Lending out a boat ??

[lowtide]

How many here actually lend out their boats ???
If not , why ??
Just curious for my own personal reasons.

[anthony]

Something very personal about a man's boat. Countless $ and hours invested. I am anal as hell about my boat and I have never lent it out, don't know if I could. Heck, I just this year have decided to allow another captain to run some weekday charters on it for me but I didn't make that decision without more than a little consternation and the gentleman who is going to be running it is a long time captain and close personal friend and probably more anal than me. Having said all that, one of the MOST gracious things anyone ever did for me in the fishing world was lend me their boat for the WMO. I broke a gear the first morning 20 miles out and luckily was able to call in a layday. Scott and Steve, who own the Ranger (41' Viking out of OCFC) stepped right up and said "Use the Ranger for the tournament." I was without words (which doesn't happen often). What a gracious and unselfish act. I have said "Thank you" several times but thank you doesn't nearly say or do enough for what they did. Makes me think twice as to whether I would "lend" my boat to someone under the right circumstances. I can guarandamtee you I would lend it to the owners of the Ranger in a heartbeat.

[Robja]

My dad lent his boat out many many years ago to some friends. Although they had boating experience they did not have local water knowledge. Instead of following the markers they cut a corner and sheared the lower unit of his motor off. they did not even offer to pay his deductible.

[MarkP]

Would you lend out yer wife/girlfriend? 'Nuf said...

MarkP

[Peter Mancuso]

I don't think I would be willing to lend someone my boat.
Every boat has it's own little secrest that take a while for the owner to know and compensate for.
That said if you lent someone your boat and they didn't know all the little hiccups something really bad could happen to them and the boat.

[capemaychef]

depends on the boat....and the person...

I don't think I could lend out our contender we just bought...even though I told luckylady she could fish it for our flounder tourney....

I don't know it's tough call...if my buddy called and asked to use my wharf rat(17' mako) I would probably let him use it...but I would be the one loading it and pulling it for him...but the new boat....no way in hell....

It's a bad idea all the way around...because if it doesn't work and you have damage...or something is different the next time you go on the boat you will be kicking yourself in the arse....then issues could come up with your buddy and could sour things that way...

[reel fishy]

I have and still do lend my skiff out to friends and my parents. I think for me it has to do with the amount your vessel costs. Mine are insured and well maintained so the vessel will perform. My friends and parents are vessel owners and have many years operating them. Plus I trust if the damage it they will fix it. Not for everyone, but I don't mind sharing my toys with others.

[Proheat]

I would loan my boat only to someone that I know is responsible and trustworthy. A boat is and can be an expensive piece of equipment to just lend out to anyone.

I know that if I borrowed someones boat, I would take better care of it than my own. I would expect the same if the rolls were reversed.

[chumtini]

I have on occasion. Like most things, it depends - who, when, where, etc

[lowtide]

the reason I ask is because a friend of mine wanted to borrow mine, I have in the past lent it to him but I began to think -- He dosnt really have steady job and if something were to happen to the boat, I would be left holding the bill.. I told the guy no, I didnt feel comfortable lending it out, I sensed a bit of tension. I felt like a shit heel but on the other hand, didnt want to be holding a bill for a replacement engine.