Tampa Bay Fishing Club

 Boats: The Dream Versus Reality

 

                                                                       We all dream of owning our first boat, be it new or used it is a fantasy that many of us fulfill.  The problem with dreams, are that they are just that.  The following is a list of what we want to happen and what probably will happen!

 

      I will keep my beautiful baby scratch free................. While learning to operate your boat, you will scratch, dent, and come close to sinking her.

 

     My boat will mean I live a life a peace and serenity...............You will lose your mind the first time you return to the ramp on a holiday weekend.

 

     Owning a boat will be like being on vacation all the time.................By the time you are done paying for the boat, repairs, fuel, etc, you could have vacationed throughout the entire world several times.

 

      I will never forget the plug for my boat..............You will and chances are you will also lose it.

 

      My boat is serviced and ready to go for this important trip................The axle breaks on your trailer.

 

       All of our friends we take out will help us clean the boat...............They will find every excuse to meet you at the ramp and be in the wind after the trip.

 

        I have taken the boaters safety class and will never have an accident.................You failed to recognize all the other boaters that haven't taken the class and are a menace on the water.

 

      I will take my vessel camping for the best fishing trip in my life..................You didn't account for the winter tides when you anchored the boat, now your baby is high and dry on the sand.

 

     My boat is in perfect working condition, I don't need SeaTow....................The SeaTow operator will know you on a first name basis.

 

      This is the best engine money can buy, it will last forever............One week after the warranty expires, you will need a new lower unit.

 

      You are at the ramp, ready for the best fishing trip in your life.............The boat keys are on the kitchen counter.

 

      The Coast Guard pulls you for a routine check, you are good to go.............The 20 cent piece of plastic called a whistle is nowhere to be found.

 

     You fueled the night before and are ready.................in the dark, you failed to realize, you just put $60 worth of fuel into a rod holder leading straight to the hull.

 

The list goes on and on.  I can't wait to buy my next boat!

 

Published by:  Coastal Angler Magazine 10 August 2016