Boat Ramp Etiquette

[jdmcpha2]

Hello everyone.
I'm new here. I've been boating here in Michigan for a few decades now, both as a guest on other boats and in the last 10 years as a boat owner myself.
I have been running a 1990 Tracker 16' tiller for about 10 years and last week I purchased a 20' pontoon.
At times at the ramp when putting in and taking out, there have been the few respective Jack Holes that are impatient, rude, disrespectful to the newbies or with anyone have a problem getting the boat in or out. But it's been only a few times in relation to the amount of times I have been at the ramp But this weekend I had had enough.
Here is the scenario:
We launched the pontoon at a public launch (Foote Pond Ausable River) in northern Michigan. It was a busy weekend on the lake but not as bad as you would expect with such great weather. When we motored back to the ramp that evening, there were 3 boats in the water lined up for take out, 2 boats at the ramp trailering up and 2 boats on shore waiting in line to put in.
I took my place in line behind the 3rd boat. After the 2 boats at the ramp were loaded and hauled off they let the 2 boats on shore put in as they had vehicles in line and was easy for them to put in and move off the ramp to beach the boat and wait for the drivers to park and run back to the boats.
At this time, a gray pontoon motored in to the beach and dropped off a person. They then backed out and just circled with us in line for a few minutes.
The first boat in line was also working her boat to the ramp while her husband backed the trailer into the water,
The gray pontoon jumped forward and took the second ramp space, cutting in front of the rest of us and the person he dropped off was backing a trailer in to the ramp.
The 2 of us boats still in line looked at each other and shrugged and flipped the guy off but let it go.
Then another red and white Sea Ray cruised in fast and beached in the sand next to the ramp, ran up to his truck and moved in line.
At this point, I beached and dropped my brother off to get my truck. Us last 2 boats moved to the ramp and tied off. He ran to get his truck. Now I'm at the ramp but Jack Hole #2 Sea Ray guy is trying to back in his trailer.
He told me to move. I asked if he was waiting 30 minutes in line like the rest of us on the lake. He said " The one that gets the trailer to the dock first loads first" I told him he had 30 seconds to move off or I was moving his truck for him. He moved off.
We then helped the other pontoon at the ramp load his as it was his first time running his new pontoon. He helped us as it was only my 3rd.

So here is my question('s):
- 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.
- 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?
I see people cut all the time. There are always wieners with a "D" out there. But we have gone with the rule that you hit the ramp in the order that you arrive at the ramp. Not who can get their trailer in line first. On walleye opener and holiday weekends, some boats would never get to the ramp.
I had 2 other boaters at the ramp thank me for both standing up to the jerk and for my wife and I helping the other guy load his pontoon.
My 87 year old father who has chastised me my entire life for my short fuse actually told me he and ma were hoping I would have pushed his Sea Ray off the beach and make him go swimming after her..

I appreciate all comments.
Thank You

 

[Redneckboatfloating]

How would they know what you are doing if your just sitting there. You could be waiting on someone. Its also depends on the docking at the ramp. Some have longer piers where people move the boat forward as people pick up their boats. Sounds like in your case its a short dock without a lot of room so it would make sense who gets down the ramp next is the person to load.

 

[Alumarine]

How would they know what you are doing if your just sitting there.

I always ask if the other boats are coming or going.
If they are sitting there they are often doing one of the above.

 

[poconojoe]

Is there a dock at the ramp?
Where I boat there's a dock that's long enough where you can tie off your boat toward the end, while someone ahead of you can still launch or retrieve their boat. This dock has two sides, so two people closest to shore can launch/retrieve while two can be tied off while getting their tow vehicle. Anyone else just idles in waiting.

If there's no dock, you'll have to beach your boat and go get your tow vehicle. If there's a line of tow vehicles, you'll need to wait on that line.

 

[jimmbo]

Everywhere I have launched, it was the line up to the ramp that determined who loaded/unloaded next.

