Holding up the boat ramp!

[Rob454]

Re: Holding up the boat ramp!

. The guy is actually pissed at me! So I pull out and let him leave.

I would of walked over and accidentally tripped on the gearshift lever.
I went out with my wife this past weekend and these guys tied their boats to the dock and went to the marina to go eat. meanwhile there were no other docks to tie to. I was freaking bent. I finally was able to tie off at the end of the dock. I let my wife off and I got my trialer. On the way back my foot accidentally kicked a few rocks down the dock.Those jerk offs were gone for a good 30 min even though there is a HUGE sign stating 10 min max docking. the ONLy reason they came back was because the lake patrol called in to the restaurant/fishing tackle/marina and told them that nobody can launch or reterive boats.Now when I was new to boating in general I still used common sense and did all my prep work before I launched. yeah in the begining I took up more than my share of ramp but I ended up waiting until the traffic was light rather than **** off everyone. I did some trailer practice in a empty parking lot by myhouse and I got pretty good at it. Im no 100% but I get down the ramp in one lane with little sway.
Rob

 

[N6REJ]

Re: Holding up the boat ramp!

I've been worried about this same thing, as right now my only tow vehicle is my 35' school bus. My little 15' boat completely disappears behind my bus and by the time I see it I'm too far. I'm quite adept at backing, but I'm not used to something so small being on the bus. I don't see how I can safely launch alone. Especially as I can't walk very far, so don't know where I'd park the bus after I detached the boat.

 

[cbavier]

Re: Holding up the boat ramp!

N6REJ


Re: Holding up the boat ramp!

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Quote
I've been worried about this same thing, as right now my only tow vehicle is my 35' school bus. My little 15' boat completely disappears behind my bus and by the time I see it I'm too far. I'm quite adept at backing, but I'm not used to something so small being on the bus. I don't see how I can safely launch alone. Especially as I can't walk very far, so don't know where I'd park the bus after I detached the boat. Unquote

If there is anybody else at the ramp "ANYBODY" just ask them to guide you back. They will be more than happy to assist you. Just tell them where you want the bus to stop in relation to the waters edge.

 

[redfury]

Re: Holding up the boat ramp!

I've found recently that backing up my little boat with my truck isn't an easy thing to do necessarily. Part of the problem is small mirrors, the other being the fiberglass topper with the smoked windows. Sure, it's nice having the topper for keeping my gear dry and having the height you don't get with a tonneau, but it sure impedes my ability to back up the boat...especially at night! I need to get myself a set of trailer guides that come up higher than the boat so I can see it and the trailer better. Interesting that I could back up a smaller boat behind a high top conversion van down a long, steeply inclined boat ramp more easily!

I personally believe in having to pass a boaters etiquette test every time you renew your boats tabs, and also navigating a course with your new boat with your tow vehicle. Perhaps something that local organizations should do at the beginning of every fishing/recreational season. We certainly don't need the local or state gov't getting involved in it...who wants to pay higher fees?

 

[cbavier]

Re: Holding up the boat ramp!

The smaller the boat. the harder it is to back because the trailer wheels are closer to the the rear wheels of the tow vehicle.


Yes Redfury
Guides should make a world of difference. At least you will be able to see the Boat trailer then.

 

[valkyr]

Re: Holding up the boat ramp!

Here in the Dallas area it is my experience people respond to unsolicted advice very poorly. I have tried to offer friendly pointers to people concerning their lack of ramp etiquette in a non-threatening, non-accusatory manner. I would either receive a blank look and be ignored or I'd be told to go f** myself.

One guy left his headlights on at night as his truck was pointed up the ramp. I had a heck of a time backing down while being blinded by his high beams. I parked next to him, got out, and asked "how ya doing?" He said, "oh just fine, had a great night, was a beautiful day", and so on After the niceties were exchanged I mentioned that when it's dark, it's good to turn your headlights off and just leave the parking lights on, as I had a heck of a time backing down. His response? A half grin followed by a "sorry about your luck pal".

Sigh.

Its the heat. All Texans and Floridiots, er, Floridians have their brains baked by all that sun

J/K!!!

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Holding up the boat ramp!

