Pickled Neighbors

[BobM]

I'd just ask for another slip. Take the other neighbor with you. That should prompt the marina owner to do something, as he/she is unlikely to be happy about two owners looking to move.

I ran into a gang of 10 year olds this spring who threw clams that they stole (someone left a net full in tied to a dock) at my boat while I was getting it ready for launch for no reason. I spoke to the local police and they told me to call the harbor master and couldn't get off the phone fast enough. I spoke to the locals and they said the kids broke a boats windshield earlier in the week and that their parents were drug addicts and they didn't want to speak to police for fear of retribution.

I stayed late enough that the little you know whats should have been home for the evening, but I was really concerned about what might happen to my boat when I went home that night. A lot of times if you aren't a local, you don't know the lay of the land.

It isn't worth the stress if you can avoid it. If you can't avoid it, I'd approach them when their sober. Preface the conversation by saying that your not trying to be an a-hole, but that you worked hard to buy your boat and to take care of it and that you would really appreciate it if they would graciously accept a little docking help.

 

[txtowman]

party slip

I want to move in at ctskips marina

 

[dvideohd]

Every Marina....

seems to have it's own personality.... I like the ones that seem lively in the evening... some are more like a prison block... pristine and absolutely sterile...

You should make your choices on where to go before Friday and Saturday night... Just appreciate the diversity, sometimes...

But still.... when folks come in - repeatedly - absolutely plastered... they really are a danger to themselves first and then others... Might as well say something and see if it does any good...

--jr

(I am headed to Ctskip's Marina in about 2 weeks... been looking forward to it...)

 

[BoatlessAfterKatrina]

smart moves---if that doesnt work, then the tools .....but do pad the boat for safety measure.....

It did occur to me, before reading MaineSail's post, that it might be effective to attach some coarse-grit sandpaper to a fender on their side that would scratch up their stuff a bit on contact.

But then I figured making friends and working things from that angle seems to be the better all-around long-term solution.

 

[MrBee]

THe part I see is that these folks are driving away in their car and nobody is saying anything about it. I know of a few people and a relative that were killed by drunk drivers. I'm NOT talking about a beer or two, I like a few beers while sailing also, but as drunk as your saying they need reported to the local police so they can be arrested and stopped BEFORE some innocent person or your son or daughter gets killed. Maybe if the one driving gets busted then the other will change their actions.

Like I said, I drink some beers also, but there is a big difference between a couple of beers and stumbling drunk.

Bee

 

[sailingdog]

Umm... what are you talking about... you obviously haven't been reading the other posts very carefully, as I said:

...Second, the local LEO, both water and land, should be informed of this. Drunk driving and drunk boating are both illegal and these idiots are clearly putting others at risk with their behavior—especially if they're going from the boat to their cars.....

back in post #26... and ChuckBear said:

I have to disagree with any personal confrontations either face to face or in writing, especially in writing. I would notify the local authorities, both Coast Guard and the local water police. Offer to give them the approximate time these folks return and call them in advance if you can. Also notify the local police since these folks have to drive home. I would do it before they kill someone and I will be the one to regret not doing something. Chuck

all the back in post #11.

THe part I see is that these folks are driving away in their car and nobody is saying anything about it. I know of a few people and a relative that were killed by drunk drivers. I'm NOT talking about a beer or two, I like a few beers while sailing also, but as drunk as your saying they need reported to the local police so they can be arrested and stopped BEFORE some innocent person or your son or daughter gets killed. Maybe if the one driving gets busted then the other will change their actions.

Like I said, I drink some beers also, but there is a big difference between a couple of beers and stumbling drunk.

Bee

Even a couple of beers is often enough to impair someone to the point they will be a danger to others around them... but, it depends a lot on their personal tolerance for alcohol, their weight, whether they had food in their stomach, etc...

 

[ITMaster]

my vote is options 3 & 4

 

[Ross]

It has been said that the boom is the second most deadly thing on a boat. The liquor locker is number one. While we are under way we are teetotalers and won't pull a cork until the anchor is down and the boat is secure.

