Capt. Mark East’s Advice to the Careworn, Confused, Lovelorn and Other Outdoor People



Dear Capt.,
My mother has been on or around the water all her life. She’s had her own commercial fishing boat, skippered professionally, and done several sailboat deliveries singlehanded. For some strange reason she doesn’t want my son to be a fisherman. Says she has nightmares about her grandchildren being on the water as she’s been.
Signed,
Mother Perplexed

Dear Mother Perplexed,
I would guess that if your mother has been on the water as you say, she’s seen some pretty tough stuff...probably on and off...and wants to shield her offspring. I would suggest you, your son, and your mother get on a boat for a short cruise, good weather or bad, have your son take the helm and have a good family discussion. If your son wants to be a fisherman, it will show and perhaps he can convince her. Remember, and remind her, it’s your son’s life and he’s got to follow his course.

Dear Capt. East,
Do you remember the old Gar Wood Mahogany runabouts with the inboard engines. Well, I found one in an old boathouse up in the Thousand Islands in Northern New York. For the last 12 years I have been restoring it. I’ve taken it all apart, including the engine, cleaned and painted and varnished it until it looks brand new. I’ve started the engine and it sounds terrific. Problem is I can't bring myself to launch it. My wife says I'm nuts. How do I overcome this problem?
Signed,
Launch Remorse

Dear Launch Remorse,
Is this something like Bachelor Remorse? My suggestion is gather up several young neighborhood children, especially one with a small dog. Launch your new baby and take the kids for a ride. Doesn’t have to be fast. Just speedy enough to blow the dog’s ears back a bit. The kids and dog will love it and you’ll be “pee proud.”

Write: capmarke@gmail.com