Elitism and Confusion

[Victor]

Funny how being an elitist can cause confusion. Sometimes people who fool around with something special have a hard time figuring out what they really like. I see this kind of confusion among bicycle riders, motorcycle riders, boaters, kayakers, corporate yuppies, etc. They always have to worry about whether their preferences fit the mold, you know? Of course the fashion industry thrives on this uncertainty.

For years I felt I had to like sailboats because it was expected of me. One day I finally realized I didn't care if I never went sailing again. When I was fooling around with motorcycles, sailboats, bicycles, and alternate lifestyles like living in California, I always had to deal with my own doubts about whether I really wanted this or was merely trying to be cool. I don't have that problem with this boat - it's exactly what I wanted to go out in Saco Bay in with my father when I was 15. So being a wooden boat snob is the only such snobbery I still indulge in.

So many boats, motorcycles, etc., languish at the dock or in the garage because they were bought for the wrong reasons. Whenever I see someone who sincerely likes his boat, even if it's a dinged-up aluminum 12-footer - or, for that matter, his wife, his job, his dog, his car, or his house, rather than trying to impress someone else, I say hats off to him - he knows his heart, which is more than you can say of most people. Certainly more than I can say of myself.

[ 09-28-2004, 11:18 AM: Message edited by: Victor ]

[AngWood]

I feel ya.

[Harry Miller]

Too much insight isn't necessarily a good thing. smile.gif

[NormMessinger]

That's for sure. It has been said that Newton would not have come up with his theory of gravitation if he had the precise measureing equipment of today. To much information is not necessarily a good thing.

Oh, wait. We're talking boats and other man-toys here. My problem is just the opposite of what Victor describes. I could have had a dandy little tupperware sailboat for 20G's less and been on the water five years sooner if I could only conform. But Noooooooooo! I just had to be different. I bet Prairie Islander might be the first gaff rigged cutter to set a tops'l in Nebraska. :cool: , eh?

[John Bell]

If you like your boat and it meets your needs, who cares what anyone else thinks? There's a bunch of boats tied up next to mine that never leave the slip. A boat not used, not enjoyed, is a waste. A well used, well loved boat, even if not aesthetically perfect is a good boat, IMO.

Disclaimer: I own an extremely ugly boat, but it's clean, it gets a lot of use, and we are happiest when we are aboard.

[ 09-28-2004, 01:28 PM: Message edited by: John Bell ]

[Kev Smyth]

Amen, JB! If ya really want to go boating, almost any boat will do. If ya just want something to work on, piddle around with, and don't care if you get out on the water this year or not- a wooden boat project is perfect. But is it "boating?" :D ;)

[hikingchrs]

I too am tired of keeping up with the Jones' let us drag them down to our level. :0)

[Scott Rosen]

If you own a boat and use it only 2 or 3 times a year, but you really enjoy it, then I don't see any problem with that.

There are lots of reasons that people don't use their boats. It's not safe to assume that it's because of the owner's lack of interest.

[Victor]

I sure hope so, Kev. Half the fun is bringing this old mahogany back to life. Finally got my first really glossy coat the other day, this after years of trying. Damn near wet my pants.

The other half is taking her out and proving she can still do anything your overpriced bathtub can do, after 44 years.

[ 09-28-2004, 03:47 PM: Message edited by: Victor ]

[Andrew Craig-Bennett]

Well, I'm rather inclined to go along with Harry.

But then, I own an extremely beautiful wooden sailboat, which I can't really afford, and I have not really been able to afford her since I bought her, in 1984.

Mind you, I started coveting her in 1969.

[John B]

Seeing the responses about Joe's free tupperware boat, I agree with you Victor.
Horses for courses. We have an ugly glass dinghy which we thrash. It gets dragged up on rocks and generally hammered so the good boats don't.

[Andrew Craig-Bennett]

I had an ugly glass dinghy, which I intended to thrash, but I gave it away because I could not stand it. It just was not a very good dinghy, though I see a lot of its sisters-in-mould about the place. Water got between the inner and outer skins, it was none too stable and it rowed badly due to pathetic little nylon rowlocks and toy hemlock paddles.

[Ian Wright]

I never try to keep up with the Jones', let the Jones' keep up with me if they feel the need.
IanW smile.gif

[WindHawk]

Now that the wooden boat is on the water (and gee, all I have to do now is refinish the cockpit ;) ), I'm trying to figure where I'll get the time to sail both the wooden one, and the new clorex bottle I'm iching to buy next spring. My son likes the idea of starting our own "fleet"... I dunno about the wife.