 

[Ctskip]

I would think the #1 deadly thing on ones boat, would be the individual themselves.
It's not about when one does the drinking, it's when they operate the vessel once the drinking is done that matters. Taking doctor prescribed drugs are probably worse, look at Elvis, Anna Nichol and Michael. And those are legal.
I consider myself fortunate in that I know when I'm inebriated and can't do things I think I can. Some don't know where that point is.
I feel a little understanding/compassion and a kind few words could solve the problem. Maybe, maybe not.Whats it going to cost you? I know i would like it if someone were to point it out if I were being a jerk, as opposed to calling the police. I may just listen and realize that wow if he can see it, maybe I am. I would slow it down and be more aware of my behavior. Sometimes, all it takes is for somone to point it out, to create a change in someones outwordly behavior. I would thank them for their being considerate and not calling the police and will show them respect in the future, because they showed me some. One hand washes the other, is what I was taught. Be careful, you might just make a friend and we don't want that.
Instead it looks like most here will turn you in and worry about a confrontation and being sued. How sad it must be to live with those thoughts. And to think, they brought it on themselves. Is that you peeking out from behind that curtain? Finding cotter pins on your deck? Oil spots under you car? Quit being so nice.

Keep it up,
Ctskip

 

[sailingdog]

CTSkip—

Given the fact that the OP clearly stated that the individuals in question REFUSED any assistance in docking, while clearly being a menace to the property of the adjacent boat owners,

I don't see any reason or need to try and extend any compassion towards them. They are not willing to accept help—as they have clearly shown to the OP, and do not see any issue with their approach or technique or behavior. Also, from the fair amount of work I've done on anti-drunk driving legislation, it is pretty clear to me that no intervention short of the local law enforcement is likely to have any effect on these type of people.

Getting them off the road and off the water before they kill someone is far more important than "being compassionate" to them IMHO. It is often the case that many drunks refuse help, and no amount of outside assistance can help them until they realize they have a problem and start seeking help themselves. As someone who has lost family to the actions of drunk drivers, I find it very difficult to find much compassion for drunken idiots who behave so irresponsibly.

Well this couple regularly (1 to 2 times per week) head out for a sunset booze cruise and when they return they are typically intoxicated to the point that walking seems to be a very difficult task. When they dock, they use my boat and the boat on the other side of them as bumpers while tieing up in their slip. Afterwards, they do not offer any appology or even acknowledging their actions in any way. I have offered before to give them a hand docking but they were pretty insistant that they did not need any help. No damage to my boat or their other neighbor as of yet, but I would like to handle this matter before there is any damage.

I would think the #1 deadly thing on ones boat, would be the individual themselves.
It's not about when one does the drinking, it's when they operate the vessel once the drinking is done that matters. Taking doctor prescribed drugs are probably worse, look at Elvis, Anna Nichol and Michael. And those are legal.
I consider myself fortunate in that I know when I'm inebriated and can't do things I think I can. Some don't know where that point is.
I feel a little understanding/compassion and a kind few words could solve the problem. Maybe, maybe not.Whats it going to cost you? I know i would like it if someone were to point it out if I were being a jerk, as opposed to calling the police. I may just listen and realize that wow if he can see it, maybe I am. I would slow it down and be more aware of my behavior. Sometimes, all it takes is for somone to point it out, to create a change in someones outwordly behavior. I would thank them for their being considerate and not calling the police and will show them respect in the future, because they showed me some. One hand washes the other, is what I was taught. Be careful, you might just make a friend and we don't want that.
Instead it looks like most here will turn you in and worry about a confrontation and being sued. How sad it must be to live with those thoughts. And to think, they brought it on themselves. Is that you peeking out from behind that curtain? Finding cotter pins on your deck? Oil spots under you car? Quit being so nice.

Keep it up,
Ctskip

 

[TimCup]

There's A Simple Order To Life-

1 Save yourself- hanger 2 or 3 fenders on his side of your boat. You can relax and not worry about the possibility of minor damage.

2. Save others- call the authorities, give them the lowdown, and you've done your civic duty. You're not a policeman- let them do what they're paid for and trained to do.

