What's right with this site

[rock]

Sick of whiners crying about what is wrong with the site. So I thought I would post what I think is right about the site. About a month or so ago I posted looking for some 3.0 lower parts. I explained it was for a disabled Marine and that I was not looking for charity just good affordable parts. A couple members stepped up and displayed what is right about this site.
At times we need to all step back look at what this place has provided for us hotrods. I now have friends around the country I would have otherwise never known. I can find info and parts that in my area have zero relevance and would be impossible to source. The knowledge gained is astounding. Many have donated info very freely and it has advanced the sport for many. We must also look at some of the personal trials and tribulations members have had and unsurprisingly many have came to the call and helped in whatever way they could. I am proud to be a member in such a group.
When I was asked if I would be willing to work on the disabled vet's boat I jumped at the opportunity. This fellow is a 30 something disabled Marine that had his legs blown off by an IED while in Afghanistan. If you did not see the lower half of this man you would never know he had any issues. Very pleasant man with a great attitude. He and one of his veteran friends tournament fish together and have started an organization called Hooah Healing Of Our American Heroes. They travel to hunting and fishing trade shows selling t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc in order to raise money to provide services some of them sorely need. Their website, and I hope I got this correct, is hooahdeerhuntforheroes.com in case anyone wants to check it out.
Now for the reason for this post. Two of our members read my parts request and helped out. I removed the injectors and sent them to CCMS for cleaning and since the motor had eaten a belt ingesting much of it the reeds needed replaced. He returned the injectors and the reeds then donated a set of stuffers. Jacob Avery said he had the seal holder and the driveshaft. He sent the seal holder (new from Merc) and disassembled a lower unit to get me the driveshaft I needed. It was from a 25" so it was sent to CCMS to be cut and re-splined. He would not take any money other than shipping. This is what's right about this site.

Rock

[XstreamVking]

The toughness of the injured vets is incredible! Good on you Rock, for helping him lead a life as close to normal as he can. And good on the guys that gave/sold parts to you for the engine.

[FLMIRAGE]

Great post!!

[wcarlyle]

Ditto, thanks for the post Rock. I have always found what I needed on this site, and in the process have met some new friends that go out of their way to help. God bless you for helping the veteran. We need more coming together and less division. Very refreshing.

[rgsauger]

I have Learned an absolute ton from the people on the site. I rebuilt my rotten shadow from the ground up and it turned out great. So many people gave helpful tips and pointers because I never even cut a piece of fiberglass, much less soaked it in resin and made something meaningful of it. The same goes for my motor which would not be where it is without the help and information and everything else of people here. Lastly, I am finally learning how to drive a pad bottom boat and would’ve gotten wet numerous times were not for people on here teaching me how to do it. There is a hell of a lot right about the people on this site.

[LakeFever]

Great post Rock! Agree 100% the support here is excellent. I too would not have much of boat without S&F guidance and information. The community support when a member is in need is the best I have seen anywhere online. From Megan to Gregs boat and the Vamp build. Lots to be proud of

[sonicss33]

For me S&F is enjoyable, informative with insights on performance OB boats that cannot be found elsewhere on the web. Sure their is some political BS but let’s face it this stuff directly effects each and every one of us. We can’t keep our heads in the sand so to speak, and if you do, look out because you might not like what you find whenever you pull you head out. I have met a few of you in person without disappointment and would like to meet many more. One of the big advantages for myself has been being able to find some good deals on parts to keep my old 2.4’s going for years to come. If you are a person that lets a post or two get you upset I would suggest maybe take a timeout because the internet is just not that important. I’m just an old retired guy that remembers having to write letters to communicate with friends and family far away, but this website just makes things so must faster and easier. For me the original question of “What’s right with this site” was never in doubt.

[VkingMike]

I was searching this site for photos and advice for a year before I finally joined up. The amount of knowledge and the willingness of others to give advice is awesome. Too many racing forums I was a part of years ago where not like this and it was more common for people to make fun or joke instead of help.

Personally, I do not get involved in politics on either side. So for me, this is still a performance boat driven site, no matter others opinions. I'm glad there is still an active forum like this, most have died off and went to facebook, and I refused to get involved on there.

[rock]

For me the original question of “What’s right with this site” was never in doubt.

I agree with you 100% except "What's right with this site" being a question. It was a statement and you are correct it was never in doubt. This is one amazing group of individuals.

Rock

[JBS]

There's a lot right with the site. The wrongs don't stay too long. Just look how long most of the members have been on here.Ive been here since 2005.

[specboatops]

Randy, might I add - you're what is right with this site!

[JPEROG]

There are a lot of good people who have been on this site for years and lots of friendships have been created through the contacts, discussions, and gatherings.

Joe

[HStream1]

Great Post Randy!!!

[tux974]

Randy, Excellent post and you are a good man jumping up to help a person in need without hesitation....:thumbsup: Especially a vet....:thumbsup::thumbsup:

[rock]

Thanks Tony but most of the guys on here would have done the same thing if given the opportunity.

Rock

[rock]

So yesterday I called Chris at CCMS to find cost of cutting and re-splining of the driveshaft plus shipping so I could give the guy a final cost. Not surprisingly he said no cost. So due to the generosity of Jacob Avery (screen name 25two.stroke) and Chris Carson (screen name Chris Carson) we helped a disabled vet fix a smoked lower unit for practically nothing. Good job gentlemen. And let's not forget Greg whose efforts have made this all possible. Great website. Thanks Guys.

Rock

[tux974]

Randy, good thread with a great outcome. Nice job also on your part buddy....:thumbsup:

[Forkin' Crazy]

Wow, that is so awesome!!! :thumbsup:

[altamate]

This is excellent, absolutely great news. Thanks to all involved and for posting, I’m glad I read this.

Rob

[Baker343]

Solid work rock

[rock]

Thought ya'll might want to meet the guy you helped. Thanks again.

Rock
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5SzMmUZwOc

[rgsauger]

That’s awesome, Rock. Thanks for sharing. He seems like an awesome dude. God bless him for his service, his sacrifice, and his great attitude! If you need anything else for that build, post it on here. A whole lot of us will make sure that it happens

[Scream And Fly]

You guys are so awesome. Thank you so much everybody for all you do for the site, for me, and most of all, for others. This is just the best community there is, and that gives me so much pride being a part of it. Randy, you're the best of the best my friend. You're all just incredible people. Chris Carson is not only a great person, but his work and products are top-notch. Thank you for all you do Chris. This represents the best of this site and what its purpose is.

Greg

[rjdubiel]

Top-notch guys. Really is. And all thanks to S&F for being able to get everyone here together to be able to help in different ways like this.