People and your boat...

[HollaGeo]

I brought my boat (Checkmate) home for the first time to store in my garage for the winter. While I was outside cleaning it, a few nosy neighbors walked over and asked me a few questions about it. It was almost like they were mad that I had one. Have you ever had this feeling??? Just to be clear...My boat isn't exactly a show winner. It's not like I have a 50K dollar speed boat. It's a 15 footer that could use a new paint job.

 

[skibrain]

Re: People and your boat...

I always thought that working on or waxing my 16' $4,000 used boat in the driveway was a great way to meet neighbors and I always got compliments from those walking by. No one ever seemed angry that I had a boat. ??!

I probably annoyed a few folks each fall for the minute or so I ran my 120hp 2-stroke outboard on the flush muffs. But that glorious noise didn't last long.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: People and your boat...

Well, did you offer them a ride in it? They were tying to be friendly and you scared them off by continuing with you buffing and polishing, I've been there myself, it's all in your mind. Now appologise for being so preoccupied and offer up some rides.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: People and your boat...

Your neighbors are afraid!! Pretty soon you will have parades of boats in the street and Boater Gangs!!!

Many people get/give the same reaction to a motorcycle

 

[Shrike]

Re: People and your boat...

It's Jersey!
Whadda ya spect?

 

[dude11]

Re: People and your boat...

Next time you pull'er out--get in sit down with a fishing pole in hand and just sit there--folks stay away from crazy people.

 

[Pirate_40]

Re: People and your boat...

Your not alone. There are always going to be jealous neighbors. Years ago I had one wacky neighbor shout out, "geez how many times are you going to wax that thing". He was annoyed because I could see into his yard while waxing. No big deal. Now I make sure the boats get three coats twice a year.

 

[metriccrescentwrench]

Re: People and your boat...

What model Checkmate? I've got a 1979 Checkmate Eluder which I just finished totally restoring.

I agree with offering neighbors a ride if they come over to talk. Worst thing that might happen is they take you up on it, they get educated a little bit about boats and won't mind when you work on your boat or run it on muffs.

 

[Brewman61]

Re: People and your boat...

Boats are very common around here, so I get little attention when mine's parked at the house, which is only a few hours in the spring and again in the fall.

 

[ingalp01]

Re: People and your boat...

I've had a few strange looks from the neighbors since bringing home the Chris Craft, but it's nearly 30 feet from Bow pulpit to swim platform and just a shade under 10 feet tall. I keep it covered stem to stern with a 40 x 30 blue tarp, so it looks like there is a circus tent in the driveway... LOL...

 

[seaboo]

Re: People and your boat...

I have a neighbor that likes boats (he's owned a couple in his younger years), but he HATES stuff parked in a neighbors driveway (thinks if it isn't just you daily driver car, it's junking up the neighborhood and driving down his property value). I think alot of people are afraid a boat is gonna become a piece of "yard art" and drive values down.

 

[convergent]

Re: People and your boat...

I have a neighbor that likes boats (he's owned a couple in his younger years), but he HATES stuff parked in a neighbors driveway (thinks if it isn't just you daily driver car, it's junking up the neighborhood and driving down his property value). I think alot of people are afraid a boat is gonna become a piece of "yard art" and drive values down.

Well stuff sitting around in driveways does make the neighborhood look a lot different. That's why there are neighborhoods with HOA rules against it. If the neighbor wants to live in that kind of neighborhood, then they should move and let you live in peace! Where we live there are restrictions on things in the driveway, and so about half the houses have a detached garage in addition to the one connected to the house. That is where we keep our boat and everyone is happy. I know they check, because I got a letter from the HOA saying I was storing a boat in the driveway, and I had to laugh because its never in the driveway that its not attached to my tow vehicle, and never overnight. I just called and told them I wasn't storing it in the driveway and they were apologetic.

 

[DianneB]

Re: People and your boat...

My boat is a 24' cabin cruiser and I live in a rural area. One friend and neighbour definitely showed signs of jealousy but gets motion sick and wouldn't go for a ride. Another friend made some comment about my "moving in a different crowd now" so I invited her and her husband for a weekend on the boat - she has changed her tune and found out boaters are just regular people.

