Thanks Chris....sounds like you have the disease pretty bad. Like the rest of us. Enjoy the weather, we sent it to you from down here last night.
Are You A Boater?
- Thread starter NorCal Boater
- Start date
northshore
Well-Known Member
- Jan 17, 2011
- 2,091
- Boat Info
- 1989 340 Sundancer
Raymarine E90W Radar/Chartplotter
- Engines
- Twin 454 Mercruiser 340's
Definitely a boater. Thoroughly enjoying working at the boat to try to have one of the nicest 80's 340's in existence.
As this was my first boat, I was determined not to embarrass myself with boat handling skills or worse yet, any thing that would comprise safety. So I joined CSR two years before I bought her, and asked what I thought were intelligent questions and got great feedback. Along with that, I read everything that there was to read on docking, maintenance, etc. One thing that really helped back from the sports car racing days was and instructor told me "You can practice 90% of this wherever your head happens to be". I probably docked this boat 100 times in my head before I ever took her out. The reality of it was a bit different but I do believe that help ease the process. I owe more than a few people thanks for the help along the way but Jason (Aftica) for getting me through the first really lousy couple of weeks with the boat, my brother (also definitely a boater) for putting my mind at ease about buying such a big tub for a first boat and my stepfather (USCG and ore boat mate on the Great Lakes back in the day) for teaching me navigation and general seamanship before I ever thought about buying a boat.
When we bought her, we decided to keep her at Edgewater Yacht Club in what is now, beautiful downtown Cleveland (if you dont get the beautiful part, ask - I'd be happy to explain). docked with the stern facing north to catch some gorgeous sunsets over Lake Erie. We could have kept her somewhere up at the Lake Erie Islands which is arguably more picturesque and a party every night but we wanted to use the boat as much as possible and we can do that almost every night of the season with the boat just 20 minutes from home and work.
Every year during the off season (ugh - 2 weeks till haul out) I make up a mix CD or USB stick with out 100 of the admirals and my favorite songs. We try not to repeat too many tracks from one year to the next but one of the few songs that does get repeated is from my youth but has a whole new meaning now, "Just like Paradise" from David Lee Roth's solo career. The line,"This must be just like living in paradise - and I don't wanna go home" is what its about. Trust me Cleveland is great, but far from paradise by any stretch. But just being on the boat watching the sunsets, listening to the gulls with a cold beer in hand and the tunes up on a warm summer night allows you detach from the mundane aspects of life for what ever period of time you are allowed.
I firmly believe that a chance to "get out of your own head" should never be passed up. Being a boater is far and away the best way I have found to do that as my golf game has deteriorated in to what can only be described as a dumpster fire.
As this was my first boat, I was determined not to embarrass myself with boat handling skills or worse yet, any thing that would comprise safety. So I joined CSR two years before I bought her, and asked what I thought were intelligent questions and got great feedback. Along with that, I read everything that there was to read on docking, maintenance, etc. One thing that really helped back from the sports car racing days was and instructor told me "You can practice 90% of this wherever your head happens to be". I probably docked this boat 100 times in my head before I ever took her out. The reality of it was a bit different but I do believe that help ease the process. I owe more than a few people thanks for the help along the way but Jason (Aftica) for getting me through the first really lousy couple of weeks with the boat, my brother (also definitely a boater) for putting my mind at ease about buying such a big tub for a first boat and my stepfather (USCG and ore boat mate on the Great Lakes back in the day) for teaching me navigation and general seamanship before I ever thought about buying a boat.
When we bought her, we decided to keep her at Edgewater Yacht Club in what is now, beautiful downtown Cleveland (if you dont get the beautiful part, ask - I'd be happy to explain). docked with the stern facing north to catch some gorgeous sunsets over Lake Erie. We could have kept her somewhere up at the Lake Erie Islands which is arguably more picturesque and a party every night but we wanted to use the boat as much as possible and we can do that almost every night of the season with the boat just 20 minutes from home and work.
Every year during the off season (ugh - 2 weeks till haul out) I make up a mix CD or USB stick with out 100 of the admirals and my favorite songs. We try not to repeat too many tracks from one year to the next but one of the few songs that does get repeated is from my youth but has a whole new meaning now, "Just like Paradise" from David Lee Roth's solo career. The line,"This must be just like living in paradise - and I don't wanna go home" is what its about. Trust me Cleveland is great, but far from paradise by any stretch. But just being on the boat watching the sunsets, listening to the gulls with a cold beer in hand and the tunes up on a warm summer night allows you detach from the mundane aspects of life for what ever period of time you are allowed.
I firmly believe that a chance to "get out of your own head" should never be passed up. Being a boater is far and away the best way I have found to do that as my golf game has deteriorated in to what can only be described as a dumpster fire.
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Thanks for the response and story Mike. Boating is my drug of choice as well.
Sorry, I must have missed this. No, their names are not familiar but I was not a member of the Sea Ray Club.
