I thought me and Ohana had a good relationship (here's a good one Bob)...

[kchunk]

Rather than hijack Bob's KOINONIA LAUNCHED! thread, I figured I'd start a new one regarding the silliness of personifying inanimate objects...like sailboats for instance. Like I said before, I don't buy any of that non-sense, but just incase, Ohana and I have an agreement of sorts...as long as I pretend to talk sweet to her and treat her like a lady, she's promised to make me look like a captain and and spare me life and limb.

Bob, if you do sell that boat, at the very least, make sure you send her new owner a Christmas card. (Click the link below)

--Greg

http://www.duckworksmagazine.com/09/columns/guest/einhorn/index.htm

[Bob23]

Greg:
   Great story. I now think if I were to sell the Koin she might die of a broken heart. Or might come after me in rage.
   Of course, this personification isn't limited to boats. Iv'e talked to cars, (my od VW's had real character even if they didn't run all the time) our dog, Scarlet, (a red Siberian Husky who makes a better human being than most people) (Sherie would agree), and of course, this computer named the HAL 9000. Hopefully not as vengeful and cunning as the original 9000.
   Some might say I have a problem and they'd probably be right. But then again, I sometimes talk to myself! On occasion, it's the only way to have an intelligent conversation!
Bob23

[Craig Weis]

Objects ARE meant to be talked to.
Like Comfort & Joy.
Like Ziggy my XJ 12 C.
Like our 1930 Ford Model "A".
Like Logan our collie dog. Who talks back all the time.
Like those plants in the garden.
It keeps sanity up front. In it's propper place.
skip.

[newt]

You get Grog for that supportive approach Skip!

[Bob23]

   Well, Iv'e been reading this thread and others about this so-called personification thing and it's about time I replied.
   This is Koinonia writing. Not Bob23, but me, the actual 1985 23/2! Yeah, some of you I can see are skeptical- how can a sailboat post on a website? Well, the guy in the next slip has a laptop and all I had to do was shoot him a smile, a few sideways winks and he melted.
   Here is how it works, in case any of you humans are still wondering: Us Compacs are born with a kind of soul. Not the human kind, thank you. A note here: It's because the Hutchins boys put so much of thier hearts in us that we have this soul. (None of the clorox bottles have this- they are but mere toys- and boy are they ever jealous of us! We love it!) Along the way, after we are completed and delivered to the proud parents, our personality begins to develope. Fortunately, most of the folks who we allow to "own" us, are pretty good folks. No thottle happy yahoos buy Compacs. So we sail with our owners (we'll call them our owners for easier reference) get to know them and what they like, dislike, etc. In short, we get to know everything about them because as you know, when people sail, their walls come down and the true person, far away from the cares and worries of life, emerge. And we could tell some stories if we wanted to, but we'll leave that for another time.
   Somewhere along the way, they decide that we are not enough. It truly is heart breaking because we know we are enough- the defect lies with them, not us. We haven't changed at all so how could we be at fault? They decide to sell us and then we've got the job of picking out a new owner. Not easy, let me tell you. Take Bob23, for instance. I had to arrange for him to be reading the paper, drinking coffee on the same morning that my previous owner placed an ad in that paper. Took some doing to get his attention, but, like I said before, one sideways wink and a smile and he melted! Once he met me in person, his heart was mine. Fortunately for us, the Hutchins made us good judges of character so we rarely make a mistake. Most of you guys and ladies here on the site are wonderful- it's our pleasure to sail with you- or to have you sail with us.
   You probably are aware that we have a great sense of humor. Got to in order to survive in this world. Once in a while we'll so a spreader-dip; really get's your attention! Hahahaha! Or we'll intentionally touch bottom if you start dozing off- another good one! But even though we like a good laugh now and then, we know our job. We are honored to be able to keep our crew safe during bad weather. We weren't built to just be boat show potatoes, you know. We might be beautiful but we are tough, too. Brains and a beautiful body..what more can you ask for?
   One thing we live for- a sunny day, wind's up, folks on board laughing having a great time, a few cold beers going around. An aside here: when you guys spill a bit of beer down on the cockpit floor, you think it's going out the drains. Nay, nay. We Compacs like a bit of beer now and then and certainly will not be offended if you happen to "spill" some a bit more often- we'll put it to good use. You humans are a bit naive to think that after you've had a few that the sailing seems to be more fun. You think that happens by itself? Ha! Give us a bit more next time and watch the fun begin!
   Our purpose in life is to make sailing enjoyable for everyone on board. And we do it with style, grace and beauty! And we last practically forever, as far as boats are concerned. Yeah, some say we are a bit high maitenance with all that teak but, hey, aren't we worth it? If you had to think about that for a minute, you are in trouble. Of course we are- we are Compacs!
   Ok, I'm gonna sign off now and I'd appreciate it if you kept our little conversation a secret. Even though most of you are aware that we are real, the rest of the world might not be ready to accept this just yet. I hope I've shed some light on this personification thing. Truth is, we make better humans than some people do!
Koinonia...tugging at my lines. 

[kchunk]

Thanks Bob...lol...I almost spit my Wheaties on the screen when I read that!

[Mundaysj]

Koinonia... You go girl!!
Blond Ambition

[Gil Weiss]

There is another side to personifying ones sailboat. If we think about it, sailing is a very interactive endeavor. We totally interact with our boat, the water, wind and weather in general. The feel of the tiller and control lines under differen conditions, the heel of the boat and its speed, etc. all create an attachment between each of us and an inanimate object.  The boat takes on a life of its own with which we interact and feel and experience.

When one does maintenance on their boat more interaction occurs. Most of us know every nook and cranny of our craft. All this creates what everyone is referring to in these threads.

Very cool actually, Gil

[Bob23]

Gil: 
   Are you trying to say I'm high maintenance? And as far as my nooks and crannies, well, that's kinda private.
Koinonia

[don l]

LOL!

[B.Hart]

  I thought I was the only one who was chosen by my boat to take care of her. The best things in life seem to come to you if you're paying attention.    BILL

[Gil Weiss]

Dear Koinonia,

No, I wasn't making you the butt of any jokes. However, some boats are high maintenance but some of us boat owners like that.

Good sailing . . . Gil

[Potcake boy]

WOW - I think I just made landfall on Fantasy Island - forum posting boats !!!!!  Has someone been smokin' the hemp, or has this been a particularly difficult winter?  If my boat starts talkin' to me I'm blowin' up the dinghy.  Maybe I'll just go listen to some Jimmy Buffett and pretend I didn't really follow this topic.
You are definitley a bunch of fungis.

Ron

[kchunk]

Damn Ron...you and your boat are having issues and you threaten to blow up the dinghy if she talks to you?!?!? That's harsh dude...

[Bob23]

Very harsh!
Haven't touched the hemp in years and plan to keep it that way. Maybe your vessel feels neglected...do you really take the time to listen to her? Puttin' on some Jimmy may make this worse!
Bob23- for Koinonia