Where we are, there are two things in play: the ramp (wide enough for two trailers) and the courtesy dock (designed for two boats, but you can sometimes nose a third in). The vehicles get to the ramp in one order, and the boats get to the dock in one order. The vehicles getting to the ramp are the order in which things get launched and landed. That order typically adds a little order to who has the dock at any moment.- Is it the order you arrive at the ramp or who can get the trailer in line first?
- I had 2 80 year old parents, my wife and my brother. None who have driven my boat nor backed my trailer into this ramp before.
These are kinda' the same thing: both cases need the dock. So, you need to wait until you get the dock. I'm not above asking other boats if they're waiting for the dock and then finding my place in line. Occasionally I get cut off; but not too often. If there's a buncha' boats waiting to get in and out (start or end of a fishing tournament can be total goat rodeo), there can be a loooong wait to get the trailer into the water.- What about the guy next to me that only had himself and his teen ager son on their first time out? Do they never get to the ramp because the boy cant drive the boat and does not have a drivers license to back the trailer in?
This was all I could think about when reading through these commentsIt sure seems like these ramps could benefit from some signage on etiquette or protocol and perhaps even some supervision by the local authorities during the busy times.
Yes, without any signage or such, the 'me first' protocol rules.This was all I could think about when reading through these comments
This has always been our way too. While we wait our turn, we assist others too keep things moving along and because it's being human.I'll add my 2¢, and also work on it from the perspective of the ramp I use most which can get pretty busy. I'll also say that in general, I try to think in terms that we're all boatin' on the weekend: it's supposed to be fun and enjoyable.
Where we are, there are two things in play: the ramp (wide enough for two trailers) and the courtesy dock (designed for two boats, but you can sometimes nose a third in). The vehicles get to the ramp in one order, and the boats get to the dock in one order. The vehicles getting to the ramp are the order in which things get launched and landed. That order typically adds a little order to who has the dock at any moment.
These are kinda' the same thing: both cases need the dock. So, you need to wait until you get the dock. I'm not above asking other boats if they're waiting for the dock and then finding my place in line. Occasionally I get cut off; but not too often. If there's a buncha' boats waiting to get in and out (start or end of a fishing tournament can be total goat rodeo), there can be a loooong wait to get the trailer into the water.
And sometimes, if we come in to the ramp and see it's a stampede: it's easier to just go put around a little longer. Let the dust settle and get back into line. I've offered to help people, strike up conversations to keep things light, whatever ... try not to get roused up on a day when I'm trying to unwind from the week that got me all roused up
It's been written...sorta. Australian boaters FB group. Carnage on the Boat Ramp. I joined. Lots of laughs.Never a dull moment . . . maybe we can all compile our stories and write a book.
LOL, that is so true. I would watch the hottie all day and not care how long it took to dock or get into the water. Nothing better than watching a smoking hot hottie do anything.If you have a smoking hot wife with a bikini 10 sizes too small, all the men don't mind waiting while you launch and retrieve your boat. Funny how folks are.
Where I boat, you’re not going to find any smoking hot wives, or girl friends for that matter, wearing bikinis at the boat ramp.If you have a smoking hot wife with a bikini 10 sizes too small, all the men don't mind waiting while you launch and retrieve your boat. Funny how folks are.
They’re all at the pool bar
Yep, same here, retired so I can go anytime !! Try to stay away on holidays and busy times. I am cery lucky to have a small town marina with a public launch ramp, they charge 10 bucks or a season pass for 125. The really nice part is the season pass is free to those over 65....yea me!!!!! Even better is a full time security gard to watch over operations at the ramp, extremely few fights or people just leaving there stuff sit there !!! And even better yet, the gard has a golf cart to shuttle you to and from the parking lot!!! Life is good !!!!I have learned to avoid the busy times.
I woulda stayed longer today, but told myself, I gotta get outta here before it gets busy (about 1030). I made a shot at the downwind side of the dock and missed (my shift action is a little iffy and I sorta voluntarily limit myself on changing gears a bunch), and then I heard a guy who was docked on the other side, where I would rather have been, say "Do you want this spot? I'm about to leave?" Yep, I did. I puttered a minute while he got in and left and it worked out great.
There's some nice people out there too.
Dock was essentially full by the time I got back to my boat, trailers all dunked side-by-side on the ramp... I got out just in time. I wouldn't want to be they guys I see inbound to the lake on my drive back home (especially on 100F+ days like this), and there's usually a bunch.