So yesterday I was out with the family on our little 17' runabout boat. We went to a small marina nearby that has an ice cream amd sangwich shop. While we docked, I noticed something; while we were coming in there were several brand new boats already on the dock along with several people just standing on the dock. Not a single one stepped over to help us dock, which is fine with me since I am basically a master at docking any boat. Ive worked at marinas etc and been a boat mechanic for 20 years and would regularly dock other people's boats for them when they launch at the beginning of the season. I just found it odd no one said "want me to catch a line?".
So after we get tied up and start to head in, I noticed another new boat coming in, and I said "hey throw me your lines" the people were obviously very nervous and were elated I was there to catch the line and fend off the boat from hitting the dock pretty hard as they were coming in hot. The dude driving said " thanks so much, man. Its my first boat and I'm new to this". I gave him some pointers to make it easier for the next time. I ended up tying up four other boats and it was a similar story everytime. Some of these people had obviously been drinking as well.
Anyway, as we are eating my son asked "you really like tying up boats, huh?" So I told him it isn't about that. Its important to help others out, especially on the lake because things can get bad really quick and you never know when you will be that guy that needs help. We finish up lunch and get back onboard amd get underway. We go back to the bay that has our boat launch to do some swimming and fishing before pulling the boat out and heading home.
We get there, set the anchor and swim for two or so hours. We decide it's time to head home. Boat won't start. Squeeze the ball, starts, then dies. Ball is flat again. Fuckin fuel pump. Just as I'm contemplating how to deal with this, a pontoon boat comes by real close and asks "hey buddy, everything ok? Need any help?" I said "actually, my boat wont start, any chance you can pull me across the bay to my launch?"
Without hesitation, they turn around, grab our line and pull us home. Everyone in this story was White. It's what we do. When we got back, my son turns to me (he is 12) and says "Dad, I see what you mean why it's always important to help people. I was starting to get nervous, but those people were there to help."
Just White folk doing White things on the lake. Be safe, frens.
So yesterday I was out with the family on our little 17' runabout boat. We went to a small marina nearby that has an ice cream amd sangwich shop. While we docked, I noticed something; while we were coming in there were several brand new boats already on the dock along with several people just standing on the dock. Not a single one stepped over to help us dock, which is fine with me since I am basically a master at docking any boat. Ive worked at marinas etc and been a boat mechanic for 20 years and would regularly dock other people's boats for them when they launch at the beginning of the season. I just found it odd no one said "want me to catch a line?".
So after we get tied up and start to head in, I noticed another new boat coming in, and I said "hey throw me your lines" the people were obviously very nervous and were elated I was there to catch the line and fend off the boat from hitting the dock pretty hard as they were coming in hot. The dude driving said " thanks so much, man. Its my first boat and I'm new to this". I gave him some pointers to make it easier for the next time. I ended up tying up four other boats and it was a similar story everytime. Some of these people had obviously been drinking as well.
Anyway, as we are eating my son asked "you really like tying up boats, huh?" So I told him it isn't about that. Its important to help others out, especially on the lake because things can get bad really quick and you never know when you will be that guy that needs help. We finish up lunch and get back onboard amd get underway. We go back to the bay that has our boat launch to do some swimming and fishing before pulling the boat out and heading home.
We get there, set the anchor and swim for two or so hours. We decide it's time to head home. Boat won't start. Squeeze the ball, starts, then dies. Ball is flat again. Fuckin fuel pump. Just as I'm contemplating how to deal with this, a pontoon boat comes by real close and asks "hey buddy, everything ok? Need any help?" I said "actually, my boat wont start, any chance you can pull me across the bay to my launch?"
Without hesitation, they turn around, grab our line and pull us home. Everyone in this story was White. It's what we do. When we got back, my son turns to me (he is 12) and says "Dad, I see what you mean why it's always important to help people. I was starting to get nervous, but those people were there to help."
Just White folk doing White things on the lake. Be safe, frens.
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