your absolutely right......!!!

I would say I have seen it all in behaviour of fellow performance boaters but ya never know. I have dined and drank with people who could buy everything I have with their pocket change and been amazed at how polite and down to Earth they were. I have been snuffed off by some whom I could buy and been astounded at their arrogance and ignorance. I have been shocked at the public antics of many a poker runner and wondered just what in life made these people act like spoiled little school children. I have witnessed owners of nice boats publically belittle owners of not so nice boats and have seen six figure offshores towing four figure Bayliners in from the lake.

Its not the boat or the bank account, its the individual personality. Some I really like and am proud to call my friends and some I'd just as soon chit on for being azzholes who reflect poorly on the rest of us.

If I were a non-powerboater reading this thread, I'd say we were doing a pretty good job of living down to some people's expectations. Most responses have gotten the point, but just enough of us have missed that it's about tolerance as well as attitudes and behavior. If a fellow boater acts badly towards you - let it go as long as it's not assault. When we get hostile back, it only serves to confirm their expectations. It's really pretty simple: No one can shoot at you if you don't give them any ammunition to work with.

In defense of us Cig owners at LOTO, the lake is so damn crowded most of the time I am always looking for that jet ski, tuber or rental bow rider :angry-smiley-055: that I rarely wave at people unless it's just to 2 of us within a hundred yards or if we are at idle speed then I do. I'm not stuck up, but my job is to drive the boat and If I already think your not an hazard to navagation I probably am not even looking at your boat, be it an envision or Dave Scott.

I do however tell all my passengers it is their job to wave at every boat. With so many boats my wife gets tired of waiving if we run from the Niangua to the Dam. Thinking about getting one of those hands on a spring and bolting it to the fairing.:D

What fairing? :hitfan::D

I will always wave and always offer assistance for precisely the reason stated earlier...it's like preventive maintenence. Plus, I'm one of the only red boats in the neighborhood...and if I'm a d-ck, I'll be forever known as the d-ck in the red boat. I have towed a BEATEN down cuddy-cabin into a marina that was 3 feet deep and didn't have another boat in it that was over 25 feet...it was so small I couldn't even spin my boat to get it out! My wife was chewing my ear off, but I said, hey, it has to be done, can't leave anyone stranded.

I'm around powerboats and power boaters a lot. Whenever I'm in a conversation with someone with a high dollar ride and they ask me what boat I have the conversation inevitably goes one of two ways. When I say a 26' runabout, they either start asking questions and refer back to their old rides that they started out in that were similar or the conversation ends and they act as if I'm not worthy of their attention since I don't have a big ride. But this type of behavior is not unique to boating and really doesn't bother me a bit as I know with VERY few exceptions that everyone starts small and works their way up. Some just forget what it used to be like along the way.

i think airpacker summed it up for me.i try to answer everyones questions and put up with gas comments and even listen to their "friend "stories.
but im not wavving at the damn crab guys that place their minefield buoy's in the middle of the channels

Will Be????:grinser010::D

As for helping people, it's only the right thing to do, I've towed people home and even rewired a starter switch while floating down the muddy MO for a disabled boat and been towed home once. If the hatch is up and anyone is looking at us I will stop, 9 times out of 10 I get the we're fine or we've called a friend but that 10th person is very glad we stopped especially when it's rough.

I've never accepted payment and I've only been towed once and they only took a beer each and that was after insisting that they must take something for their trouble.

I figure the more I help the more likely one of them sees me broke down and helps me home!

I will always stop and help out if I can. I figure in boating I need all the good karma I can get. Being that me and my brother are out almost everyday in the summer as long as its not raining, it pays to know people and be respectful, because when I break down im going to hope someone stops and gives me a hand. I dont notice the sailors or fishermen being that bad around Crystal Beach / Lake Erie (most i've either crewed on their sailboats or had a drink with them at the bar, dont hate on me for that!). A lot of times just showing interest in what they are doing, and understanding what they are all about goes a long way in friendly communications. Although I would not consider my boat to be an offshore powerboat, I assume things sort of similar.

