Short term boat swap?

[Nostrodamus]

Ok, generally women have strange ideas when it comes to boats. They like to make them into floating homes rather than the minimalistic views of men who for some reason want to sail in them.

In general we both compromise and hopefully get a balance between the two.
She will come up with an idea and I will try and explain why it won't work.

The other night she came up with another idea and to be honest I am struggling to find reasons as to why it is not a good idea.

What she said was "Why can't you just swap your boat with other boat owners short term so you can try out other boats or sailing areas".

Now this has obviously got to have flaws in it or be impractical or is it a good idea. Would you swap your boat which is in say Greece for two weeks with someone in the Spanish Rias or like to swap for the sake of sailing or trying out another boat?

Is it a good idea and can you see the pros or cons?

 

[Terra-Loon]

I'll swap your's for mine for a month or so if you like. It'll be on Portishead dockside. The electric sander will be in the toolbox and there's some epoxy filler for the holes.

Gimme a shout when it's ready and I'll order you some paint.

 

[NB Willawaw]

Hi.

Glad to see the progress you have made.

Reason 1 most men are more possession possessive than the fairer sex. Handing your boat over to a stranger is like handing your wife... Well okay your Labrador then !

Reason 2 how do you know they will look after it? Some people have no reservation about living in a pig sty and ramming every pontoon as their docking procedure.

Reason 3 how do you knw its their boat and where has your suddenly vanished to ?

 

[Tomahawk]

A good idea in principle, but difficult to make it work..

A few years ago I arranged a summer cruise with friends whereby we took the boat outward, then they would bring it back..(my boat). The first time worked a treat. Tnhy looked after it and bought it home spotless.. The second time with othe people, there was damage, and it was dirty when I had to pick it up from Dunkirque... not pleased.. these were people I thought I knew..

There is also the legailty bit.. What happens if you swap and their boat is not seaworthy and there is an injury? or accident... Who does the insurance? Would that be classified as "charter"?

Howev, I do see the kernal of a good idea to create a business..

 

[clyst]

That scratch wasn't there !! Yes it was ! No it wasn't ! yes it was ! No it wasn't ..........see what I mean ? It would never work .

 

[[70521]]

Charter is your direction of travel.

 

[rotrax]

Ok, generally women have strange ideas when it comes to boats. They like to make them into floating homes rather than the minimalistic views of men who for some reason want to sail in them.

In general we both compromise and hopefully get a balance between the two.
She will come up with an idea and I will try and explain why it won't work.

The other night she came up with another idea and to be honest I am struggling to find reasons as to why it is not a good idea.

What she said was "Why can't you just swap your boat with other boat owners short term so you can try out other boats or sailing areas".

Now this has obviously got to have flaws in it or be impractical or is it a good idea. Would you swap your boat which is in say Greece for two weeks with someone in the Spanish Rias or like to swap for the sake of sailing or trying out another boat?

Is it a good idea and can you see the pros or cons?

First mate and I are looking at a boat swop with another member of the owners association for our chosen marque. They keep their boat and sail her on the Northwest Pacific coast. He is ex US Airforce and wants to revisit where he was stationed in the UK and get a bit of sailing in while he is here. A simple " Benders Menders " exchange of letters should cover minor damage-just like we did when we loaned our precious race motorbikes to someone. We have corresponded with the other couple and will meet them in May on their home ground while we are in their area on another gig. If the mutual feelings about each other are OK we will see what happens. At the end of the day they are just boats, even though we put our own stamp on them and love them. We ran it by our insurance underwriter and as no money is changing hands and the skill/experience levels are adequate both ways, no problem.

 

[aquaplane]

My parents swapped their 1 year old Leisure 27 on Windermere with some folks who had a similar boat on the Solent. I think they sailed together for the first W/E, just to make sure they weren't muppets I suppose, then had a week maybe 2 on their own.

I wouldn't mind doing it myself but I have a <£10K Centaur where the newness wore off a long time ago, not that I wouldn't be gutted if she was significanly damaged but the odd scuff I can and do live with.

Anyroad, I'm going to be busy this year so Mylor or anywhere else is going to have to wait a bit.

 

[Babylon]

I once lent my bicycle to a schoolfriend during the holidays - it came back in an unbelievable state. (I think it was envy.)

I wouldn't have any problem lending someone my car - but then I don't quietly thank my car and stroke her bonnet every time I get home...

 

[fireball]

There are a few ppl I'd trust to take out our boat ...

Not saying you're not competent - but I just don't know...
no point in waving qualifications or experience logs at me either ... I attended a DS theory course and wouldn't trust the Instructor with my tender let alone the big boat! He had been sailing a lot of years - but there was just something about him that was slap-dash ...

 

[AntarcticPilot]

Well, I've allowed other members of the forum to use my boat, and they've offered me the use of theirs. I happen not to have taken the offers up, but it's there.

My ground rules are very simple:

0) Either I must know the person or have an introduction from someone I know.

1) They meet all their expenses, and it would be nice if they make some contribution to the care and feeding of Capricious, in cash or kind.

2) They leave Capricious as clean and tidy as they found her (my wife is very house-proud!)

3) I must meet them and be happy that they are competent. Usually not a problem; most people are more capable than I am!

4) Any damage or or breakages must be made good; we'll talk about it if it is something that was going to happen anyway!

Not counting my brother, I think there are 3 or 4 people on the forum who've sailed Capricious, and quite a few who've crewed on her. Usually my brother - who lives a short drive from Capricious - will show people around, and perhaps sail with them for the first day.

I can't get up as frequently as I'd like; I'd rather she was used than stay tied up in the marina.