Just dont understand

[GregMcQ]

Re: Just dont understand

I can see 60 seconds to get it down the ramp, off the trailer and back up the ramp. I'd also say up to 5 minutes is reasonable, too. Can't see taking longer on the type of ramps and boating you all do, barring the unforseen, which can happen to any human.

Retreiving typcially takes longer than launching, and that's OK. There's a safety factor here, where someone can get hurt badly from rushing, and there is a lot of weight and force going on in the process. For example, one should proceed slowly up the ramp; visibility is impaired and there are a lot of people including children milling around distracted. So don't act like a NASCAR pit stop.

I also agree that a motor can be tested dry--I give mine a bump to verify the battery before launching, but don't fire it off (I'm not in a situation where a non-start will affect others).

I love these discussions; they make me thankful I don't have to deal with the public ramp scene, even though I am qualified if I have to.

I fully agree on the loading part. I have, in my 39 short years, seen countless mis-haps loading. Very few launching.

 

[AZSenza]

Re: Just dont understand

I was at the same boat ramp as the OP I believe LOL, Canyon Lake Sunday, June 5th, a couple of guys with an old OMC were running their boat on the ramp trying to get her to run right. We pulled up, I plugged the transom and wife pulled straps as I did my 30 second Post drive walkaround, climed in boat, batteries and Blowers to "ON" lower drive as she puts me in the water, when the boats off the trailer, I hit the key, and reverse away as she's pulling away, about a minute and a half or less. I pull all the life jackets out and open up the bimini while she parks, I pick her and the kids up on the dock. Now, all the people tied up , hanging out at the dock is yet another matter. I idle up, hold the boat steady as they all get in and back right back out, about 15 seconds later were idleing out of the no wake zone. I prep the boat the night before including topping off batteries, reprep that morning, load ice chests towels and anything else we need. I guess a lot of people just cant get as prepared or have the experience, we've been doing this for 8 years and have it DOWN! I even give a pre launch talk to any guests so they all know how its going to work on the ramp and rules once on the boat.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Just dont understand

and you are right. You cant read your check list in 60 seconds. which is why you DONT wait until you are ON the ramp to do it! You sit in line 5, 10, 15 minutes waiting on your turn on the ramp to launch. I am prepared to "use" the ramp when on it. I dont get on the ramp and then "get prepared" to use it. And thats what Im talking about and others here are talking about.

I agree 100% - it all about being prepared and ready to go when it is my turn to back down the launch. I have no patience for those who aren't ready and use the launch / dock to prepare or load the toys, coolers, etc. I DO have patience for the obvious new guy / gal who might have a problem during the actual process or take it slow so long as they are trying to do it right and will accept some polite advice. I did when I first started (both have problems and accepted advice) even though I read all I could before the first try, practiced backing the trailer around an empty parking lot and I even spent time at the launch (without the boat) just watching how to do it before I launched mine the first time. I DO have patience for someone who experiences an unexpected mechanical issue so long as he doesn't start taking the boat apart on the ramp (if there is a line). I don't have patience for those who seem to ignore the line behind them or for those who simply are unaware of their surroundings.

 

[GregMcQ]

Re: Just dont understand

let me clarify something, this is all from my perspective on the lakes I goto here in Oklahoma. In this state, its uncommon to find a ramp that is more than 15 to 20 feet wide - they exist, just arent common.

The typical lake template in this state is as follows........

One way road leading down to the ramp.
On the left (and its almost always on the left around here, counter clockwise ramp loops) there is a 30 foot turn in to line up with the ramp.
Then the ramp.
Then the exit from the ramp on the right leading to trailor parking.

On holiday weekends, or saturday and sunday mid-morning between 10'ish am to noon, those are peak launch times.
You see this, and its roughly a 50/50 split around here. There are 2 camps, 3 actually.

Camp 1, guys like me, you see us in line to use the ramp. We are out of our vehicles, taking covers off, check life jackets, removing transom straps, putting in the plug, quick starting the motor, going thru our own lists and when its our turn, we pull up, line up, wait for ramp to clear, back down, launch, and clear.