Over the years we belonged to 3 "Clubs." Porsche Club of America, Stockton Yacht Club and Marina West Yacht Club and didn't last long in any of them and doubt I will join another. In all 3 of the above clubs, they all had 100-200 members but only about 20 ever participated with any regularity. Of those 20, half didn't like the other half. There was petty back-stabbing, gossip, disagreements regarding the direction of the club and in each club it all got tiresome. There was a lot I did like though. We really liked Cruise Outs. We enjoyed going to other clubs or cities with 6-12 other boats and spending the weekends with friends. However, one of the clubs only did a couple of cruise outs per year but encouraged other clubs to "Cruise In" as this generated revenue. Then they expected members to work these events. And since only 20 or so of the members were active, the same people did all the work....like the Tremains. It got really old and just not worth it.
Soulshine
Well-Known Member
Boater with a newish wife who has become very salty the past few years.
I was born into a boating family with my earliest memories in an early 60s Duo 16 footer. Literally everything in that boat was turquoise, including the wind shield.
Nowadays, we’re on board every weekend from early May until yesterday with many weeknights thrown in. Our favorite thing is to go out on Friday night to a quiet sand bar, cook, drink and swim then get the hell out of there once the pontoon boats full of screaming kids show up Saturday morning.
We also participate in 2 massive water front rafting festivals that start Friday and run through Sunday. We arrive Wednesday and leave Monday.
We got married at one 2 years ago to the surprise of literary everyone there and will spend our anniversary on those exact coordinates for life rain or shine.
During the worst, lashing summer storms, I sit at the helm smoking waving to my hard core dock neighbors and second family who are doing the same.
Great thread.
C.
I was born into a boating family with my earliest memories in an early 60s Duo 16 footer. Literally everything in that boat was turquoise, including the wind shield.
Nowadays, we’re on board every weekend from early May until yesterday with many weeknights thrown in. Our favorite thing is to go out on Friday night to a quiet sand bar, cook, drink and swim then get the hell out of there once the pontoon boats full of screaming kids show up Saturday morning.
We also participate in 2 massive water front rafting festivals that start Friday and run through Sunday. We arrive Wednesday and leave Monday.
We got married at one 2 years ago to the surprise of literary everyone there and will spend our anniversary on those exact coordinates for life rain or shine.
During the worst, lashing summer storms, I sit at the helm smoking waving to my hard core dock neighbors and second family who are doing the same.
Great thread.
C.
Great story....
- Jan 7, 2007
- 907
- Boat Info
- 2006 52SB, Ray Marine E120, Garmin 7612 through BOE site sponsor,
- Engines
- QSM11s
Been boating since I was 5 and it all started with a 12' vhull and a Clinton 3.5HP air cooled engine. Currently running around in Sea Ray 52DB and completed the Great Loop in May 2016 some 6,500+nm.
Will head South from the Lower Chesapeake Bay Area to KW for the winter again right after Thanksgiving.
Will head South from the Lower Chesapeake Bay Area to KW for the winter again right after Thanksgiving.
Nice. How hard is it to get a slip in Key West?
Soulshine
Well-Known Member
A buddy of mine is moving to Key West in a month or so and has been talking about some outrageous slip rental fees.
- Jan 7, 2007
- 907
- Boat Info
- 2006 52SB, Ray Marine E120, Garmin 7612 through BOE site sponsor,
- Engines
- QSM11s
We made our rental request in April as the later than that it becomes very tough. With that said with the hurricane having such a big impact ya probably want find many options open other than anchoring out or big bucks if you can find one. The smaller your boat size the more options out there!
Joint Custody
Well-Known Member
Boater here too!
Ive had starting at age 15 .. 16 ft, 20ft, 21ft,23ft,26ft,28ft,34ft,33ft,75 ft house boat and current 460 dancer.
When I was 14 I spent time at a local lake camping on the shore looking out at the water and wanting to be on it. I was lucky enough to find a cheap Glastron at the age of 15 and havnt looked back.
Most days in a row spent on a boat was 155 days straight... that was amazing!
My son who is 19 now ....took his first steps on our dock at lake powel Ut. I agree with all above. There are boaters and boat owners. We too have a covered slip and usually dont close the boat up until after thanks giving and then open it back up around st pattys day however I will aways go two times a month to check on her! Lake Powell is 4 hour drive from my door to dock and many many many night I will just get in the truck and drive there. People ask why would you do that for only a weekend and my answer is... I could go to dinner and a movie or drive to a magical place... clear my head and be with other people who " get it"!
Everything is better when on a boat!
Yep Im a boater!
Ive had starting at age 15 .. 16 ft, 20ft, 21ft,23ft,26ft,28ft,34ft,33ft,75 ft house boat and current 460 dancer.
When I was 14 I spent time at a local lake camping on the shore looking out at the water and wanting to be on it. I was lucky enough to find a cheap Glastron at the age of 15 and havnt looked back.
Most days in a row spent on a boat was 155 days straight... that was amazing!
My son who is 19 now ....took his first steps on our dock at lake powel Ut. I agree with all above. There are boaters and boat owners. We too have a covered slip and usually dont close the boat up until after thanks giving and then open it back up around st pattys day however I will aways go two times a month to check on her! Lake Powell is 4 hour drive from my door to dock and many many many night I will just get in the truck and drive there. People ask why would you do that for only a weekend and my answer is... I could go to dinner and a movie or drive to a magical place... clear my head and be with other people who " get it"!
