Boat Ramp Courtesy

[dhud64]

Re: Boat Ramp Courtesy

Brian I agree with and use your method. I think you forgot to mention the fools who back down the middle of the ramp all catywompus, to where nobody else can safely get in!<br />But what really ticks me off, is when it's time to get off the lake and the gnats, (rude jet skiers(sp?)), have infested the ramps thinking this is their personal ramp, beach, loafing area etc. I've had to beach my boat to let passangers off because of the infestation around the ramps. I finally programmed the marina phone number into my cell phone, and I gladly call the water patrol over to run those *******s off.<br />Thank you for allowing me to vent, now I'll get off of my soap box!

 

[nitsuj]

Re: Boat Ramp Courtesy

Castawayray, I was just in Millville! I came home from Cape May NJ just yesterday! Nice area. I didn't do any boating there though, just beach lounging. Anyhow, about the launching, have you experienced guys considered gently informing the newbies of their mistake? Speaking as a newbie, I can say that more than likely, these people aren't doing what their doing to be self absorbed as much as they don't know they're wrong. At my local ramp, it isn't a problem. After you get the boat off the trailer, the only place to put it is at a public dock along the river, you couldn't block the ramp if you wanted to.

 

[BrianFD]

Re: Boat Ramp Courtesy

nitsuj, I typically don't say anything until I see something outrageous or dangerous to the boater or to others... this ramp business aside. I will speak up on that. If I see an obvious newbie having trouble, of course I'm the first to lend a hand. I'll even suggest a possible better way to do it the next time. Most are appreciative and, like you say, aren't being rude on purpose, and I understand that. I typically don't start out the conversation with, "Hey, Dumb***! What the H*** are ya doin'??" I try to use a little tact and try not to embarrass anyone intentionally. It's when you get some loud-mouth that knows everything and "nobody's gonna tell me how to do it" that I usually take a shut-up and just clench my teeth. When he messes up (and doesn't he ALWAYS mess up??), he'll hear me laughing first. May not be the correct way, but it's my way.<br />Happy Boating!<br />Brian

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Boat Ramp Courtesy

I witnessed 4 young guys who tried to launch their 14ft boat into 35 knot winds and 1-1.5m waves. They got it off the trailer and it was washed up onto the rocks bordering the ramp. Waves washed over the stern and 1 member got in and started bailing water out. They couldn't put the leg down, because it was half in and half out of the water. We felt sorry for the poor B$%^%#s becuause they were young and inexperienced. They decided to try to get it back on the trailer but couldn't push it out far enough due to the force of the waves. I would've helped them, but about 4 people turned up and 1 had a 4WD Vehicle. they eventually had to use a tow rope to drag it up ontp the ramp and bail out 100's of gallons of sea water so it could be lifted and then winched onto the trailer.<br />Hope they learned from it.

 

[andrewkafp]

Re: Boat Ramp Courtesy

How is this for a perfect ramp ?<br />Has 3 twin lanes and 250m curved man made breakwater. This enters Port Phillip bay Victoria and is near my home. Obviously winter as there are no boats here.<br /> http://www.sportsfish.com.au/pages/boating/boat-ramps/images/altona.jpg

 

[catfish1]

Re: Boat Ramp Courtesy

wow unicorn that is nice. the public ramp i use is a single short dock, and the problem we have here is people pulling the boat out and parking in front of the ramp to do the strap down,plug removal and all that other stuff, all the while there is a line of people waiting to either put in or pull out(from the same ramp)its a mess. if people would just think, be considerate, and have a plan when they are at the dock, it would make life alot easier. <br />the week before last i went to the lake for some night fishing (by myself) got the boat launched and tied off to the dock, parked the truck real fast, got in started it (starts very fast) and some guy proceded to back his trailer up to my motor the boat had turned, he didnt hit it, but close. i cussed him a little and idled away. it only took me about 3 minutes to park and idle away, still dont know what that guy did that for.(ramp rage i guess)

 

[GodsBeast]

