I need your take on this.

Finster · #1 09-05-2005, 11:04 PM

Read this thread and tell me if I ripped this guy off. Keep in mind I don't know this guy from Adam and this mayday came in on my base station and USCG was at least 30 miles away and couldn't get communication with any assisting vessels.
I am totally pissed off at the moment for being accused as a pirate and a rip-off, and would appreciate your take on this.

http://forums.screamandfly.com/forum...ad.php?t=90536

NoBones · #2 09-05-2005, 11:22 PM

Chris, I read it , but cannot bring up the pics.
See ya, Ken

Fr. Frank · #3 09-06-2005, 12:37 AM

I read the whole thread. Only thing I can figure is, some folks think you should provide towing services for free. In 1983, I was the tow-boat Captain for Waterway Marina in Palm Beach Gardens. 22 years ago we charged $150 just to come give someone's boat a jumpstart. If you were not a storage customer at the marina, towing your vessel would cost you $300 per hour in quarter-hour increments. And the time charged began when I left the dock to come get you. And that was 1983! I remember towing a 28 Allmand in from 17 miles offshore in the Gulfstream with, yes, you guessed it, a '77 23 SeaCraft with twin 115 'rudes. SeaTow didn't come along in Palm Beach until later that year. If you weren't a SeaTow member, Capt Will charged exactly the same thing we did at Waterway.
$500 is INCREDIBLY cheap. With that kind of damage, you could have easily made a case for salvage to the tune of $6K to $8K.
But I noticed that Chuck isn't complaining. It's the people who weren't there who are complaining. Figures.

Finster · #4 09-06-2005, 10:26 AM

Thanks for that Fr.Frank. No Chuck isn't complaining, but there is a close friend of his that's local and when I passed him in the lagoon the other day he made a remark that got my suspicion up. At first I thought he was kidding.

ocuyler · #5 09-06-2005, 11:18 AM

Chris,

I read the entire thread. I think you may have over reacted to some of the comments. Those folks were not there. I would say you did a good job on the salvage work for Chuck. I'm surprised the Boat U.S. agency didn't MAKE YOU BILL FOR SALVAGE. Given the circumstances, your price was fair. Thank God no one was hurt and an experienced tow person was on site to help out.

Keep up the good work.

oldbluesplayer · #6 09-06-2005, 12:20 PM

Finster - I read thru that also, and my take is that chuck is all right with it all, got his head screwed on straight that his wife and the other couple are allright - but that others are - well....

they weren't there - they don't count.

also, as mentioned, alot of people still think it's like 25 years ago, and when you call, the USCG comes and saves you for free.

Don't sweat it - you're fine, the involved boaters are fine, and the rest don't have a say, though they may have big mouths.

Bill

Finster · #7 09-06-2005, 01:01 PM

Otto, as a matter of fact my boss asked me if I wanted to take a salvage claim to the hull. I declind, feeling sorry for the guy having no insurance what so ever.
I'll tell you what, that will be the last time I do that.

pogden · #8 09-06-2005, 05:28 PM

That guy should be kissing your feet.

It cost money to be towed in, that's a fact, the alternative is lying at the bottom of the bay. What will cost you more?

I think at100plus better call seatow not boatus when he's sinking. I know, you Chris you would still tow that guy in even after his stupid remarks.

Don't sweat it, can't make everyone happy all the time.

Take Care,
Pat

Finster · #9 09-06-2005, 09:12 PM

Hi Pat, I went past your house a few times this weekend on my way to Monroes, I should have stopped by.
Whats going on? Anything good?

BTW, next time their gonna sink. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] I think as a good rule of thumb, you should never piss-off your local tow guy. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

PipeDreamsMarine · #10 09-07-2005, 12:02 PM

Screw him Finny.. let him sink in the dark next time...