Even though I have been doing some fishing lately, it has always been on other people’s boats. I think it was this past Wednesday that I walked out to get the paper and glanced over at my 16-foot boat, the Marsh Monkey, when it struck me that I had

not taken my boat out in nearly two months. If any of you boat owners out there are anything like me, then you, too, are a bit superstitious about neglecting your boat.

Maybe it’s my overactive imagination, but I have always felt that whether it’s one’s boat or car, it just seems to run better after getting a good cleaning and some tender loving care.

With that in mind, I hooked the Monkey to my car and gave it a good once over, washing and waxing, lubing the steering cables and making it shine like it was brand new. When I was satisfied with my work, I swear the Monkey was looking at me, begging me to take it out for a spin.

I know what you are thinking. “Old Collins’ pain meds are getting the best of him.â€