Re: Boat Ramp Courtesy

Hey BrianFD, I just bought a 25' Tritoon, and only have launched 4 times. I have been reading these threads though and I'm learning, and try not to be a hold up. I put my plug in before leaving the house. Have all gear stored away, ready to launch. Back down the launch pad, wife gets in boat, turns on the blower, lowers lower unit, starts engine, once the boat is backed into the water. I unhook the front tie strap (my only strap). If someone else is waiting she backs out, makes a small circle, while I park the truck. She comes back and picks me up. If no one is waiting, After she starts the engine, Slightly powers off, I hold the rope, and drift her to the other side of the dock and use a quick clip device I came up with, securing her to the dock. Then park the truck, come back, board and we are off! Either way takes only a couple of minutes. When loading I drift to the dock, let her take the controls and I jump out on the dock. She backs away, while I go get the truck and back in. She lines up with the trailer and I hold my hand high over the wench to line her up and she is getting pretty good at powering on the trailer. I hook the strap, crank tight and jump in the truck as she is power triming the lower end up. I pull up the pad till the boat is out of the water and I stop and make sure the boat is lined up on the trailer. 3 out of 4 times I have had to back the trailer back in with the strap still tight, and the pull out again to make sure that the center rail of my pontoons are in the grove of the trailer boards. Only once did I have to hook a rope and pull the boat over to line it up on the trailer. Once it is centered, Aimee, still on the boat, hands me my 5/8 inch wrench, which I pull the plug. I hand her the plug and the wrench, which she puts back in their spot, as she is walking to the front of the toon, and climbs down the steps, we get into the truck and drive off. <br /> The one time she had difficulty lining up, we used the rope, and a couple of guys, were impressed with the boat, and impressed that Aimee was driving and loading, they even jumped in the water to help with the line up. I tried my best to express how much I appreciated not only their help, but their patience with us learning how to load this New Tritoon, having never owned any boat previously. Still that whole ordeal still only took approximatly 5 to 7 minutes, with the backing and shifting. <br /> After that ordeal, these guys were so polite and helpful, and patient, that Aimee is still willing to learn and drive and load the boat. If they had not been this way, her fear of Loading in front of an audience might have magnified, which would make me have to back down the ramp, lock the Emergancy brakes, get her to come to the dock, get in drive the boat on the ramp, secure strap, etc. Doing it all myself, which takes more time. My point being, remember when you suspect new boat owners are learning, just a little patience, and words of encourgement, and advise, might set a pattern of less docking time. I know deep down if those two guys wouldn't have been so nice, Aimee would just back off and let me do the whole deal, so she wouldn't be embarassed. So guys, lets all try to remember our own actions or reactions, can also set patterns of longer waits at the Landing Ramps. <br /><br />Just one of Gods Beast's

 

[bomar76]

Re: Boat Ramp Courtesy

GodsBeast-<br />Congrats on your launch ramp techniques!!!! <br />You have a well thought out plan and technique.<br />That is the way everyone should do it....<br />My wife was always afraid to take the helm and let me off then back away and circle. Just was terrified of being alone and screwing up big time. Took a lot of gentle coaxing, practice on calm days when the ramps were deserted and praise to get her to do that. She had a few fiascos while learning (thankfully with the old boat, no scratches in the new one!) but no one ever gave her even a sideways glance since everyone could tell she was a neophite. <br />Most boaters will give you all the time in the world (usually) to do it right, and help out anyway they can. Last year I fell in the drink @ Alum trying to keep another boaters' Mariah from swinging into the concrete dock. <br />It's the jerks that think the ramp is their own personal property to tie up as long as they wish will they do all the things that should have been done at home or in the line that torques me off. <br />Lack of any courtesy, planning, fore thought or consideration.

 

[BrianFD]

Re: Boat Ramp Courtesy

GodsBeast, You've got it down, Friend! 5-7 minutes ain't bad! And you demonstrate your courtesy by moving to the other side if there's someone waiting. I got no problem with that or with anyone who shows a little common courtesy. Thanks for thinking of others!<br />Bomar, I did the same thing at the Galena ramp at Alum, only to the wife. An a$$ with a big boat didn't want to wait his turn as I was dropping off the wife at the ramp. I thought she had hopped out and turned my head to see what the other guy was doing. When I saw him coming at me, I popped it in reverse to take evasive action. Turning to look ahead, I was horrified to see the wife still standing on the bow hanging on to the dock upright post and in a very precarious position. Before I could put it back in forward, she went in the drink. Shifting to neutral, I ran to the bow and one-handed her out of the water, shoving her up on the dock. She had a 4" gash on her leg and I immediately tied up to tend to her. At that point I didn't care who thought what. That was the last time I've been to Alum Creek. Boaters at Buckeye are more courteous, but there's always going to be some idiots no matter where you go.<br />Happy Boating!<br />Brian

 

[miloman]

