This happened to me last Saturday.

I launched my boat about 8 or so. There was no need to launch earlier as the tide/current wasn't about to cooperate at an early hour anyway. I launched inside the boat marina at the Port Townsend marina and I slowly motored out passed the Coast Guard cutter around the corner. The crew was active on deck, likely getting ready for inspection or perhaps preparing to deploy. At any rate, one of the crew was fussing about with the 50 caliber deck gun (complete with banana clip). He was unaware that I was motoring along directly in his line of fire as he swung the gun to the starboard toward the breakwater. As he looked down the sights he saw me with my arms fully extended over my head and grinning. I could see his momentary shock. His startled apology alerted the others who had their backs turned. They turned and seeing my grin started chuckling along with the gunman.

I said my usual, "Thanks!", but they couldn't make out what I said or what I meant (I'm not sure which) so I shouted to them, "Thanks for being there, guys!" and of course, in near unison, their response was, "Your welcome, sir!"

works every time

I wouldn't want to be looking down one of those barrels. Here's my story.

Last summer I was heading past Edmonds on my way back to West Seattle in my Bayliner. Kicker was tilted up and I was cruising about 30 mph. Coast Guard boat hits their lights so I stop, waiting for them to come alongside to check my boat.

It's not windy at all, just a little current pushing. The driver tries to come alongside and can't control his boat. SMACK, right into my kicker but no damage done. 2nd try, SMACK, into my kicker again. No damage. This time though I say "hey why don't you just stay there and I'll pull alongside." The dude driving is redder than red he's so embarrassed, the other 4 guys are doing there damndest not to laugh when I made that comment.

I motor over, they check my boat, give me that little receipt that says everything checked out ok and they take off.

As they're heading out I look over and the 4 guys on deck are doubled over laughing at the driver. I can't imagine how much crap they gave that dude. One of the guys had whispered to me that he was "in training".

always love the "newbies"

Well, those 50 cals are pretty intimidating all by their lonesome... but with a 19 year old holding the trigger they can be more so. I know... I had a 19 year old one time.

;-)