launching by yourself at busy ramps

[Lured In]

Eric that is a tough dilemma. I have a 19' sled and with two people running the launch can have it running and off the trailer in less than 30 seconds. Same with landing it.

I have launched by myself more than a dozen times at places along the Willamette and Columbia during salmon season and found this to be true. I can back my boat straight the first time, start my boat, unload and have the truck off the ramp in less than 3 minutes on average. I have timed many "experienced" boaters who average longer than that with two people.

Grits brings up a good point as well, let the people behind you know you are by yourself and they may offer to help and at the least they should appreciate you gave them a heads up.

Good luck and don't foget to set the e-brake! images/icons/smile.gif

[fiishawk]

I really don't think launching a boat by yourself and taking a few extra minutes is a big deal..The ones who really bug me are the ones who get on the ramp and unload thier fishing gear and then sit there and b.s. while other people are waiting.. I have even asked other fisherman to pull my truck out of the way so the ramp will be clear..There is always some one around to help.

[DK]

eric, go fishing, like lured in states i've seen boaters with 2 people hold up the ramp longer than 1 guy, i my self launch by my self, a good rule is to be ready when your putting the boat in, and when pulling out i try to dock far enough away so as not to bother any one when my turn in line comes to back down the ramp put the trailer in drive the boat on hook up winch cable safty chain drive to a out of the way place to tie every thing down, your always going to find somebody that is inpatient, they will get over it, so go fishing and just do your best, dk

[Pilar]

The key is to have it all in one sack before you back down the ramp. I solo launch more often than not.

Before approaching the ramp
1) All gear in the boat.
2) Tie downs off and bung plug in.
3) Trailer lights unplugged.
4) Boat bow line tied to tailgate of the pickup.
5) Parking tag bought and on the dash.
6) Head call, raingear, bait bought, etc...

Back down to the edge and untie the bow safety chain and winch strap. Back it in and when the stern lifts up, gently step on the brake and roll it off the trailer.

Then walk it to the end of the dock and tie it up. It only takes me 3 or 4 minutes to park and run back to jump in the boat and leave.

Often I get this done while the other guy is still wondering what to load in his boat in the other lane on the ramp.

Go fishing, be organized and purposeful and everything will take care of itself.

[Phish_on]

So much depends on the circumstances ... I launch by myself pretty often, and even though I think I have the procedure figured out pretty well the fact it is just takes a little longer. If the ramp is crowded, usually someone will offer help - there is no guarantee that it will be helpful help! You play that by ear kind of.

I don't/can't power off, so that kind of simplifies what my options are, I guess - I have to tie up while I park. In general, I will launch the boat, get far enough out of the way so the next guy can get in, and if someone is hanging around I'll just grant permission to move my boat around as needed.

Nobody will get agitated unless you are a bonehead, as in making little effort to be efficient. Like, use the men's room BEFORE you drop the boat in. Don't replace your spark plugs at the dock. Etc. etc. park the trailer and GET BACK and outta the way.

My old outboard is pretty cranky to start cold even on a good day - I always have the electric motor hooked up (starts right up!) and I just get away from the ramp before I start dinkin' with the ol' Merc.

I guess the main point is if the ramp is crowded, there actually are more "good guys" than "@$$#*!&s" and they can help you as needed. The real messes start when some boats are putting in and some are taking out - talk to people and find out who's going where. There will still be Mister Surprise - remain calm. images/icons/rolleyes.gif

[Dogfish]

I am an accomplished solo launcher as well. I will repeat the best points of the previous folks.

BE PREPARED AND READY TO LAUNCH!

If you can get in and out of the launch in under 4 minutes or so when alone, you are doing pretty good. Anyone who can't wait that long needs to take a pill. If you get impatient with slow folks, breathe, and if they are still having problems, offer to help. It will lower the tension level at the ramp.

I go fishing to relax. I talk with folks in the line near me, and I have had them offer to move my truck up in line while I hold my boat off of the rocks.

If you work WITH others, instead of against them, everyone will have a better time. Chill people. You wouldn't want to hurt your boat, so don't cause someone else to damage their boat by rushing them. It can be a life or death situation.

Andy

[Eric]

Good input fellas....thanks!

[FishinMission]

As long as you have your "Ducks in a row"...you'll have no problem. Just get things in order so that you get in and out as fast as you possibly can. People will understand, and if they don't...well...too bad.

[boater]

when i go alone and know it`s going to be busy i leave home early enough to beat the crowd and not have to deal with it. just my 2 useless cents.

[Pete]

I gotta agree with Boater. Years ago I used to do TBay solo in my drift boat. I would launch at Oh-dark-thirty to beat the crowd, run my 8 out to crabland, pitch my traps and burn a Romeo y Julietta Maduro Churchill waiting for sun up.

With the sled I just make sure I've got my ducks in order and a place to tie off, out of the way so I'm in and out as quickly and safely as possible.

