grin, it sounds like you have run into some real inexperienced boaters up
your way. Nothing is worse than to be a the gas dock and watching someone
out of control heading for you.

I didn't find the person who started this thread to be completely out of
line. If someone is experienced in handling a outboard or inboard/outboard
boat, when they change to a inboard boat, or one even a new boat with more
freeboard, they will have to relearn how to handle the boat.

I completely agree with you, concerning the importance of learning the rules
of the road, and taking a safety course. But, there are lots of
knowledgeable, competent boaters who's first boating experience is on boats
larger than 27'. I have seen new boaters buying 50' yachts and are now
competent boaters. The smart ones have found a knowledable boater to help
them learn how to handle the boat. Some will pay a professional to teach
them, others will have friends show them the ropes.

In my marina it is very common to see dock mates teaching the inexperience
boaters how to safely dock a boat. They do this because they love boats,
but also because they dont' want the newbie to slam into their boat. ; )

Hopefully, you mild rant will emphasize to him the importance of learning
how to handle the boat before he leaves the dock alone.


"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On 13 Mar 2004 14:26:06 -0800, (Trevor) wrote:

I haven't boated much (just boating on friends boats)and want to get
an idea of a managagable size boat to purchase. Is 31 ft too long, or
should I purchase a 27 or 28 footer to begin?

On second thought, and because there doesn't seem to be a lot going on
in the NG this morning, I've changed my mind on this.

Buy a 50 footer - hell, if you can afford it, buy one of those used
120 foot Sheik yachts from Urbootie. It's not like any of those
foreign captains around Newport can operate the damn things properly
anyway. It's full speed, six foot wakes and if you are a small boat
that gets tossed eight feet into the air as they go by, tough. "I'm
on a schedule - the Boss's wife needs a facial - or a face, I forget
which."

There is a rant in there somewhere - I'm just not up to it this
morning.

Never mind.

Later,

Tom
S. Woodstock, CT
-----------
"Angling may be said to be so
like the mathematics that it
can never be fully learnt..."

Izaak Walton "The Compleat Angler", 1653