Learned a valuble lesson today... Learn from my mistake!

[ajeckley]

After eight hours of fishing and with dark closing in I pulled up to the dock, tied the boat up and proceeded to get the truck. I had a buddy with me for the first time and while he does not own a boat he (I thought) was relatively experienced on boats. While I was backing down the ramp he decided to load the boat on himself... The lesson I learned is this- Never let anybody even think about touching the controls of your boat unless they are prepared to buy it. The damage he caused was only to the trolling motor and transducer, but it could have been much worse and believe me it is a very uncomfortable situation. I learned that it's important to tell your guests "hey this is my boat, if I want help I'll ask." I'm curious how all of you handle situations like this with voluntary helpers. I really don't ever want this situation to come up again but also don't want to be a jerk to my guests or I'll be fishing alone...

 

[jelli]

Re: Learned a valuble lesson today... Learn from my mistake!

boats are like cars only the owner should drive them and most are expensive id be pissed if some one tore up my boat and wouldt care if thay ever went fishing again i guess u should tell peaple up front not to touch im just glad my freinds know better

 

[topdogli22]

Re: Learned a valuble lesson today... Learn from my mistake!

I would rather **** a friend off or insult them by not letting them drive my boat than to have to pay through the nose to fix a mistake. All they say is oops I'm sorry, or say it wasn't there fault and that they don't have any money to fix it.
I agree totally...You break it, you bought it!

 

[Summer Fun]

Re: Learned a valuble lesson today... Learn from my mistake!

Yep we all have dumb friends. I think its a law that you have to have some. .
My one friend said he knew how to tie off the anchor.
Well he didn't & it almost got caught in the prop while trying to stay ahead of a storm.

 

[RAT Attack]

Re: Learned a valuble lesson today... Learn from my mistake!

That sucks.
I don't think any of my friends would think about doing something like that on the ramp unless I asked them too, but, you got me thinking now.
I would much rather them back my truck up if they can, if not, no big deal, I can handle both.
Me & the wife are the only people under the control of the boat near the docks or loading & launching. To easy to scratch or break things if you don't know what your doing and not familiar with the way that particular boat handles. I would let my brother too, but then thats it. I know he will make things right, if things go wrong... lol

 

[RickJ6956]

Re: Learned a valuble lesson today... Learn from my mistake!

Easy prevention for the next trip: Take the key out of the boat when you go get the truck and ask friends to step out onto the dock to hold the lines.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Learned a valuble lesson today... Learn from my mistake!

remember you are the captain, explain the rules before anyone gets aboard.

 

[lakefisherman]

Re: Learned a valuble lesson today... Learn from my mistake!

You need to be specific about what your buddies are, and are not to do.
Did he offer to repair or replace? If not, I'd think twice about letting him fish with you again, but it's not worth losing a real friend over.

 

[wellsc1]

Re: Learned a valuble lesson today... Learn from my mistake!

If he's a real friend, he should offer to pay for damages. Real friends might get mad, but will come around. I like the cordial approach to ask them to hold the dock line. Yes, offer them to drive the truck after you have it backed most way down the ramp, but explain to them not to create a hole-shot up the ramp for fear of losing the boat off the trailer. Of course, power loading the boat can create a washout under water, eroding the end of the ramp.

This thread seems to need a course on ramp ettiquete - both loading the boat and how to treat volunteers likely inexperienced.

 

[ajeckley]

Re: Learned a valuble lesson today... Learn from my mistake!

Thanks guys for your comments. It's one of those tough situations where you don't want to be a jerk but it seems like if you don't put your foot down all your gear will end up at the bottom of the lake

 

[ajeckley]

Re: Learned a valuble lesson today... Learn from my mistake!

Wellsc1- I think a ramp etiquette thread would be great... An under discussed topic.

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Learned a valuble lesson today... Learn from my mistake!

It's tough with a good friend. He had good intentions and I'm sure he feels terrible for what he did. I would make sure he and anyone else knows in the future that you, and only you are in control of the boat when launching / retrieving. It's a shame you had to go through this and now start telling others to not try and help out.

In my experience, when helping someone else out, I try to do what they ask and only that, unless there is an obvious threat or danger and I can correct it. Even when tying someones boat to the dock, I make sure they double check and redo the lines if they feel it isn't done as they like. When you make a mistake with someone elses boat, there can be huge consequences and I try to avoid this at all costs.

 

[lncoop]

Re: Learned a valuble lesson today... Learn from my mistake!

Wellsc1- I think a ramp etiquette thread would be great... An under discussed topic.

Funny you should mention that. This one ends up that way.
http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=395399