Oh for a Spare Tire

[Bill Hamilton]

Wife and I were going back to house at the lake and came across a young fella that was broke down. Seemed he lost the entire wheel and rim from his trailer. He traveled about 75 yards before he could get it under control while the leaf spring was tearing up the road.



Unfortunately he had NO spare, nor any tools to do anything. Being a good person that I am (LOL), I took him to the house and took the spare off my Nitro and a few lug nuts off one of the wheels, got some tools and a floor jack and took him back to his boat. He lost a stud bolt but with 4 remaining we were able to get the tire on and get him to his destination about a mile down the road. He needed a new tire (cut open by the fender) and probably a new spindle. Since I was going on vacation the next day I told him to get what he needed and just put my stuff behind the house under the deck after he was done. So I'm an optimist. Aren't all fisherman honest????? Lo and behold, when I get back from the Outer Banks I find all my tools and my spare where I asked him to leave it. There is a GOD and honest fishermen.



Long story and probably not very interesting but when you are towing a boat you should carry a spare, appropriate tools and a jack. He was lucky that he didn't have to leave the boat and trailer in the middle of the road. It was early evening on a Friday night and no one was open that had what he needed. He still got to fish the weekend and get his trailer fixed.

 

[Bruce Yeaton]

Good story with a good ending. We need more people like both of you in the world.... every new boat comes with a set of tools and a spare LOL!

 

[Bill P]

I have a spare tire, bottle jack, lug wrench, and assorted other tools with me at all times. I would hate to think that someone wouldn't go out of their way to return your stuff, after you doing all that for them. Do unto others, or something like that, right? You sound like a nice guy Bill, it must be the name, lol.

 

[Bill Hamilton]

A small set of tools is essential. Doesn't take up a lot of space. I keep the major tools in the tow vehicle and a smaller tool kit in the boat in the event of any problems on the water. Fuses, bulbs, electrical tape, duct tape, hose clamps, set of spare sparkplugs, spare trolling motor prop with pins and nuts, wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers along with other assorted piece parts. Even if you don't use them you may find someone on the water who does. Nothing worse than breaking down on the water and everybody passing by you and waving. Heavy duty tow rope not a bad idea in case you need a tow or have to tow someone.



I think that someone had posted a message about a checklist of goodies that you should have in your tow vehicle and your boat. Maybe someone can resuurect it?



My wife says that I don't always look for the best in people but in this case I took a chance and was rewarded by the return of my stuff. Kinda gives you a nice feeling when you can help someone. Told the guy when I left Friday night and all I wanted in return was for him to return the favor someday to someone else who needed help. Kinda like that movie, Pay it Forward, huh!



Something about that name "Bill" I guess.

 

[Donnie Matney]

Pay it forward?? hmmm I belive Jon BonJovi was in that one.



Donnie

 

[Bill Hamilton]

Donnie - If I remember it correctly I think it was you and not your namesake. LOL You were just paying it forward!

 

[Donnie Matney]

Haa Bill good one! It was a great movie! Sorry to see Jon was such a mean guy in the movie though. Bill I have often thought about if I saw someone with a boat in the same situation you came across. Would I give them my spare, ect...??I came to the conclusion yeah I probally would. $75 worth of tools and a spare would mean alot more to someone who could use it, let alone help them out in a picnh. I am all about helping someonre when they need it. I would benifit more by knowing i have helped someone. Plus to get my tools back with the unfortunate posibbly to never see the person again would be a great feeling to share with everyone.



Donnie

 

[Bill Hamilton]

Donnie - Couldn't agree with you more. Learned as a young lad many (too many) years ago to stop and help people who were broken down along the road. My Dad imparted that with me and said never to take anything from those you help. Just a gentle reminder that he hoped that if my Mother or sister were broken down along the roadside that someone would stop and help them. Always carried that with me. Some may say that I was foolish to "lend" the tools and spare to a perfect stranger and then go out of town but I believe that people are generally honest. Course, I wouldn't leave a $20 bill sitting on the hood of my car in a parking lot but... (LOL)



Also a great reminder for all of us to make sure we have that spare and tools with us as we trailer around!!!



Cheers

 

[Bruce Freeman]

Yep Bill your a good guy. Stranded motorist become #1 prioity for me at the store. When they get towed in off of 95 all they want is a little help not a little attitude their day is already bad enough If I can get them on the road again great if the damage is to bad then there is a car rental company with in 100 yrds.

BF