Hit by small motor boat.

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by Jim Cate

Works both ways... we had some interactions with a Tasmanian chap a couple of years ago who openly told us that he didn't like Yanks. But after spending a few hours on board our boat and discussing this and that, he allowed that we were OK, despite being Americans.

Being that he was doing some repair painting on our boat for gratis (his son had T-boned us while we were at anchor) we were happy that we "passed muster", and have remained friends with the family.

Point is that one's behavior counts more than one's nationality in interpersonal relations, once a little contact is made... and IMO Dockhead is right: we are all ambassadors... for our nation and for cruisers in general. It is kinda a duty to represent our nations and our cruising status favorably, and that isn't all that hard to do!

Jim

Jim, I will admit to having been amazed by this thread, it has highlighted both understanding and ignorance, shown that some have a good understanding that not all the world is the same, that some parts exist on not much more that subsistence income and others have what may appear to some as extreme wealth, while others cannot see past the pissy little scratch and the assumed legal obligation to pay for the cost of repairs, based on the costs in their home country.
I can but only shake my head in disbelief.

[GILow]

I'm impressed by this thread. 121 responses, and only two answered the OP's question, #47 and #25, unless I missed one. Is that a new record?

#25 gets my vote for one of THE most precise and direct responses to an OP question yet.

[thomm225]

I was always near happy after I got the first scratch on a new boat.

It took the pressure off, but then again, I was a racer when I had new boats and rubbin's racing

Now with an older cruiser, I fix scratches, dents etc once every four years or so when I pull the boat for bottom pant.

[plumqik]

Originally Posted by Madehn

oh for goodness sake- just fix it and move on. Young lady not getting paid much trying to make a living- damage doesn't sound major, was not intentional- seriously..... reminds me of the time i was bargaining with a t shirt vendor because i thought that was what i was supposed to do... talked them down 2 bucks apiece to buy a bunch of shirts- happened to remark that they had not come down a lot- the lady selling them looked at me and said "sir to me two dollars is a lot of money" - i was instantly ashamed of myself-- after talking to her i found out that all of the sellers worked on consignment and did not make much at all- anything they came down on in price took away from the small amount they made per shirt. I ended up paying her the original asking price and buying her lunch- made a friend and grew up a little as a person. you are in a different world where people are not shielded from personal liability by insurance- something that to you should be rectified for fairness to them could be a serious setback. Have a rum punch, think about how lucky you are that you get to relax on your boat- i know you worked hard for that boat but this scratch is not going to put your life in turmoil. smile breathe in breathe out move on.

Second nomination for BEST POST HERE!!

[valhalla360]

Originally Posted by taxwizz

How does that old prayer go...?
"Dear Lord,
Give me the strength to change the things I can,
The serenety to accept the things I can't...
And the brains to know the difference."

This will likely end with no money changing hands.
So...Chill out and have that rum.

This is the correct answer.

While it sounds like she is at fault, there is the idea of being "judgement proof"..typically it means, you can get a judgement in your favor but if they have no money...it doesn't matter. Throw in the fact that the local authorities are likely not going to come down hard...

In the end you are really better off moving on.

[Argyle38]

Originally Posted by valhalla360

This is the correct answer.

While it sounds like she is at fault, there is the idea of being "judgement proof"..typically it means, you can get a judgement in your favor but if they have no money...it doesn't matter. Throw in the fact that the local authorities are likely not going to come down hard...

In the end you are really better off moving on.

The guy already said he's getting $200 from the business owner.

[boatman61]

Dunno why but I get the feeling something upset you..

[thomm225]

Originally Posted by Madehn

oh for goodness sake- just fix it and move on.

Exactly.

Else either you own the boat or the boat owns you

[curtis742]

I believe the OP may be the same guy constantly yelling "too close" at every boat entering the anchorage and venturing within a 100 meters lof his boat.

[admiralslater]

Originally Posted by curtis742

I believe the OP may be the same guy constantly yelling "too close" at every boat entering the anchorage and venturing within a 100 meters lof his boat.

As much as I may differ in how I might have dealt with the issue ,I believe that th OP has been a bit more reasonable than the folks who seem hell bent on heaping punishment on the young woman in question . They will reply” we dont want to punish her we just want boatowner to know how upset we are and bla,bla bla .

[captlloyd]

Originally Posted by curtis742

I believe the OP may be the same guy constantly yelling "too close" at every boat entering the anchorage and venturing within a 100 meters lof his boat.

That comment might just be considered hyperbole.

[KatrinaCampbell]

If someone can not operate their vessel then they should not be on the water. Any damage no matter how small should be fixed. I am sure if the roles were reversed you wouldn't hear the end of it. You have every right to ask for it to be fixed.

[aeronautic1]

If you reached out for the proffered brochure, it could be interpreted that you invited her over. In any case, boating is a full contact sport. You obviously know how to use the internet; google gelcoat repair and do it yourself. Remember: "It's not work. It's hanging out at the marina!"

Captain Wampler Yacht Delivery Service

[parkstone bay]

The OP asked for comments about fixing the scratches.

I AM impressed, though, with the fact that there are so many other boaters out there who have never, themselves, made a mistake!

[aeronautic1]

If I make a mistake... people die!!