Growing The Classic Boat Community – Step 1, Be Nice to People
Two of the most welcoming folks in the universe. Greg and Art. Infact the entire Michigan Gang is always ready with open arms.
One of the most important aspects of any community is feeling welcome. Especially when you are new to it all. Knowing full well, that 99% of your questions at the start are going to be the basics, and have been answered a bazillian times. Like can I use polyurethane instead of varnish. Dry wall screws in wood, they are all barrel backs and so on.
I have been harshly reminded of this awkward feeling jumping into the Willys Jeep universe. I have been scolded, IT’S WILLYS, not Willy’s, told I was asking dumb questions, and well, had to deal with some rudeness. BUT, I have also found real great guys that are super patient and helpful. Oddly this also happened a lot in the classic boat world for me. It’s NOT A ROPE, IT’S A LINE! Ya that bark was unnecessary and I still remember that person today.
BTW, I had not even written anything about WILLYS, he was just as asswipe to be an asswipe.
But the overall feeling of being intimidated is the feeling as I enter into the strange new room. So, that’s on me I suppose, but a warm smile, belly laugh and come on in attitude is a nice warm welcome. BTW, this goes BOTH ways. If you are new to the passion of anything, and call a supplier of parts etc, or repair, treat them with deep respect, and always start with with mind set, that no one goes into a business like that to screw you. They know there ship, and deserve that respect. You will find that attitude opens up all sorts of joy. Don’t be an asswipe works both ways.
The YNOT guys are 100% focused on fun and being inviting. They saved me many times from just walking away emotionally
Invite new friends to stuff, give rides, give parts away, no stings attached. Just be generous with time and information. I know, I know, I am asked questions daily, and around 50% of the folks I help, never even respond with a thank you. Seriously. It’s draining, and I get why it’s trying to be kind this way. BUT, every now and then, a true good one comes through and before you know it, you have a small community yourself of kind people. Kindness and respect can go a long way to build a community.
Amen Matt. You reap what you sow.
If you love the classic boat passion it comes with the territory. To have fun with people you have to make them feel welcome. Our boats, experience and knowledge is how to do that!
At this year’s boat show, one of our annual show captains called me from the middle of the lake and said that her Chris Craft had crapped out and should she tow it to the show or back to her dock. I told her to bring it over and certainly someone would look at her issue. 80 year old Bill Wright jumped right in (I have a photo somewhere of his legs sticking out of the bilge). They sent someone for a part and she was back in business. She called the next week and asked for his address so that she could send him a thank you note – said that he wouldn’t take any money. Now that’s community!
Over the years I have found boating people to be some of the most friendly, inviting, helpful people I have ever met, be it Antique/Classic, Loopers, or just local yahoos.
This is one of my favorite pics from our first trip to Dora with people that I now consider close friends.
We sure have met some great friends!
Here is another from 2022.
and one more just for fun!
This could go on all day!
Friends, family, complete strangers.
Always be nice, you have no idea what they may be going through personally. Getting a smile from them while talking about our old boats is a bonus.
By nature, our crazy little boat community is chock full of very nice people. Goes with the territory and just who we are.
And, other than Patti, I’m blessed to always have next to me my brother-from-another-Mother too.
……..we meet the BEST people….even if they’re (always) FAR away……….
multigenerational. rides. smiles. family. afloat.
Sounds like that guy was a “willy”. Or as my brother always say, “Don’t be a Richard Cranium”.
Matt – love your analogy of the room. I blame the perceived anonymity of the internet. In the internet room people feel they can be smart arse and rude yet in the real life room we’re on our best behaviour and all welcome smiles. I prefer the real life room. Great picture of me and Alan in Casper. What a fabulous few days that was. You, Bob and Seth’s team were so generous, welcoming and kind to me. Never going to forget it.
There are D-bags and know it alls in every hobby, every aspect of life. But they fortunately are not the majority. And by the way, that line really is just a rope.
New to wood boat ownership, I went to the boat show on Gull lake this past summer. The show was great but the cold reception to a few questions
I asked of the fat cats there made me feel unwanted. Then I saw this. watching them help each other. What a difference. I learned a lot that day.
The Gull Lake community is one of the more welcoming in the world. The hospitality satet runs deep. And considering the value of some of those collections and the open access they give is insane and beyond generous.
Great pix, great friends, great times!!! John in Va