In Classic Boating, And In Life, Support Those That Support Us!

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Photo Eric Frazier- Michigan

Over the past year, and this week especially on some facebook pages and in the comment section,  there is an underlying negative tone that we here at Woody Boater some how are biased to certain sponsors. Financed by them and so on. OK, people can have their opinions. Yes, we are biased. That’s the entire point of Woody Boater. Duh. But tied to them financially, NO.  We, you the readers, and our community are supported by the wonderful sponsors all around the page.

Graves Plating and Katz’s Marina perform a symphony of reflection.

We use, trade, promote, and yes, we pay those that support the ENTIRE culture in a positive way.  Now, you may shake your head and agree or disagree. But as a society we sometimes don’t support the good guys. We will change airlines for a $1 fare difference, or screw over a car dealer over floor mats, and yes, get your boat worked on by someone that doesn’t support the hobby over someone who does. Or spews a negative influence on the entire community. It’s sad really, but some people feel the need to be agitators about things they know nothing about.

We feature and support Faribault Woolen Mill Co, with no charge, why? Because they are amazing, share our positive values and Woody Boater “Rabbit” shares with us from them. We are bias! And warm because of them.

I can tell you that I get countless emails and phone calls from people that are upset that so and so business wasn’t helpful for free, or a classic situation is a restorer who is pumped for information, only to loose a job because of a perceived lower price. Information and knowledge are the true value of work done. Trust, and being a good person should be standard for succeeding in business. Look around. Many of the businesses out there have been around for decades, they didn’t get that way by screwing folks over, but some do not support the entire hobby.

Hagerty Insurance Is The Official Insurance Of Woody Boater

I am NOT just talking about Woody Boater, I am talking about all the ways a company can support us all. Go to any ACBS show, and Hagerty is there with sponsor money. Are any other Insurance companies? Not really.

Regardless of the ACBS sponsorship issue, we will support and be bias to our amazing friends up in the Michigan ACBS  for this upcoming event. The local chapter in Michigan is amazing, active and helps Woody Boater in many ways. BTW, also feel the same about many others including our brothers and sisters in Sunnyland,  Lake Hopatcong and the other events including all the ACBS. We will help anyone who is trying to help bring the community together.

Open any magazine we all read, and there is the usual set of sponsors. All of that is good business, yes, awareness etc, but it’s also support. There is no reason to buy an ad in ALL the magazines and WoodyBoater. It makes no sense.

The Brass Bell and Classic Boating Magazine rule the paper boater world.

What makes sense is to just buy an ad in the magazines and websites that reach your target. Buy search words on Google. So by running your ads on many of the magazines and sites, it’s all there in a collective way to keep our Community going. In other words, we are all in this together. A rising tide, lifts all classic boats. And negative comments that are false just help pull the drain plug on everyone.

Thanks to Bob Kays for all the photos. Bobs boat says it all.

And that is why we use and are bias to our sponsors. We support or supporters. They in turn support you, and therefore the culture of classic boating can grow and be there for you when you need them. It’s important. When you make a choice to buy, or use someone in the hobby, think about the real cost of that $1 you just saved. It may cost you far more later on when there isn’t anyone good and honest around to help you.

Oh the lonely sound of wind slowly blowing and crickets chirping.

 

25 replies
  1. Rick
    Rick says:

    There will always be agitators and those that will save $1 now but complain about the quality later. I’m not in the hobby for that kind of drama. Pictures still showing up on my Kindle, hope iPad guys have it figured out.

  2. Ronald
    Ronald says:

    To me there is a real simple solution for the few soreheads JUST STOP READING anything that makes you mad at the content, I take a few magazines relating to my various hobbies but would certainily not want to waste my time on what I consider negative to me. I really do not understand why someone would not understand the concept of helping those who help you. If those companies did terrible work or were crooks you would not be recommending them in my eyes. As a alternative maybe they could start their own blog/website and run it as they see fit.

  3. Capt. Cranky
    Capt. Cranky says:

    All excellent points and I have seen it among my little group of merry misfits. Conversations like, “I need engine work – but he charges too much” Followed weeks later by “My boat is still running like sh*t…and I’ve taken it to three places!” Note: The three places each charge half as much as the expensive guy….hmmmmm. Do the math…Support your supporters…develop the relationships.