I've been worried about this same thing, as right now my only tow vehicle is my 35' school bus. My little 15' boat completely disappears behind my bus and by the time I see it I'm too far. I'm quite adept at backing, but I'm not used to something so small being on the bus. I don't see how I can safely launch alone. Especially as I can't walk very far, so don't know where I'd park the bus after I detached the boat.

The answer for the bus is one of those rear view television systems for trucks and motorhomes. They're down to about $100 at some discounters. You mount the tiny camera on the back of the bus, and have this little tv on the dash. That'd let you see your boat behind the bus as you backed it. If it were me, I'd mount the camera up near the rear window of the bus, rather than the usual spot on the bumper.

As far as the walking goes, I can't help with that.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Holding up the boat ramp!

I've found recently that backing up my little boat with my truck isn't an easy thing to do necessarily. Part of the problem is small mirrors, the other being the fiberglass topper with the smoked windows. Sure, it's nice having the topper for keeping my gear dry and having the height you don't get with a tonneau, but it sure impedes my ability to back up the boat...especially at night! I need to get myself a set of trailer guides that come up higher than the boat so I can see it and the trailer better. Interesting that I could back up a smaller boat behind a high top conversion van down a long, steeply inclined boat ramp more easily!

I personally believe in having to pass a boaters etiquette test every time you renew your boats tabs, and also navigating a course with your new boat with your tow vehicle. Perhaps something that local organizations should do at the beginning of every fishing/recreational season. We certainly don't need the local or state gov't getting involved in it...who wants to pay higher fees?

Open the hatch and tailgate and you'll have a clear view of what's behind you. Then, when you park the trailer shut and lock 'em to protect your gear. I do that with my SUV when backing my little boat. Otherwise I can't see the darned thing, since it's narrower than the truck.

 

[chuck_050382]

Re: Holding up the boat ramp!

Open the hatch and tailgate and you'll have a clear view of what's behind you.

Just make sure you tailgate will clear you tounge jack while backing down the ramp so you don't damage the gate.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Holding up the boat ramp!

Good point. Even having just the hatch on the topper open would help this guy. I have an SUV, so the whole back end comes up. It's great, and I can't believe that it took me so long to figure out to leave it open after I load all the crap that's back there into the boat.

 

[MacGizmo]

Re: Holding up the boat ramp!

Here at the Vaal River In Vanderbijlpark, South Africa we also have that prob. Some just think they have money (some money left by daddy or so) they have first right on anything and everything. Two weeks ago i launched and went for a nice cruise for about an hour. Came back, and i need to get out cause i have another meeting.... anyway this one guy, lauches his boat, still on the ramp he starts to load the boat, first extra fuel, then the tubes and ski's, then cooler box and another cooler box, and the he starts with the sun tan oil ----- now this is a family of 6 plus 4 friend just sitting on the ramp...... i was about to tell this SOB to f*&$#@% when he only started his engine.........................anyway, now i do feel better.

 

[fuzzeywiggler]

Re: Holding up the boat ramp!

i am reminded of a time we went duck hunting in my bass boat....

there were a few people taking there sweet *** time at the ramp, and we were parked facing them waiting for them to leave, and after clearing my throat as loud as i could for a few minutes, i decided we should just get ready right there on the ramp till they left, i figured it would save some time....

so we got out, went to the boat ( mind you this is AZ, very republican gun laws) pulled out the shotguns, started loading them, making all the noise that pump action shotguns make..... after i loaded my three rounds of steel shot, i turned around and noticed that not one boat remained....

so, to answer the first post.... dont say anything to them, just pull up, step out, pull out a pump action, and load it up right in front of em'... and to add a little drama, stare em' down as you are doing it... and might even be funny to say " no, no.... take your time!"

lol...

Hahahahahaha man I wish I could do that but I might go to jail (I live in Canada) this is the best post I have read yet.haha.

Fuzzey

 

[extremez]

Re: Holding up the boat ramp!

I certainly hope I don't launch my new boat for the first time around some of you folks. Maybe I'm reading some of these comments the wrong way or something.

Being a newbie to both boating and trailering I don't expect my first launch to be less than 5 minutes. I actually have no idea how long it may take me. I won't be setting up the boat while on the ramp. That's like going to the dump. Uncover your load while waiting in line so you're ready to toss and go. Common sense, right.

