NCsaltaire

Are We There Yet?

August 2, 2012 at 1:43 pm Leave a comment

If you ever had to tow a boat, you probably have asked that question a hundred times. I know that I have.

My “Fantasea” mother ship needed a mid-season engine tune-up, so I pulled her out of the water and hooked it up for the trip to the shop.

The trip to the shop was easy because I picked a Sunday evening to travel. In a resort town, a Sunday is usually the quietest day of the week. It was a great trip down to the boat yard.

But the trip back was more eventful. My work schedules on most days do not permit me to get off early. But this past Wednesday I was able to make it work out.

Wednesday’s in a resort town just happened to be the busiest, only second to weekends. It seems that by Wednesday our visitors realize that their week is almost over and they need to fill those days with activities planned for a full week.

So here I am, traveling back from the shop, boat in tow, on the busiest vacation day of the week. Most vacationers are unfamiliar with my beach. And they typically ride in the middle of a four lane road, sightseeing or searching for the famous spot they read about long before their visit here.

And as most drivers do when they find that restaurant or gadget store – swerve to the right or left almost instantly so they don’t miss their turn.

Now here is where I say those famous words: “Are we there yet”.  Drivers don’t realize that it takes a longer distance to stop a vehicle with a boat or trailer in tow, especially when we are traveling at a higher speed. And inevitably an out-of-towner will find that small space between two cars ahead, just when someone needs to turn or stop. Then bingo – I get a chance to test both the truck and trailer brakes.

Patience and courtesy for your fellow drivers run very thin at these points. But I am an extremely caucus driver and although my trip was very testy, the Fantasea made it home safe and sound.

So next time you see a boat in tow, remember to give them space.

Until next time, Tightlines

Entry filed under: Home, Places. Tags: Boat Trailors, boating, boating safety, Kill Devil Hills, Kitty Hawk, nags head, outer banks.