Yea man, I just got back from 7 days down there with the boat. I do a lot of big trips. Also just got back from LOTO, won my class.

What I'm saying and you are missing the point......is gearheads used to help each other. I've seen guys stop on the power tour and help strangers for 8 hours! Just to get everyone rolling again. That's the true passion for hotrod shiznit!

If these guys really cared they would have a lot of info out there for us to read and watch. Don't you agree?

Boating season is over for me. Two weeks ago when I would have taken the class my season was over the next day. Would it be foolish to take a class and sit on the teachings when I can't use them or when I'm still learning my boat and wouldn't be able to adequately relate the class to actionable use of the boat? For me, that would be spending foolishly.

Savings are reserved for times of need. Should I lose my job, I will be able to provide for my family and pay my bills and not have to release my responsibilities. From your perspective I'm making a really bad decision. However, I stand behind my position and I'll reiterate I believe in the class and I will be taking it this time next fall. I'm sure you'll find fault in that statement as I compared this year taking the class to taking it next year at the same time and I'm ok with that.

You also overlooked that post where I stated:

"I wanted to run in the LC poker run this year but you know what... I wasn't ready. I'll stash $400 a month till this time next year to pay for Tres' class, pay for my PR entry and the fuel I'll burn along with the accommodations. Until then, I'll read and learn what I can via my own means."

and

"Just because I don't have a bottomless piggy bank doesn't mean I shouldn't enjoy the fruits of my labor. At the same time, by all means, it does mean I should NOT be out on the water rocking the throttles trying to run like the big boys. I'm not in the big leagues. I'm not going to try and run like I am but I will enjoy my boat and execute due diligence in staying in my comfort zone."

You're earmarking a point that if you own a powerboat you have to take the class or you're an idiot. That's where I wholly disagree with your position.

Another poster stated something along the lines that it's not a bad idea to have some seat time behind the new sticks and get a feel for the boat. Wow, what a great concept to know the boat a bit to be able to apply the class through it's course.

Carry on.

Crown, just pointing out your non sequitur posts. I don't believe everyone must take the course but do take issue with anyone that feels it is overpriced (everything in the boating world is overpriced! ) especially those that haven't even taken the course!

So in one post you want someone to pay for you to take the course so you can offer your opinion yet now you feel that the course would be a waste of time since your season is over? Kind of a flip flop position there no?

Why would you want to "Squander" your money on the course?

Nope. No flip flop. I'm not going to squander my savings to race to take the course as soon as possible. I've set a goal and will take the class as I set money aside to save for one awesome weekend. Class, learning, and poker run.

Not sure where there is fault in that logic.

Yes I agree but not sure "Tres" considers himself a hobbyist that is out to help folks on the power tour. I can't remember ever seeing Tres at a poker run, Brad certainly yes. Tres is playing the role of educator and his resume of Multiple World Champion Powerboat racer, rigger etc. is what you are paying for. Would Chip Foose work on your hot rod for 8 hours out of the goodness of his heart?

He structures the course over a couple days, not a couple pointers given at the bar after a run. It is part science, part engineering and part throttling/driving. I don't think we will see Tres on "Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous" anytime soon. Keep in mind the course has a set cost and gives insurance discounts that will far exceed the original cost if you have a big dollar machine. Tres has behind the scene costs that factor in what the course charges. Airline/Hotel/Car Rental/Boat Transport all can get pricey. So 4 guys attend at $2500 (10K) but he could spend 3K getting the deal done. So 7K net but the next class isn't until next month so 7K divided by 2 months is $3500 a month in net income before taxes, $875 a week minus fixed overhead (phone, website, advertising etc). Not exactly ordering a 44 MTI w/1350's kind of money!

No but you do realize the definition of squander right? You have an awesome plan, sounds like it will be a great weekend!

"I am saving to do everything at once" would had covered all of your bases instead of "I'm not going to "waste" my savings to race to take the course"

Please report back after class, I suspect you will become Tres's biggest cheerleader!

You said it!

I have happily taken guys out in their light civil aircraft and taught them how to do aerobatics and fly their ride for no cost! Stuff like that comes up often when us military guys are hanging around civilian airports. I would never consider charging another person a dime for my wealth of knowledge and experience.

So you can and should be able to find good help without whipping out the checkbook!

There are many ways to become "trained."

You must be one of those low level HOBBYIST! How dare you enjoy helping people with your passion! LMAO

No more race cars for me. If John Force can't teach me to work the trans brake or get a good 60ft then I don't need to be racing!

But someone posted he was an ex racer with tons of experience LOL!