Re: Boat Ramp Courtesy

today I was launching my ranger to test a new lower unit installed I sat in line while the guy in front of me unloaded his boat and the 4 pl went to his parked car got all the gear took another 10 minutes to stow it all of this took about 20 minutes then his engine wont start so he pulls off the cowling and proceeds to attempt repairs all we are all sitting there no courtesy ramps so we all had to wait. A big guy goes over to his baot says a few nasty words the next thing I see is this guy paddelling his boat over to the docks ( which are rented )ties up to a 50 ft carver and proceeds to make repairs I juast sat back and chuckled............... They need a course in stupidity fro some ppl

 

[jimchere]

Re: Boat Ramp Courtesy

I'm in the prep area getting the boat ready with my fishing buddy, loading up equipment and folding down top. So far, no one else at the ramp. We get everything ready and start the truck up and are about to proceed to the ramp when these two guys come barelling around the corner and back right onto the ramp in front of me. I'm thinking its cool since his top is already unfolded so he must be ready. Hey, I'm in a mellow mood and not in a hurry. Not so, as him and his buddy proceed to load their boat ON THE RAMP with lifejackets, fishing poles, dog, etc. The apparent boat owner finally gets in the truck, his buddy gets in the boat. They do the good old backing the truck and slam on the brakes to slide her off the trailer. Driver of truck then proceeds to parking area (incidentally, he parked his rig perpendicular to the lines, taking up five spots instead of one). Buddy is drifting across the basin in the boat and looks helpless. After parking the truck, the driver runs back to the courtesy dock and hears his buddy in the boat complaining how it won't start. The guy on the courtesy dock then starts yelling "you have to hook up the battery" to which the response is "where is it? What battery?" To end the story, we finish launching my boat and, believe it or not, I still found it in my heart to tow their boat about 200 yards back to the courtesy dock, since they weren't going anywhere without a battery! I suggested they make a checklist, the first item on it being wait your turn.

 

[sloopy]

Re: Boat Ramp Courtesy

well... ever see someone pull up out of the ramp and drag the outdrive on the concrete? THEN they realize they did this and stop 100 feet from the ramp and try to figure out what to do...

 

[BrianFD]

Re: Boat Ramp Courtesy

Miloman, you suggest a course in stupidity. Well, it sounds like you witnessed a couple of Cum Laude graduates, hehehe!<br />Jimchere, somedays I wish I had a rocket-launcher (to quote Bruce Cockburn, "...some S.O.B. would die!")<br />Sloopy, one of my greatest retrieving fears, but I ALWAYS ask the wife, "Trimmed up?" (usually twice) before I pull the trailer out.<br />Thanks for the stories & replies!<br />Happy Boating, All!!<br />Brian

 

[Skinnywater]

Re: Boat Ramp Courtesy

A week or so at an empty parking lot I was able to teach my wife to back the boat and trailer.<br />A half a dozen or so times at the boat ramp and she had it down. We tow with her Wrangler and its highly manuverable with good visibility.<br /><br />We pull into the prep area to unstrap and pump the bulb. She backs me(in the boat)into the water, where I unhook the safety chain. I fire up the motor and power off the trailer. She pulls out, parks, while I'm at the loading area. By the time she gets to the boat, I have everything situated to immediately take off. Actual ramp time, no more then a minute. The entire operation, 5 minutes tops. <br /><br />Half of the boaters at the ramp are fishing guides. They're all pretty envious of my first mate. <br />Just one more instance where she makes me look good.

 

[bomar76]

Re: Boat Ramp Courtesy

Brian-<br />I think the fight would have been on (after I tended to my wife's injuries) if that had been me and mine. <br />Joe

 

[armysfcret]

Re: Boat Ramp Courtesy

As noted in previous posts, we purchased our first boat, 18' Bass Buggy last spring. First time to launch. Wife is in the boat, I backed the trailer down the ramp she started the engine, I released the winch strap and she backed off, circled and parked away from the ramp on the bank. When I came back from parking the truck she was so proud of the fact that two guys mentioned her great technique and she told them "I have never driven a boat before!" Power loading was just as easy. In fact she does it better than I do!

