[Psml] Candidates for a boating safety course? And then Seamanship?

[Lu Abel]

I am not making this story up:  Last night I helped teach one of our
public courses at a local marine supply store.  This store caters mostly
to the bass boat/ski boat crowd.   As I walked down the aisle that held
anchors, I heard the following:

Him:  Honey, we need an anchor for our boat.

Her:  Oooh, look, they have them in colors!  [Indeed, this store had
Danforth-style anchors in a variety of colors -- black, white, blue,
green, and red.]  I wonder which would go best with our boat?   I like
this white one best!

Him:  Okay, it looks to be about the right size.

Her:  What are those ugly things sticking out from its sides?  [the
stock ends]

Him:  I think its to roll the anchor over when it hits the bottom and
help it bite into the ground (demonstrates stock action).

Her:  Well, I think they're UGLY.  If we're going to buy that anchor,
you're going to have to cut them off.

Him:  But honey, they're all that way (points to other anchors).

Her:  Well, I don't care!   If you want to buy an anchor here and they
all have those ugly things you're going to have to cut them off!

Him:  Whatever you want, dear....