I love that Pantera!
Last year I posted I was going to be in Ft Lauderdale looking for a boat ride and Rchevelle71 stepped up right away. He went above and beyond being a gracious host and really hooked us up with a great time. I've watched his boat restoration and seen him for years on the forums so I felt I already knew him. Turned one to be one of the best days I've ever had on the water. Thanks again man! You know you have an open invite to ride in a slow little Apache.

Bob, you are the man!!! Have fun this weekend and take a couple pics for us inland boaters.

Awesome, that is the type of scenario I am talking about. There is something to be said about a local and their first hand knowledge of an area. You could boat for a week and wouldn't be able to see what they can show you in a day..

This is a cool idea.

Having actually given 2 out of town guys rides on my boat this summer, it is a good way to meet some fellow boaters and show someone around. I assume they had fun too (hopefully).

You can get a decent feel for if someone is respectful by their posts.

I'd say most of the posts would be people posting looking for a ride, and then if you are able to offer one you contact them. Posting open seats could create awkwardness if several people want them maybe?

Its lso nice if your comming in for a run from outof the area. Leopa holds a few runs around my area. If you don't know this end of the lake, you can be buying new props really quick. Having a local that knows the area to keep you out of trouble can be a definite asset.

I have no problem being a boat slut, Going to Miami and got a ride to Key West on a friends boat, we used my boat for Desert Storm.
So it all works out

Great idea...........but rides can be scary with the wrong person at the wheel! I have run 100+ mph with others at the wheel that were smooth as can be and I have seen guys at 60 MPH I don't want to even be near, nevermind in their boat.

Your welcome Jim, How are you and Tammy, just passing back what has been given to me by others, and I believe that is what the original intent of this thread was, and I agree 100%, but when $$ changes hands on paper(or the internet), it can get tricky. I agree there should be a section for people to hook up for meetings, and ask/offer boat rides, but I will not respond to anyone I have not met offering $$ for a boat ride, however I will almost always offer up a free ride, and if ya wanna pitch in gas $$ that is fine, otherwise a few beers, and possibly lunch is enough, you went over the top leaving $$ in my truck, but I understand, I have done the same to others. To be honest with ya Jim, Paul actually deserves the thanks, I still havent even gotten a ride in that 32 Skater

For anyone interested, here is the link to the video from that day, and at the end you can see why I call it a high powered canoe

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IwLxaF1mK0

I dont have much Knowledge, that is what scares me, but I know enough people to get by, the GPS does the rest

I resemble that remark, but I blame the poor handling on the boat