NCSailor said:maytrix said:
I'm amazed at how irresponsible some people can be with someone elses VERY expensive property. I'm also still amazed at some of the boats we've been able to charter, but we've also brought them back in better condition then some paid captains have..
I don't think the charterers are irresponsible. Most are doing the best they can with their limited knowledge and ability. If you want to place blame look to the charter companies that have almost no standards for competence. When you rent a 40' or larger powercat to someone who regularly boats a 24' bowrider you know there is a good chance the boat will sustain damage.
Sorry, but I think there's a lot of irresponsibility. Our first charter, we took out a 47' Cat. Largest boat I had handled prior was 27' (both motor and sail). A friend was signed on as co-captain which is what allowed us to get the 47' (otherwise I was only qualified for the 43') but I did all the skippering. I knew my limits and stayed within them. We bailed on trying to go to White Bay our first day. We bailed on trying to dock at Soper's our 2nd. I think too many try to do things that are beyond their comfort level and that is when you get in to trouble. I knew my limits and stayed within them. Charter companies could probably do better in making sure charterers are qualified, but charterers also need to know their limits and be responsible as well.
And no matter how small a boat someone might have skippered previously or how limited their ability there's no excuse for hitting a rock as visible as mosquito rock.