Josh out!

I try to wave at everyone. It's the way I was brought up when I was boating as a kid. I remember when we switched from Lake Cumberland to Lake Erie, I noticed a big difference. On Cumberland, at least in the 80's and early 90's, many more people waved than at Erie. I've noticed now that the same types of boats wave. It's like historic cars changed - at first everyone waved at each other, then just the Mogan's waved at Morgans, Sprites at Sprites, etc.

I also try to stop when someone is broken down. I've been towed in by a pontoon boat before, I don't have any pride left :D I at least always have my toolbox with me or can tow.

I've noticed that a lot of people in this thread have gotten very defensive - they haven't posted about what they do to promote a positive image, but reasons why other boaters aren't nice or aren't deserving of them being nice to them. I don't mean to offend anyone, but I think it's true. If we don't promote a positive image, to jetskiers, bass boaters, non-boaters, even the dreaded sailboaters, etc we'll be facing more and more legislation regarding speed and noise.

Well said! As far as the "acting like spoiled little school children" comment in my experience most of the time it's how they were raised. If they were spoiled rotten as kids they grow up to be arrogant pri*ks.

I know a few people that are VERY well off and they are the most down to earth people you will ever meet. But they started with nothing and worked their azz off to make it. And I also know people that like to pretend they are much more well off than they are and they were spoiled rotten as kids. These seem to be the ones that are acting like arrogant azzes on the water.

I agree with the points you have made - especially when at speed on a busy weekend. :cool-smiley-011: And yes, on a busy weekend I've considered hiring a professional waver to take the workload off of me and my crew. :D

To further illustrate the point - during Shootout weekend last year we were going through the no wake under the bridge. We were within "waving range" of four TG's during our idle through. Not one wave back, they just looked at us. We also went past three boats that were made by another prominent offshore builder - the crews waved back like they were having the time of there lives. I remember my buddy commenting "What's up with the Cig guys? They don't wave like the XXXXXX guys do.

Now my friends aren't into boating like I am, but they have learned to recognize the popular brands (my work is never done :angry-smiley-044:). If they have this perception, being around performance boats every summer, just imagine the perception of the average Rinker / Chap / etc. family when it comes to us performance boaters.

I've towed more boats and wave runners than I care to remember...some at the risk of damaging my boat due to conditions. I always stop to assist regardless of boat or what I am doing. Just good karma. I've even docked my boat before to run up into the parking lot, unhook my trailer, and pull out a van at the ramp that was about to slide back in due to low water levels exposing slime on the ramp. The only time I've questioned a tow was a boat on the river where the owner had rings in both nips. Cool on a chick, not so cool on a dude?! :D

I would have just considered the rings to be tow hooks! :D

Same here.

I always strive to be responsible (courteous, lawful, and friendly) on the water.
I do some occasional jet-skiing as well and go even further out of my way to be safe, friendly, not a nuisance, etc....

I think most performance boaters are generally much more knowledgeable of the rules regulations than the average boater out there. -which is very cool.
But unfortunately, I think we often get a bad rap just because of the noise and/or perceived danger of any speed run (Even if it's late in the day when nobody is on the water).

Great thread.

Pretty obvious
 

Hello. I don't post much. Read a lot of the posts. On this topic, I'm inclinced to chime in. My wife and I have an anniversary right around the time of the Jammin on the James Poker Run. We always book 3 or 4 rooms for us and our in-laws and neices and nephews and spend the whole weekend in Hampton. We really like sitting off to the side of the channels in our Donzi center console, and enjoy watching the runners go by. Beautiful boats and the kids really dig it. We always sit way off so we're not in anyone's way. A couple of years ago, when the runners were staying at the Radisson in Hampton, (the last year they are over at Ocean Marine), we took a walk along the dock to check out the nice equipment, and got to tell you guys, I don't know who you are but get over yourselves ok? Maybe it was the booze, but my wife was almost knocked off the dock because some overly self-absorbed guy did the old "it's my dock and you have to move thing to us as he walked along". Then when one of the kids got too close (kids ok?), and someone told my nephew to "get his f___n hands off of the boat". Sheesh, the kid was 10 years old. Anyway, not including everyone in this request, but these 2 things really made the runners not look so good to the family. Other than that, we'll still watch the boats go by this summer. Please be nice to ordinary people. We can't all afford a $300K piece of offshore hardware, but we like to look.

