><br />-JMW

 

[kozman01]

Re: Common courtesy (lack of)

Please don't think you were "bashing OH boaters". I'm speaking of a generalization of my experiences here. That picture you posted really doesn't surprise me at all. Everyone is too concerned about what THEY are doing and WHO is preventing them form doing it. Very littel courtesy these days. We should come up with a flag design that everyone who follows this line of thinking "Be courteous to your fellow boater", would fly so we all could identify ourselves and also people might ask, "what's that?" and we could explain it to them and then they might want to fly the same flag. Just an idea. I thought when I was getting into boating that I was getting away from certain elements in society that I didn't want to be around, I was wrong unfortunetly.

 

[Rick K]

Re: Common courtesy (lack of)

Hey Bamadave - I own some property in Ft. Payne, and have frequented Weiss Lake a few times. Talk about great people and good fishin'!!!<br /><br />Never been called a yankee, but everybody on the mountain seems to know when I'm down there! The hospitality and great people absolutely blows my mind!!! <br /><br />Now if I could just get everybody to quit makin' fun of my accent....<br /><br />Rick

 

[rottenray6402]

Re: Common courtesy (lack of)

Rick K, I know what you mean about the canal in N Tonawanda being full of idiots. We used to launch at the Botanical gardens and fish up and down there. When they started to charge to launch and with all of the bozos I don't think I've been there for 7 or 8 years. I don't mind the small boat harbor into Lake Erie because there are so many ramps that you can avoid most of the fools. The 1000 Islands are where almost every time we get in a hassle with someone. My GF had open heart surgery 13 years ago when she was very young so she looks healthy but can't pull the boat around like the old days and it seems someone is always in such a hurry they can't wait until I park the truck. I have to say I have run into more rude boaters in NY than anywhere I've ever been!

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Common courtesy (lack of)

I live in a private 700 HOA, with a launchramp, and 104 slip marina. Mostly bluecollar, and always got a hand with the in and out. New jerks moving in will actually sit there in there pretty SUV fuming because I beat them to the launch dock. And so if they think I can do it faster by myself with zero help (be nice if they grabbed the lines at least, then quick in and out), I take my damn time, and a lot of it. I get a dirty look, I tell them right too their face.."I could have used some help..thanks" and drive away. I have my own slip, and will seldom use the ramp (especially weekends), but I'm always hanging down there, and help ANYBODY with ANYTHING. What goes around, comes around.

 

[dakk1]

Re: Common courtesy (lack of)

During the Shrimp Festival in Oct one year at Gulf Shores AL., I turned my 18' day sailer over on Perdido Bay in a strong breeze. Next power boater that came along gave me a tow which was about a mile to the launch. This was a half sunk sailboat so it was a slow go. Got to the launch at Bear Point and my van didn't have the muscle to pull the boat out of the water which was still full of water inside the hull. Couple of good 'ole boys watching, without a word, backed their pickup down in front of my van, hooked up a chain and pulled me on out.<br />Another time at Gulf Shores at Little Lagoon pass I was taking my fishing boat out thru the surf when the motor stalled at a most inopportune time. One guy swam from the sea wall through the surf to see if he could help.<br />Once I was pulled in by a guy on a jet ski. Seems whenever I've needed a tow, someone has been kind enough to render assistance and, of course,I have and will do the same.<br />Then there was that time I was broke down on the interstate and had to walk four miles.. <br /><br />Dave.. also at Logan Martin

 

[Rick K]

Re: Common courtesy (lack of)

Was just at the ramp last nite as I wanted to pull my boat home for cleaning, etc. So, here I come, and what's on the dock, 5 kids fishing. Now these little ones ranged from about 3 to 8 years old, so I wouldn't expect them to know anything about ramp courtesy. But geeze, mom and dad were there, and THEY should know to get their kids outta the way so that I could take care of business. So now, I'm finally tied off, and in the process of baking my truck/trailer down the ramp. Kids jumping around, etc. Well, I almost hit a kid, and I absolutely snapped. Thought I was gonna slam the door right off my truck. I had to take a minute to calm down, before I went and told "dad", that I had a hard enough time docking because he didn't tell his kids to move, now I almost hit one with my trailer, and couldn't he at least move his kids to the other dock until I was done? <br /><br />His response was that maybe *I* should be more careful! <br /><br />Must be something in the water along the canal, or maybe all the toxic waste in the area, that's eaten away the part of the brain that controls common sense. Sure hope the kids don't grow up to be morons like the old man...

 

[LongJohnSilver]

Re: Common courtesy (lack of)

There seems to be much generalizing, so I’ll chime in. I think the biggest factor is age and a general decline of manners.In my opinion, the rudest boaters are the smart assed teenagers out raising hell in their old man’s boat. The 2nd rudest group are boaters who have the testosterone rockets.<br /> <br />Several years ago I was stranded in early December when my motor completely died. I was getting very concerned because I was ½ mile from the waterway and I had broken down in a tidal creek next to a private island where only the mega wealthy live. The wind had blown me on the shore opposite the homes and I was stuck on an uninhabited island. I was prepared to anchor up and spend the night, when lo and behold, an elderly gentleman came roaring over in his monster Grady White and towed me 2 miles. He was so kind I felt guilty. After thanking him for the tenth time I introduced myself and his name sounded familiar. He was a developer/builder who owned half of the next county. It put a whole new meaning on the word class.

 

[chugger]

Re: Common courtesy (lack of)

When I look at the picture I don't see a boat in distress. I see what looks like two healthy men rowing a boat with wake boards and a lady sitting quietly in the back. No one is waving they're arms or signaling that they need help. I also see a guy in the forground so it doesn't look like they're far from shore. My first thought is "where are their paddles?". My second thought is I should ask if they need help but not because it looks like they need it but because I'm dying to find out if they forgot the gas along with the paddles. And, I'd like to get a closer look at the lady.

 

[JustMrWill]

Re: Common courtesy (lack of)

That picture was taken after they had been paddling for 15 minutes. They started out closer to the cement footing you can see across the way. I cropped the picture to save on bandwidth. The last 10 minutes of paddling...nobody launched...all the 4 other boats that ignored them passed them while they were still out in the middle.<br /><br />-JMW

 

[jake069]

Re: Common courtesy (lack of)

I grew up living on a river, I'd constantly grab a waverunner, or boat to go "rescue" fellow boaters, I'd let em use my tools, give em gas, or a phone. One very wealthy guy sent me a case of wine (i hate wine) but the thought was nice. I always refused cash, I liked helping people, and I thought it was fun. and I know what its like to be on a busted boat

 

[bamadave]

Re: Common courtesy (lack of)

Rick, thanks for the kind words of the south. You still hear kids say Sir, Mam, and Thankyou!<br />If you are EVER fish here or ever thru here, give me a shout.<br /><br />DAKK, where are you on the lake? I'm 1 1/2 mile from the LM dam on the Talladega side. 6.5 mile commute to the marina. I feel I'm the luckiest man on Earth being able to take my boat to work.