Camp 2, guys you see that sit there in their trucks, visiting, playing the radio, laughing, having a good time... hey we all like to do that. Then its their turn on the ramp. They pull up, line up, start backing down, get almost there......and stop. now, lets get out of the truck, take the cover off, ask if we want the cooler in the boat, yes, grab it, no you cant get in the boat yet timmy, remove transom straps, start to back in, oops, pull back up, forgot the plug, let it drain, back back in, get out of the truck, climb into the boat, yell at timmy because he wants in the boat too, find the key, try to start it, hmm, thats odd, get out of the boat, go find his......... i could go on and on. It normally not quite that bad in Camp 2, normally its just straps, plug, try to start, load coolers deal. But its 5 minutes that could have been done while they waited in line. And you couldnt help them in any way. This includes back in for them. Noone but them drives their truck, or boat, even mama!

Camp 3, the new peeps. They arent using up the ramp out of apathy and non-consideration, they just dont know. And usually you can help them and they thank you for it. Sure it burns some time, but we all had to learn.

thats where Im coming from.

 

[AZSenza]

Re: Just dont understand

Hey AZBD, as a 24 year A&P Mechanic, I'm all about being prepared and safe operation! I know what you mean about a dead engine in the air can kill you! Luckily we who boat in Arizona dont quite have the issues you guys on the Ocean or up North have with exposure and waves. Unless we blow our boats up by not running the bilge blower, we're pretty safe. The farthest shore MIGHT be 150 yards and theres always another boat close by (as long as he doesnt run over you). I cant tell you how many boats I'VE towed much less the 2 or 3 I see towed every weekend. I've been towed 2 times, both were out of gas due to faulty gages and stupidity with new boats (WOW Cant believe we still have a half tank of gas!).

 

[cryingbass]

Re: Just dont understand

I understand your position. I think the worst part is having all the expectation of having fun that day and coming across that problem. It affects both the people on the dock and the people waiting to use the dock.

 

[AZBoatDreamer]

Re: Just dont understand

OMG What Have I done here?

Gregmcq thank you for your comments. It takes me atleast 60 seconds to back down the ramp but I can launch my boat in 5 minutes or less. I still consider myself a newbie in this Boating Game.
I wasn't expecting such a long post from you. I do not have the experience to disagree or agree with your comments. I will let the pros do that.

AZSENZA I was at Pleasent last Saturday 8:30am launching my boat and left about 1:30pm. When I was leaving I was watching people at the ramp working on their boat engines taking up ramp space, and causing boat launching and retrieving congestion. I felt bad for them because what a sick feeling going to the lake and having engine problems. I can offer little help in this area. I wasn't mad at these people, I was just trying to have an understanding of why they didn't run their motor the day before or the day of before heading to the lake.

I wasn't going to be the one to argue boat engine problems in the Open water can kill you. Like you said we are never that far from shore. We just do not have Large bodys of water.

Im thankful to IBoats and you fine people that I was an educated boater long before I purchased my boat. I dreamed of boat ownership for a long time "Hense My ID azboatdreamer" and spent nearly a Year on Iboats reading
and learning before I purchased my boat. I grew up around boating when I was little but being a boat owner puts a differnet spin on things. Like I said I was little and let my dad do all the worrying
about boat ownership.

Back on topic. Its my peace of mind to run the motor the day before or the day of when going to the lake. I don't not think this is excessive. I do not go boating everyday like I drive my vehicles everyday.
It may be a week to two weeks before I go boating again during the summer months. I only wish I could boat more but there is this job that gets in the way. Most of my boating is on the weekends.

Take care and Happy boating

 

[Sixmark]

Re: Just dont understand

?? how is my boat blocking the ramp? Im in the boat, Im gone. She backs up 5 to 6 feet, im off the trailor and backing away, and as soon as she turns off the ramp to go park, its free for others to use.

Let me ask you a question. 5 minutes is what you say is acceptable on the ramp. OK. in that 5 minutes, was there ANYTHING you do.... that could have been done before you got on the ramp to launch? You dont have to answer, we know the answer. Also, its not just me, go back thru 3 pages, Im not alone in the fustration of sitting in line, ready to go, while others take 5 minutes doing things that could have been done in the wait to use the ramp.

So you know the answer?