 

[harringtondav]

The etiquette is simple. Following it depends on the individual. Responsible boaters follow it. Slob boaters could care less.
I liken a ramp to a four-way stop. First boat to arrive at the ramp gets the ramp, either launching or retrieving. Everyone knows their position in the queue. If it's a tie, and I'm launching I give the ramp to the boat in the water in case they have a mechanical problem.
Getting dropped off ahead of other waiting boats is BS, and just a rude slob tactic. The slobs also violate the long no wake approach to cut ahead.
My wife can't handle the boat or trailer, so I have to wait my turn to retrieve. I try to minimize the time I have the ramp blocked, either direction. Prep for launch in the parking lot, kick the boat off. While my wife ties the boat on the dock I park the trailer and get out of the way ASAP. Reverse order retrieving.
Eleven years ago we got a place with a boat lift. I use the ramp twice a year and am glad of it. Generally I try to use the ramp on a week day to simplify.

 

[72fj40]

Around here on the Ohio River, it's the trailer line that determines whose next. If I'm alone I dock the boat in a way that doesn't interfere with loading or unloading. Then I either get the trailer or park the trailer. The pisser are the folks who stop at the top of the ramp after pulling the boat out and blocking any path to get around it.

 

[Cortes100]

We use the rule, that the truck/trailer is the order for using the ramp. The boat on the water has nothing to do with it. If you're by yourself, you need to figure out how to tie up the boat, anchor it, beach it, what ever works so you can get your trailer. And not leave it at the dock so it blocks everyone else.

 

[jimmbo]

Dropping a person off and waiting offshore, frees up the dock for those launching/loading solo. Next Trailer in line gets to load. The 'I was first at the dock' crowd must have real problems with those who have one person bringing the trailer from the cottage, and another driving the boat over

 

[poconojoe]

If there's a line of tow vehicles waiting to use the ramp, you'll need to get on that line.
If you're retrieving, you must make sure your boat is not in the way of anyone else who is launching/retrieving.

If someone is piloting your boat, they can just idle somewhere out of the way.

If you're alone and your boat is beached or docked waiting for you to retrieve it, you'll need to properly setup your tow vehicle so that you can load the boat safely and expeditiously.

Safety is paramount. Don't rush and make mistakes. You need to substantiate a routine. Once you have a routine, it becomes second nature.

Have patience. There are a lot of newbies out there, but there are also a lot of self centered ignorant people too. Try not let them ruin your beautiful day out on the water.

I have helped a lot of people who looked like they needed it, but I have also regretted it a few times.

 

[rjwilliams11741]

We do a most of our boating in Northern Nevada and Northern California lakes and over in the California Delta. Most people adhere to the concept that the lineup of trailers determines who is next to load or unload. I usually handle the vehicle and trailer and my wife handles the boat and simply drives it on the trailer. It's always a study in sociology to be around a boat ramp. Many years ago, my daughter took music lessons less than a mile from a pretty popular one. I would often spend the waiting time at the ramp and came close to trying to set up a contract with a divorce attorney whereby I would pass out the law firm's business cards for a finder's fee.

 

[briangcc]

I've launched/retrieved at any number of ramps and the retrieval process is different at each ramp. That's why I try to boat on a week day instead. Lowers my stress level immensely.

You still run into the wonderful people who are just starting out, are generally a-holes, or the yakkers that clog a launch ramp for no apparent reason other than they can. I just grab a bag of popcorn and let it sort itself out. If needed, the boys pee off the back as a salute

 

[dingbat]

I avoid weekends and holidays like the plague. Too many people, too many that don't have a clue and or any sense of urgency to get loaded and out of the way for others.

All the local ramps have docks. Local protocol (if busy) is to drop off the driver then head out of the area to prepare the boat for loading.

Once the trailer is in position, pull the boat up on the trailer far enough to attach the winch strap (roller trailer) then have driver pull up and out of the way to secure the boat to trailer.

Once away from the ramp, it's time to winch the boat to the bow stop. Attach and tighten the bow turn-buckle and transom tie-downs. Raise and lower motor a couple times to drain, lower motor on trailering bracket and be on our way.

 

[jimmbo]

I prefer to have the Boat fully on the trailer before pulling the Trailer out of the water.

