Interesting Boat Conversation

[Mikeski]

Good ski partners are hard to find. It sounds like it's been working out. You buy the boat that you want, your partners buy the boat that they want. I almost always prefer my own boat given a choice. Based on his choice in boats he is obviously not nearly as critical about the pull as you are. Take a fair amount of gas money and be happy. Also, take advantage of the diversity and use his boat for an occasional social outing or blast around the lake.

[skijones]

Amen to that. Nothing worse than being on dawn patrol and your third stiffs you. We ski at Alum Creek and not having a 3rd is a big no no.
Almost as bad is when the "youngsters" show up hung over and bitching.

I don't get to ski enough to tolerate negative people on the boat when trying to enjoy myself.

[bkhallpass]

I know it can be a PIA to find a third. Here in CA, it is required. However, for me, there is a safety element, such that I don't mind the third. I'm 6'2", about 225-230 Lbs. My wife is typically my driver, 5' 4" and 115 at most. If I were to get hurt out there, I worry that she wouldn't be able to drag me back into the boat if we were skiing without a third. Just a thought. BKH

[SGY]

bghallpass makes a good point. Also, I know of one occasion where a handle pop knocked a driver out. If there wasn't an observer in the boat to draw back the throttle, the consequences would have been severe. So, even on private lakes we prefer a third person--especially with a deep shortline skier.

[Richard-Howell]

Mikeski wrote "Based on his choice in boats he is obviously not nearly as critical about the pull as you are"

Oh he's critical about his pull, hasn't skied on anything but mine since I've known him.

In the end it will be status quo. I'll need him up until my 9 year old son is old enough to spot unless I lose it by then. At that time I'll drive my kids and he can trade his jet boat........

As for this year the way gas prices are trending we'll be up 8-10 bucks per morning.........go along get along.


Thanks everyone for opining!

[Edwin]

Great to hear you have a fairly reliable third...that said, I'd grow tired of his attitude. Finding a third in my neck of the woods is darn near impossible. If I'm ever the third I try my best to go above and beyond to assist wherever possible, pay more than my fair share. I'm glad just to have the opportunity to be asked to go along.

[efox]

My six year old is my third...I think 9 is plenty old enough. That being said, you each are getting something. He gets to ski behind a tournament boat and you get to go out and ski with a reliable third. While I would get annoyed at always having to use my own boat, I guess, it seems that things are working. One thing you could do is go less frequently if it is really an issue.

[Richard-Howell]

Skiing less would be way too drastic..........The legal age of a NH spotter is 14

[crowmobe540]

Dick,
I know the feeling. I would say try to find some other 3rds. They may not be as reliable, but get a couple and you should be set. That can be easier said than done I know. There are all kinds of ways to find people. (discussions boards, craigs list, your local shop, myspace, etc). I had the same problem as you. Some people just take things for granted. I do see the advantage of being able to go with someone reliable, but if you are actually saying something, then this has probably been bothering you for a while, meaning you prob aren't having as good of a time when he is there anyway. Nothing is worth sacrificing the sacred time we have on the water....not even a selfish friend.
my 2 cents.

[jeffsv211]

I had my daughter spotting at age 6 or 7... she's was (still is) my best spotter, because she actually cared about her Dad falling and maybe getting hurt! Of course, she's 12 now, and can't concentrate for 15 minutes on anything!!!! LOL.. actually, she's still a great boater, unfortunately, wants to much ski time now and that means I have to share the water!

All in all, I agree with the majority here.. be glad you have a third.. I figure I chose to buy the boat, knew all the expenses when I signed up for it.. any cash from others is just icing on the cake! But it is nice when other recognize the cost you have put into this great sport and are willing to help out!

[MNSuperAir]

Just trying to get this straight. Your saying in other states you need an observer in the boat all the time. Is this true even if you have a mirror? In MN all you need is a mirror, not recommended when it's busy out but that is the law.

[Richard-Howell]

In NH you must have one observer 14 year old minimum for each person being towed! So if you have for example 2 5 year olds on a tube you would need 2 14 year olds in the boat.

[Onthewater]

Just trying to get this straight. Your saying in other states you need an observer in the boat all the time. Is this true even if you have a mirror? In MN all you need is a mirror, not recommended when it's busy out but that is the law.

WI requires a spotter. Some states require the observer to fly a red/orange safety flag when pulling somebody or when somebody falls.

[bkhallpass]

In CA observer is required, and I believe must be at least 12 years old. This is true even if
pulling from a jet ski. Must have driver and observer. Also require a red or orange flag be displayed if anyone is on the platform or in the water, or even if the rope is in the water. Also, skier must wear a coast guard approved vest other than a sanctioned tournament, ski show, or a barefooter in a designated course. The barefoot rule is usually not enforced so long as the footer has on a barefoot suit. Driver must be 16 or older. BKH

[pj]

Here is a pdf document I created that summarizes the boating regulations and statutes regarding an observer for nearly all 50 states in the US.