interesting...... and maybe I've come to the party a bit late,
I think early on HP gave a good account, and like he later states, sometimes we get a bit distracted or break down every sub sentence. discussion is a great thing, it gives all different angles, I tend not to do public postings as I don't really have the time to go over every last word I'm putting in before it gets taken apart and out of context- if I wanted that I'd have gone into politics
. I'd much rather give a simple option to folk.
Anyway.... before it strayed off topic...... its one of those 'if there was a easy answer we'd all have the same', but its not, and as stated by different folk, there are different answers,
how many of us lift the bonnet of our car every morning to dip the oil etc?
how many of us tow another car, so that when the one we are driving breaks down, we can change the one we are using?,
I've got an aux. and sometimes it goes with me, and sometimes it stays home, just depends on what I might be doing,
and as for drifting onto rocks and stuff, then I think there is a 'whole boat' approach needed, we've got to consider what we actually put into the boat, and why,
my aux is a get me to the shore/safe haven option. If I'm out playing in the waves close to home, the aux stays home,
and location....... depends on the individual...... you have to weigh
up what the aux will do if its hanging on the back, how much will it affect your speed/boat handling, is there a better place in the boat for its storage, and if you needed it, is it possible to get it into place without dropping it, or yourself, over the edge, and will it work? (bear in mind, engine failure , if it does happen, doesn't only happen in rough weather..... its a trail of what ifs, and you have to do a reasonable response, balanced against the worst case scenario)
....... and back to those rocks.... all this talk on aux. how many of us carry a ready to use suitable anchor?....... and ......... and ........ and,
so in the end, a nice balanced debate, accepting different people's opinions, maybe offering a different view, so that actually, there might be some different options/answers provided and people can make a better informed decision
I await with me popcorn ........ not really, life's too short for that!