Boating Forums

When I was just getting started with power boats I hung out on a couple trawler forums. I was later severely chastised on one for including a non-boating comment in a reply. I dropped that group in a hurry -- waaaay too serious about their expensive jewelry boats, and more interested in theory or elaborate equipment than actual on the water experience.

Another forum had a 'world knowledgeable genius' that answered every post from his vast and important experiences. He babbled on and on. One of his big brags was he didn't like to talk to other boaters at the dock - he just wasn't interested in hearing their drivel and life history -- and that's exactly what he was doing on the board, telling his life's story in replies to every question. I called him on it (as well as mentioning many, many times when he contradicted himself), 'cause I like messing with a know it all. He finally got irritated enough to remark, "Why don't you just hit the ignore button for my posts instead of harassing me?" when this is exactly what he should have done to me. These guys were much like folks on other boards in that they were always getting ready but never actually going. These boards had been a help to me in defining my direction and I had gone back to them in case there were others evolving as I did, wishing to just somehow get out on the water.

I'm not saying there's anything wrong with exchanges and ideas on those boards. Boating in any form is a great hobby whether it's restoring, modifying, outfitting, wishing, dreaming or just BSing. What I am saying is I'd rather associate with folks who enjoy water time in the same manner I do. I like simple and cheap -- my stuff isn't ‘the latest’ and doesn't shine; if it's practical and dependable I'm in  even if the equipment or technique isn't rated by the masses as 'approved'. I am also responsible; not only for my successes but also what others may brand 'failures'. To me it's all just another adventure…it’s my fun or it’s my fault.