Boat Launch Etiquette

[phiny1134]

I've noticed over the years that many boaters like to back their trailer down to one of the few docks at a launch, and then spend a long time transferring gear to the boat from the tow vehicle and generally taking a long time to do other boat prep. This causes other well prepared boaters that have either used the tie down area or prepared everything at home to have to sit and wait for the dock. Any ideas on how educate these types to stop doing this? Also, what other rules of boat launch etiquette do wish were followed better? Maybe I can learn about something I do that potentially annoys everyone else.

 

[H20Rat]

Most of these people are not capable of any education. They generally fail to see the world outside their tiny little influence, and if you actually do try to educate them, they will actually become much, much worse, just to spite you!

(can you tell I'm just a little jaded with public ramps! I finally got sick and tired of dealing with it, the money spent on a private ramp pass is a godsend!)

 

[LAndrus]

Most of these people are not capable of any education. They generally fail to see the world outside their tiny little influence, and if you actually do try to educate them, they will actually become much, much worse, just to spite you!

(can you tell I'm just a little jaded with public ramps! I finally got sick and tired of dealing with it, the money spent on a private ramp pass is a godsend!)

I've seen the same at the one private ramp in Fayetteville, NC. Some people just have no common sense.

 

[haulnazz15]

Most people just have no way of knowing about it until they are told. Sometimes a simple sign posted somewhere before they get to the tie-down area or ramp area is sufficient for them to see the "rules". Most ramps don't have that type of signage, so they get all types of people doing things there own way.

 

[jestor68]

Nobody around here does that. They're in a hurry to get the boat launched and get a good parking spot.

 

[tpenfield]

Put up a sign "$20/minute while on any part of the boat ramp" . . . .

The fact of the matter is that it is human nature . . . some think only of their own needs while some think of their needs in the context of others. I am glad for that matter that I seasonally launch.

 

[MH Hawker]

Thats why i slip mine

 

[Starcraft5834]

Remedy= get to the lauch early in the day and beat the crowd........that's what I do...

 

[Tnstratofam]

Waiting on people to get their stuff moved from vehicle to boat is a big enough pain, but what really steams me is when there are boats waiting for a turn at the dock to load and some guy shoots past everyone waiting and heads up to the dock ( which is usually full) and proceeds to unload all his carp on the dock and goes to get his rig to load in front of everyone else. Makes me a little unhappy!!! Like he's the only one ready to get off the water and get home. It can get really nutty when it's raining. I usually just pull up in a nice quiet spot and watch as the madness unfolds. Lots of interesting things happen when foul weather, and inexperienced boaters combine...

 

[Mel Taylor]

I think every launch site has it's share of people who don't do any prep until they are on the ramp and those who see no reason why they shouldn't tie up a ramp by backing boat and trailer far enough down for the motor to pick up water, then start working on the motor while keeping the ramp tied up. I learned a long time ago that the universe doesn't necessarily operate on my schedule and that trying to educate these clods is almost always futile. So, I usually just try to wait them out whether I'm launching or retrieving. If it goes on long enough I will eventually say something and when I do I'm almost always greeted by a blank stare or a belligerent comment involving certain impossible things that I should do with my anatomy. Occasionally, someone will say something like "oh yeah, I guess I am tying up the ramp. Sorry" and actually move their boat. these always get a "thank you" out of me.

It would be nice if our Park Rangers and Department of Game and Fish personnel were a little more diligent in taking care of such situations.

 

[Mel Taylor]

Deleted. Duplicate post.

 

[GA_Boater]

I used to get upset with the ramp hogs until I realized something. Most have some sort of physical disability, but they are a friendly lot. Why else do they wave at the person who nicely suggested moving off the ramp. I know they are disabled because during the wave, they can only extend one finger.

 

[thumpar]

I just try to lead by example. We load up everything on the boat before we leave home. The only thing we have to do is put the kids onboard and pull off the rear straps which we do off to the side NOT on the ramp or in the way. Once we launch my wife goes and parks while I take the boat out away from the dock so others can use it. The launch we use only has two spots. It is very annoying to see people load and unload there boat while on the ramp or hold their boat on the dock blocking others while someone goes to park.

Hopefully if enough of the rude people see how it is done they will start doing it that way. We get in and on the water before a lot of people load all their crap on the boat.

 

[kjsAZ]

We once "parked in second row" and walked through the blocking boat. When they started to complain I said: " I thought that this was part of the floating dock as long as it is here......"

 

[southkogs]

Well, ya' can never really avoid the occasional nincompoop or loudmouth jerk, but mosta' the folks that take up space at our docks/ramps seem either inexperienced or have a reasonable need to take up space (lotsa' guys launch and recover alone meaning they have to park the boat and the truck). Keeping yer' cool, and even joking around with folks tends to make the day nicer for all involved.

 

[airshot]

Some years back the state of Michigan ran a boat ramp with an official to oversee the commings and goings. It was great as you waited in one line and he directed the next person which ramp to use. If you could not back up your trailer very well he would give you 3 tries then send you to the parking lot to practice to allow the next to go. You had to have your boat ready to launch or he made you go around and try again. It was great.....unfortunately it only lasted 2 yrs and they did away with it and now it is a mess. It was well worth the 4 bucks it cost to see order at the ramp.

 

[Captain Ollie West]

Remedy= get to the lauch early in the day and beat the crowd........that's what I do...

Good plan. This type of idiot does not make it to the ramp before 10am.

 

[Buh-Bye]

Take a deep breath. I used to offer to help and ask folks if they need a hand. Just being polite. Some take a hint and others don't. I've learned you just have to be patient and know that not everyone understands launch etiquette. Even when I have run into someone a little slower at the ramp, it hasn't been for very long and doesn't significantly impact my time on the water.

 

[cannonman]

I'm fortunate now that I can keep my boat slipped for the season and don't have to mess with the public ramps. In my opinion this attitude is throughout society and the boat ramp is just one example of where you witness it. I'm beginning to see why old men get grouchy.

 

[gstrom11]

We have our share of our boat launch hogs, people who can't park a trailer aligned with all the rest to mess up the available spots, and the biggest pet peeve we have is this guy who thinks the boat launch is his personal fishing dock and doesn't even get out of anyones way. One of these days his tackle box might just accidentally get kicked in..