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Boat Ramp Courtesy

Many times when I take my boat out, I am with my three small boys only. THey are al under 5, so no help handling an 18' boat. Most of our ramps have a courtesy dock next to the ramp. We do not have any that have ramp piers like some of yours do.<br /><br />I do as many of you do. I load everything in the boat at home and usually crank it before venturing to the ramo to be sure I will not have a starting problem. At the ramp, I pull out of the way to prep (plug, transom straps, prime bulb, get off of tilt locks) then back in the water with boat key in hand. Climb in boat, fire up, unhook and motor to dock. Tie up as much out of the way as I can and return to park truck. Once I (with boys in tow) return to dock, I put on their life jackets and we are on the way. No more than ten minutes to clear ramp and dock, by myself with three kids. If the wife is along, she parks truck and brings kids down. I am working with her to back trailers now and by the time spring come, she will be backing us in, fully ready so that only she will have to come to the dock for a quick pickup.<br /><br />Another thing that I cannot stand is some of the noodles that don't know the proper way to drive onto a trailer. I was at the ramp last week and saw several people (who have have many years on the water) do a drive on load the same way. They put just enough trailer in the water to wet the last 2" of the bunk and then power the engine to WOT to climb the trailer all the way to the winch and then hold the throttle wide open (churning the mud at the end of the ramp) while they go to the front of the boat to hook the winch strap. Now I have nothing against driving onto a trailer as I do it myself. But I put enough trailer in the water that I can practically float to the winch tower. I never have to power but just a little past iddle to load, and I can get it done quicker and easier that these other gyus that are washing away the river beds at the bottom of the ramps.<br /><br />When will they learn that trailer guides and a little more trailer in the water will help them load by 200%.<br /><br />Okay, I will stop venting now.<br /><br />Knightgang<br /><br />PS: If you load this way, I did not mean to hurt your feelings, I just feel that it is inefficent and does a great deal of harm at the bottom of the ramps.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Boat Ramp Courtesy

If pre-trip prep is done on the lot or at home, there's no way it should take more than 5 minutes to have your boat in the water and trailer out of the way, if you have someone to drive it off for you. Heck, my wife backs me right down the ramp until the stern is in the water and I start it up, unhook the winch and go. Doesn't take long, unless of course, there are 20 boats ahead of you!

 

[boston2]

Re: Boat Ramp Courtesy

hows this ,we were waiting at one ramp for a guy and his 24 foot boat to put in .he played around with his rig and got it ready to go then commenced to back down the ramp which is fairly steep well guess he had unhooked the winch strap while in the parking area because half way down the ramp his boat slids off the trailer on to the concrete ramp about 10 feet from the waters edge we decided it was going to be awhile before it went anywhere,so we left till the next day .

 

[spike440]

Re: Boat Ramp Courtesy

Took the mighty pontoon to Seneca. Trying to learn this lake since it holds some monster flattheads.<br /><br />After a pretty fun afternoon, and a pretty nasty weather report, I decided to head to the ramp before the rain and wind came.<br /><br />Now the ramp by the d a m is a nice setup, two ramps with a straight shot to them, lots of parking, and enough courtesy docking for eight or ten boats.<br /><br />I tie off at the dock, and head toward the truck. the line to the ramp seem to be longer than normal so I'm in no hurry. <br /><br />Then I see why the line is so long. <br /><br />In one of the ramps is a boat with a woman and a small child. The woman is holding onto the concrete pier that separates the two ramps with her fingernails to keep it from drifting away. The whole time she is screaming at the 3-4 year old little girl, repeatedly telling her she is going to beat her a§§ because she won't sit perfectly still.<br /><br />Now after a while folks just start squeezing around this woman's boat to load/unload. Her boat keeps getting crooked in the ramp and another boat hit it. Yet another boater had to use an oar to keep this woman's boat from hitting theirs.<br /><br />My turn comes up and I back into the unblocked ramp on the other side of the pier. I go get my boat and drive it onto the trailer, and as I'm hooking up the husband finally shows up with the truck to pull this woman out.<br /><br />She starts yelling at the husband about he better check the boat for damage before the other people leave because the no good, dirty @&#$@% hit the boat trying to get around it.<br /><br />Now I mostly don't stick my nose in things that don't concern me, but I just couldn't help it this time.<br /><br />In the middle of her tirade I interupt her and inform her that she was at fault for any damage to her boat because her boat was blocking a busy ramp, and that if she would check the DOW rules, the boat is to be docked somewhere out of the way of the ramp while the trailer is being fetched. <br /><br />I then point toward the courtesy docks and say "they call them "courtesy" docks for a reason."<br /><br />This whole time the husband is hurriedly trying to get his boat loaded, as he looked totally embarrassed at this woman's behavior.<br /><br />Neither one of them said a word to me, I think I made my point.