Why is everyone so defensive .....

T

thefatlady

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...... about their choice of boat? Is it that they feel that the choice reflects personally on the chooser? Why do so many people not brook any criticism of their brand/model. Conversely, why do so many feel the need to promote their boat as being the best? Do they think it’s perfect? Did they design it?

Seems to apply particularly to Sealine. I’ve noticed it off and on throughout the year I’ve been on the forum. Is there an inferiority complex at work here? Just in case anyone has a go at me, I have owned four Sealines and I didn’t feel inferior (well, not much!).

It’s the same with cars. If anyone criticises a choice of car, it is taken personally.

I don’t care what boats others choose. I make my choice, warts and all, for my reasons. I didn’t design it, so why feel the need to be so defensive?
 
When the new builder or plumber comes to your house, they nearly all say the same things. Who the hell did this job before, never seen anything like it, what a mess, well, I dont know what I'm going to do here. Mumble mumble. By which time your completly depressed and would not use this builder/plumber if he was the last man on earth.

Conversly. THe only boat worth having is a P35 all the rest are ugly, over priced, waste of space and will probably sink. /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
 
I've been having the opposite thought actually, wondering why so many people on here take the "Only boat/brand worth having is the one I've got and everything else isn't as good" approach. A very perculiar trait which, as you say, also occurs with certain types of car owners.

Do these people feel the for some type of self-justification? or is it a form of snobbery. I always think self effacement is a nicer quality that boastfulness.

I'm not having a pop at anyone with this post, I just find it a strange thing.

for the record, I have a Sealine S34 that I am very happy with and proud of. I know there are more stylish, faster, better built boats out there but I think all boats are compromises with strengths and weaknesses and we pay our money and make our choice accepting that others may choose differently.
 
Nah. It's because, after a while, it becomes part of the family, especially if you have had loads of adventures together, trials and tribulations. Bit like if I said your kids were a load of tossers and [--word removed--]. It might well be true, but you would not thank me for it.
 
[ QUOTE ]
THe only boat worth having is a P35 all the rest are ugly, over priced, waste of space and will probably sink.

[/ QUOTE ] You are absolutely right, as is everyone else. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

P.S. My kids were a load of tossers and I had to agree with anyone who said it, but they seem to have grown out of it and become almost human.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I've been having the opposite thought actually, wondering why so many people on here take the "Only boat/brand worth having is the one I've got and everything else isn't as good" approach.

[/ QUOTE ] Actually sounds like the same thought.
It would be nice to hear from someone who has given that sort of opinion in the past, but I suspect that, when you put it that way, no-one would admit it.
 
Well, when you think about it, they've gotta be - defensive that is. If assertions that say, Stinkwaters, were crap boats were allowed to go unchallenged and this became the accepted view, then there would very likely be an impact on s/h values. So peeps are protecting the hard-earned they've invested in their particular Stinkwater. And who can blame them.
 
Re: Why is everyone so defensive?

It's not about boats at all! It's about the WOMAN in his life! And he isn't going to slag her off, is he? Well, not until the divorce goes thro.

But there the parallel must end, because IMHO too many peeps lack sufficient experience to have a broad view.

To be honest, I look back on every boat owned with nostalgia and affection (oops, that female analogy just won't go away!)
Our first, a Halcyon 27, was actually rather tender, with a crummy layout, BUT I've nearly forgotten the sickening motion as well as stepping in the sink every time I went below.

Eight boats and a few score charters later, I have learned to compromise if I want to get afloat at all (old age is a great persuader!) But what's right for me won't be right for you - you're unlikely to even have the same budget. The only way you can even begin to understand another's choice is to know where he's coming from, and life is too short to go down that path.

After all, how often have you thought "I really don't know what he sees in her."

Sorry ladies, Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme chose.
 
Re: Why is everyone so defensive?

I know someone in SoF that has a Sessa Oyster 35, and we happened to be in the same restuarant over there that evening, so he came over saying that he'd seen us on the sea in the Bayliner during the day. So we told him that we'd got a good deal etc, and we'd heard it was the number one best selling boat of its size or something along those lines, which it is, to which he replied "Yeah, by American standards"

Icksnay on the old condescension ay there mate....

What a cheek!

I took offence at that but surely reasonable to do so...?

Chris
 
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Why is everyone so defensive?

[/ QUOTE ]

don't forget to factor in the presumption that they feel this way or are acting this way - by others.

overall I think hlb is spot on over this - it's a love thing. you can't accept critism over those you love - and when you cese loving them you trade in and fall in love again!

the cycle goes on.............
 
It`s not just boats,
I went to do a quote this week and got some funny looks when I told the customer his heating was beyond repair, saying his equipment was the Skoda of air conditioners.

As I left, guess what was parked outside.

…
 
I did the same the other week when talking with my brother-in-law.
I described a make of boat (shan't tell) as the Ford Capri of the boating world.
On the way home Mrs Lakesailor reminded me that he had owned a Capri and had thought he had the world's best car.

Oooops.
 
Normally because usually the criticism come from the ill informed/biased people. Remember the old Guinness advert "I don't like it 'cos I havn't tried it" There is often such vitriol posted about a certain product that is patently untrue, it's only natural for actual owners of the product leap to its defence.
 
Gave someone a lift in SWMBO's car (which we've had for 4 years) last week. He asked what it was like. I didn't tell him it was SWMBO's, but said "It's crap." and proceeded to tell him why.

He looked most surprised, because he had automatically expected me to say it was wonderful.
 
[ QUOTE ]
It`s not just boats,
I went to do a quote this week and got some funny looks when I told the customer his heating was beyond repair, saying his equipment was the Skoda of air conditioners.

What did I tell you. First thing any plumber does. Is slag off your equipement and make the customer feel like a right numpty for having it. Then expect slagged off customer to donate large sums of money to the perpertrator. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif



…

[/ QUOTE ]
 
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