"Why I am a Boater" JB Unoffical/Offical Thread

[14SX190]

There are a few threads about Last Outing, What Did You Do or Why Aren't You Threads, but there were none as to "Why are you one"?

Figured I'll start one and welcome people's stories and comments in hopefully what will be ongoing thread.

I had first boat about 23yo with my Dad. Made a deal I would pay half.
It was 1994 248 concept with no idea about boating. Have plenty of stories during my younger days I can post as thread goes.
Sold boat went to school.

Fast forward to 2004 got married and had kids.
Found a 1999 1800 Seadoo Sportster 2 stroke. Sold it and moved on to older Seadoo GTI and XP.
Traded up to used 2007 VX's with 1016cc to newer 2015 VXR and 2014 SHO.
Got divorced 2016.
Kept two skis for a while and sold SHO in 2019 and year later VXR during Covid.
Found used boat end of March but ended up to be much worse. Only been out 3 times. Rebuilt head, had engine out, changed pump and mid bearings, cables.
Still I'm trying to do everything to end Milky Oil but this picture reminded me Why I am a Boater.

My 14 yo son with Autism drew that for his ABA therapist. I wish one line was his Dad but what are you going to do.
His brother is another one that loves the ocean and swims out there like its nothing to worry about.

This is what is about. Bringing family together memories they keep.

Pics stolen from google

 

[Canuckjetboater]

There are a few threads about Last Outing, What Did You Do or Why Aren't You Threads, but there were none as to "Why are you one"?

Figured I'll start one and welcome people's stories and comments in hopefully what will be ongoing thread.

I had first boat about 23yo with with Dad.
1994 248 concept with no idea about boating. Have plenty of stories during my younger days I can post as thread goes.
Sold boat went to school.

Fast forward to 2004 got married and had kids.
Found a 1999 1800 Seadoo Sportster 2 stroke. Sold it and moved on to older Seadoo GTI and XP.
Traded up to used 2007 VX's with 1016cc to newer 2015 VXR and 2014 SHO.
Got divorced 2016.
Kept two skis for a while and sold SHO in 2019 and year later VXR during Covid.
Found used boat end of March but ended up to be much worse. Only been out 3 times. Rebuilt head, had engine out, changed pump and mid bearings, cables.
Still I'm trying to do everything to end Milky Oil but this picture reminded me Why I am a Boater.

My 14 yo son with Autism drew that for his ABA therapist. I wish one line was his Dad but what are you going to do.
His brother is another one that loves the ocean and swims out there like its nothing to worry about.

This is what is about. Bringing family together memories they keep.

Pics stolen from google

@14SX190 .....I respectfully disagree ("I wish one line was his Dad").....It is my considered opinion that ALL the lines are his Dad - a man that was smart enough to instill a love of water (that will be lifelong) in his sons by building those experiences into their DNA. Yes, this is EXACTLY what boating is about! The (constant lol) little repairs, dummies at launch ramps and people complaining about wakes are just all little annoyances in the journey. GOOD for you!

 

[tdonoughue]

I am one because a friend of mine was nice enough to take me and my kids out a couple of times. It seemed to be a great way to get away with the boys, and they loved it (as @14SX190 's does). In fact, we probably got the boat a little before we could properly afford it--because the boys were growing. I said to the admiral, 'If we don't do it now, they will be too old and gone before we get one.' And poof we had one.

Along the way 'met' many folks on this board. Got a lot of help. Hope I helped a fair bit. Good times.

Just had the youngest get his state certificate, so now I can teach him to run the boat as well. I'm sure his pictures he draws (or remembers--whatever) will be of the boat, too. But I also know I and my friend who introduced us all will be there as well. It is not what appears on the page or what he is able to express in his situation. It is what is in their memories and hearts. And the gift you gave them to bring them joy.

 

[14SX190]

I am one because a friend of mine was nice enough to take me and my kids out a couple of times. It seemed to be a great way to get away with the boys, and they loved it (as @14SX190 's does). In fact, we probably got the boat a little before we could properly afford it--because the boys were growing. I said to the admiral, 'If we don't do it now, they will be too old and gone before we get one.' And poof we had one.

Along the way 'met' many folks on this board. Got a lot of help. Hope I helped a fair bit. Good times.

Just had the youngest get his state certificate, so now I can teach him to run the boat as well. I'm sure his pictures he draws (or remembers--whatever) will be of the boat, too. But I also know I and my friend who introduced us all will be there as well. It is not what appears on the page or what he is able to express in his situation. It is what is in their memories and hearts. And the gift you gave them to bring them joy.

That will be his best time and love to show you his boater's license for the keys.
On that note, I have a 2000 TJ 5sp I got both 14 and 11 to get out of first gear. Get jeep to come to a crawl before cluthing and braking.
Even let them shift to 2nd. It was great time and I was very impressed they didn't stall more.

 

[tdonoughue]

Lol. All 3 of my boys were forced to learn on a stick. All 3 hated it. All 3 would now not drive anything else, and now complain harshly if 'forced' to drive a car without a manual transmission...

 

[14SX190]

Lol. All 3 of my boys were forced to learn on a stick. All 3 hated it. All 3 would now not drive anything else, and now complain harshly if 'forced' to drive a car without a manual transmission...

Every car I've owned has been a manual with exception to gifted 1st car 79 4dr maroon impalla with bench seating from GF
It's getting hard to find them and more if "it has to" be AWD. My other car is a 17 WRX. Dummies made car for people who can't drive 3rd pedal now.