First off, let me say that I eat, sleep and dream boating, practically 24/7. It is an activity that is loved by my entire family. But, it was not always like that. I grew up poor, my parents could barely afford a house, much less, a boat. So as a teen I went boating with a friends family a couple times and got hooked. I greatly enjoyed the sense of freedom, the openess of the big water. Right then I knew I wanted to buy my own boat to enjoy whenever I wanted. After I got married, my wife expressed the same desire to own a boat. We bought a cheap, little boat. It ran great and would pull a skier, we were happy. As our income increased, we continued to upgrade boats. I am thankful that I was able to introduce boating to my son. He has already told me about the many boats he plans to own when he grows up. I have to thank those who first introduced me to this wonderful hobby that I hope to enjoy to my last days.
What got you "into" boating?
DonMan
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First off, let me say that I eat, sleep and dream boating, practically 24/7. It is an activity that is loved by my entire family. But, it was not always like that. I grew up poor, my parents could barely afford a house, much less, a boat. So as a teen I went boating with a friends family a couple times and got hooked. I greatly enjoyed the sense of freedom, the openess of the big water. Right then I knew I wanted to buy my own boat to enjoy whenever I wanted. After I got married, my wife expressed the same desire to own a boat. We bought a cheap, little boat. It ran great and would pull a skier, we were happy. As our income increased, we continued to upgrade boats. I am thankful that I was able to introduce boating to my son. He has already told me about the many boats he plans to own when he grows up. I have to thank those who first introduced me to this wonderful hobby that I hope to enjoy to my last days.
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188 Posts
yeah, well for me it's real simple:
![Image]()
Every other reason is immaterial. Period.:laugher:
Every other reason is immaterial. Period.:laugher:
my dad...
my folks always had a place on the water (mostly trailers) and there was always a boat. My dad had a 16' Thunderbird with a 40 HP Johnson on the back. I always wanted a boat with that sleek looking Mercury engine on the back. His Thunderbird was a tri-hull and it handled like squat and didn't go fast enough for me but it was better than sitting on the shore.
My dad never trusted me out alone in the thing and his distrust was well deserved. As soon as I got out of site I always beat the snot of it.
my folks always had a place on the water (mostly trailers) and there was always a boat. My dad had a 16' Thunderbird with a 40 HP Johnson on the back. I always wanted a boat with that sleek looking Mercury engine on the back. His Thunderbird was a tri-hull and it handled like squat and didn't go fast enough for me but it was better than sitting on the shore.
My dad never trusted me out alone in the thing and his distrust was well deserved. As soon as I got out of site I always beat the snot of it.
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7,014 Posts
What got me "into" boating?
JEFF!
JEFF!
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188 Posts
GEB: I love your quote!:laugher:
Sums it up well, doesn't it?
Sums it up well, doesn't it?
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7,014 Posts
Actually, I loved your [honest] answer...SummerObsession said:
"yeah, well for me it's real simple:"
... probably sums it up for MANY Fastboaters!
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Well, I may be a perv; But I am honest Dammit!:winker:
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1,620 Posts
My parents had a boat before I was born but sold it when I came along.
When I was 6 or 7 (1961-62) they started talking about buying another, which they did.
To use a dingy, Dad bought me/us an 8' pram with a 7hp Merc.
We took annual summer trips that lasted a month. Those trips taught me a lot about seamanship and boat handling. Learned how to plot a course, dead reckoning in fog, collision avoidance, etc.
We then bought a waterfront summer home at the Jersey shore and eventually moved there permenently. It's great being able to wanlk out back to your own dock and take a ride whenever you want. Spent many a summer running around Barnegat Bay.
First offshore race was the Hennesy Grand Prix in Point Pleasant. I remember Doc Magoon waving to me as he sped WOT past our boat only 15 feet away. Back then the start/finish line was the inlet entrance. Once they got just outside the entrance it was balls to the wall and they would shortcut through the spectator fleet on their way out.
I was hooked from then on.
When I was 6 or 7 (1961-62) they started talking about buying another, which they did.
To use a dingy, Dad bought me/us an 8' pram with a 7hp Merc.
We took annual summer trips that lasted a month. Those trips taught me a lot about seamanship and boat handling. Learned how to plot a course, dead reckoning in fog, collision avoidance, etc.
We then bought a waterfront summer home at the Jersey shore and eventually moved there permenently. It's great being able to wanlk out back to your own dock and take a ride whenever you want. Spent many a summer running around Barnegat Bay.
First offshore race was the Hennesy Grand Prix in Point Pleasant. I remember Doc Magoon waving to me as he sped WOT past our boat only 15 feet away.