[Eric]

I've recently gained access to a friends boat to use in the bays for salmon. I'm a veteran of the launching wars and am well versed in the good etiquette needed to keep things moving in a tidy manner.

Here's my dilemma:

I know all to well that 2 guys launching is essential so as not to tie up the ramp. One backing the truck down, the other in the boat to fire it up and ease on/off the trailer.

But, I will be in a situation where partners aren't always available. I'm very sensitive to the fact it is considered bad form to tie up the ramp as I envision myself backing the truck down....hop out and into the boat....drive the boat off to moore somewhere, all the while the truck is sitting on the ramp...people get impatient.....you get the idea.

What is a guy to do? Not fish? I know I get VERY impatient when people drag their feet at boat ramps but I'm not sure how to approach this. I don't want to tie up the ramp but it seems kind of stupid to sit at home with a boat ready to fish too.

What do you guys think?

[Grits]

My experience has been most people who recognize you are alone are willing to at least move your boat down the boat ramp to make room for others. (I will usually ask the guy who is waiting on the dock to launch the next boat if he will do that for me)

When launching by yourself I think it is extra important to be ready to go by having your gear in the boat, fuel lines hooked up ect.

Last but not least remeber this is not life or death. Don't be careless and forget something important like tie down straps just because you are in a hurry.

Good luck and if I see you out there you can bet I will give you a hand.

[cureless]

One thing Pilar said is most critical and is really cool. I have seen it several times and it really works.

Tie Boat bow line to tailgate of the pickup.

Make sure it is long enough to slide the boat off the trailer and long enough to let you pull the trailer out of the water while still connected to the Bumper or trailer crank. Then you hop out and pull the boat over to the dock tie off and go park.

[Tilla]

I think if you properly prepare yourself and do the best you can, there is no one that can complain. If someone does, it's their personal problem, not yours. I have solo launched my driftboat several times in a crowd and did my best to make it an efficient maneuver and to make way for others. I have never had a problem.

[Trick]

I got the perfect solution. Take me fishing! images/icons/grin.gif

[fish-n-alot]

Eric;

All the information above is good and true. As long as you have the boat ready before backing down the ramp almost everyone I have lauched alone around makes room for you to get the boat of the trailer, and tied up away from the launch area. I've launched 19' anw 21' boats at Tillamook, Nehelam, Hammond, Catheral Park, Bonneville and others. Just have your ---- togther and get out there fishing!

BTW, I have waited longer at times for fisherman with 2 or more people!

Good luck! images/icons/smile.gif

[Eric]

Once again, thanks for all the input.

I'm meticulous about being ready before launching as I want to get in and out as quick as the next guy. I guess my concern was holding people up while transitioning the truck to a parking spot with the boat by the launch and vice-versa.

I guess I'll relax and just hope I have understanding people around me.

[DK]

cureless, if your really good put the rope threw the cleat on the dock then to the truck so when you pull the truck foward the boat is at the dock waiting for you,dk

[cureless]

Wow put the rope threw the dock when launching? That sound to complicated for me.

But put it on a bungie cord and it could snap right to the dock (JK)

[marko]

I frequently launch by myself. My technique is to tie the boat to the triler with a long length of line. Leave the line coiled loosely on the bow and back the boat into water until it floats. Pull the rig up so you can grab the rope w/o getting wet. Hand walk the boat out of the way and then tie it up. Next get the rig parked. I can do all this in under 5 mins dock or no dock (easier with a dock.)

Be ready to go when it is your turn, don't do prep work on the ramp. Offer to help others who are alone, it will come back to you. images/icons/grin.gif

[Pitch Pocket]

When I launch solo, I do just what I always do. I back the boat in, unhook the boat, climb in, start it up and drive it off to the end of the dock. Tie it up, walk to my truck, park it and walk back. There is nothing worse than sliding your boat off the trailer and finding a blown battery or an engine that won't start.

If you have to re-load your sled without power, you have a long frustrating process in front of you. You have to go get your truck, wait in line again, back down, walk your boat up the line, hook it up, crank it up and pull out. I know, I've done it. The little extra time you take to make sure you start up will save lots of time and sweat IF you have a problem. A dead boat just takes up space on the dock and creates a traffic jam.

[Pilar]

Sjp, great point. I think some people are completely surprised by the 'dead boat' thing when it happens. Another way to beat this problem is to 'Fix it in your driveway, not at the boat ramp'. See also 'Well equipped and maintained boat'.

I'm going to try a new launching method soon. Saw it once in a Hollywood epic called 'Apocaypse Now'. You know the bit where the helocopter drops the PBR boat into the water at the river bar. That should help avoid the line at the ramp, the launch fee and the inspection by the authorities. The CG will pick you up by Helo, why wouldn't they drop you off as well?

Just a thought >>>>>>> images/icons/grin.gif

[fop]

One of the things that slow people down is not having side bunks on their trailer when reloading on the trailer at the end of the trip. I wouldn't be without mine. fop