I have all of my gear loaded in the boat before I even arrive at the lake access, my straps are off before I back down the ramp. I back into the water, release the winch and push my boat off the trailer while holding onto my bow line. I then have to walk it over to the dock which is about 20 feet away, tie it off and go back to my vehicle and pull it off the ramp.

It doesn't take 5 minutes, but it also doesn't take 60 seconds either, the point you fail to see is that not everyone launches their boat with their wife or someone else handy.

Am I going to let someone else move my tow rig for me that I don't even know? absolutely not, I did it once before and that person ripped out the clutch on my truck because they didn't bother to release the parking brake.

 

[AZBoatDreamer]

Re: Just dont understand

****Running your motor without water is like peeing into the wind, it's a stupid impulse that is going to be a mess later****

Not per GregMCQ.

 

[sw33ttooth]

Re: Just dont understand

i will smell for gas before i start my i/o and run the blowers but i rarely start it in driveway before i go my engine runs great and starts insanely easy i am not fiddiling with a 2-stroke like a lot of the people i see at the ramp doing nothing. as for worrying about dead batteries i always shut them off when the boat is on the trailer or over night since i dont have an automatic bilge pump. some people double cheak there straps i double check my battery.

 

[AZSenza]

Re: Just dont understand

My wife drives our Lifted Long Bed Crew Cab Dodge Diesel like a VW Bug, by that I mean shes good, She can plant out 22' Boat straight down even the shortest of ramps. (You cant even SEE the trailer going backwards) When we first started boating years ago, she wanted to do the backing cause I can handle the boat better and she can handle the truck. We've switched roles just for practice and can do eithers job (cross training) I've also taught my 17 year old daughter how to handle the boat in the unlikely event I'm ever incapacitated including running the blowers, switching batteries, bilge pump, trim, temps, buzzers and VHF radio. Overkill? Maybe but makes me a little more at ease!
AZBoatDreamer, I feel bad for them because I CAN fix most issues but with a wife, friends and 5 kids with me, I feel compelled to take care of them too. Last week while parked at the back of Canyon, I helped a guy with a seadoo boat change plugs. (WAY too many tools on my boat, the marks of a paranoid mechanic!) If someone asks I usually help though, thats how I was raised.

 

[AZBoatDreamer]

Re: Just dont understand

AZSenza Maybe your should add Certified Boat Mechanic to your credentials.

 

[GregMcQ]

Re: Just dont understand

****Running your motor without water is like peeing into the wind, it's a stupid impulse that is going to be a mess later****

Not per GregMCQ.

running it, per se, I agree. Starting it, and turning it off in a few seconds, it isnt a nuclear melt down like some make it out to be. ;D

 

[GregMcQ]

Re: Just dont understand

AZSenza, expect the best, plan for the worst. Same moto here.

 

[Stachi]

Re: Just dont understand

I saw a video of what happens to an impellor in 30 seconds of run-time without water...devastating results.

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Just dont understand

I, literally, grew up on the lake in the summer. My dad instilled in me a golden rule that I still follow to this day..... the rule? You have 60 seconds from when its your turn to back in to clear the ramp, if it takes you longer than that, you and/or your boat arent ready and go get back in line.

And the best one..... thinking you are the only person that can back the boat in, drive the boat off the tailor.... and then pull the truck off the ramp and park! Look, alot dont know how to back up a trailor, I get that. So how about you get the tailors wheels in the water, then get in the boat, and let ANYONE back up 10 feet! Just dont turn the wheel and your are off!

end of vent, had a fun time this week on the ramp, omg! lol

I too have been raised on the water. Could swim before I could walk, but sorry, takes me much longer than 60 seconds to launch at my home ramp.

Seeing as I boat and fish by my self most of the time there is no one there to assist. Have to do it all by my lonesome self! So let's see. 3 minutes to back the boat 2.5 blocks down to the water because there is NO turn around. Another minute to get out of the truck and remove the straps and get back into the truck. Say another 3 minutes to launch off the trailer pull the boat around and beach it. Another 3 minutes to get back in the truck, park the truck and walk back to the boat. Bout 10 minutes!

My home ramp fee, FREE! Description of ramp; unimproved gravel. Water depth, 2.5' on a good day. No pier. No turn around. No parking. One lane road. 5 houses from home.

