What makes ( most ) boaters so friendly ?

[jjjtronics]

Many times I have talked about this at the gatherings, but everybody have a different opinion, all logical, what`s yours ?

In my opinion, true boaters have a strong will, love nature, and high self esteem due to the accomplishment of boating challenging nature, all qualities of a GOOD person, and good people simply are good neighbors, no matter where they are.

JT

[spareparts]

true boater are indeed good people, but they are a small percintage of the boating crowd. Most of the boaters are too nieve to realize how stupid they are, or too arrogant to care. Can you tell this is the 4th of July week, I need a break!

[parishht]

You are correct, (MOST) boaters are friendly like an unseen bond
I think it comes from the fact that most boaters have started small
and worked their way up to larger boats.
That way people learn what it's like to operate a smaller vessel
and to work on your own equipment.

Every time I have been in a situation with another boat,
it is one of three things:

- a rich kid driving daddy's high power boat.
- people who rent a pontoon boat and get 15 minutes of instruction.
- kids on jet skis.

[Blue_Runner]

Well said Parish...you make an outstanding point!

[ebol5]

How many have seen that boating commercial showing people in everyday situations getting wierd looks when waving at others as they pass by.. and then they show the boaters all waving at each other... My wife and I were laughing about that commercial the other day, how true it is. Most all boaters will give a passing wave at each other as we troll by or just pass by each other. I don't know if it stems from the practice of two ships acknowledging each other as they pass or the just the comradery that comes with owning a boat... probably some of both. Try doing that on the street or freeway, you might get shot! Oh yea JJ, congrats on getting custody of your boys, you are a good man and father, this is easy to see. That battle can be brutal both in and out of the courts... been there..

High_Diver

[tsubaki]

Most boaters are (or were) very friendly, courteous and helpful.
Having been raised around the water since childhood, I mostly thought it was due to the Scotch that gave this caring and passive attitude.
Well, like parishht stated, it is now usually the case.

[randlemanboater]

I wave at everyone I pass so that later when they see me broke down they'll come over and pull me in.

[macojoe]

I wave at all the boaters like me, and I wave the finger at all the rich pri%ks that pass me by thinking they are better then the rest!!
I had a fight with a guy at the boat ramp yesterday cause he was a sh!t head!! But I got mine in the end!! His buddy dumped there new Regulator with twin 200's at the ramp and as he drove away the smart a$$ dropped the rope and almost fell in trying to get the boat back!!

[BigDaddy]

I have to go with Parish on this one, especially down here in So FL. Fort Lauderdale boasts itself as the "yachting capital of the world" with more mega yachts than anywhere else. I very much enjoy tooling around in the ICWW with the family and it burns a hole in my back side when I am crowded by 10 kids on dads 23 footer wanting to race around, drinkin and blasting their music for all to hear and making me jump thier wake (in a now wake area no less). Im sorry if I sound like a grumpy old man for saying that. I do believe that boaters are generally good people and we always wave at all the boats, even if they just glare back. Its kinda funny down here, if you dont have at least a 50K boat, you might as well stick to fishing from the pier. I am doing my part to dispell this myth. So if you see me, wave back or at least be courteous as we are all water lovers and have the same rights (and responsibilities) as the guys with the big toys.

[willy]

I think there is a difference between those that love and respect the sea and those that love what they can do in the sea, just another playground sort of mentality.
The previous group have a comraderie with all that ply the waters and the later barely notice unless you are in the way of their next wake jump or the like.
I do like cruising up close to them and seeing what hot punami is aboard for when they swamp the boat I know who to rescue