I am not a violent individual, but............. after a year of coaxing a wooden kayak into existence...... Well I am reminded of the old joke about the Quaker gentlemen who finds a thief trying to break into his barn. The old pacifist comes around the corner of the barn holding his hunting rifle, and says to the thief, Brother I am very sorry, but you standeth where-est I am about about to discharge my weapon.

Been lucky I guess, I have never lost a boat to theft yet (knock on wood) However, I have had my truck stolen from a put-in by the Owl's Head Maine police Department and held for ransom. I discovered it missing after a really tough 14 mile crossing. Then with no truck, I had to paddle up to Rockland and find a police officer to report my truck stolen. Found one on the ferry dock. Well after listening, the cop seemed to know exactly what had happened to my truck. She told me they had a report that some kids were doing drugs on the Owl's head light house property and when they weren't able to catch them "they" towed their vehicle. The truck however was mine, no drugs and the night my truck was having all this excitement with out me... I was on Roberts Island eating Pesto spiked Tortellini. Well being human, I understand a mix up, and figured the whole thing would be settled up above board. No cost and an apology easily accepted for the mistake. Instead, The police officer offered me a ride to the tow yard, but only if I promised to pay the fine, not go to court and not stir up trouble. When I explained it all to the tow yard guy he just grinned the baddest smile and basically let me know I had run into a local racquet and if I wanted my truck he was going to see my 100
bucks.

I had a friend checked later, they never had been a complaint. and I was told by locals later that towing out of state plates is one of the ways the local boys choir pads the welfare welfare fund. I also was told that in Knox County Maine, a set of boat racks up top, is nothing but a sign reading" tow me." I never did get my 100 dollars back, but I did get the story. In any case, I have learned to stow my racks inside my vehicle under a blanket when I am in that part of Maine.

In any case, be forewarned and Thanks this is an interesting and very relevent posting string.

!RUSS