Everything is better when on a boat!
Yep Im a boater!
Soulshine
Well-Known Member
Great post!
Our marina group, in addition to getting together regularly over the winter will occasionally go to the marina to check on the boats and huddle around a fire for a few hours.
We’ve stood in a circle in the snow cooking hot dogs on forks like the bunch of addicts that we are.
Our marina group, in addition to getting together regularly over the winter will occasionally go to the marina to check on the boats and huddle around a fire for a few hours.
We’ve stood in a circle in the snow cooking hot dogs on forks like the bunch of addicts that we are.
WalterJ
New Member
- Sep 11, 2017
- 7
- Boat Info
- '98 230 Bowrider Signature Select
- Engines
- Mercruiser 5.7L w/ Alpha
I'm not quite sure if I qualify as a boater. I have a boating certificate with my name on it. I own an 18 year old boat. I bought it in September after our season technically ended and just put it in dry dock this past weekend when it appeared that we were going to get a hard freeze overnight. So, I've had a boat for about 60 days of which I managed to put about 40hrs on it driving around with my tongue out like dog in a convertible. Random bass fishermen thought my sons and I were nuts to go swimming and tubing off the back in October in PA but it was freakin' 74F out. Damn skippy we were going out. I'd still be at it this weekend if they hadn't lowered the lake and ordered all the docks out. I will probably take the motorcycle instead and go visit the boat in it's rack this weekend. For no good reason, really. Just to, ummm... make sure it's ok? I'm having separation anxiety. I am all over the internet - buying it presents.
So... I see how I might be a "Boater". It might just be a huge crush... next season will tell the tale.
So... I see how I might be a "Boater". It might just be a huge crush... next season will tell the tale.
- Jun 2, 2008
- 5,024
- Boat Info
- 1998 450 Sundancer, Achilles dinghy w/15hp
- Engines
- 3126 Cat's
Boater.... Born & raised on the shores of Puget Sound. I have never lived more than 5-10 minutes from it. I lucked out as a kid with several friends having boats ( or their parents ). I finally bought my first one in '87 and still have it to this day, a 1979 Fiberform Waikiki w/ 115hp Johnson on it. Bought my first Sea Ray in '04 and '89 300 Weekender w/twin 454's and '07 brought us our present boat. The boat is boathouse kept 5 minutes from our house and I'm down there multiple times per week.... Tinker, hang out, repair upgrade, stare at it...lol
Gofirstclass
Well-Known Member
Mark, was that photo with you in the boat taken in the Ship Canal in Seattle? It looks familiar.
- Jun 2, 2008
- 5,024
- Boat Info
- 1998 450 Sundancer, Achilles dinghy w/15hp
- Engines
- 3126 Cat's
Yes, Lake Union, just took delivery and filling the tank up...
Naawww. You qualify. You've got it pretty bad.
Welcome to our madness....
Boater w/ Docking issues. 55 years young, Boating for 45 years, same marina in Milwaukee for 29 of them. Spent summer on a small inland island as a kid. Learned water safety by Grampa & Dad either giving the EYE at us or asking WHAT it was that we were thinking when we did it. You learned fast as the alternative was having them stand right next to you and discussing it at you… At 12 I earned a role to pick up guests at shore and show off while the rub rail slid against the concrete pier. I lied like a convict when asked about water in the hull and could bail like a piston action bulge pump to keep that position. I have had my share of YouTube worthy #1 crashes. I like to think I took a bit from each and ended up in this post with an outstanding group, Club Sea Ray.
Yes, I still love docking. Stern in is absolutely my drug. Every one has to sit down while I dock. Sadly, I don’t give a crap about people’s opinion of me coming in on an angle or too quickly. I read the wind by looking at moored boats and watch the current to compensate. The issue goes much deeper. The Admiral speaks of my talking in my sleep in the off season “ Grab that line and catch the rear cleat” comes to mind. A few notable vessels satisfying the fix: 10 Ft wood Stake leaker craft, 6 Ft Hydroplane’s ( 3 hp ), 12 foot Whaler, 10 foot aluminum leaker, some pretty fancy 60’s boats, a 70’s open bow with the windshield in tack, 24 Bayliner, 25 Sea Ray, 270 Sear Ray, 320 Sea Ray, and 390 dancer.
Yes, I still love docking. Stern in is absolutely my drug. Every one has to sit down while I dock. Sadly, I don’t give a crap about people’s opinion of me coming in on an angle or too quickly. I read the wind by looking at moored boats and watch the current to compensate. The issue goes much deeper. The Admiral speaks of my talking in my sleep in the off season “ Grab that line and catch the rear cleat” comes to mind. A few notable vessels satisfying the fix: 10 Ft wood Stake leaker craft, 6 Ft Hydroplane’s ( 3 hp ), 12 foot Whaler, 10 foot aluminum leaker, some pretty fancy 60’s boats, a 70’s open bow with the windshield in tack, 24 Bayliner, 25 Sea Ray, 270 Sear Ray, 320 Sea Ray, and 390 dancer.
