Be safe this week

[seasick]

In my neck of the woods, there are two holidays/holiday weekends, I avoid boating.
The first is Memorial day and that's because many of the boaters on that weekend are either new at boating or it is the first outing of the season. Of course it is the first really busy weekend too.

The second and scariest is the 4th of July. This year it will be interesting since the holiday is midweek and I think a lot of folks will take off for the better part if not all of the week.
Besides the crowds, the main issue is alcohol.
OK so I am sounding like a geezer Well I am.

So for us old guys and young folk and family and friends, be smart and be safe.

Happy Fourth!

 

[SmokyMtnGrady]

Yes, be safe. Alcohol impairs judgement and excess puts others at risk. Boating is mentally demanding in assessing risks and hazards which are dynamic. If I was living close to a big busy body of water,I might be inclined to hang out at the boat ramp between 3&5 for the pure entertainment of it all.

 

[trapper]

Yes Smoky. we seldom go out on weekends during the summer months because of the zoo at the ramp. We take a cold one to the ramp to watch the show. Between 5-7 pm it is a play of comedy come tragedy, and everything in between. Those who boat twice a year and have never understood reverse with a trailer, weaving from one side of the ramp to the other. Docking issues, with passengers leaping onto the dock as the boat bounces away from to aggressive a landing and on occasion missing dock. Wives being yelled at, "it was their fault" that the skeg dragged on the concrete because "they" did not lift the motor, although one never saw the wife near the controls at any time during the landing. Guys forgetting their keys to the vehicle on the boat, making two long trips to the vehicle as 6 or 7 boats circle the approach to the ramp, while the wives hold the boat at the dock getting the evil eye and sometimes more from those waiting to land. I have in my time, helped a stranger back his trailer down, after his numerous efforts were hopeless in making it to the waiting boat.Yes we all have to learn the ropes and this is by no means a put down, but I do believe there are some who should maybe take up lawn bowling. That is my take of weekend ramp entertainment , and my wife and I certainly enjoy the show. I served my time forty five years ago and no doubt was guilty of some of the above. "Boat on" Cheers, trapper :lol: