Bertram31.com General Bulletin Board

Re: When

Posted By: Joe Fikentscher
Date: Friday, 10 June 2005, at 12:12 p.m.

In Response To: Re: When (Doug LeBlanc)

I got my first boat (a rowboat) when I was 6 (1956) first motor (Scott Attwater air cooled, loud) the next year. I was not allowed to go out of the lagoon but was able to solo. From there it was 10HP, then 18HP.

My Father had a 30' Bartholemew hull that he finished by himself in our driveway in 1960. Every time we took it out I drove. He sat next to me and listened to the radio or napped.

By the time I was 17 I was allowed to solo on Barnegat Bay and by 20 out in the ocean. By 23 I bought my own boat a 23' Formula Center Console ans was running 3 man charters.

Times are different today though. More boats, jet skis, skiers, more drinking, etc. Currently my only boat is a 16' Hobie Cat. My oldest son was soloing with the Hobie at 15. My youngest, now 12 only goes out with me. Not sure yet if i'll let him solo at 15. He is a different boy than his brother was. A lot more daring and less self control. We'll see.

Only you can know when the time is right to give responsibility and freedom.

I hope within the next few years to have a B31 and get back to fishing!!

Joe

Messages In This Thread

When ??
Terry -- Thursday, 9 June 2005, at 9:56 p.m.

Re: When ??
Walter Kaprielian -- Thursday, 9 June 2005, at 11:44 p.m.

Re: When ??
Rocket -- Friday, 10 June 2005, at 12:38 a.m.

Re: When ??
Jim Wolfe -- Friday, 10 June 2005, at 8:21 a.m.

Re: When
Jim Wolfe -- Friday, 10 June 2005, at 8:22 a.m.

Re: When
bruce doan -- Friday, 10 June 2005, at 8:56 a.m.

Re: When
Lynn -- Friday, 10 June 2005, at 9:37 a.m.

Re: When
Chiles -- Friday, 10 June 2005, at 10:25 a.m.

Re: When
Doug LeBlanc -- Friday, 10 June 2005, at 11:38 a.m.

Re: When
Joe Fikentscher -- Friday, 10 June 2005, at 12:12 p.m.

Re: When
Vic Roy -- Friday, 10 June 2005, at 2:05 p.m.

Re: When
Capt. Mike Holmes -- Friday, 10 June 2005, at 11:09 p.m.