 

[jdmcpha2]

We were all clearly in line waiting.
When I pulled up to the line, The guy and his teen in the pontoon had arrived just before me. We heard him ask the lady in front of him if she was waiting and she explained who was where in order of launce and retrieve. The Gray pontoon guy was one of those 40+ loud hat backwards, hand cut sleeveless t-shirt with a derogatory politician blows slogan guys with a 90k pontoon loaded with kids to future ex-wives. You know. The Tick Tock with the Teens look at me compensate type.
He slowed long enough to talk to the guy in front of me about the party he just left at the sand hill and shot like a rocket into the beach right next to the ramp kicking waves on those launching and retrieving. We figure it was his prospected alimony payment he dropped off to get the truck. He then shot it into reverse and circled us all and as soon as a slot opened up, he shot to the ramp. Definite Jack Hole Status!
Sea Ray dude shot in hot past all of us beached his boat and literally ran to his truck. He then cut in front of my brother and my truck who was waiting for his turn to pull to the ramp. There was no question that there was a line and the order .
They both knew they were in the wrong and their intent was clear.
I have backed off and let the Nut F$@kers do their thing too many times. I have never been in a boat launch confrontation and generally just keep my mouth shut to let them push others around. But after we waited nearly 45 minutes and watched them basically tell us to p!ss off. Enough was enough.
I’ve asked nearly every boater I know in the last 24 hours and all except one say the order you arrive for launch and pick up is the order you put your boat in and take it out. Not the prick that has 2 drivers on the boat. Even if you drop someone to get the trailer, you still wait your place in line. I do not like the confrontation but there are times when I refuse to shy away from it. I’m too old for it now. Especially in front of ma and pa. But, if no one backs these pricks down they will feel entitled and do it to the next guy. I have a hunch that I was the next guy.
When the rest of the people at the ramp shake your hand and thank you. I must have done it right.
I'm including a couple pics of the ramp. 2 slots and a small dock to tie off to when you grab your trailer. There is enough area with no rocks near by to allow for about 4 boats to lightly beach to pick up and drop off.
Thanks for the responses.

 

[harringtondav]

I avoid weekends and holidays like the plague. Too many people, too many that don't have a clue and or any sense of urgency to get loaded and out of the way for others.

All the local ramps have docks. Local protocol (if busy) is to drop off the driver then head out of the area to prepare the boat for loading.

Once the trailer is in position, pull the boat up on the trailer far enough to attach the winch strap (roller trailer) then have driver pull up and out of the way to secure the boat to trailer.

Once away from the ramp, it's time to winch the boat to the bow stop. Attach and tighten the bow turn-buckle and transom tie-downs. Raise and lower motor a couple times to drain, lower motor on trailering bracket and be on our way.

The issue with the two ramps I use is the docks are short two sided river floats with room for one boat/side, and the ramp parking areas aren't large enough for one trailer lined up. So local protocol is the boat waiting at the dock gets the ramp. Any boat waiting for launch gets the next open hole.
In our area two way traffic is rare. 9 am - 1 pm is a launching frenzy which is generally orderly. 4 - 5 pm is a retrieving cluster. Those who let off a driver are considered out of order, and may face a stand off with another boat at the dock waiting for their trailer.
Like you, I wait for a weekday and avoid most conflict.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

I love not having to take the boat out and pack up and drive home on Sunday. The problem with public landings are the public.

 

[Sprig]

There are general common sense rules for launching/retrieving but in reality there are no rules. It just depends on the people at the ramp when you are there. Some have common sense some don’t, some are polite and courteous and some aren’t. As others have said try to avoid the high volume launch/retrieve times. Or make friends with a spec op group of Navy Seals and invite them along to deal with the traffic congestion.

 

[jimmbo]

Everywhere I have launched, who ever is at the front of the line, onshore, to the ramp goes next, be it launching or loading. I have never seen anyone drag a boat along the dock to be closer to the Ramp.
One time, one of the Lake Lice figured he could stand with his PWC in the center of a lane, while his buddy got his trailer. He was just about hit by someone who was backing down the Ramp. He started yelling that he had the first crack at the Lane and his buddy was bringing the trailer. Several people took notice, came over and told him to get the F out of the way, and wait till his buddy was at the front of the Line.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

Ever watch a kayaker park right at the ramp and strap down their kayak and break all his gear down and load it up, I sat thru half of a crap show like that, my wife kept trying to calm me but I could take no more. He moved up to the parking lot in a huff, I would guess that was not the first time he was told he was stupid.