Reassurance for a fragile boater, please

[Lawsy]

Last year, my first as a boater, did not go well. The boat developed problems from almost the date of delivery, the weather up here in the North West always seemed to be outside of my own personal comfort zone (especially at weekends, which was usually the only time I could get down to the marina) meaning that I had only a very limited time on the water; then I took ill; then the boat dealer went out of business (thanks to Keith, by the way, for at least ensuring I do still have a boat to call my own); then me and the other half got involved in protracted issues over a house we were buying; then we decided to get married (the planning of which takes up time). All of which has meant that I haven't even been to the boat (35 miles away from home) since early December, let all taken her out anywhere. Am I developing a mental block here gang, based on bad early experiences? Can any of you psychologists (amateur or professional) help me out here & remind me that boating really is fun & that all the trials and tribulations really are worth it in the end?

 

[No Regrets]

Not at this time of year, no.

Ask me in May.... /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif

We're using this time of year to clean, prep and fettle the boat, so we can enjoy a whole Summer of uninturrupted boating.

That's about four weeks if last years anything to go by. Rest assured, if you give up boating, the weather will change the day after the cheque has cleared....

 

[gjgm]

some seasons are better than others, but sometimes some of the really special times, seem to be in an otherwise bleak year.
Sounds like you have had your plate full, which isnt really the fault of the boat ! Hang on in there for some warmth and perfect seas and sunshine, and then ask yourself it its worth it. But, hey, nothing wrong if you decide it isnt. Its just a hobby.

 

[rubberduck]

We got our boat in may last year, spent the whole season getting the teething problems sorted & fighting the bloody awful weather. Boat now sorted but I am writing from a London hospital as I have blown a gasket myself. The thing that is getting me through is watching video's & looking at pics from the few times we actually got going properly last year. If I can double the amount of pics this year then it will have been well worth it. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[curve]

Sometimes when I go boating things just seem to go wrong all the time and then other times things run without a hitch. I used to think it was because we had a Jonah onboard but in reality its just life and things happen.

I keep a journal with photographs of my boating exploits and it is nice to look back on some of the glorious sailing days as well as the cock-ups.

 

[Roxby]

We started last year, had one wonderful week in March then spent the rest of the year dealing with wind, flood, redundancy, sickness blah blah, so all told managed four trips out. There was a period of three months when we didn't even see the boat, and were pleasantly surprised to find her still afloat when we finally got to the marina.
Like you, we wavered, especially as lack of practice made each trip out a bit of a trial.
And yet, as the days lengthen, today Shepperton rings us up to say the service is done and she's ready to go, and sure enough, the spirits lift and life looks just a bit brighter.
Yes, absolutely, it's only a hobby, and one we dipped into with no clear expectations. But you've done the hardest part - now reap the rewards of that work and give yourself time to enjoy it.

 

[whisper]

Bugger the boating!! Just get well soon.
Everything else is of minor importance.

 

[Kipper]

It just sounds to me like you had an exepttionaly bad year. I trust you are now on the mend. Just relax May should see an upturn in the weather, it usually does and then if you get one or two really good days out it will all seem worth it.

Chill out and good luck.

/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

Gary

 

[Nautorius]

Do not worry.

A boat should be about aspirations and relaxation. Just having one makes me feel better. I always hope the weather will be good but I stopped looking to closely at weather forecasts a while ago. A bit of Rain/Wind is fine, and it may turn out to be the perfect day!

Cheers

Paul /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[rubberduck]

Thanks. I'm afraid this is going to be a recurring feature of my life, last time 4.5 years ago & this time less severe. Ti's the reason I got into boating as is stress related, & the boat is a good focus at times like this. Wife still thinks I'm nut's though. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[PlanB]

Somebody said that everything comes in threes, and the fourth thing to happen to the boat is just the first of the next three. Sometimes you wonder whether you'll ever be able to use the boat, but then you do and you forget all about the worries. However, boating is never going to be problem free, you just develop an immunity to worry! I gather last summer was a snorter in UK (we're in Spain) but before we left the UK, when we were novices, we were often too anxious to take the boat out due to weather conditions. However, we persevered and it is now worth all the earlier hassle. Keep at it - and remember that even sitting on the back of your pride and joy with a drink is relaxing. Good luck.

 

[D3B]

Lawsy.
I could give you a link to a post i put up a couple of years ago but think my experiences may have been at lot more severe than yours. the advise given to me at the time has paid dividends and whilst I have still have some nerves and anxiety when setting off I now enjoy my boating again.
Enjoy boating for what you intend it to be....relaxing.
If you have doubts try and find someone who has confidence and ability to either go out with you or you go out with them.....any North West forumites to the rescue?????
without looking at your other posts I dont know what boat you have or experience but take everything slowly and it will all piece together nicely.
last year was crap weather and many did little boating, mine was only 60 hours compared to 150 for each of the previous 2 years, and much of that was a spin in the bay.

Good luck....it does bet better if you keep the right frame of mind.

Doug

 

[JKay]

Are you still missing me /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

cheers Joe

 

[Lawsy]

Thanks to all of you for your positive & helpful comments. I'll take on board what has been said. I'm still worried though that at the moment I'm making all kinds of excuses to myself to avoid even going down to the marina. However I'm hoping that a bit of settled weather and the completion of one or two major jobs in the new house will have me raring to get water-borne again!
regards.
Lawsy

 

[powerskipper]

Boating is a funny hobby in that 1 good day can make up for 10s of bad days, If you are still going with it you have been bitten by the boating bug and I am sorry but thats it, you will be boating whatever happens to you now. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

 

[PlanB]

Just go and sit on the boat on a nice day and you'll remember why you bought it in the first place. Then pick another nice day with a good forecast and go for a short spin - even just off and on your mooring for the practice. Then once round the marina. Then out of the marina for a short spin. Take it in easy bites. We've all been there.