psneeld
Guru
Thank you, Scott and Don, for putting my questions in the right context. Actually, it's been months since I knocked over a marina to save a few bucks on toilet paper. .
You're exactly right that I'm not obsessing over money; simply looking for economical alternatives. I don't pay list price for cars or other big purchases and tend to shop for the best deal I can get on airline tickets, hotels and many other things. So why not apply that philosophy to boating where it makes sense?
Despite the sidetracks, there's been a ton of great suggestions, which I really appreciate.
Don, I thought about a mooring ball, but doubt I'd sleep well being two hours from where she's moored. I like the idea of having dock neighbors keeping an eye on her.
I can't speak for other captains...but if you are a member of an assistance towing company...and your boat is at the same marina or close by...and you like/trust the captain...he just might keep a real eye on her (or not ).
My friends at my marina always would be calling me and have me check something, turn something on/off they forgot, keep an eye on the waterline right after launching...etc...etc... I was doing it anyway even without being asked.
The two docs next door really appreciated it and would always stop by with fresh fish and they even gave me their old Furuno 1850F fishfinder/plotter when they upgraded. never expected it but they got the "concierge" service including double secret handshake fishing reports every time they showed up.
I'd say better and more thoughtful care than the occasional professional dockwalker ...because I do it out of respect and friendship. And also a helluva lot cheaper than the real pro boat watchers ....even though they will do a lot more... their pay demands it.
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