Need opinions to settle dispute

[ShaneCarroll]

Re: Need opinions to settle dispute

Well, let me start by saying the water in the Keys is very deceitful. While very clear and beautiful, you can go from 20' deep to inches deep in the blink of an eye. If it is a fast boat, I would have to tell that guy (with tears in my eyes, of course) that I must decline his offer. While it sounds like a dream come true, if I could afford one of those boats myself, there would be no need to pilot someone else's boat. Now, the reason that comes into play is if you can afford to pay for any damage done to the boat, go for it. You never know, there might be preexisting conditions with the boat, you touch the key, and now it's your fault. See you in small claims court.

 

[ShaneCarroll]

Re: Need opinions to settle dispute

One last thing, in Key West, you can ride a giant catamaran out to the reef for $35 a person. It is a snorkeling trip, and it is BEAUTIFUL! I would have to recommend that, that way you're not in fear of paying for the man's boat. Definitely take him up on the house offer, but keep it clean.

 

[skargo]

Re: Need opinions to settle dispute

 

[scipper77]

Re: Need opinions to settle dispute

Just a comment on the title of the thread. Sometimes opinions create the dispute (usually around here). Having said that...
If the executive's boat is insured and he is aware of the risk of letting someone else use his boat then the poor decision was his offer, not your acceptance.

 

[Chiliando]

Re: Need opinions to settle dispute

Yes on the house and no on the boat. My sister has a second home ocean-side on in Key Largo. I sometimes use it and will trailer my smaller, older, single engine boat rather than use their bigger, new, twin engine boat. She offers it and I always politely refuse.

Sh*t happens and I would not have a good time worrying about thier boat.

Rent one................

Take sunset cruises, snorkeling cruises and rent a small boat a few times!!!!!!!!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Need opinions to settle dispute

The solution is obvious. You have plenty of free help here. Send us each a plane ticket and we'll join you all down there, take you out, maintain the boat, repair any damage and if it ain't broke, we'll fix it 'til it is!

'cept I doubt we'll agree on everything....

 

[SG Goobacks]

Re: Need opinions to settle dispute

The solution is obvious. You have plenty of free help here. Send us each a plane ticket and we'll join you all down there, take you out, maintain the boat, repair any damage and if it ain't broke, we'll fix it 'til it is!

'cept I doubt we'll agree on everything....

I think we can all agree on this

 

[Huron Angler]

Re: Need opinions to settle dispute

Send us each a plane ticket and we'll join you all down there, take you out, maintain the boat, repair any damage and if it ain't broke, we'll fix it 'til it is!

This is a perfect solution to the problem. Where do we send our contact info to get on the mailing list? I'd like a window seat if possible to get a good view of the keys

 

[Rogue427]

Re: Need opinions to settle dispute

Count me in also. Who else likes Bud Light?

 

[Lion hunter]

Re: Need opinions to settle dispute

Best rule to live by is "If you can't afford to replace it don't borrow it".

 

[jdlough]

Re: Need opinions to settle dispute

Pierutrus,

Are you saying you think it's OK if they're only going out for a "three hour tour... a three hour tour?"

I don't know. Could make for a bad reality TV show.

Jim

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Need opinions to settle dispute

I wouldn't borrow (or lend) a boat unless I knew the person very well and also knew the boat, especially its condition. If the owner is the kind of guy who polishes the inside of the piano hinges on the live well, I wouldn't go near it (or even want to ride in it, frankly). If it's a well-used fishing/duck boat, fine. If the owner's perspective is that he has an old motor that has outlived its useful life, he would be forgiving if it died while in your hands; if he thinks it's a perfect motor, you will pay to replace it even if the failure was completely coincidental.
Also consider your exposure to risk of damage based on your intended use: a quiet cocktail cruise in well marked waters for an hour or so is less risky than running out to big or unfamiliar water.
Even lake to saltwater is not enough to leave you without sufficient experience; the variety of undetectable hazards in salt water is immense. For example, where I go, a mile-wide bay will be 1 foot deep and a 20' wide creek will be 5' deep, all natural. I'd be mystified trying to run a boat across tropical waters with coral bottoms you can see; the gray waters I can read would look like a blank page to my compatriot from the keys.
This leaves aside the chance of non-damage breakdown in a strange boat in strange waters. If the boat is at a vacation home and seldom used, well, go to the outboard forums where every third post is about ethanol poisoning!

 

[NoKlu]

Re: Need opinions to settle dispute

I would get more info about the boat from the owner and discuss the details a little before making the decision. The boat may very well be in the size range of the one you have and running it is not going to be a problem. A neighbor friend of the owner may be very happy to show you around the local waters. They might even be iboaters. Your local insurer may put a rider on the boat so you are covered while you are using it. The fellow that offered the use of his home and toys clearly thinks that you are trustworthy are responsible enough to make this great opportunity available to you. Who knows, maybe he will come with you for a day and show you around himself. Murphy can always show up and screw things up and I personally don't know one person who has gone through life without meeting that scumbag. With the proper preparation your chances of him knocking at the door can be greatly reduced. If these details can be worked out, relax and enjoy the fruits of your husbands labor.

 

[Pierutrus]

Re: Need opinions to settle dispute

Pierutrus,

Are you saying you think it's OK if they're only going out for a "three hour tour... a three hour tour?"

I don't know. Could make for a bad reality TV show.

Jim

No Jim.
I say take the boat out for as long as you like/think you can handle it.
IF IN DOUBT, hire somebody who is capable.

Everybody is making this out to be a big deal.
Well let's turn it around. Put yourself in the exec's position.
Let's analyze it backwards and see if the exec needs to go see a shrink for letting some incompetent seaman (his wife is a worry wart), take his nice boat out.

IT'S INSURED, don't worry about it, just go have fun AND take lot's of pic's!