"D-unit" 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) 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.

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.


I've towed in a few boaters with dead engines over the years. I don't
believe there is any legal obligation to do so. If the boat is otherwise
sound and its captain sober enough to handle his end of the tow line, I
don't see any serious problem.

I think if you see a boat in distress (fire, sinking, man overboard, et
cetera) you are obligated as a fellow human being to render whatever
assistance you can. I rarely ask who the guy voted for in the last
presidential election.

Incidentally, on a small boat such as I have, the odds are just as
likely the battery wire has come loose and that's why there's no juice
and why a jumper won't help. It's happened to me.