Are you all tugging my tail ??????
No one that has been around the Docks with a boat worth $85,000 ---$500,000 + is even going to speak to a stranger.
They may talk to people that come along side in a canoe or Kayak but not to just some stranger that asks questions. And the person speaking may not be the Skipper owner, may just be a work mate.
People are cautious today, if they are hailed by a strange vessel they are on guard of what they want and who they be.
One does not just sail into port and tie up without paper work, has to know what slip is open and if a first timer, open to suspicion.
One does not go into a strange port and leave the boat unguarded much less walk about in a parking lot looking at the bumper stickers on cars.
No Old folks will leave their boat with their little dog to just walk off unless they are in eye sight of their boat.
Now it is possible these people did tie up and chow down, but what did the do with their little dog ??? Unless they owned the restaurant I cannot see their Dog being allowed inside.
Dock hands will talk to strangers but they keep it low key, the privacy of the owners is first and fore most.
This story had to have come from a fresh water sailor, NO way, No how on the salty brine.