Do you like driving?

[wgoodhoofd]

As a Canadian cottage boater, I'd say I was lucky to get out in the boat as much as I did this summer -- especially with 87 octane pushing $1.30/L here. Now, I don't mind driving the boat at all, partly because it's just become my responsibility around our cottage, and partly because the Four Winns 180 is just so much fun to be in, but there are times when it does become tiring.

So my question to the iBoats members at large is what percentage of the driving do you do in your boat, and do you get tired of driving constantly?

 

[mthieme]

Re: Do you like driving?

I drive at least 95% of the time. On the odd occasion I don't, I take advantage of this by taking in the scenery moreso...and I'm usually on someone else's boat.
I do the driving because I'm usually either alone or with my grandson although I am putting him behind the wheel more this year. He's coming of age and I have been teaching him the rules of the road.
Crabbing is a different story but this entails idling back and forth all day.
I prefer to be back where the action is, but there's a lot of switching on and off.

 

[Irv964]

Re: Do you like driving?

I drive about 98% of the time, my wife is just starting to drive my boat and my young lad does occassionally but he is sitting on my knee.
I don't mind letting someone else drive my boat if I am tubing or skiing but that opportunity is pretty rare. Going for a ride in my buddies 20 Youngblood jet boat is a blast to say the least, he even let me drive it a couple of times and I have to say it is the most stablest boat I have ever ridden in or drove!..........Irv964

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Do you like driving?

One of the things I've noticed when taking kids out fishing in my little aluminum boat is that one of the high points of the day is when I let them take the tiller when the fishing's over.

Most of the kids are between 10 and 14, and most of them have never been in a boat before. I talk about how the outboard works during the day, and explain how you steer the boat and why. They don't know why I'm doing that, but when we finish up the fishing, we switch seats. The youngster gets to pull the rope, put the outboard in gear and steer the way back to the cove where the launching ramp is. I take over again before we get to the no-wake area.

I keep a close eye on them and the surrounding waters, but there's no way they can get in much trouble with a 6 hp outboard on a 12' boat, so they can twist the throttle as much as they want and turn the boat as much as they want. When I need them to run straight or do something else for safety's sake, they respond well.

Like I said, it's a high point for them, and I love seeing their smiles at being in control of something.

One note: I have a special kill switch lanyard for this purpose. It has a loop that goes around my wrist, and I keep my hand closed around it at all times. So far, I've never had to use it.

 

[orthoguy]

Re: Do you like driving?

I am by myself most of the time, but on the times that I do have people aboard, I still drive.

 

[dlngr]

Re: Do you like driving?

I drive about 50% of the time,I like a break now and then,and do a little sight seeing while someone else drives. I've let my friends 7 year old boy drive,[I stay right next to him]-and it's really fun to see him "take charge"!!
14' Lund aluminum,w/remote steer.

 

[wildmaninal]

Re: Do you like driving?

I drive 100% of the time to and from the fishing destination where ever that might be for the day, on the lake.

Some of the times I dread driving because some of the areas we go through have a real narrow and shallow channel that snakes through our short cut to one of our favorite fishing spots. Most likely we will not make it through there when the lake hits winter level.

I can't say that I would wrather ride because some of the people that I have road with in the past scared the heck out of me.

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: Do you like driving?

I do most of the driving in our boat...like 95%, usually by default. I was always the boat driver with my friends when we were younger. Anyways my wife is just learning to drive the boat and she will come on strong when she gets a bit more experience doing it. If somebody wants to give it a go or whatever...no problem. I just make sure the coast is clear and there isn't anything for them to really hit.
Either way tho', I'm good...I really don't care who drives as long as they have a handle on what they are doing....even in my boat. I know a few guys who are set and confirmed that they and they alone have to hold the steering wheel 24/7 it seems. I say....knock yourself out.....its all yours. I'll be over here.....takin' it easy.
My two bits.
BP

 

[f_inscreenname]

Re: Do you like driving?

I have let the wife drag me around on the tube a couple times.
I have also let the kids drive a few time sitting in my lap. Got to start them early.
But 99% of the time it?s me and I love it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfbzXetbUjE

 

[DJ]

Re: Do you like driving?

My wife couldn't care less. She is capable but prefers to be a proffessional passenger and my eye candy.

I love to let youngsters take the helm. Thy get hooked quick.

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Do you like driving?

What let someone else drive my boat??!!

Funny, though, was just talking to my wife the other day about her spending some time behind the wheel...maybe this post is an omen...

 

[zach103]

Re: Do you like driving?

100% on the boat we just got. my dad still hasn't driven it. he will soon tho