How to use a boat launch

[5150abf]

As anyone that has been boating for any length of time can tell you, boat launches can be a real nightmare, here is how a launch is suppose to work, hopefully everyone with a boat reads this and the world will be a much better place.

A boat launch actually consists of 3 distinct areas, the ramp, parking area and the most important and least used part, the staging area, all launches are different some have multiple lanes and launches some a single ramp but they all consist of these 3 parts.

The staging area is where you should start and finish every trip, it is the area away from the parking lot and ramp where you can take all the time you want to load coolers, floats, ect on your boat with out raising anyones blood pressure.

When you arrive at the launch you should go to the staging area and get your boat as close to launching as possible, get everything loaded and unhooked so when you get to the ramp you can just get the boat in and clear the ramp for the next guy, you should be on and off the ramp in less than 3-4 minutes.

Then you go park, use your head here and don't parallel park or anything silly like that and the space directly in front of the ramp is for launching, it isn't a parking spot.

When you are ready to leave just reverse the process, load the boat and go the staging area, the bow strap will certainly hold the boat for that long then in the staging area out of everyones way you can take as much time as you want to unload and secure the boat for the drive home.

The entire point here is to be on the ramp for as little time as possible, few things are as frustrating than watching someone back down the ramp then stop and spend 10 minutes loading up the boat or loading the boat and sitting on the ramp to secure and unload it, it is all about being considerate of others.

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: How to use a boat launch

If I may add, also don't just leave your boat tied do the dock where it is in the way while your parking the tow vehicle or it doesn't matter how efficient you were at launching. With the really busy days, sometimes on a Sunday afternoon we have park rangers that attemp to police the traffic but it seems to cause more problems, they will not let you launch without a 2nd driver, because you must pilot your boat away from the launch ramps immediately, I hate it when they are there because 80% of the time I'm alone so I do need to pick my times carefullly.

 

[skargo]

Re: How to use a boat launch

If I may add, also don't just leave your boat tied do the dock where it is in the way while your parking the tow vehicle or it doesn't matter how efficient you were at launching. With the really busy days, sometimes on a Sunday afternoon we have park rangers that attemp to police the traffic but it seems to cause more problems, they will not let you launch without a 2nd driver, because you must pilot your boat away from the launch ramps immediately, I hate it when they are there because 80% of the time I'm alone so I do need to pick my times carefullly.

That is crazy! I launch alone once a week or so during the summer, and not to brag but I can launch, park my rig, and be out on the water faster and safer than the majority of the other boaters using the ramp.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: How to use a boat launch

When you are ready to leave just reverse the process, load the boat and go the staging area, the bow strap will certainly hold the boat for that long then in the staging area out of everyones way you can take as much time as you want to unload and secure the boat for the drive home.

I like everything I read with the exception of the above.
Take the 10 seconds to put the safety chain on as well. Winches can slip and leave your boat on the ramp without the trailer.
How much extra time would you be taking then ???
Other than that great post. I hope everyone that launches near me reads and abides by it.

 

[lrdchaos]

Re: How to use a boat launch

I agree with all the above...I will add, I don't really care what everyones wife thinks, TEACH her to either park the truck or unload and load the boat. My wife and I, went to the lake on a weekday when we were dating and I spent the time TEACHING her. That way when the lake is busy, you don't have her sitting in the boat while you are backing, you have to get out launch the boat, and have her try to hold it off the dock while the waves hit it, and people are trying to get onto the dock. I know this will probably upset people, but if she doesn't wanna learn because she's scared it's time to man up and explain the reasons why she needs to learn, and if not DON'T go to the lake. Nothing upsets me more, than if a storm blows up and your trying to get off the water and you have to wait while people have to walk boats or waverunners onto the trailer. And another thing, if people have kids, have them in the boat upon pulling onto the ramp, nothing like trying to back your boat and having kids running around on the ramp.

Sorry if this upsets people, just my 2 cents.

 

[jevery]

Re: How to use a boat launch

I've seen people break out the tool chest and go to work right there on the ramp. I've seen people leave their vehicle parked on the ramp while they go for a little test drive. The launch ramp seems to be the only place where there's a good chance that I'm gonna have a temper issue. Luckily my Wife knows when to intervene to keep me from getting my *** kicked.

 

[dozerII]

Re: How to use a boat launch

Really good post. I think all boat launches should have a big sign that says what the three areas are and USE THEM. My wife is going to learn how to back the trailer in this year, (but practice at home) so we can stream line the task.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: How to use a boat launch

Agree with 100% with OP. This thread should be mandatory reading!

Or, I want to launch where all you guys do. It would add years to my life by reducing my blood pressure while watching morons take up the ramp and would keep my from trying to get my 56 year old ***** kicked when I offer friendly advice to those morons!! The admiral and my grown sons chuckle at how "upset" I get and how I like to direct traffic! Wouldn't have to do that if everyone did the right thing or at least knew what the right thing was and tried. End of rant....til next launch!

