hurtwit inquired:

(disclosure, much of his post snipped- this was the operative point. He
will bitch that I didn't copy over his personal insults, but
tough.).....

Just curious Chuck. Do you actually believe that one has to own a boat
to
be a boater? That seems to be your mindset, along with several others
in
this NG.

Does past ownership count? Does "x" number of years of boating
experience
count? Does continued boating on boats not owned count?


Does one have to boat on the ocean to fit your definition of a boater?


And exactly what is your definition of a boat? Is it any vessel
capable of
floating while carrying a person aboard? Or does it have to be a
custom
made 36 foot Lobster boat?

************************************************** **

Let's begin with the observation that if a "boater" were participating
in a boating discussion group, at least some of that person's posts
would be about boating. In two or three years, under
Dennis Compton, JimH, and all the other screen names in between you
have made what, 4, 5, 6 (maybe) boating related posts? Vs. 4,5,6
personal attack posts almost every day.

Boat ownership isn't critical. Lots of people charter once or twice a
year, and one could argue that they are "boaters". A lot of boat owners
don't get out that much more than charter boaters do..........but, the
key difference is that they have an interest in boating.

I do not call you a non-boater simply because you don't currently own a
boat. You sold your Maxum (I believe it was) when your wife's health
declined. If we can all hope that her health improves, perhaps you'll
own a boat again some day. When you participate in the NG, you discuss
people- not boats. For example, if you disagree with something I
express as an observation or an opinion you never raise a counter
argument or post a contrasting opinion on the same item, you simply
start spreading crap about hundred dollar bills being stuffed through
my mailbox, etc. You make no pretense about having any boating
knowledge.

Who was it that posted, jut over a year ago, that they only came to
rec.boats to cause trouble and saved their "serious" boating discussion
for other forums? Look in the mirror. You have admitted that you see
your role here is to be as destructive as you can.

You're not a boater because you have never expressed a serious interest
in boating.

No, you don't have to boat "on the ocean" to be a boater.

No, you don't have to own a lobster boat.

Any vessel that will keep you afloat in the water could be loosely
defined as a boat. (or at least a raft). :-)

We can only call 'em as we see 'em. You never post anything about
boating, therefore it is safe to assume you are not a boater. Wouldn't
matter if you had six of them sitting in your driveway, or whether you
took a charter cruise on an annual basis. If you were a boater, you'd
demonstrate an interest in the subject and some ability to discuss or
debate issues rather than
constantly pump your poison pen.