narrow minds...

[snowleopard]

A lot of the postings on this and similar sites revolve around one type of boater disliking another type. cruisers and racers seem to despise each other, as do sailors v motorers, dingies v yachts, monos v multis, gaffers v production grp and so goes on the list ad infinitum.

No amount of talk will convince the dyed-in-the-wool bigot but here's my suggestion: why don't we all resolve to try a different form of boating next season? Maybe we'd start to understand what others see in their particular interest.

My personal resolution is to try a high-speed powerboat (somewhere it won't be a nuisance to other people).

Not sure I'll ever be tolerant enough to get within a mile of a jetski but at least i'm trying.

 

[BrendanS]

Good idea. We took our powerboat club on a sail experience day last year, and it was thoroughly enjoyed by all (was going to do it again this year but fell apart, as trying to get something big enough to take 14 or more people at a reasonable cost is quite difficult) but have one arranged for next year.

I enjoy sailing a great deal, but still have immense fun in my powerboat

PS if you fancy a trip out on my powerboat you're welcome anytime

 

[Guest]

Post deleted by danfoley

 

[Skyva_2]

I'm a dyed in the wool sailor, but did an Inland Waterways certificate on the Thames this year (motor cruiser and narrow boat) and thoroughly enjoyed it. And its a lot more accessible than the Solent....

Gives you the other guys perspective and some new skills. I'm booked for more tomorrow (Thames cruisers near Marlow you have been warned!), but looking at the sheets of rain I'm getting dubious....but it has prompted me to order a dehumidifier at last.

Keith

 

[steve_cronin]

Quite agree....

We converted to sail as boat owners after 17yrs of motor cruising interspaced with various sail charters in many parts of the world.

Of course there is a place for everyone and if you don't like the chardonnay getting spilled by a powerboat passing then perhaps you're in the wrong leisure pursuit? you don't complain about commercial traffic do you?

If you do then why not campaign for the RNLI to re-introduce pulling or sailing lifeboats? Let's hope that one day you don't NEED to rely on a motorboat.

Steve Cronin

 

[ccscott49]

I've been shouting about this for ages, I just can't understand all this animosity, between people who enjoy the water, it's just not necessary, theres good and bad in all camps, it wopuld do us all good to be a little more considerate of others, all the time, not just when afloat, a little tolerance goes a long way, power boaters or yachts of any type who misbehave are disliked by all water users, it's not one particular type, some jetski drivers are very skilled and responsible, some are not, the sea can be a rough place, so why complain about a bit of wash in the open sea, (moorings are different) if you don't like moving around, buy a model and go to a boating lake. Come on chaps and chapesses get real and wake up and smell the roses, stop all this childish bickering, it makes us look like kids!

 

[jimi]

I'd love to share experiences (as would the family) so anyone that wants a shot of a sail boat + some company in exchange for a reciprocal trip on a Power boat, just PM me. I'm based in Hythe.

 

[Guest]

Post deleted by danfoley

 

[tome]

Pump up the gas...

I have to agree with you Brian. I've seen so little evidence of genuine animosity that I wonder if it's pure media hype?

Sure, there's plenty of rivalry and some good natured bashing, but it doesn't go beyond that in my experience. And, like you, I don't have a problem with any particular section of the community.

Though I'm a sailing man at heart I've done a fair bit in power boats also and can thoroughly recommend the thrill of doing 25 knots plus - especially if you can persuade someone else to pick up the fuel bill. Incidentally, I've met quite a few who have gone from sail to power and vice versa so don't assume that the man on the helm of a powerboat doesn't understand about sailing!

 

[ccscott49]

Re: Pump up the gas...

The animosity certainly exists, you won't see any of it coming from me, but I agree on here it tends to be tongue in cheek, but out on the water, especially in some areas, it's quite bad, have you not read some of the stuff going around? I am certainly not naive or swayued by what I read in the papers, (must buy one of those some day) Anyway I don't mind as long as it's not directed at me, but to say it doesn't exist is just not true and is IMHO being a little ostrich like. It's like saying road rage doesn't exist, just because you haven't seen any. Lecture over.

 

[billmacfarlane]

I agree. I meant to try a motor cruiser at this year's SBS , bit I'll try to have a go in one next year.

 

[tome]

Mine\'s a large Soltron

It probably does exist in isolated incidents but I don't believe it's endemic, even in the crowded waters of the Solent where I'm based. I have read some of the stuff going around but mostly it seems hysterical nonsense.

I suppose that it only takes a couple of bad incidents to alter your perspective, and since I've never had such an incident I'm happy to continue to wear my rose tinted glasses.

 

[Peppermint]

I do

You quickly take on the persona of the boat your in.

Classic gaffer, racing dayboat, RIB, multihull or gin palace. All give pleasure but standing on their decks changes your view only for the duration.

The boat maketh the man.

 

[Guest]

Re: Quite agree....

steve - agree with you. i would hate to have to rely on just an engine!

 

[Guest]

I love BOATING. First and formost I sail, but I'll go out in most things if I think it'll be fun, even a jetski (shock horror), and usually it's great.

I even go underwater (when it's warm).

We're all water users. We love the sea. Why the endless B/B/J Vs Moody, Stinkies vs Raggies, We hate PWC? It's REALLY BORING.

The realitiy is that most activities on water are FANTASTIC.

They're all good for their purpose, and we've heard all the arguments before, so why continue to bicker?

Nothing better to do?

Get out on the water for f*)s sake
Jim

 

[BrendanS]

Just making a note to add your yacht to the secret powerboaters database of vessels to be 'washed' whenever sighted at sea /forums/images/icons/wink.gif