How can I persuade my dad to let me get a boat?

Question

I told my dad I wanted to get an inflatable raft so I could use it at a local pond to go fishing in, since I can only reach less than 1/4 of it by shore if that. He finds it pointless and a waste of time even though he is a fisherman too. I find it an opportunity to be able to go where the fish are. How can I persuade him that I could get it? By the way, it is very safe, strong, and I plan to buy a life vest with it.

Answer 1

Look you can do at your age about what you want i have been to sea longer than you  have been alive,at 15 i was a full LIC charter boat capt.And still now an old man i am still out here, if you feel thats what your calling is to do i say go for it,Life is short live it to the FULLEST

Answer 2

You have to show him that you are mature and responsible enough.

As a parent your safety is paramount. Stay out of trouble and when he ask you to do something, do it. If you hang out with your friends, come home at a reasonable hour. Getting A's at school does wonders to a parents generosity.

Remember, your actions speak louder than plain words. And after awhile your words will carry meaning.

Good luck!

Answer 3

You may not be able to, depending on your age and ability to swim.

Answer 4

WOW!   What a great idea...

First of all, I don't think you will have a problem - not really - I can tell by the fact that your question and explanation is very well written, easily understandable and not a word misspelled.  You used correct punctuation... So, all that tells me you have more going for you then most.

I can tell you are a good responsible kid and age appropriately mature for sure, and my guess is, you probably make better grades then most of your class mates.



So, lets get down to business...

1. Click on the link below...

2. When you get there...

3. Click on "Boat Plans catalog" page

4. When you get there...

5. Click on "Human Power" page

WOW! all kinds of boats you can build...

Now, look at a few of them, pick one or two out, and study the ones you like. Read in the "How to" section on this site, about "How to build a boat using the "stitch & glue" method.

Get a good understanding of what you need to do - to build one of these boats you can fish out of...  And don't forget, your Dad would probably really like to go "out there" with you.  So, pick at least one boat big enough for him and you to fit in.

Print out copies of two or three that you like, or better yet, get your Dad to the computer to show him what you found...

As he is looking at the plans and boats...

Ask him:   "Dad, which set of boat plans do you think would make the best Father & Son boat building project?"

"Wording" is critical here... Don't ever ask, "Can I" or  "Can we" these are what is known as "close ended" questions.  So, if you don't want a "NO" answer - don't ever ask a "close ended" question.  Ask him instead to "choose which one" he would like for the two of you to build together... ie:

"Should we build one just for me? Or one that we can fish out of together?"

As he is looking at the plans - if he is not responding "positively" then... Simply, politely, tell him that "if he doesn't have the time to spend" with you working on a boat together - you understand, and that it would not be as much fun... but you could build one yourself - or if he thought it would be better to buy one - you would be OK with that too.

So think about it...

   You have ask him to make some choices:

1. Is this boat plan or that boat plan better?

2. Can we build it together or do you think I can build it myself?

3. Do you think building it or buying it is better?

Remember, when ever in whole life, you don't want a no for an answer - don't ask a close ended question.  Always give choices whereby the worst choice, is still something you would be satisfied with.

Here is the link:

http://www.glenl.com/

Hope this helps... Good luck...

Happy & Safe Boating!

Answer 5

If you save up the money, you should be able to spend it on a boat. But if you expect your dad to buy it, then it's his call.  Also, take a boating safety course and then he'll know you are serious.