I don't need everyone to love me.

You may come and look at our slow boat anytime and bring the kids. We are going to run the Ocean Marine, Jammin on the James, Hampton Roads Powerboat Association and Wake the lake at Kerr Lake Va. Come and see us .:D

Joby

Sorry you may not want to bring the kids to Jammin it's more for the Adults. :D

To answer the original question I say YES as a group we are our own worst enemy. People remember the dikheads and even though most of us may not be arrogant pri*ks the ones that are make performance boaters look bad. donzimanva's story is a prime example. Who the hell talks to children like that? :confused:

Remember, stereotypes are based on reality! :cool-smiley-011:

Socalstone, I have to disagree with your statement, " I think
most preformance boaters are generally more knowledgeable of the rules then the average boater". Let me ask you a question, two boats are approaching each other from right angles, at close to the same speed, which boat is the stand on vessel. Everybody that reads this should know the answer to this question.

Well said. That's the first rule we all should have learned as kids. You just treat people the way you'd like to be treated...

Anyone that has seen caddyshack should know that one! :D

The boat that has the "right-to-left" course is the stand on vessel.

If both boats are powerboats, the boat to the starboard side has the right of way.... unless one is a sailboat, which always gets to stay on course. (I'm pretty sure)


I don't mean to imply that every performance boater knows every rule in the book or every knot at the dock, and I don't claim to.... The "performance" guys I have known have always been more knowledgeable and aware than your average guy who thinks boating is neat, and buys a general recreational boat and takes to the water.

OK, just looked it up..... aside from proper maritime terminology, I do have it right.

Interesting thing though... I didn't know the reason behind the red light-port/green light-starboard setup.....
but this directly relates- At night, the stand on vessel "sees" a green light. While the give way vessel "sees" a red.

3 lites. red,green,white. If you see red and white, the vessel you see is travelling from right to left, if you see a green and white light, the vessel is travelling from left to right. If you see red and green, its coming head on towards you and if you see white only, its travelling away from you.

There are a lot of a-holes in the world who ruin it for everybody no matter if they boat, fish, sail, or not. Half the B.S. legislation out there is because someone acted stupid and hurt themselves or others.
I am the first guy to wave to another boater whether they are a fisherman, sailboter, or in a kayak. Sometimes they don't appreciate me, even when I am doing nothing wrong, and occasionally I have gotten the finger. You know what works great when that happens, just smile and wave back.....that really pizzes them off and you were still the gentleman.
I am sorry for your bad experience. I have yet to make it to Jammin on the James but may make it down there this year. If I do, feel free to stop by the docks and I would be glad to take you and your kids for a ride.

You guys impress me. Because 95% or more, of the boaters on the water couldn't answer that question. Now by reading this thread, more people will know.
I didn't mean to high jack this thread. Michael1 has brought up some good points, with regards to performance boaters.
Actually there is a lot of good info on this site, keep up the good work.

I have learned over the years that seamanship sometimes depends on region rather than type of vessel. Small, Inland lake folks are less likely to own a Chapmans. Ocean/great lakes port folks are less likely NOT to own a Chapmans.
However.....
Ask the average "gold-chain-wearing-gone-deaf-from-straight pipes-motor-shiner" what a "Rhumb Line" is, and he will say: The line for the rum.

