I have yet to see a dockhand--- granted there aren't many out here anyway--- who would risk any part of himself to save your boat.* He'll do the other stuff-- perhaps in hopes of a big tip--- but when it comes to actually putting himself at risk I think most boaters will find themselves on their own.*Marin wrote:rwidman wrote:But you don't tip the guy who runs down the dock in the hot sun or cold rain and grabs your line, pushes your boat off the dock, and risks being crushed or falling in the water?
I've watched one or more dockhands at places like Roche Harbor out here actually back away if a boater has misjudged a docking or the current is about to mash his boat up against a piling or whatever.* I'm not blaming them--- I would too.* But this notion of the heroic dockhand risking all to save your boat is a bit hard to credit, at least from what I've seen out here.
Perhaps it's different in other regions.
I saw one lose a shoe and risk a serious foot injury (honestly he shouldn't have done this) while keeping one boat from hitting another at my marina.* They have gone in the water and they have lost radios and cell phones to the water.
They will hop on a boat and dock if for the owner if necessary.* Not every one of them, but most have a great attitude about helping the marina slip holders and dry stack customers.* They are friendly and know our names.
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