Was I parked in someone's reserved spot?

[rjlipscomb]

The other day, the wife and I went to the lake. We cruised over to Sandy Cove to beach the boat. We saw a "shelter, tent, awning or whatever they're called" on the beach and partially in the water. Next to it on the right hand side was a small boat. There were several other boats at each end of the cove. So, we pull up to the beach on the left side of the tent. Anchor up front and back (bow & stern). Jump out and make friends with the other boaters.
A half hour later, another small boat heads toward us and the beach/tent. The driver yells "where am I supposed to park my boat?" I looked around and pointed to open spots to the right and left. He then tells me I'm in his spot. At which, I reply, "I must have missed the reserved parking sign" (no foul language). He got hostile and made it clear he wasn't happy. My reply was to settle down and get over it. Don't bring your bad attitude to me. I will not tolerate it. Spots are open to everyone. btw, I thought the tent belonged to the other boater.

My question is, was I right to stand my ground and stayed anchored or was he right and I should have moved?

It seems wrong for boaters to think that can lay claim to a beach spot, abandon it and then return as if they own it.

 

[Shizzy]

Re: Was I parked in someone's reserved spot?

you didnt see any white lines painted on the water and a reserved for employee of the month signs did you? then you did as you should.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Was I parked in someone's reserved spot?

No sign, public area, tie up where there is a space. End of story.
I imagine that if the other boaters attitude had been a little different so would yours.

 

[strokeoluck]

Re: Was I parked in someone's reserved spot?

If there were plenty of open spots I doubt I would have pulled up right next to the whatever-it-was tent-thing in the water (I've never even seen what you're talking about ), if only because I'd be thinking there's a 50/50 chance that the boater to the right belongs to the tent-thing...but there's a 50/50 chance there's a missing boater to the left that may be returning to it. And why take a chance if there are plenty of other spots.

Then again, one would think the other boaters would have said something if it was that important. Regardless, I don't think you were wrong for saying something to him. However, if it were me (and I'm generally pretty accomodating; life is short) I probably would have just dragged the boat over 10' or so and let him in.

 

[rjlipscomb]

Re: Was I parked in someone's reserved spot?

If there were plenty of open spots I doubt I would have pulled up right next to the whatever-it-was tent-thing in the water (I've never even seen what you're talking about ), if only because I'd be thinking there's a 50/50 chance that the boater to the right belongs to the tent-thing...but there's a 50/50 chance there's a missing boater to the left that may be returning to it. And why take a chance if there are plenty of other spots.

Then again, one would think the other boaters would have said something if it was that important. Regardless, I don't think you were wrong for saying something to him. However, if it were me (and I'm generally pretty accomodating; life is short) I probably would have just dragged the boat over 10' or so and let him in.

Sorry, Sandy Cove is kinda funny. There are some shallow areas along the beach. To my left the water is (was) a couple of feet deep out about 15-20 from the shore line. The same to the right of the other boat. Small boats don't have a problem, its actually easy beaching for them. My boat is to big (deep) for those areas. The others areas are real sandy and good but taken up by boats, jet skis and kids playing.

My attitude was fine and jovial up to the point where he jumped in the water and came up me bitching about my "no parking" sign comment. I then stood up and he walked away. (no little guy here). And, I'd have moved my boat over as much as I could if he'd ask and given me a chance. My suspicion is alcohol was involved.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Was I parked in someone's reserved spot?

I'm with stroke, I wouldn't have pulled up close to the tent, since it wasn't mine, and I didn't know who's it was. And I am also with him in that, if that spot was being "held" for someone, the folks in the boat that was already there should have told you. But once there, and having "made friends" with the others present, then I wouldn't have moved either.
We had a similiar incident last year, during a raft up. A couple that had never rafted up with our group waved me off from their boat (which was on the end of the raft), cause they were saving the spot for another boat. They were given a quick lesson from the other members of the club as to how raft outs work, and it wasn't an issue again. But they didn't know, at first. So it happens. Don't sweat it.

But I would npt have many any sarcastic comments either. You definately escalated the situation, which wasn't helpful. But now you know, right?!

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Was I parked in someone's reserved spot?

Had the guy said, "hey, that's my awning and I'd appreciate being able to park next to it, as I was before," I would say that you should have moved. If his first statement was very agressive, he pretty much set himself up for being told to go away.

The only comment that I would make that I think you ought to accept as a good reason to check yourself, is the "I'm a big guy thing." You're not bigger than a 40 cal Glock and some of these people are nuts.

 

[rjlipscomb]

Re: Was I parked in someone's reserved spot?

The only comment that I would make that I think you ought to accept as a good reason to check yourself, is the "I'm a big guy thing." You're not bigger than a 40 cal Glock and some of these people are nuts.

Yeah, you have a valid point. He was dressed only in a bathing suit in waist deep water. no possibility for a firearm. I'm kinda the gentle giant. I'm more interested in having fun then getting into a fight. I allow my size to speak for itself. We all got along well once he realized I wasn't his punching bag.

And, I was as far left of his tent as I could get. He could have pulled up to it. Others who know the lake can attest to fact that the sandy beach areas fill up fast and get real cramped for space. Thinking you can tie up real estate by pitching a tent and throwing your kids in the water is not a real smart idea. I always help other boats get in to the beach. I will also throw my fenders out and let others tie up to my boat.

 

[skargo]

Re: Was I parked in someone's reserved spot?

It must suck having that little space to park your boats.

 

[Navy Jr.]

Re: Was I parked in someone's reserved spot?

Off topic, but this brings up images of those "reserved" seats at high school football games. Folks come in a 4:30pm when the gates open, duct tape their blankets to bleachers on the 50-yard line, then go home for dinner before the game. The blankets are usually there when they return with their families, but sometimes they are folded up and moved to the far end of the bench. That's when the fun starts for the folks who are now sitting in those "reserved" seats.

 

[mars bar]

Re: Was I parked in someone's reserved spot?

Maybe there should have been a handicap sign, that guy is ...well you know.

 

[lowkee]

Re: Was I parked in someone's reserved spot?

I say, hostile people get hostility in return. Being kind to him would have simply encouraged him being a jerk in the future. If he asked nicely and explained why he needed the spot, then I would expect the outcome to have changed accordingly.

 

[strokeoluck]

Re: Was I parked in someone's reserved spot?

I then stood up and he walked away. (no little guy here).

The other gentleman was right that you never know what people are packing these days, or how wacko they are. He may not have been carrying this time, but next time maybe he decides to throw his 9mm in the glove compartment of his boat just in case he runs into you again. Better safe than sorry.

While we're on the size thing, this reminds me of a little run in we had at my son's lacrosse game just the other day. Long story, but a Dad was acting like a jack-*ss and no one would say anything (including me; did I mention life is short?!). He finally said something to my son during a play on the field and my wife went over to him after the game and politely lit into him in front of many of the other parents who were no doubt wishing they had the cojones my wife has. Point being, it's funny how guys instantly make things about a physical challenge (I think it's how we're wired!) but women have a way of knocking guys down a peg or two w/just their mouths. No wonder I can never win an argument!

 

[jdlough]

Re: Was I parked in someone's reserved spot?

I'm ocean front on the beach in Ocean City MD. It cracks me up every week to see that weekly renters late at night line up a bunch of beach chairs in a great spot right at ocean's edge, to 'reserve' their good spot.

Of course, in the morning, the tide is out, so everyone just moves to the 'real' good spots in front of them.

(Or sometimes, they line up their 'good' spots at low tide. In the morning, all their chairs are gone!)

Jim