I have towed people quite often, usually campers or other cottage neighbors
with crappy boats. Never more than a mile or so, mind you. I will always
render assistance. I often see them with the motor cover off from my own
shore and I'll jump in the boat to use the excuse to go for a little zoom.
When they off payment or thanks, I always tell them to just do the same for
someone else someday and we'll be even. Hopefully there will be someone
around when I myself need assistance.

There is of course, a limit to how prepared you can be out in the water. In
a 17 ft boat I don't carry a spare stator or spare battery but I do make
sure to have a really decent oversized battery.

--
Denis Roy
D. Roy Woodcraft
www.ideasinwood.com
"D-unit" cof42_AT_embarqmail.com wrote in message
...
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.