Boat Ramp Tatics Part 2

Capin' Dan · 06-17-2001, 04:27 AM

What is the proper etiquite while approaching the ramp? Sometimes people just sit and go in circles while waiting for a spot to open up at the dock. Then you see people dropping off people to get there rigs and trailers. This creates confusion and anger. I now drop off and back the rig down. usualy 3 to 5 minutes before I'm out.

WheresMyBobber · 06-17-2001, 07:28 AM

Hi Dan,

If I understand your question correctly, my opinion is that when a dock is present, people should dock the boat while somebody (or themself) is getting the trailer.

Boats that are circling near the ramp just cause confusion, because nobody else knows what they are doing or waiting for.

Capin' Dan · 06-17-2001, 07:35 AM

Does the line start at the dock with the boats or at the ramp with the rigs? what do you do when you are waiting for a spot to open at the dock because everybody is dropping off and getting there rigs while there buddies are making circles? This is a tough one.

ol tuna skipper · 06-17-2001, 07:54 AM

If a ramp is wide enough I power load in the middle, but glide in without a wake. This leaves the outsides to launch and all the slow crank on loaders can get there boats out without holding me up. I have had several compliments from others when doing this. They appreciate my not holding up the ramp. In in 2 minutes, out in two minutes.

Some ramps do post no power loading (St. Helens) so the next time the 300 lb. guide that yells at everybody thats not power loading there will get the middle digit from me and few choice words for his etiquite. I hate guides that can't read and follow the rules.

there are no posted rules anywhere on waiting and who's first. I ussually ask if they are waiting to load, if so then I wait my turn or just go for a cruise until it slows down at the ramp to avoid the circus. If I'm late for work, I'll wait in line.. Sometimes they are circling to wait on a passenger they are picking up.

WheresMyBobber · 06-17-2001, 07:56 AM

Well, here is what I like to see, and think works well, but I don't make the rules. [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

The line to trailer your boat should start closest to the ramp. (IE: the boat closest to the ramp should be the first boat to be trailered, and so on)

When I launch my boat, I take it out to the end of the dock and tie it off or have a partner hold it (I even turn it "bow out" if I can so people know which direction I'll be headed).

This way the spots nearer the launch are left open for boats that are coming in. When I'm coming in to the ramp, I'll circle just long enough to see which ramp or side of the ramp is working the closest to this system, and pull in when a spot opens up.

Like I said though, I don't make the rules. This is just how things seem to work the most orderly in my experience.

WaterDog · 06-17-2001, 08:22 AM

For me it all depends on where I am, who's with me, and what the other boaters are like.

I may get some heat for this but if I am among idiots I wait for no one. [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img] I can launch/recover in 2 minutes or less. If I have someone who can get the truck down the ramp I'm at the ramp less than than 30 seconds! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] It amazes me how long it takes some folks. [img]images/icons/mad.gif[/img] Like tuna skipper if its a wide ramp I always take the middle, drive off, drive on. If I'm at a place where people are in line and it's obvious they do this more than three times a year, I'll wait my turn.

Nothing ****** me off more than waiting for the jack@$$ in a fiberglass boat to load all there gear at the ramp [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img] because they are to stupid to it before they get there! These people should not be allowed to own a boat!

More than once I have literally backed in behind someone while they were loading thier boat half way down the ramp. It's funny cuz there is always some other people waiting, they see me do this, and when I leave they do the same thing. [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]

WheresMyBobber, you can make rules since those are good common sense ones. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

boater · 06-17-2001, 08:50 AM

it`s the order that your truck and trailer are in line that tells you when your boat comes out no matter where it`s at on the dock. it`s been an unwritten rule forever, also talk to other guys waitng in line, somtimes it`s better for them or you to take your or there boat out first by pulling around..if you are alone and tie your boat way at the end of the dock and go get your truck and get in line 2 blocks away other boats will pull in front of you, are you going to want all these boats to load up before you get yours ?? people that pull around are jerks, plain and simple, just wait you turn in line with your trailer and when your turn comes up, load your boat...

AuntyM · 06-17-2001, 09:28 AM

Boater is correct. We have encountered very few problems up here in the Puget Sound/Straights/Canal areas we fish. His method is used by the majority of us. Even during Hood Canal shrimping when most launches get enormous pressure. Most people are aware to stay clear until their turn. OK to drop off trailer person on the side (opposite ramp,) or tie off to side if alone, but wait your turn with trailer.

WheresMyBobber · 06-17-2001, 10:11 AM

Obviously, whoever has their rig at the launch is going to back down for their boat first.

But the other issue that ties in to that is courtesy and some sort of order at the dock. It's a package deal that makes it easier for everybody.

All I ask is that people use common sense, show some courtesy, and be aware of the other guy. Otherwise we'll be having a discussion in the parking lot afterwards.

Enough by me on this one.

AuntyM · 06-17-2001, 10:38 AM

A little clarification maybe neccessary. I will use the shrimping example again...Pots must be pulled at 1300. Everyone heads to the ramp at near the same time. There may be 30 or 40 boats waiting to take out and also a few wanting to launch. Some boat trailers may be parked 1/4 mile away and it may take a while to retrieve. It only makes sense for us to set a person off on the dock and and clear the area until our trailer is backing down the ramp. Hence the line of trailers dictates who's next. Most people follow the same rule...and in the case of State Park launches on busy days, this is the instructions boaters receive by park staff. None of us likes the jerk who doesn't seem capable of getting his boat off the ramp in a minute or two. But under this scenario, I have yet to see a disagreement.

Joe Schwab · 06-17-2001, 12:59 PM

I agree with the shrimpers. Drop off your trailer man and clear the dock for those ready to load. I used to power on but no more. Too many ramps have rocks etc and stainless props are not cheap. I can load in less than a minute even wthout powering on. Most launches now have too little space for tying and waiting. If some well meaning soul ties up the dock they get the idea soon enough. What's a few more minutes anyway, as long as you are not the one causing the delay? Just relax and enjoy the scenery. [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

WaterDog · 06-17-2001, 03:00 PM

Boater, ever been to Troutdale's Chinook Landing in Aug on a Saturday? If you have then you'll know what I mean! [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img]

Why should I wait 20 mintues for some jerk off to load his boat at the ramp and listen to 3 other guys yell at him to get going or move when his response is to give everyone the finger [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img]. Offers to help recieved warm responses as well. Apparently he was the only guy that mattered. That's one reason I don't go there anymore. The last two times I was there I had this experience and a similar one. It did'nt matter even when my boat was the next in line to take out.

Those that frequent Chinook landing know what I mean. 98% of the time it's not a problem and obviously you can tell if they're a newbie or not. I have no problems with newbie's and I'm the first guy to help out if they need it.

So, if you can wait on people like that, fine. Wait til dark if you have too, I have fish to clean. [img]images/icons/tongue.gif[/img]