Interesting Boat Conversation

[Richard-Howell]

Some backdrop:

I had similiar conversations with one of my ski partners over the past 8 years. He is a somewhat reliable 3rd skier, necessary in NH as a spotter is required. Over the past 10 years he has averaged about 40 ski sessions with me, consisting of 2-3 10 minute open water runs 36mph fairly short lines. He and his father, who skies about 1/2 as much, own a 1980 Larson that spends mornings on their mooring as we use my 196. They kick in 5-8 dollars per morning depending on gas prices.

Last fall we traded the 196 and later in May are taking delivery of a 206. I tried to talk him into buying the 196 and he gave the line he and his father have been using for several years; why would I need a ski boat?

Here is yesterday's conversation:

Matt: Good news we are getting a new boat. My father said I could use his mooring.

Dick: Awesome What kind?

Matt: A Jet boat

Dick: Oh why not a ski boat?

Matt: Why would we need one of those?

Dick: So we could use mine every other morning and share the load!

Matt: uh well I pay you

Dick: (out loud) yes you do.............(to self) that covers gas only


end of boat conversation


At the end of the day it really doesn't matter. I need 3 people to ski, he is pleasant enough and does chip in for gas. He annoys me a little basically saying the he doesn't need a ski boat because he can use mine then have his jet boat to play with in the afternoon. He has had a jet ski which I've been able to use 5 ot 6 times a season for 10 minute rides.

What are your thoughts? He doesn't read this forum.

[MARK-S]

RE: Interesting Boat Conversation

Finding a dedicated sking partner is not easy. If you have no other options, you are stuck with your problem.

[SGY]

RE: Interesting Boat Conversation

Sharing the load for not only gas, but hours, would be nice. That's how we do things at our lake. Like Mark-S says, finding a ski partner is not always easy. Not sure what your "partner" is thinking. He's skied with you for 10 years and should know by now the value of a ski boat. His attitude of "why should I buy a ski boat, we can use yours" smacks of selfishness. Am I wrong?

[surroundsound64]

Re: RE: Interesting Boat Conversation

Not sure what your "partner" is thinking. He's skied with you for 10 years and should know by now the value of a ski boat. His attitude of "why should I buy a ski boat, we can use yours" smacks of selfishness. Am I wrong?

I agree

[igkya]

Not that this makes it right, but $5-8 ain't cutting it. A place I ski charges 10$/set, which is very reasonable, other have charged $20+. If he doesn't kick in more ($$$, help or whatever), kick him out.

[SGY]

$22.00 a set here behind a 197. Point is, there's a lot more to taking care of a boat than just gas. Tell him the price has to go up to cover your additional expense of a new 206. (It skies better than a 196 anyway.)

[82tique]

What's more important 'Dick'?

Getting your 8 bucks, or having a reliable spotter so YOU can get wet and enjoy your 206?

If the cash is that big of a deal, make the effort to go out and find someone else to spot for you....perhaps you could train a monkey?

It's just money....you'll make more.

[Richard-Howell]

82tique-That's why I closed with this(see below) I've always told them without 3 we are none. I just thought I vent by sharing the conversation.


At the end of the day it really doesn't matter. I need 3 people to ski, he is pleasant enough and does chip in for gas. He annoys me a little

[82tique]

Re: Interesting Boat Conversation

Sorry Dick....I thought you ended with this:

What are your thoughts? He doesn't read this forum.

Just giving my thoughts as requested

[Richard-Howell]

RE: Re: Interesting Boat Conversation

82tique

Good Point I just didn't want to give the impression that I didn't know that I need him almost as much as he needs me. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[patoloco]

I've actually told a couple of friends "don't buy a boat"..use me for my mine. We have so few people available for thirds that I'm just happy to be out there. Gas money is not expected or requested if I invite you...its just icing if they chip in.

I wish Indiana would do away with "need a third" law. Thats why I like going to KY and TN.

[redelf75]

I was (am) in a similar situation, but on the other side of the fence. I was the ski partner for many years and I did buy a ski boat. But the key difference was that we became best friends over the years. When I took my boat to another (close by) lake, the friendship was jeopardized. In the end, we made up and are still best friends and we sometimes boat/ski on his lake and other days on the other.

But when I was discussing buying a ski boat, he said, "why would you need one of those..."?

I think the key is how much is he a friend or just a ski buddy. Sometimes it's not an easy question and if he is a friend, taking money is always difficult for me.

[Eggie]

We have the same rule in PA and one guy who surfs on this forum came up with a cheap solution. He dressed up a mannequin and strapped it in the observers seat. Problem solved !

[Nates78Ski]

haha yeah my buddy & i did the same thing last year @ his cottage in Indiana, just stuffed a bunch of clothes into a hooded sweatshirt, gave it some sunglasses & we were set,,, it was only a tues. night though i think,,, not something i would do on the weekend, too many peopl driving & not paying attention.

[Kurpski]

Being somewhat new to boat ownership and water skiing, it amazes me how difficult it is to get people out boating/skiing. We mostly get out on weekends unless we can take long weekend.

In order to have any kind of decent water, it requires early morning departure. Trying to get my wife and someone who can drive/pull a skier, up and out to the lake that early in the morning is next to impossible.

Not to make light of your situation, at times I would almost pay someone the $5-10 dollars to get out at sunrise when conditions are good for some good sets before every boat and jet ski is tearing up the water.