Sure I'll try and practice backing a few times and watch some experienced boaters at the launch but I'm not spending almost $27,000 to practice.

So it may take you an extra couple minutes to get on the water. Ok, leave your house a couple minutes early then.

I know I'll probably ruffle some feathers with this post, but some of these comments have seemed pretty rude and obnoxious themselves. We can't all be perfect boaters, but we can try.

 

[cbavier]

Re: Holding up the boat ramp!

I certainly hope I don't launch my new boat for the first time around some of you folks. Maybe I'm reading some of these comments the wrong way or something.

Being a newbie to both boating and trailering I don't expect my first launch to be less than 5 minutes. I actually have no idea how long it may take me. I won't be setting up the boat while on the ramp. That's like going to the dump. Uncover your load while waiting in line so you're ready to toss and go. Common sense, right.

Sure I'll try and practice backing a few times and watch some experienced boaters at the launch but I'm not spending almost $27,000 to practice.

So it may take you an extra couple minutes to get on the water. Ok, leave your house a couple minutes early then.

I know I'll probably ruffle some feathers with this post, but some of these comments have seemed pretty rude and obnoxious themselves. We can't all be perfect boaters, but we can try.

Yea your reading the post wrong. Nobody is going to criticize you and in fact most will be willing to assist you or anybody at the boat ramp at launch and retrieve. So the word is . One be ready to launch. Two Take your time. Three Don't be afraid to ask for help or advice.

 

[patrickray]

Re: Holding up the boat ramp!

cbavier is right. If you never done something like this befor, your at the best place to get the awnsers to your questions befor you get to the water. But the must important thing is being SAFE! even if it means being slow. Just relax and take it one step at a time. Befor you know it, you'll be zipping in and out. Good luck and have fun.

Patrick

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Holding up the boat ramp!

Extremez,

One of the things that really helped me when I got my first boat was a written checklist, with every detail written down, from making sure the plug is in to opening the vent on the fuel tank. It included all the stuff that needed to be in the boat, etc.

I had that with me for the first three launches, and then never needed it again.

All it takes is a windy day and a ramp that doesn't allow power loading, and almost everyone is going to be taking a lot longer at the ramp. As long as you're not holding up the line by messing with stuff you should have done in the prep area, you won't get a lot of guff from anyone. If you're having trouble getting the boat lined up when you are retrieving, someone will give you a hand.

Also, when you have your first really successful retrieve, note the water level on the trailer. Having the trailer submerged just right is the key to trouble-free loading, especially if you can't power load.

 

[204 Escape]

Re: Holding up the boat ramp!

Well, we are on our second boat, in less than 2 years.

My wife, and my 2 sons ages 11, and 15 now, had never been around a boat in their lives.

My wife is a farm girl with alot of backing experience, what with hay trailer, horse trailers, etc.

When we got the boat home, we already had the necessary stuff to operate a boat. I mean all of the safety equipment, jackets, etc.

We took a good part of a day, "practicing" our techniques etc. for getting ready to get to the ramp.

We did a "play act" scenerio, which gave EVERYONE a job to do, to get ready to unload the boat with effeciancy, and minimal time, to perform our individual duties.

We all watch NASCRAP racing, so we likened it to a pit stop.

With everyone having his/her own duties, it seems to work "slicker than a gut shot cat" !!!!!!

The boat that we have now, is a I/O drive unit, so we automatically start the engine compartment fan to eliminate "vapors" in the compartment, along with lifting the engine cover for speed effeciency.

My wife actually backs the boat down the ramp. We have some small walkie talkies that we use from the boat to the truck, that saves "yelling, and looking like the village idiot". (They work well). The only thing that we do NOT do is un-hook the front winch line to the bow of the boat, UNTIL the boat starts. I REFUSE to chase down our 20' deck boat in the wind, etc. ONCE the boat starts, the line is un-hooked, and I back the boat off of the trailer !!!!!!

WORKS WELL !!!!

Loading is pretty much a reverse action, EXCEPT witht he walkin talkies, I can stop my wife when the trailer is in the water at the proper depth. (We also get the trailer runners completly WET, and then she pulls out to the proper depth.

