I know that this thread has basically run its course, but I just wanted to add my 1 1/2 cents worth. I, like a lot of everybody I guess, have my own likes and dislikes about some boats. There is little doubt that some boats are absolute junk, and without name-calling, most are aware of this. And these opinions quantify subjective analysis anyway. Irrelevant.
But the very idea of NOT waving at somebody because of their poison of choice, I've got way too many derogatory things to say about it than Phil's gonna tolerate. But I am a "waver". Maybe it's a South thing, I don't know. Or care. Again, irrelevant. But I grew up on the water. 50+ years of it on and off, mainly on, and I wave at everybody. Not the silly tourist wave of a newbie, but generally the hand up at the wrist kinda wave of passing. Everybody. Itty bitty flat bottomed fish boats, ESPECIALLY weekend families out on their ski type boats, kids all in their PFD's, etc. It's good for the image.
I had an old Harley for a bunch of years, and yes, I was one of the ones that had more miles pushing it around my shop than some of these pretty boys will ever have on the road. And I would wave at anybody on a bike I passed. maybe just the nod thing, but an acknowledgement. It wasn't like THAT lifestyle couldn't use the image upgrade..
And, I move a lot of boats. A LOT of them. Some incredibly expensive high-end craft, and obviously some beat up junk, (but that usually belongs to me). And I can not help but think that the skipper that is giving the "salute" to a passing Hobie while piloting a 6 figure plus boat or whatever probably restores their faith in humanity just a little bit.
I am in a place where I guess I could buy what I wanted. We've recently looked at a 61', and an 82'. IF I were to acquire something of this caliber, would the waving cease? I would stand on the flybridge wing to wave. Why not?
Does it hurt? Are some people with money just that arrogant? Egotistical? Selfish? Self-centered?
Well, it doesn't hurt, I know that much..
