On Tue, 4 Sep 2007 12:27:23 -0400, "D-unit" cof42_AT_embarqmail.com
wrote:

After getting drenched in a heavy downpour last week and on my way
home, I notice a fellow off to the side of the ICW *walking* his boat
up the waterway. He waves and appears to be in distress so I turn
around to see what's up.

Turns out,

His battery is dead. I hand over my battery booster which doesn't help
much. (Im wondering if I shouldn't have bought a larger one)

If it starts *you* up, that's all you need.
For all you know, he was out of gas, or flooded, or had other problems
with the engine, which is why he ran his battery down.
Can't tell you how much time I wasted trying to jump somebody's
car in the winter before I learned to recognize that it just wasn't
going to start with my jump, and to tell them flat out to call a truck
with the amps to start it or the cable to tow it.

He then
asks me to tow him to the wildlife ramp. (approx. 3-4 miles)
to which I reluctantly replied ok. He said a couple other guys had stopped
but refused to give him a tow. I have never had to tow anyone but was
willing to help the guy out.

I did irk me that he had no back up of any kind. i.e. extra battery, paddle.
battery booster.

When we got to the ramp, he offered no *thank you* but a "what do I owe
you"?
A thank you would have sufficed, I guess that's what he meant.

That's a little tricky. I would have tried to convince you to buy a
case of beer on me or buy one of your kids a model boat or something
on me. If you refused twice, a heartfelt thanks would do.

Afterwards, I starting thinking about what my obligations are in similar
situations.

I think Im only legally obligated to lend assistance only if it is a dire
situation or
someone is hurt. Maybe someone could clear this up.

Don't know the legalities, but you did right if you feel right.
I've done such acts (not boats) and sometimes felt like a sucker
afterwards, but suspect I would have felt worse if I hadn't done it.
Might check with your insurance company and see what they say.
That could give you an out if you're not entirely comfortable with the
circumstances.


--Vic