I Need A Boat Ride!

If you are one of the early readers, you might be wondering why today’s story is a tad late. Well. Between travel to Europe, then back, and working in NY on a shoot that got me up at 5AM, then off to LA for a week, my internal time clock is trashed. Not to mention, I havn’t been on a boat in close to a month. I decided last night to drive home and “try” and get a ride in.

Which brings up a subject. Are boat rides therapeutic? Of course I think they are. A good clean boat ride no matter how gloomy or rough can clear ones mind and restore ones soul. Now mind you, I have tried this on a plastic new boat and it doesnt even come close to the same feeling on a Woody Boat. Its something about all the senses being rewarded and activated. The visual senses are empowered by the glistening mahogany, and the contrast of white seam lines and bursts of color from your interior.

The sound senses are exhilarated by the roar, rumble and release of the throttle. That distinct flat head sound is better music than any top ten recording ever made.

The Smell Senses are rewarded with a faint smell of exhaust, fresh varnish, leather and the fresh air you are polluting. All three senses are swirling together in a magical blend of history, art, and life to remind you that you are alive, and that despite all the crap going on in the world. Right now, right here, everything is right in your world. And thats when you realize, I needed this, I needed a boat ride! Get out there if you can! Winter is coming!

 

14 replies
  1. Jim Staib
    Jim Staib says:

    If the ride itself is not therapy what’s in the cooler is for me. One last blast here in Northern Illinois. Had dinner outside last night. Rain today.

  2. Greg Lewandowski
    Greg Lewandowski says:

    You are right on regarding the therapeutic value a boat ride has to the soul and well being. Now what you have to do is convince yourself that you don’t need that day job anymore and really start to enjoy your life and loved ones. Go for it Matt. You will never regret it!

  3. Troy in ANE
    Troy in ANE says:

    I find a boat ride an any boat to be very therapeutic. Actually some of the most therapeutic rides I have ever had were in a Kayak while the sun is rising in the morning.

    I have a friend who even named his boat for this reason.

    I also find it very therapeutic to work on my boats during the off season, thus one of the reasons I don’t hire much work done. Why hire a boat finisher and a Therapist when you can get it all done at once and save a pile of money.

  4. Ranger
    Ranger says:

    I definitely need therapy! We are still dealing with flood waters from the St. John’s River after hurricane Irma. When this is finally over I’m going to light a ceremonial bonfire and burn my rubber boots as a sacrifice to the river gods!

  5. John Rothert
    John Rothert says:

    Been cruising all weekend….a beauty here in Va as Matt points out. Brought the Tavares Whirlwind home for a winter refit….the sort of work that is good for the soul….got one of those 12 x 20 carport type “tents” for outside the shop so I can work on nice days….determined never to bring a boat into the shop proper again….too much disruption….but looking forward to the project.
    Off in Canoe now….that is Going Boating Va. style.
    John in Va.

  6. Jack
    Jack says:

    We convinced friends that were on a long RV trip to divert 300 miles to visit us by promising a day on the Shepherd. They were wooden boat virgins but now more. About 10 water hours since Thursday on Lake Lanier and we all feel fine. The beer, wine, and shrimp helped!!

  7. Rabbit
    Rabbit says:

    It was 80 degrees for my Friday evening cruise on Balsam Lake. And that’s northwestern Wisconsin, on the third weekend of October. That’s therapy.

  8. Jeff Funk
    Jeff Funk says:

    Absolutely it’s therapeutic. In this insane world, boat rides may be one of the few remaining sane things left.

  9. m-fine
    m-fine says:

    As of this afternoon, the last boat is out of the water and a busy repair and restoration season is ready to begin.

  10. Charles J
    Charles J says:

    Yesterday Jeanne and I explored DC by woody boat/water. Matt you were kind enough to show my music CD boat cover in the original 2/2/13 “The Refurbishment of Sweet Mahogany” story and we returned to the scene of the crime. 🙂 I’m looking a little more weathered but the boat’s looking better than ever. Also took in the new billion dollar Wharf water front project. Great day to be on the water!

    • Charles J
      Charles J says:

      Sometimes things just don’t go the way you planned, LOL. Hope my week isn’t going to be upside down like this photo. Matt, feel free to correct, or not 🙂 Happy Boating!

  11. Roberta
    Roberta says:

    Last blast for me was idling from the Racine piers to the launch at Pugh. Busy fall and horrible head cold kept me down. Did change the oil in the Torpedo yesterday. Loved hearing the rumble of the exhaust, though. Made me want to tow her over to the lake, but rain kept us in the hangar. Dang.

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