Reader Mail, etc.

Some notes we’ve received recently—Eds

RE: ODDS AND ENDS

Re: the floating table boat and the reason I voted “Perhaps “.

1. Should be longer to accommodate people side by side eating with bulky PFDs on.

2. Any serious nautical table would have fiddles!

3. Better have a good anchor to be legal and to prevent movement down river toward the rapids!

4. Fish nibbling at your toes while you eat fish and chips - a unique concept! 😲🙄

5. It is the only picnic table around with hinged seat backs that can be raised to increase your sitting comfort.

Earl Hall

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Please note we’ve started breaking out articles in even more categories. You can of course simply read the articles as they appear in your email box, but you can also go directly to our Substack homepage to read any and all articles.

Across the top of the page you will see some categories, including a new one called “Tech Articles” that sorts out the how-to and technical articles—not counting the specific Tech Bights articles by Jerry Culik, which also have their own category. The idea with this categories is to make it at least somewhat easier to locate past articles of interest.

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ON BOAT NAMING AND RENAMING

Someone suggested an “Ask The Old Salt” column and sent the following question. We’re not sure about the idea, but we forwarded the question to a particular old salt we figured would have an answer. You can see the exchange below. If you have questions for the The Old Salt, leave them in the comments below.

What’s the truth about boat naming and renaming? I was thinking of renaming the sailboat I just bought, but I’ve read I could end up with seven years of bad luck. I was planning to name my boat “Cynthia” after my wife, but my buddy Donnie says I should name it something cool like "Wet Dream,” “Makin’ Luff” or “Sexual Heeling.” 

I trust Donnie’s opinion because he’s owned loads of boats—and jet skis—but I don’t want to end up regretting my decision.  

Sincerely,
Rick P.
Fresno, CA

Dear Rick,

Legend and opinion heel away from changing a boat's name, unless the poor vessel's name is "Wet Dream" or some such, in which case mercy and decorum demand it. Now, your friend Donnie may be a “Man among Men”—his boat names suggest he thinks so—but, considering he has owned jet skis (probably named "Quickie"), I question his counsel. In some households, following his advice would result in you becoming a live-aboard, regardless of the boat’s size.

If marital longevity is important, and if Cynthia likes the boat, name it after her. Be sure of that point, though, or you will sail into dangerous waters. Imagine a beamy hull, or one with lines she doesn't like, with her name on its substantial transom...”You named that ugly tub after me?” In such straits, even the Coast Guard cannot help you.

T.O.S.

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