Olde Pharte
Cadet
- Joined
- Aug 16, 2008
- Messages
- 11
After reading several different threads about reckless and thoughtless boaters, I thought that I would share my observations.
Most of these folks are either Self-Absorbed Boaters (SABs) or Ignorant Boaters (IBs). By ignorant, I don't mean they don't know their ABCs or can't count to 5 on one hand. They just don't know any better.
SABs - Off the water we run into these types on a regular basis. These are those that wait in a fast food line line for 10 minutes and wait until they get up to the counter to decide what they want. They also wait until the grocery clerk tells them what the total is to take out their checkbook to sloooowly write out the check.
On the water it is all about them. They are on a public lake and they can do what ever the he11 they want. It is their right. Take up 2 ramp spots - so what? Wait until they pull down the ramp to load the boat - so what? They pass by stranded boats as it is none of their concern. "Serves them right to have bought that POS boat in the first place." If they do help it is for $$ only. They pull tubers close to moored vessels, ignore No Wake signs, etc.
There is no helping these people. It is all about them and to he11 with everyone else. The only thing to change their attitude is fines and more fines. Only then, and under protest, will they play nice.
IB's just don't know what to do and as a result, don't know what questions to ask.
Most likely, they either have been on a friends boat or watched from shore and wanted to get out on the water. Since most states do not require boat licenses, they don't have a clue about most things. Yes, when you buy a new boat, there usually a Coast Guard or Power Squadron basic boating booklet in with the wiring diagrams and other material. This just gets thrown in a locker. The dealer will go over starting the engine and some other boat-specific items, but never much else (Understandably so considering lawsuit potentials). The boat owner is on his own.
Off water, they pretty much are like everyone else.
On water, they have there share of issues. Launching can be painful, but will listen and learn if approached nicely. They will pass stranded boaters, but only because they don't know that boats can crap out. "Surely, AAA or the police will come by and help out." When informed on the need to render assistance, they will help. Don't know how, but will try and do much better on the next tow.
Overall, IBs can and will either become a better boater or will sell their rig as it is too much trouble and go camping instead.
Our issue is to recognize the difference and act accordingly.
It would seem that there is a big opportunity for several Eagle scout projects. One is posting ramp etiquette signs at boat ramps (with permission of course).
Another would be to come up with basic boating/launching tips to be given away to new boat owners at boat dealerships/marinas.
Most of these folks are either Self-Absorbed Boaters (SABs) or Ignorant Boaters (IBs). By ignorant, I don't mean they don't know their ABCs or can't count to 5 on one hand. They just don't know any better.
SABs - Off the water we run into these types on a regular basis. These are those that wait in a fast food line line for 10 minutes and wait until they get up to the counter to decide what they want. They also wait until the grocery clerk tells them what the total is to take out their checkbook to sloooowly write out the check.
On the water it is all about them. They are on a public lake and they can do what ever the he11 they want. It is their right. Take up 2 ramp spots - so what? Wait until they pull down the ramp to load the boat - so what? They pass by stranded boats as it is none of their concern. "Serves them right to have bought that POS boat in the first place." If they do help it is for $$ only. They pull tubers close to moored vessels, ignore No Wake signs, etc.
There is no helping these people. It is all about them and to he11 with everyone else. The only thing to change their attitude is fines and more fines. Only then, and under protest, will they play nice.
IB's just don't know what to do and as a result, don't know what questions to ask.
Most likely, they either have been on a friends boat or watched from shore and wanted to get out on the water. Since most states do not require boat licenses, they don't have a clue about most things. Yes, when you buy a new boat, there usually a Coast Guard or Power Squadron basic boating booklet in with the wiring diagrams and other material. This just gets thrown in a locker. The dealer will go over starting the engine and some other boat-specific items, but never much else (Understandably so considering lawsuit potentials). The boat owner is on his own.
Off water, they pretty much are like everyone else.
On water, they have there share of issues. Launching can be painful, but will listen and learn if approached nicely. They will pass stranded boaters, but only because they don't know that boats can crap out. "Surely, AAA or the police will come by and help out." When informed on the need to render assistance, they will help. Don't know how, but will try and do much better on the next tow.
Overall, IBs can and will either become a better boater or will sell their rig as it is too much trouble and go camping instead.
Our issue is to recognize the difference and act accordingly.
It would seem that there is a big opportunity for several Eagle scout projects. One is posting ramp etiquette signs at boat ramps (with permission of course).
Another would be to come up with basic boating/launching tips to be given away to new boat owners at boat dealerships/marinas.