As for myself I feel that boating most of the times bings out the best in people not the worst. I have been in a harbor where my neighbor right next to me had a sailboat, and he was a great guy. I have been fishing (not in a while). I feel that you meet more good friendly people on the water than bad ones. I wave at everybody durring the days cruz, and have made some great friends. Boaters come in all forms as long as you are floating on the water it's cool by me.....just my .02....BZ

The Future of Performance Boating - Are We Our Own Worst Enemy?

http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...d.php?t=183976

Ya' think :p

Rhumb line - a line crossing all meridians at the same angle, i.e. a path of constant bearing.

However, there is this alternative that combines both....www.therhumbline.com

Oh yeah, and I wear a gold chain....only a small one though because I don't own a fountain!:p

Don't know much about rhumb lines but big center consoles are great for conga lines!

Seriously, I'm glad to see everyone take an interest in this topic.
What we do and how we are seen/perceived can have a great effect on our future.

I think that it is more important than ever. Perf boaters only used to have to fight the perceptions that they were loud, drunk, obnoxious, etc.
Not hard to do... meet some people, act nice, share. Help others with problems in the bilge.

Now there is the added "environmental-weenyism." I am pretty sure that the media will find perf boats right around the time that street gas hits 4 bucks. And they will be able to make a pretty strong case regarding gph burned for fun.

We had better have some good PR going.
And I DON'T mean Poker Runs.

I am VERY surprised to learn that this took place at the Jammin' on the James. I'd be curious to know who this was, as this is completely not the norm of this crowd. The Jammin' is all about the party, and ANYONE is welcome. Look us up this year. Active Thunder is sponsoring the event this year, and I can show your son at least a dozen boats up close.

I was raised from the age of ten being on a boat every weekend, and most evenings.
I thought the part of helping a stranded (or ANY) boater was just a part of the rules of the water.

I recall a couple in their late 50's early 60's that boat there first boat that docked about 6 slips away from me. I was about 27 at the time. She had terminal cancer, and had always wanted a boat. They bought a little cabin-cruiser type 23 Sea-Ray.
I always offered whatever assistance I could - even taught the guy how dock his boat (he was having all kinds of trouble understanding the wind, and the current trying to back into his slip).
Even though I was young, had a loud boat, and occasionally got loud myself, there was respect there on both of our parts.

I've been land bound for a few years now, and I know I need to brush up on my skills.
As far as the gas prices, and the media - I'll be your poster child.
I've had my truck for 4 years, and I've logged 12K miles. My wife got hers new 2 1/2 years ago and she's only got ~13K on it.
We live 2 miles from work (this was a very conscious decision).
I've been saving up all my gas credits to burn them in the boat:D
So, all these people that travel 60-80 miles round trip everyday...
They have nothing on me.

Ouchie. Ouch ouch, ouchie. :D
At least I bought a Malibooty.
I get 34 hwy.
Just put new Firestones on it Saturday.
I am doing my part too. My boatlessness is a sacrifice for the rest of you. ;)

I say no to the original question. Not everyone is going to like performance boats. Alot of it is jealousy. Alot of it is just the current sorry state of affairs in this country. Alot of people are just plain miserable azzholes that cannot stand to see someone having a good time. Alot of times when I wave to boaters with less of a boat, I get the deer in the headlights look, just a blank stare. Who's being the dick now? And why should we *****foot around? What we do is legal and our given right. As you know, we cannot keep everyone happy. My boat is muffled to meet the noise standards and I am extremely courteous on the water. That's all I can do. And, if some azzhole group wants to try to take my rights away, I will fight it thebest I can.

You probably get the deer in headlights look because the gladiator looks so badazz.

Good points Michael.

I do not really have what anyone on this forum would call a perforamnce boat anymore. Although some will call a 38te Fountain with trip engines a performance boat.

I wave at passing boats and find that performance boaters and sail boaters normally will not wave back. Some performance boats will wave back but the ones in the ultra high dollar 35' plus will not.