  4. Wudzgud
    Wudzgud says:

    I get emails from Hagerty all the time with different articles in them and they only have car articles where are the articles on Woody Boats???

    • Shep22
      Shep22 says:

      I agree, they are at all the shows and do sponsor various events but never have I received anything about our hobby.

  5. Mike W
    Mike W says:

    As a small business owner I could not agree more to use reputable people that will be there for you when something doesn’t go right. Most of us were fortunate to have fathers that gave us good direction. One of the many things I remember mine saying was “buy the best, you’ll never be disappointed.” He also told me 40 plus years ago “don’t go into business for yourself, the government doesn’t want you to.” Hmmm

  6. Fred
    Fred says:

    Thank you for whatever you did……I woke up this am and my pictures are showing up on my IPad again. I too agree, support the folks who support you. Find someone reputable and support them. In the long run it pays dividends.

  7. Mike D
    Mike D says:

    Wow, I guess I am more naive than I thought. It was my understanding that WOODYBOATER was run by a guy named Matt as his blog about wooden boats. I never thought that people could get worked up over something he did or did not do. I often look at the site because of the photos and some of the stories but I never thought to criticize how the site was run. But then again, I guess I am just naive. As said by others, if you don’t like what you read, just leave the site. Negative comments are not needed here.

    On the other hand, I can’t believe how someone (Matt?) can misspell so many words in a day.
    Mike D

  8. Allen
    Allen says:

    Owning a business is encouraged by the government. So many tax advantages if you Have a good CPA, especially for a retired person with skills part time.
    That said Matt and team have done a remarkable job. If people don’t like content it’s a free country…..it a great START to my day.
    Thank you.

  9. Jim Staib
    Jim Staib says:

    I have to second the recommendation of Faribault blankets. I seen a story on TV about them being “The last woolen mill in the USA” and bought one, then another and another. Long before the WOODYBOATER connection. Now if I could get Jaxon to bring me coffee I could stay horizontal and watch the news.

    • m-fine
      m-fine says:

      I will third that. I don’t have any of their blankets on my boats yet, but I have a couple for the beds and I sleep under one from about November until April. The biggest downside to their product is they make it much harder to get up and out of bed in the morning!

      I will pass on the coffee though, and is there anyone left doing TV news? I thought they all got fired for sexual assault.

  10. RED Fender
    RED Fender says:

    Let’s not overlook the obvious…. Just because a product/service is NOT the highest price or, most expensive, does not mean it is not good quality or the best solution for your needs.

    Not every company places themselves to sell to the top 20% of the market or feels the need to squeeze the last greenback out of your retirement fund. A good customer relationship is built over time. And over time, both company & customer will do better at fair pricing.

  11. Allen
    Allen says:

    Owning a business is encouraged by the government. So many tax advantages if you Have a good CPA, especially for a retired person with skills part time.
    That said Matt and team have done a remarkable job. If people don’t like content it’s a free country…..it a great START to my day. Thanks for supporting our Michigan ACBS.
    Thank you.

  12. Wayne S
    Wayne S says:

    My comment at work is “You can pay me now or pay me later”. People at work pull the same stunt and go outside for work to be done to save a dollar, but when it comes back screwed up, late or not to tolerance and they needed it yesterday — who do you think they come back to to save their behind?

  13. WoodyGal
    WoodyGal says:

    Matt, bottom line, it is your website, do what you want! You will never be able to please everybody, but you do a darn fine job of posting great pictures and stories, EVERY MORNING! And it’s free!
    Keep up the good work!

  14. Mark
    Mark says:

    Not all sponsors are created equal and are worthy of getting my work and money but that does not come across anywhere.

    Like anything else get referrals and do your homework no matter who you use.

  15. Wudzgud
    Wudzgud says:

    Speaking of supporting people. Hey Bob “I have a calendar for you” Kays, This is Jim ” I need a good Woody Boat calendar” Miller. What is your calendar listed under in Ebay?

Comments are closed.