The Bigs - An Interview with Molley's Parents

Episode 14:  In this episode, Molley and Chad interview Molley’s parents, Roonie and Bo Bowling, who got them involved in boating. They’ll share memories, advice and perspectives for anyone who’s interested in boating.

Roonie recounts that her boating experience began with a friend and her parents, during high school.  They used to go to the Land Between the Lakes area for a couple of weeks.  Bo got started early with a buddy at a camp near Rough River.  Bo and his friend were fishing when a boater offered to take them skiing.  That experience eventually lead to Bo’s first boat purchase.  It was a 16-foot Mark Twain with a Hunter-Johnson and an electric choke.

Bo talks about taking the boat out on Taylorsville Lake back in the 1980’s.  Roonie and Bo became avid Kentucky lake hoppers.  They’ve boated on Taylorsville, Green River Lake, Nolin, Rough River, Barron, Dale, Lake Cumberland, Laurel River Lake and Center Hill Lake (TN).

Roonie and Bo Share Advice for New Boaters

Bo suggests setting a budget and getting what you can afford, at this time.  Being around friends with a common interest is what life is all about.  You’ll make new friends and create some great memories.  Chad adds some comments about this advice.

Roonie comments that you just need to start.  Consider it your starter boat and maybe a starter tent.  The tent can eventually become a starter condo and maybe, eventually you’ll move up to a lake house.  Regardless, just start the journey.

Favorite Lake Memories for Roonie and Bo

Roonie recalls the time the kids learned to get up on their water skis.  She also has memories of a run-in with a water snake.  Bo describes how the water reminds him of kind people who have bonded by working through a situation.  It’s a big reason they’ve been in it so long.

The group also talks about Bo and Roonie’s first houseboat adventure, which was full of memories.

What’s Something You Wish You Would Have Known about Boating in the Beginning

Bo discusses the importance of communicating with your spouse when you’re launching a boat, together.  Patience is a virtue in these situations.  Chad comments that “teamwork makes the dream work.”  Everyone agrees that assigning specific duties is a very good idea.  It’ll make launching the boat easier and with much less drama.

Roonie adds that confidence will come with experience.  Trailering the boat can be tricky, but shifting to neutral will often help (especially when things don’t look quite right). 

If Roonie and Bo Win the Lottery, What Boat Would They Buy?

Roonie would choose a big cabin cruiser.  Bo would prefer to get a Nordic high-performance boat.  Evidently, he’s more of the Don Johnson type.  Molley wants a 46’, center console, open bow Sunsation with 4-600HP Mercury motors.  Remember, she just came back from the boat show! 

What’s Your Least Favorite Thing about Boating?

Chad says it’s the ramp.  Bo adds that he always anticipates rude or angry people around the ramp.  There’s always going to be That Guy.  Bo plans for it and takes it all in stride.  Roonie says the least favorite thing is the lack of consideration by people on the ramp.  It’s not the place to empty the boat and equipment.  When you’re on the ramp, hurry up and get out of the way.  You can pull into the parking area and unload.  Bo also discusses mistakes new guests make. 

What’s One of the Biggest Changes They’ve Seen over the Years

Roonie discusses how years ago, people just seemed to be more considerate.  These days, people are all about themselves.  Bo reminds people that going to the lake is an opportunity to let go of the stress and pressures of life.  It’s what’s it’s all about.  People should keep that in mind when they get out on the water. 

The group closes out the episode with a discussion of some to the boats Roonie and Bo have owned over the years.  They recount some terrific memories.

We’d like to thank Roonie and Bo for all of their advice, guidance and help over the years (especially during the storm of the century).  They’ve been great mentors for us.  Bo adds that the best thing people can do is to surround themselves with positive people and just share what you have.  It’ll pay dividends you can’t imagine.  This is how the best memories are made.

That’s a wrap for this episode.  We hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining. 

Thanks for Listening!

If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your social media friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters!

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