3-Save your enemy- explain you are worried for them and anyone else they may meet on the water and the road, and let them know you'll do whatever it takes to keep them from hurting themselves.

Let your conscience be your guide.


cup

 

[Ctskip]

Please understand one thing above all else, I am all for busting drunk drivers and prosecuting them to the FULL extent of the law. I'm actually for breathalyzers to be part of the ignition system for all vehicles, from tractors to 18 wheelers, along with thumbprint and retina identification for ignition systems. No keys needed. But we also need to understand not one glass of wine makes most drunk to the point they are inebriated and can't function properly. It's like driving/boating while taking xanax.

There have been times I have had a difficult time walking down the dock being straight. I have also come close to using other boats for fenders. I have a few times where I've had to fend myself off other vessels. I can see where someone from another angle would think I actually hit the other boat. I'm not saying that I haven't seen a drunks boat hit another boat, using it as a fender and it does leave marks. I know if I had a perpetual drunk next to me who couldn't control their vessel, I would have them moved to another part of the marina. But I would of had a serious, but friendly talk with them first. If the pinball docking continued, I would request them to be moved and place the responsibility of them to the marinas staff. But I would of at least attempted to resolve the matter on a friendly note. Knowing I did all I could do and now I turn it over to someone who can do something a little stiffer than I could, other than just a friendly talk. But the friendly talk should come first. I think one would feel better about themselves in the long run. JMO.

I'd also make a point of being there to defend my vessel against their game of pinball docking. Offering help whether they need it or not. I'd be doing it for myself and not them.

Keep it up,
Ctskip

 

[Anchor Down]

Bad Assumption, and Feeling Be Damned

Ctskip, you're obviously a very nice guy. I've enjoyed reading your posts over the last couple of years, and I'd like to have you for a dock neighbor. But you're making one mistake at the onset that makes your great advice a miss in this situation, and I think not appreciating the bigger picture.

You're assuming they are responsible, rational people. But the evidence suggests otherwise.

They, for whatever reason, are behaving in dangerous ways. They are a menace to everyone around them, both on the water, and on the road afterward. The best thing to do, the thing that shows the most compassion for them, and for everyone on the water and on the street, is to stop them before they hurt or kill someone else and/or themselves.

Let's not argue degree of intoxication: that is not the point. They're enough under the influence of a drug that they are impaired. That means they have no business operating any kind of small craft, not to mention the automobile that speeds them to and from the dock.

That also means that the sober (no pun intended) decision-making must be done by other people on their behalf.

WTA, and everyone else: do you have friends at the dock? Would you like to see them continue to live? Does any of them bring his children with them, in a car that travels public roads near the dock? Do those children ever go out on the water in small craft with their parents? Or walk across the parking lot, carefree, secure in the knowledge that the adults around them will protect them from harm?

I'm not trying to use hysterics; rather, to remind everyone of the seriousness of this situation. You'd better believe I wouldn't let it go on. I'd be afraid to open a newspaper and read the headline. And wouldn't I be just a little bit complicit in that tragedy by my inaction?

Public safety trumps the uneasiness or shame of confrontation. Just let the guys with the badges do the confronting. Call the marina, call the water police, call whomever you need to call, but do it today.

 

[Ctskip]

