nice things…

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

When they come and buy a new boat, you can see in the eyes of these proud owners a certain light of excitement when they start listing the accessories and ‘nice things…’ they want on the new toy. Or gift. Or well deserved treat, the Predator 165.

Then a long list begins: life jackets, extra seats, a bit of these, some of that, a shiny VHF, a fish finder, a wide screen chart plotter, ropes upon ropes.

And rod holders. How many rod holders must a man have on his boat?

*************************

And how many gimmicky high technical multi-tools must I carry with me?

You know what? Never too many. Same for torches: one in the car, two at home in strategic points, one at work, one in the panniers of the bike, one on each {sigh!} boats. And on each single key ring: small, handy and somewhat fashionable: one for the car, one for the house, etc.

We like our gadgets, our accessories. We like and praise the characteristic of our Predators:  the shiny lines, the stainless steel, the seats cover, the manoeuvrability, the power of the engine, the thermal flask we bought to use specifically on the boat, the new coastal trousers and jackets we will proudly wear. And we can sit on our boat/s and count all the rod holders that we have purchased. As a gift: not for us, but to please her.

We don’t simply own a boat. We have an emotional connection with the Predator. We didn’t buy it because we simply trusted Douglas Marine (the manufacturer) and we believed in the ads, and were pleased with the coffees and teas offered.

We bought it because we fell in love with her.

Her distinctive design stirs the emotions. It is something individual, something custom-designed for me personally. It is not like just ‘another boat’, but the Predator has ‘something’ that has become part of myself.

I bought that boat because she tells a story about me: I am respectful, reliable, fast, fun to be with, safe and sensible.

I am my Predator!

 

ph+txt: copyright © 2012 mtph – All right reserved. Any unauthorised copying, downloading or reproduction of both text and photo will constitute an infringement of copyright. Do obtain permission. 

teasing wind

In the morning, when I drive down the lane, sometime I have the feeling I can ‘smell’ the boats moored just some yards from me.

Hey, ‘smelling’ boats? What is this all about?

douglas boatyard

I have a passion for boats, and for water. And boats do have a particular smell which is recognisable by anyone who loves them. You know what I mean by it.

I drive down, park the car and take a good look at them. Because, yes! I work in a boatyard. I work among boats. We build, repair, take good care of, are amazed by some, laugh at some others, listen to all sorts of stories and tales; we listen to the wind teasing us, ‘only humans,’ among masts and booms. Because we are by the water, and not in the water.

But I smile, at the wind, trying hard to understand which stories does it bring from other marinas, shores, little boats, big boats, sailing boats, fishing boats, bays, seas, rivers… every day, a new story.

I am simply ‘human’, as it likes to sinuate. So, I can only go inside, make myself a brew and a new working day begins.

ph+txt: copyright © 2012 mtph – All right reserved. Any unauthorised copying, downloading or reproduction of both text and photo will constitute an infringement of copyright. Do obtain permission.