 

[stubbsboogie]

Re: How to use a boat launch

I agree with all teh above posts!!

Please to the general boating public learn to use these three zones.
Yesterday we were at our local ramp waiting to put in. There was a truck and trailer already down the ramp. No big deal we will just wait our turn, right? No these people were down there for 20 minutes trying to get their boat on... then when they finally did they pulled halfway up the ramp and stopped!! Got out of their truk and began unloading gear right on the ramp.

Very glad the admiraless was around or I probaly would have caused a bit of a scene. It was so pretty I just wanted to get on the water. Oh yea one other thing there are two ramps where we launch and the other was completley blocked by about 20 canoes all eating their lunch on the bank. Their canoes were actually on the ramp.

Really launching and loading is not that hard. I back the trailer she drives the boat. It is that easy. Takes just a second. Guys please teach your significant other to operate one or the other. And just practice good ramp manners.
Stepping of my soapbox now.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: How to use a boat launch

those who struggle don't bother me too much and I generally help them.... those who are either oblivious or unconcerned with the plight of those around them buugg me and those who enjoy making folks wait get me soooooo close to doing something stupid every time

 

[lrdchaos]

Re: How to use a boat launch

those who struggle don't bother me too much and I generally help them.... those who are either oblivious or unconcerned with the plight of those around them buugg me and those who enjoy making folks wait get me soooooo close to doing something stupid every time

I agree, I don't mind helping someone out at all, it's when they load their gear inthe boat on the ramp, or actually take the engine cover off and start working on the engine right there. Another point I would make it start your boat at the house with a set of muffs so you know it's gonna start at the lake.

 

[JimMH]

Re: How to use a boat launch

Last spring on my families first trip I ended up backing two people in that just couldn't back a trailer if their life depended on it. I waited in excess of 20 minutes each time and finally asked if I could help. Each time I was thanked then was told it was their first boat and first time in the water, no Kidding! I was also asked what time we would be leaving the lake! I just wanted to say please learn to back up a trailer before going to the lake on Sunday afternoon! I have also been asked how do you back up a trailer it goes the opposite direction! Man oh Man. I always explain it to them and tell them to go to a big parking lot and Practice.

 

[JimS123]

Re: How to use a boat launch

On weekends the whole family goes in the big boat and we have it down to a science. We're in the water and gone before the other guys even get off the staging spot.

But during the week, I often go by myself in my little bass boat, just to fish. I have it down to a science as well. All roller trailer, power winch with 20' switch cable, trailer guide-ons and big self centering keel rollers.

Last year one beautiful day I was just preparing to load and had everything under control. The boat was coming up on the trailer just fine, when a "good samaritan" asked if i needed help. I said no, thank you, but he insisted. He took the aft line and promptly proceeded to pull the keel off the rollers. Had to push the boat back and start all over. Then, he did it again. Three times to get it loaded. Of course he said "SEE you DID need help."

I felt like strangling him, but how can you be nasty when people are so nice!

 

[GrindKore]

Re: How to use a boat launch

Nothing pisses me off more than the people fishing right on the ramp slips blocking access for boaters coming in and out. Some of them have attitude if you actually use the ramp for purpose it was intended.

 

[chadelliott]

Re: How to use a boat launch

These are all good posts, but remember we all had to start with our very first launch. So when we see someone taking a bit longer than usual and they look REALLY nervous....well they probably are and dont need people breathing down there necks to hurry up. Lend a hand and offer advice and be patient.

If they are rude back to ya....lay into em'!!!!!

 

[BTMCB]

Re: How to use a boat launch

Nothing pisses me off more than the people fishing right on the ramp slips blocking access for boaters coming in and out. Some of them have attitude if you actually use the ramp for purpose it was intended.

BINGO. Another blood pressure raiser of mine! And, they are sitting right next to the sign that says "no fishing on launch ramp / docks".

 

[a70eliminator]

Re: How to use a boat launch

Trying to back down a ramp at night when the guy ahead of you has his headlights on sucks, can't see a thing, have to go down there and ask him could you turn lights off please I can't see to back up.
Please parking light only when backed down a ramp.

 

[GrindKore]

Re: How to use a boat launch

Trying to back down a ramp at night when the guy ahead of you has his headlights on sucks, can't see a thing, have to go down there and ask him could you turn lights off please I can't see to back up.
Please parking light only when backed down a ramp.

My F150 has daylight running lights, can't do anything about it. The headlights are on as long as the engine is running.

 

[jetmart]

Re: How to use a boat launch

Most Canadian vehicles daytime running lights will turn off if you put the switch in the parking light position.

 

[DonHof]

Re: How to use a boat launch

If you have one small dock and two ramps, were are you to tie up the boat while you park?