Boat ramp antics!!

Joe Schwab · 06-15-2001, 07:51 AM

Here's one of my favorite subjects. Boat ramp tactics. We are coming up on the time of year when ramps at the coast will be jammed with people who often have no clue or don't care what the unwritten rules are. A little tolerance and assistance can go a long way to preventing out and out violence.

1. Make sure everything is in the boat at staging area.

2. Free up and secure your bow line and be sure it is long enough. There's a story here.

3. If you are the guest or client, ask what you can do to assist. If the operator prefers to do his own launch without assistance, by all means allow him to do that. Many operators have a set drill and can launch and retrieve very efficiently. A well meaning hand in the operation can often result in a chain of unfortunate vents.

4. Heavy boats moving on water even at a very slow pace will break bones or crush fingers if placed between the boat and the dock. Never try to "catch" a moving boat or grab the dock before the boat stops. I have seen passengers literally drug from a boat while desperately trying to hold onto a dock cleat.

5. Don't jam up the loading dock while waiting for the trailer to get there. Others trailers may be in front of you and the boat operator has stood off waiting to load.

6. When coming into the dock to load out it is a good practice to stand off and take in what is going on around you. Talk to other boats. I have seen operators tie up to the dock, run for their car and leave passengers who have no clue as to how to even move the boat.

These are just some of the rules I try to follow. You all out there can probably add many more. Have a safe season!!!
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WheresMyBobber · 06-15-2001, 08:12 AM

Great topic Joe.

I might add:

1. Turn off your headlights (if possible) while you're on the ramp while it's dark. If you have them on, it blinds the next person trying to back down.

2. Practice, practice, practice. Get a routine and stick with it every time.

3. Think about other people - is something you're doing screwing up somebody else? Are you holding up the whole launch?

4. If you're tying your boat to the dock, remember to secure both ends or do it in the middle - if you only secure the bow, the stern may float out into the middle of the launch area and create a problem for others.

5. If there is current or a tidal influence at the ramp, approach your trailer from the downstream side when trailering your boat.

[ 06-15-2001: Message edited by: WheresMyBobber ]

Bait O' Eggs · 06-15-2001, 08:18 AM

Good post Hook

Number 3 really hits home. When launching my sled,I have a system I go thru that allows the boat to be put in and out effeciently without missing something like the plug. When I take somebody new they usually try to help but only slow the process down.

Nothing like loading the boat and I get the boat to the trailer and see they have unwound about 15 feet of rope off the winch and are standing in the water near the back off the trailer waiting to hook me up. If they would just get out of the way, I could run the boat up to the winch and maybe use about 6 inches of rope on the winch.

Best to ask how to help when going with somebody else.

DK · 06-15-2001, 08:23 AM

this is one that really gets to me, don't park your boat at the front of the dock unless your trailer is first in line, i've see to many people say we were here first, so unless you can put that 21footer on your back and pack it out get out of the way for the person who's trailer is next.

Firedog · 06-15-2001, 08:29 AM

Great topic, with the amount of newbies that will be out this fall because of the big silver run they would do well to review the above mentioned suggestions. Another one I would like to see people do is practice backing before they get to the ramp, seems like there is always those few who have never backed a trailer before and really tie things up. Get into a routine also, my partner and I have it down to a science we can be in and out in about a minute just because we have a system. Back it in un hook or hook up pull it out. Get out of the way.

Nuttinbutnet · 06-15-2001, 09:03 AM

you would be surprised how many people don't know this. If you have a newer rig that has full time driving lights, two clicks down on your parking brake pedal will turn them off.

finclipped · 06-15-2001, 12:11 PM

Having trouble backing up a trailer? Don't be bashful, we all have to learn sometime. Here is a helpful hint when backing up. Turn the bottom of the steering wheel the direction you want the trailer to go.

If its dark and your helping someone back down the ramp that is having a difficult time, don't be afraid to yell out instructions. And whatever you do don't let them hit anything. I have seen folks waive there arms frantically trying to stop the person backing up the trailer when a simple "WHOA" will get them to stop everytime.

I have patience for those learning to back a trailer, I loose patience for those who wait until they are on the ramp, before unloading the car, putting in the plug, unhooking the lights, etc.

Ocean · 06-15-2001, 02:50 PM

When backing up an empty trailer helps to leave the tailgate down so you can see the trailer.

Be patient and don't assume that everyone on the ramp is trying to cut in, get in your way or ruin your day. I see people waste more time and energy yelling about trival slights and missunderstandings and I get tired of listening to it.

willierower · 06-15-2001, 03:29 PM

One thing I try to do at a busy launch is lend a hand to people that are having problems. They usually appreciae the help and you get in or out of the water faster.
Another thing that people should know..... After you get the boat on the trailer, pull well away from the ramp to secure the boat and its contents.

TheRogue · 06-15-2001, 06:38 PM

Excellent topic::

1. If you're a newbie to boats and/or trailers in general, tow your rig to a large parking lot, and practice backing up, pulling forward, squeezing into an imaginary space, etc.

2. DON'T SIT THERE at the ramp, warming up the trusty 1962 50hp Mercury!!! 2-strokes smoke - even the newest ones to some degree!! In most areas, the ride from the ramp out past the 5 mph buoy is sufficient run time for the engine to warm up so it can be run-up to cruising speed.

3. As said before, PAY ATTENTION and use a little COMMON SENSE.

4. Have fun! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

T.R.

brshooter · 06-15-2001, 11:18 PM

Excellent topic. I am a new boat owner but I am very conscience of the time spent on the ramp. There was an excellent thread on this topic around the first of the year. I paid close attention to it so I would not be the one causing grief when I got my boat. Utilizing the staging area is very important. Have your ducks in a row before you start down the ramp. This includes turning on your batteries and starting your blower if you have an inboard. I see no reason why a rig should be on the ramp for more than 5 minutes when launching or taking out.

Predator Dawg · 06-15-2001, 11:54 PM

Don't unhook your winch until your backed into the water. This is mainly for those with roller trailers. Twice I've seen someone undo the rear tie down straps and unhook the winch, only to tap the brakes on the ramp and eject the boat. Both times they were brand new cuddy cabins, which told me, brand new boaters. Ruined their day and took up a bunch of ramp time.

FishinMission · 06-16-2001, 07:16 AM

I'm with Willierower. After you get your boat in the water...get out of the way (If possible) of the other boats coming in or out. Some ramps (like Washougal) have some current you're dealing with while coming on or off your trailer. Countless times there, people don't read the sign that says..Move your boat out of the staging area"......and inevitably cause slow-ups fopr those that can't manuever around them.