Re: Bad Assumption, and Feeling Be Damned

Thanks for the compliment. But that's not what I'm looking for. You say something about the big picture. I have seen the big picture and I can really say I don't like what I see. More laws, more signs, more regulations , do this, don't do that. Lawyers coming out of every nook and cranny. Law suits Parents fighting at their kids ball parks. It's becoming a dog eat dog world. Hell neighbors don't know neighbors. When I moved here I gave a spare key to my neighbor and all contact information I could think of. I think if it weren't for the piece of paper they wouldn't know my name. We had a Christmas party and invited the entire hood. Several families showed and we had a good time. Nothing since. Where does the responsibility begin and the personal pride begin? Gimme gimme gimme is what I hear. You don't have to do that, someone else will take care of it. I am the kind of guy who takes care of himself, and others if I so desire. I look out for people. I stop and remove the muffler from the roadway, so that others don't crash avoiding it. I run into burning buildings to see if everyone it out. If I see someone with a problem and I can do one little thing to help, I will. My folks were boaters and they were bonafied alcoholics. My Dad drove over 100,000 miles every years being a salesman . He used to let me bring in the chris craft when he couldn't. I know drunks and the lives that are wasted by their stupid, selfish behavior. Most need intervention and I will at least try. If what I do isn't enough or good enough, I will pass it along to the next level and maybe that will do the trick. Maybe not. You say look at the big picture. I see it and I don't like it. A good friend teaches kindergarten and the police go into her class once every year and teach the kids what drugs look and smell like. (nice huh). Not only that, but they ask each and every kid if they ever see any of this going on at home. The police are teaching our children to tattle on their parents. There's the big picture. I don't like it. How about you, you like it? So I will hold out for the better part of mankind to offer a lending hand and not expect something in return. I help because I want to. I will always intervene. I will step into traffic to guide them around an accident. I have pulled people out of overturned SUVs traveling to fast on snowy roadways. Believe me, I have no pity for the drunk driver. Nor do I have pity for the druggie who jumps off buildings. I just choose to help if I can. that's all. Everybody deserves three strikes. I know I did, and I appreciated it and still do. But that's another story.

Keep it up,
Ctskip

 

[Jim Kolstoe]

A once in a rare while incident of coming into the docks intoxicated might warrant a friendly conversation. The repeated incidents described in the OP do not. Having prosecuted and defended DUII drivers, I have found that uniformly, they don't think they are that bad - after all, they got into the dock safely didn't they? Or if not, it wasn't that bad a hit, or it could have happened to anyone. At least one person I am friendly with on my dock seems to get drunk on a regular basis. When I mentioned my concerns, he claimed that he was not driving because he had his travel trailer in the adjacent campground, so it was ok. My friendly approach was fully as effective as talking to a brick wall. I have not contacted the authorities about him because I've never seen him operating a boat or car under the influence - just wobblying around the docks enough to make drowning a concern. However, if I did see him boating or driving drunk, I would immediatly contact the police, and if needed, testify at trial. I like the guy, but I do not want be injured or see others hurt or killed by him.
Please keep in mind, drunks are dangerous- call the cops!
Jim Kolstoe, h23 Kara's Boo

 

[Stormsailor]

Gather as many people as you can get that are annoyed by or even concerned about their behavior, approach them when they are sober, and voice your concerns to them and make it clear its not just you,and that the next time they do it you will file a formal complaint. write down everyone's name that is there. And keep it for the formal complaint.
its time to remove drunks off the water, and get them back on dock to sober up. - Good luck

 

[Ross]

OTOH you could just buy them another bottle of rum and wait for Darwin to invoke his rules of natural selection.

 

[RobertLangdirect]

I have to disagree with any personal confrontations either face to face or in writing, especially in writing. I would notify the local authorities, both Coast Guard and the local water police. Offer to give them the approximate time these folks return and call them in advance if you can. Also notify the local police since these folks have to drive home. I would do it before they kill someone and I will be the one to regret not doing something. Chuck

You betcha! DO NOT CONFRONT the people. They are adults. They know the rules. They have already committed themselves to putting their desires ahead of you, or me. I think there is nothing you or I could do to prevent their current behavior. Confronting them will only add one more item to the list -- and that may be an attack on your person or property.

Why risk that? They are adults. Tell the PD next time you know they are out there drunk. Do so with my selfserving thanks because the life you may be saving is either theirs, yours, or mine.

 

[RichH]

4. Inform the local marine police of this regular dangerous/illegal activity, or even the municipal police of it since once they complete their docking exercises, they stumble to their car and head out onto the streets.

#4 is the only action that will get lawful results.
Dont confront, dont counsel, dont try to make yourself 'feel good' ... just call the cops and save yourself and others from such obviously harmful potential. You have a 'duty as a citizen' to do this, take responsibility and 'just do it'. Its as easy as 'popping a pimple' or 'cutting out a tumor'.

 

[william24424]

Defense, bumpers

Good defense, or fences make good neighbors. Put a buffer (canvas,ect) between tire and your boat, let the bumper boat get black marks from the tires.