Funniest thing I have witnessed on this ramp. 20' bass boat on a bunk trailer trying to use this ramp. Drives past house, 10 minutes trying to figure out how they are going to launch here before giving up. Another 10 minutes backing back up the street only to back into the middle of my neighbors yard to turn around. Couldn't even try to use a driveway. What a butt.

 

[NHGuy]

Re: Just dont understand

This has been a very interesting thread. It basically says what is true. ie. Be considerate of others or feel their ire.
Someone already said a version of this, but here's my take. If you have a technical problem or a no-start get out of the way. Most launches have an area where you can at least work around the boat a bit. Pull, pole, or paddle the boat over there if it won't start. And get your functional tow vehicle out of the way of those who are waiting.
Ramps are for EVERYONE, so lets make sure all can use them.

That's my minor rant and I'm sticking to it.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Just dont understand

I saw a video of what happens to an impellor in 30 seconds of run-time without water...devastating results.

It was the light from the video that caused it, then. Anyway, how did it look at 5 seconds? that's more like what we're talking about here.

 

[scipper77]

Re: Just dont understand

If the impeller is truly dry then damage will happen very fast. If there is water present like residual water from the last outing I can see running it idle for a short time without damage. I however do not want to put my money where my mouth is on this issue. No dry starts for me.

 

[sandstorm]

Re: Just dont understand

Hey everyone:
This is a great thread. Kinda helps me (new guy) get to understand the expectations of the more experienced. For those of you who can clear the ramp in a minute or less, I say props to you. I might be a while from getting to that point. My girl and I are kind of still developing our own routine, and we're still adjusting it. Last weekend was our second outing here in AZ (Roosevelt Lake), and our first without the help of my buddy who is very proficient at backing trailers....Here's how we did...
Home:
-I woke up earlier than the girlfriend and her kids and pulled the boat out of the garage.
-Muffs on, battery hooked up, blower on, water on, outdrive lowered...Motor on. Run it up to operating temp.
-While motor runs, I check for obvious problems, fluid levels, etc..
-Motor off, water off, outdrive up, key out.
-By this time, the lady and kids are packing coolers, towels, sunscreen, extra clothes, everything we need.
-Towables, bags, coolers, ropes loaded into boat.
-Trailer double checked, connect lights...Hit the road!

Arrive at parking lot:
-It was fairly empty so I took some time to practice backing up the trailer, learning the outputs to my steering inputs (Away from ramp, traffic, parked vehicles, etc...)
-Parked and prepped for launch. Disconnected trailer lights, put up bimini top, drain plug in, transom straps off, outdrive brackets off, quick check of elecrtical system. Cell phones, wallets, camera in dry bag. Sunscreen and lifevests on kids, everyone except me in boat.

Ramp:
-I backed down the ramp (not perfectly, but then again, only two of the five lanes were occupied)
-When the trailer hit the water, I hopped out of the truck and into the boat. Girlfriend took my spot in the truck.... She backed it in till I felt us floating and told her to stop.
-*Outdrive lowered, motor started, winch strap released, and ease back. Lady took the truck to parking lot.
-I calmed down the screaming kids who thought we're ditching mommy.
-Circle the area till I saw her on the dock, then got her and went out for some fun!

*Unfortunately, I had a litle problem with the outdrive going down. Although it worked fine at home, the connection must have got knocked loose or something and stopped moving when I was lowering it at the lake. Wouldn't go up or down... Was offered some advice by a kind gentleman with a pontoon boat and after calling my mechanic for advice, we were on our way. Took about 10 minutes extra but again, there was no traffic on the ramp.

To load:
-Dock was packed full of boats, so we pulled up close to the ramp and I jumped out and swam
-Got the truck, backed in the trailer.
-Lady eased the boat toward me, cutting the motor when I gave her the signal to do so.
-I winched it on the trailer as best I could. Meanwhile, she got out and hopped in the driver's seat of the truck.
-When I felt that we were secure enough on the trailer, I gave her the signal to go.
-We went back to the parking lot, secured the boat, pulled the drain plug, bimini top stowed, transom straps on, trailer lights connected, and hit the road!