Back then the start/finish line was the inlet entrance. Once they got just outside the entrance it was balls to the wall and they would shortcut through the spectator fleet on their way out.I was hooked from then on.
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8,633 Posts
Grew up with them! Like to go fast! Like women in bathing suits! Like to drink! Like to Party! Like to race! Not in that order! Love to float! Need more?
My dad is very much into boating. He has had a boat since he was 16. It's just a part of him. As I was growing up he and I would drive up to Lake Superior every weekend religiously and fish. We did some boating through the Apostle Islands as well. After my parents got divorced the pleasure boating stopped but he still fishes his brains out. He gave up the house to keep his boat through the divorce. I love to fish but every time a go-fast would go by or pull into the marina I would be pointing and telling my parents that one day that's what I'll have. And now here I am. This is my first boat, my Dad helped me search for it just like I had helped him in the past. It's amazing how this sport brings people together. It doesn't matter how much you make or where you are from, or what kind of boat you have, if you have a boat of any kind you always have people to share the experience with.
Except sailboaters....just kidding
I also like the girls and the drinks. That is definitely an added bonus!
Except sailboaters....just kidding
I also like the girls and the drinks. That is definitely an added bonus!
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69,128 Posts
I have been on the water since I can remember. My uncle owned a resort(not much) in MN. and every year we would go there for 3 weeks at a time in the summer. All the cabins came with a boat,with no motor. I remember going into a shed where my uncle kept all these old motors.Most were under 15hp.My father also owned a motor,I think it was a Sea King,and sometimes he would bring that along.
Well one year,I was about 12,I met this guy in my Uncle's bar(another story)and he took a liking to me. His name wa Gordy.Well the next day,Gordy asked if I wanted to drive his speed boat..........................AND I"VE BEEN HOOKED SINCE.......I just love being on the water,oh yea and the ladies (scenery)are a true bonus.
You would have thought with all the time I spent on the water,I would have learned how to swim:laugher:
Wonder where Gordy is now??
Well one year,I was about 12,I met this guy in my Uncle's bar(another story)and he took a liking to me. His name wa Gordy.Well the next day,Gordy asked if I wanted to drive his speed boat..........................AND I"VE BEEN HOOKED SINCE.......I just love being on the water,oh yea and the ladies (scenery)are a true bonus.
You would have thought with all the time I spent on the water,I would have learned how to swim:laugher:
Wonder where Gordy is now??
Hey Jeff, my dad also had a 16' boat with a 40HP Johnson when I was a kid. It was a Barbour - all wood. Used to have to prepare and paint the whole thing each spring.
Actually my brothers and I learned boating in a little 10' boat with a 6HP Evinrude. Then when I was about 10 or so I got a 12' MFG with a 91/2HP Evinrude. That boat was the s**t, so I thought. Would run about 25 mph which I thought was flying! Then BillR moved into the neighborhood and we've been boating ever since.
My how things have changed!
Actually my brothers and I learned boating in a little 10' boat with a 6HP Evinrude. Then when I was about 10 or so I got a 12' MFG with a 91/2HP Evinrude. That boat was the s**t, so I thought. Would run about 25 mph which I thought was flying! Then BillR moved into the neighborhood and we've been boating ever since.
My how things have changed!
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I grew up with boats. Grandparents had a cabin on the Wapsi with an old Lone Star and it all evolved from there. Parents had boats on the Cedar and then over to the Muddy Miss.
My dad later owned boat dealerships and still has a repair shop in Texas.
My dad later owned boat dealerships and still has a repair shop in Texas.
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69,128 Posts
My family and I live in Boatnut's attic. We stow away aboard the Big Bananna when he takes it out and have fun when he and Lance (his lover) go overboard to splash around in the water. Other weekends we run around the house and party while he and Lance are away...
The Raccoon!
The Raccoon!
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69,128 Posts
Thanks for opening up that wound. Lance and I have been seperated for 3 months now. Just when I was getting over the trauma,I have to hear that name again.
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Just taking a break. This studying stuff is for the birds. Reccomended study time is 2 hours of study,for every hour of class. After doing my gozintas,I now have 60 hours of study before next Saturday. After doing 1boatnut math,this will be hard.I plan to be on the water Friday,and maybe another day this week.
Take into account,eating,sleeping,posting,and going to the bathroom,I'm already 59 hours short Man its a good thing I don't work.
I am gonna boat,eat ,chit and study on the water.
How's that for time management
If I could only figure a way to post in my sleep
Take into account,eating,sleeping,posting,and going to the bathroom,I'm already 59 hours short
Man its a good thing I don't work.I am gonna boat,eat ,chit and study on the water.
How's that for time management
If I could only figure a way to post in my sleep
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