There is a 30 Ft older power boat in the slip across from us, we share the walkway. We’ve been noticing that boat for the past few months…never see people on it but the boat is tied right up to the end of the slip so that it extends about 3 ft. into the walkway directly across from our boat, long pulpit and anchor attached as well. If you are not careful you will slam into it somewhere between face and chest height, depending on how tall you are.
Yesterday, Labor Day, there were people on board seemingly enjoying themselves, drinks in hand… possibly a family with friends. 8+ people all together. Presuming the skipper was the owner and father of at least some on board.
Prior to us going out I heard a conversation with someone about the bow being a problem and later found out that another dockmate was speaking to my husband about the frustrating bow. They evidently did speak to the owner and requested he back the boat off the dock properly and he agreed to do so when they returned from a few laps around the harbor. Since the boat had not been out for quite some time, we were first curious if it would even start. It did and they took off, most with drinks in hand.
As they approached to return 45 minutes later, I noted how fast they were approaching. Turning into their dock, they still seemed to have too much speed but at about 1 slip away, it seemed better. But as he turned into the slip he got it sideways and first hit the port side of their slip, bounced a little and then hit the starboard side, all the while with too much speed. I jumped out of our cockpit and ran over to try to fend off for them as they came to the end of their slip with a crash. I was going to grab a dockline or help where I could but was greeted with anger from the skipper who ‘thanked me for jumping out of my boat to help but that is what the dock is for and that’s the way he stops…” My reaction was honest and I just looked up in (most likely) amazement and I said something like “Really? You crash land to stop the boat?” He basically replied again that the dock was there for that reason and I am sure I replied, but no idea what I said. Again he made a comment about the fact that I jumped out of my boat to help but did not call it help! He clearly was not happy that I got involved. I went back to my boat and our friends there, and we were shocked by what we had just seen. My husband was not on the dock at the time.
Later, as they were departing, (I was down below) the man came over and spoke to my husband to tell him that I had ruined their day, and he did not appreciate my interfering. I think the main problem was that I shamed him in front of his family and or friends. I was not aware of him talking to them and did not talk to him myself, but I am left feeling bad about making him feel bad…..but really, isn’t it him who shamed himself by coming in like he did? I was thinking about leaving a note card on his boat apologizing but my husband says to leave it alone.
Last note here: I have always (10 years, multiple locations) been the driver taking our boat in and out of our slip. I enjoy the challenge of the varying conditions each time we come in. I pride myself with doing a good job and work hard at it… Over the past few years I have had trouble twice coming in. Both times a dockmate on one side or the other was there. One of them asked me if it was my first time!!! I was a little embarrassed at my performance but not upset with his question. He had never seen us return until then. Logical question albeit a bit tough!!! My point is that I think this man in my story was all about his ego, and his embarrassment was a result of his own actions, not my reaction. Would an apology card help?
Yesterday, Labor Day, there were people on board seemingly enjoying themselves, drinks in hand… possibly a family with friends. 8+ people all together. Presuming the skipper was the owner and father of at least some on board.
Prior to us going out I heard a conversation with someone about the bow being a problem and later found out that another dockmate was speaking to my husband about the frustrating bow. They evidently did speak to the owner and requested he back the boat off the dock properly and he agreed to do so when they returned from a few laps around the harbor. Since the boat had not been out for quite some time, we were first curious if it would even start. It did and they took off, most with drinks in hand.
As they approached to return 45 minutes later, I noted how fast they were approaching. Turning into their dock, they still seemed to have too much speed but at about 1 slip away, it seemed better. But as he turned into the slip he got it sideways and first hit the port side of their slip, bounced a little and then hit the starboard side, all the while with too much speed. I jumped out of our cockpit and ran over to try to fend off for them as they came to the end of their slip with a crash. I was going to grab a dockline or help where I could but was greeted with anger from the skipper who ‘thanked me for jumping out of my boat to help but that is what the dock is for and that’s the way he stops…” My reaction was honest and I just looked up in (most likely) amazement and I said something like “Really? You crash land to stop the boat?” He basically replied again that the dock was there for that reason and I am sure I replied, but no idea what I said. Again he made a comment about the fact that I jumped out of my boat to help but did not call it help! He clearly was not happy that I got involved. I went back to my boat and our friends there, and we were shocked by what we had just seen. My husband was not on the dock at the time.
Later, as they were departing, (I was down below) the man came over and spoke to my husband to tell him that I had ruined their day, and he did not appreciate my interfering. I think the main problem was that I shamed him in front of his family and or friends. I was not aware of him talking to them and did not talk to him myself, but I am left feeling bad about making him feel bad…..but really, isn’t it him who shamed himself by coming in like he did? I was thinking about leaving a note card on his boat apologizing but my husband says to leave it alone.
Last note here: I have always (10 years, multiple locations) been the driver taking our boat in and out of our slip. I enjoy the challenge of the varying conditions each time we come in. I pride myself with doing a good job and work hard at it… Over the past few years I have had trouble twice coming in. Both times a dockmate on one side or the other was there. One of them asked me if it was my first time!!! I was a little embarrassed at my performance but not upset with his question. He had never seen us return until then. Logical question albeit a bit tough!!! My point is that I think this man in my story was all about his ego, and his embarrassment was a result of his own actions, not my reaction. Would an apology card help?