MAX loading/unloading time, has probably averaged 3-4 minutes.


ANOTHER of my pet peeves, is the dock by the ramp. We unload, I dock the boat, asap, and wait for my family to get there. I have the necessary life jackets, etc. waiting for them when they hit the dock.

HOWEVER, it seems that some people have to tie up the dock for stuff that is just a waste of time. To load a beer cooler, fishing tackle, rods, bait, towels, etc.

THEN, when you are trying to get loaded, that is yet another story.

I had one (I thought) funny story, that I'd like to share here.

I had backed my trailer down the ramp, and was getting ready to go and get the boat to load it up. (I was by myself, except for my 2 young sons). My oldest was setting behind the wheel withe e-brake on, in park, and his foot on the brake.

Just as I got out of the truck, this drunk loaded his boat up on my trailer !!!!!!!!!!!!

I just got back in the truck, and I pulled him on out of the water !!!!!!!

ALOT of people there seen what was happening, an dchuckled under their breath. A couple of guys there jumped in the back of my truck, and we hauled their drunken asses to the other side of the lake, backed the boat down the ramp shoved him off of the trailer, and laughed at them. They were so drunk I guess that they didn't know what was really going on !!!!!!!!!! (Yeah, they were hollering, as we drove to the other side of the lake, about 1/4 mile off !!!!) WHO cared, they were on MY TRAILER !!!!!

We went back, loaded my boat, and EVERYONE on the ramp laughed at them.

BUT it gets better !!!!!!!!!!

The water patrol was waiting on them, and wrote them up for being drunk !!!!!!!!

The water patrol guy was laughing when he got done, and told me that was one of the funiest things that he had seen done to a guy on the water.

I just smiled, and said thanx !!!!!!!!!!!

 

[freddyray21]

Re: Holding up the boat ramp!

I certainly hope I don't launch my new boat for the first time around some of you folks. Maybe I'm reading some of these comments the wrong way or something.

Being a newbie to both boating and trailering I don't expect my first launch to be less than 5 minutes. I actually have no idea how long it may take me. I won't be setting up the boat while on the ramp. That's like going to the dump. Uncover your load while waiting in line so you're ready to toss and go. Common sense, right.

Sure I'll try and practice backing a few times and watch some experienced boaters at the launch but I'm not spending almost $27,000 to practice.

So it may take you an extra couple minutes to get on the water. Ok, leave your house a couple minutes early then.

I know I'll probably ruffle some feathers with this post, but some of these comments have seemed pretty rude and obnoxious themselves. We can't all be perfect boaters, but we can try.

It's not about the five minutes if you use common sense. If a guy a problem backing or launching he will get better with practice. It is the guys that back half way down the ramp then start unloading from their truck into the boat while the kids are going to the bathroom to change and ect. This all needs to be done before getting the boat on the ramp. The ramp is for launching and retrieving not loading.

 

[raevin51]

Re: Holding up the boat ramp!

Saw one a few years back at Smith Point Marina on Long Island. Basicaly a new boater with a brand new boat doing his first ever launch. Anyway one of our local loudmouths is giving the guy a lot of grief over his backing ability so he sends his wife behind the boat to guide him down the ramp. In his haste to pacify the idiot that was busting his chops he took the safety cable and winch hook off of the bow ring and backed down the ramp. Mister loud mouth started cursing and carrying on again, Mr. new boater panicked and hit the brakes the boat came off the trailer and unfortunatly my 9yo grandson saw the aftermath, .......Mrs New boater getting crushed between the dock and the boat as it came off of the trailer. And No she did not survive. So maybe if you are a little put out by how slow someone is you might concider getting off you but and lending a hand.

 

[Robbo22]

Re: Holding up the boat ramp!

Raevin51, Thank you for relating a very sad story and a very sober reminder of what can happen when dealing with an unsecured vessel, on rollers, on an incline. Add in the pressure of some know all loudmouth and you have a perfect recipe for a nasty accident like the one you described.

This iboats forum is such an invaluable learning tool for any boater (newbie or experienced) ........had the boater spent time here researching and reading, that entire horror show (despite the peanut gallery) might well have been avoided.

I've been boating for 40+ years and theres rarely a time I leave here not having learned something new.