What is happening to us

[Biged007]

Pulling the boat out at the ramp today I noticed the fella next to me has a flat on his trailer I tell him to hold up and got it pumped up with my portable comp. and sent him on his way. the part they couldn't believe is didn't want cash. When I said I was old school the owner laughed and stated sad to say that (school) has been closed for years It is sad as I remember we leaned on one another all the time back when.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: What is happening to us

most likely one of those folks that figures they just got something for free, a gift, and are not obligated to pass it along. "Boy did I get lucky today and it didn't cost me a dime!" Guess next time you should take his money when they offer.

 

[stic88]

Re: What is happening to us

when i help people out i dont take the money i just ask them to help someone out in the future.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: What is happening to us

when i help people out i dont take the money i just ask them to help someone out in the future.

+1000 for that! Karma is everything when boats are involved. A little of my time helping others has paid back 1000 fold on the water.

 

[gstanton]

Re: What is happening to us

I always just tell them to help the next person... It just might be me!

 

[Gary H NC]

Re: What is happening to us

I always just tell them to help the next person... It just might be me!

Same here! So there must be some of us "old school" type boaters still left out there.

I have towed boats,fixed trailer lights,tires and broken bunks at the ramp.
Most people are shocked i have all the tools and stuff in the back of my Tahoe. I never take any money from them and just hope they pass another good deed along.

I always carry my "just incase something breaks" tool box..

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: What is happening to us

Years back i changed a flat tire for a older couple. When I got done they said-who do i make the check out too? I said you dont owe me anything, I have parents and I would hope someone would help them in the same situation. They insisted ... They said we made out a check for $20,00 allready, but the - pay to- is blank. I said, if you insist. make it out to the ASPCA . They did. I stuck a stamp on it and sent it in... Karma then kicked in - My beloved Bailey- Captain Bailey on the boat ...[cocker/poodle /terrier] Made it 10 weeks shy of 18 yrs.. Lived a great life till the end, and went quick when god needed a lap dog.

[ miss ya scruff ]

 

[skargo]

Re: What is happening to us

I find most REAL boaters are of the old school brand, and we all help each other with no payment needed.

 

[paultjohnson]

Re: What is happening to us

I find most REAL boaters are of the old school brand, and we all help each other with no payment needed.

REAL boaters! Well Put !!!!

 

[Brewman61]

Re: What is happening to us

It's not that the old school is closed, it's more that a lot of people haven't attended. I won't charge anyone for helping them, it's a little classless to jump in and assist someone then demand cash. However, I'll often offer someone a few bucks if they help me out- tell them to buy a couple beers on me- nobody ever accepts the cash. If someone really went out of their way, I'd at least offer to pay for any gas they may have used helping me.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: What is happening to us

I don't ever accept cash, I do however tell who ever I help that they are now obligated to help someone else as payment, pay it forward you know? Of course I don't tell that to older folks I figure I owe them more then I can ever pay and tell them exactly that.

 

[hostage]

Re: What is happening to us

Oddly enough my mechanic for my boat does that. He docks near me and when I need a light or something he always gives me that part and doesn't accept money. I just wonder how well his business model works. I need him to replace some bellows on my boat etc, I am wondering how much I should give him.

-Hostage

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: What is happening to us

I would think that your kind words to others needing a mechanic would be the idea. Word of mouth advertising in my experience is far more important then any other. personal experience speaks volumes.

 

[DBreskin]

Re: What is happening to us

In addition to being the right thing to do, there's a legal reason to decline payment. If you help someone for free you're covered by the "good samaritan" law which protects you from liability. If you take payment (even if you didn't request payment) you become liable for any damages resulting from your actions.

Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer.

 

['96 Charger]

Re: What is happening to us

I definately like helping people out when they need it. Being olskool myself I feel it's tacky to accept money after helping someone in distress. They've had a bad enough day as is if they're needing help. I'm still waiting on an opportunity to help a couple people out on the water since I've been towed twice this year. I most likely saved someone from tearing up his new boat last month since he had never been on the lake he was headed to before and it is bad low. Also has lots of unmarked shallow spots just below the surface right now. Something told me to strike up a convo with him at the gas station and glad I did. Did giving someone insight on where NOT to go on the lake count as one of my KARMA pay-it-forwards? Can't decide but am happy to help anyone anywhere even if it means spending all day puttering them back to the ramp they put in at. Lord knows it's hard enough finding someone with a good heart these days.

 

[MPII]

Re: What is happening to us

One of the things I have always loved about Boating is that there tends to be a "boater's code" and you always help someone in need because we all know that we, ourselves, may need some help. It sound quirky but there is a code.

I recall being with a buddy and needing a tow in (fly wheel bolt backed out and shaved off) and we were a few miles from our put in spot. It took several hours to get in. Once there, the guy refused money for the tow but we did make sure the gas dock filled his tank back up!

In my experience, boaters tend to help other boaters!

 

[hostage]

Re: What is happening to us

Yesterday I was out on my boat and passed a house boat that looked like it was smoking really bad, I stopped singled them and told them something looked wrong. They said it was steam and thanks for the concern. One problem about offering help is sometimes you feel like you might be annoying someone for pointing something out. Granted they were in the cockpit so they couldn't see it and I never seen a boat have such a large cloud behind it

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: What is happening to us

I have to say, I am fortunate to live where I do, in Montana, it is the norm and not the exception to help each other out, I don't know how many people over the years I have pulled out of the snow, or changed a tire because they didn't have the proper equipment/tools with them.

It always comes around, cause I know I have been helped out a few times over the years as well, even had a tow truck driver pull me out for free one time, when I slid into the ditch during a bad snowstorm..

 

[Subliminal]

Re: What is happening to us

Basically, the way it works, and I'm sure there are exceptions to this rule:

The further you get away from LA or NYC, the more apt people are to help you.

There might be other epicenters of self-worth, but I think those two are the biggies.

 

[eclark53520]

Re: What is happening to us

I haven't had the chance to help anyone out on the water yet.

I was helped by a nice older fellow at the dock once when my winch strap broke.

Found myself working for Farm and Fleet last Friday though. Know that place like the back of my hand and offered to help an older lady find an air filter(she was looking at oil filters). Someone saw me help her and asked for assistance, next thing i knew i was giving advice on truck tires and DIY maintenance.

It was actually quite fun.