Identifying boats on the water

[DanTribe]

We got buzzed by a motor boat while tacking downriver, not dangerously, but closer than necessary. A while later he turned and came back up river, when we got close it became apparent that he wasn't going to alter course and we did a rapid tack to clear him. We've come to expect this sort of driving, so no point in complaining. However, I thought I would make a note of the name so I could avoid him in future, but no distinguishing marks whatsoever. I then started looking at other boats. Very few motorboats [ and some sailing boats] had any visible names or identifiable features
If I had to give a description, all I could say was that they where white and tall.
Are boats just becoming commodities so people now have no sense of pride in them?
Most people don't give names to their cars or fridges I suppose.

 

[Wansworth]

The problem you endured is the direct result of letting the rif raff get their hands on boats without a proper inductionthrough the traditional route of starting off with dinghies.In the not too distant future we will have to display our licence number on the bows in regulation high vis capitals .This how it is in Spain where the government paternalistically looks after you and there is no need to think for your self.....and they get a little revenue!If it is now considered that a 36 footer is the size of a starter boat we are well on our way.Boats used to be refered to as a class or type or by tonnage(tm) But since they started adverts for cars in YM its now "models".

 

[Searush]

Commodetisation rather than bespoke building.


But then would you pay for a one-off new build? Especially when it may have an uncertain value as a used boat. People used to get boats built & keep them for many many years, now they buy off the peg & often seem to change them every few years.

 

[Clyde_Wanderer]

We got buzzed by a motor boat while tacking downriver, not dangerously, but closer than necessary. A while later he turned and came back up river, when we got close it became apparent that he wasn't going to alter course and we did a rapid tack to clear him. We've come to expect this sort of driving, so no point in complaining. However, I thought I would make a note of the name so I could avoid him in future, but no distinguishing marks whatsoever. I then started looking at other boats. Very few motorboats [ and some sailing boats] had any visible names or identifiable features
If I had to give a description, all I could say was that they where white and tall.
Are boats just becoming commodities so people now have no sense of pride in them?
Most people don't give names to their cars or fridges I suppose.

No, the absence of a name or other id just gives them more scope to be selfish and have no good morrals or values, and a greater chance of getting away with their crimes however small.
Last wk I had a woman in a little older model Nissan Micra chase me up the motorway in a rage because I mistakenly found myself in a wrong lane while heading for the MW on slip and nipped in in front of her before the traffic lights.
It occured to me that she was so consumed with selfishness that she went into a rage when I went in front of her.
Sadly it seems this is the way our whole society is going.
C_W