 

[shrew]

Re: People and your boat...

I blew my 454 a few years ago and was staring down teh barrell of a 15K bill to replace with a new 496. I ran into a buddy at a mutual friend's party about a week later. He walked up to me and said "So, how's the boat, I heard you had some problems recently?". It wasn' thte question, but the way he asked it with that @#$3 eating grin on his face. His entire aproach was pure pleasure. He did a very poor job of hiding that he was completely thrilled. Keep in mind, this guy and his wife try to live the "We're keeping real" life. They bought a farm and try to live ridiculously simple, somewhat self-sufficient lifestyles. It's not like I'm busitng on him for having a yard that smells like cow crap. What the heck???

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: People and your boat...

sounds like fear of driveway junk to me, too. Just assure them that you aren't going to cover it with a blue tarp and leave it there.

I had a neighbor once who wanted to park an RV for a few months between our houses (which were small and close). He came over and asked, discussed how it would be parked so no one would see it, he'd only crank it up once every 2 weeks, etc. Because he was decent about it, I said fine, even though I would rather he didn't. It's all about the approach.
I did call the city, though, on a junk car in the yard behind me, against my hedge.

 

[AZBoatDreamer]

Re: People and your boat...

My only Neighbor made a smart mouth comment. "Waxing that Boat Again" . "Or you working on that boat again" Little did they know I was checking fluids and Gages. I just ignore her and went on my business. Her husband won't even come to look at it or show interest. I believe this is a sign of Jealousy.

 

[4Winns2]

Re: People and your boat...

Mine sits on the mooring for the season and she'll come home to our driveway in a couple of weeks. She sits in the driveway for about 3 weeks to be cleaned, buffed out, and winterize. I have comments from people about the amount of time I spend cleaning and fixing my labor of love.

I don't think they're being derogatory but nor do I care either. Everybody in my neighborhood knows I take good care of my home, cars, and boats. I admire that in others so if they say something, I take it as a complement. BTW: my boats and cars are paid for. In their driveway sits a newer car but with the payments that go with.

 

[nuboat2me]

Re: People and your boat...

Mine are paid for... "Sluggo" could use a bit of spit and shine... She won't win any beauty contests... But she runs like a dream and gets the job done. I just love my 25 yr old boat...

My Motorhome gets more attention that the boat(s) do... I get asked all the time... "What did that THING Cost"??? I just smile and tell them.... If you have to ask, then you don't really need to know... Sounds rude but, Hey, Do you as what folks paid for the home or what Salary they draw???

Just sayin'...

 

[canyonken]

Re: People and your boat...

I am always dragging my used 175 Sea Ray bowrider home the day before I use it. I have been wondering what neighbors up the street have to say as well since they all have to drive past my house to get out of the hood. One slowed down last time I was out there washing it. She just drove real slow and said she wished she was my friend and kept on going.... I don't get people. My boat is worth 5000 on a good day. Some people blow that on a two week vacation to see some huge ball of twine somewhere... Anyone can pick up a decent used boat for an extra hundred bucks a month. We purposely bought a house that was way less than the "bank" said we could afford. If we bought a bigger house the bank said we could swing - we would be eating mac and cheese and PBJ's from week to week. We then bought some used toys to enjoy as well. We have a "used" camper as well I drag home. People must think we are the rich people on the street. LOL !!!! We just managed our crappy paychecks to maximize the fun.... you know.... THE FUN !!

 

[98Shabah]

Re: People and your boat...

Yeah, our newest car is 5 years old, our house was $20,000 less than other comparable houses because it needed a little work, and when something needs to be fixed I do it myself, all so that we can afford toys, like the boat.

Friends of ours that always have a new car or are having kitchens remodeled, a deck rebuilt, or go shopping every weekend think we're insane for taking on the "financial burden" of a boat. Different strokes. On weekends they drive their kids all over to play sports, we drive to a lake to go boating with the kids.