Ramp rules?

[countryboy26047]

Re: Ramp rules?

Well, this thread has certainly taken an interesting turn.... Anyhow, thought I would share something, sort of the opposite of the mindset right now...

We primarily use a local public ramp to launch/retrieve into the Ohio River.. It is typically not a very busy ramp (normal day you may have to wait as 2nd in-line if there's someone down the ramp already). However, if I go down say, 3 times in a week, chances are 1 of those days it will be slightly crowded. Now, when its crowded, it's actually kind of "neat" to watch. Except for the occasional newb or maybe some other logical reason, If there's a boat down the ramp, and say 5 rigs in line, whoever is the front of the pack get's everything ready for launch.. truck pulls up ramp, said first person in line pulls up and backs down... now the next person in line starts getting everything ready..... It's like an assembly line lol.

For the most part, every encounter I've had with fellow boaters at our local ramp has been good. We're a small town, and typically everyone is nice to each other, and ends up conversing even if you don't know each other, if your waiting in line. I have, on probably 1 1/2-2 dozen different times, assisted someone either with backing the trailer in or pulling the boat on the trailer, especially if, as Lipp stated, it's a single parent with kids, or that elderly or handicapped person who has a hard time getting in/out of the boat. Heck three weeks ago, I came across a couple, probably in their late 60's early 70's... They had just acquired their first boat. Neither of them had a clue as to how to retrieve (how they got it launched is beyond me lol). I offered nicely (and they very thankfully accepted) to back their tow vehicle down, then went out and got in the boat and pulled it onto the trailer and then pulled it out of the water. Normally I would have offered to take them through the process step-by-step, but this was one of those busy days, and they were already mildly embarrassed and just wanted out of the way.

I, also, have received help on a few occasions where I have either been having trouble getting centered on the trailer for whatever reasons, or another time that, due to cross wind/waves, I would pull the boat partially onto the trailer, jump out and try to get the winch strap hooked... every stinking time, by the time I grabbed the strap, the boat would be completely sideways on the trailer... the first time I got a little bothered.. but when it happened the next time I just started laughing. Luckily, a guy that had just finished mooring his boat at his dock site a little ways down the shore seen this and came up, didn't even ask if I needed help, he could tell I did as I was by myself. He just came over, and as he's walking down into the water introduces himself. And yes, he walked straight out into the water, close to waist deep to hold the back of my boat from blowing sideways while I hooked up the winch strap... I felt rather bad considering he was more wet than I was, but after an offer of some money for helping me, he declined saying "Someday it may be me", shook my hand and just walked off.

I know this is a long post, but I wanted to share this stuff cause in my opinion, this is what boating should be about. Be courteous to others, help out, and just enjoy the life. The only time I get really frustrated at the ramp is when you start backing down the ramp (AFTER you've got everything ready of course, lol) and theirs kids playing in the water right at the launch, with their parents just sitting there watching.. this has happened to me on more than one occasion, and while it is not typical of me to really open my mouth to people, I have a couple times gotten out of my truck, walked down to the parents, and 'politely' ask them if it's their kids, and if they can't see my bright red boat, and bright red truck trying to back down the ramp, or if they even know/realize what a boat ramp is for! When it comes to the safety of children, mine or someone elses, is about the only time I get really upset and will let them know about it.

So for those that are still with me (lol) hope you have a good day.. Happy and safe boating!

 

[MikeB0307]

Re: Ramp rules?

It's the same thing that is wrong with our entire society, common sense, courtesy, and consideration are all things of the past. We've become a society of selfish self-indulged a-holes! The key is to try and change it by patient example, however hard it may be at times...

 

[spyder9179]

Re: Ramp rules?

The way I see it, I've worked over 30 years in special education for the school system and I've paid enough taxes to have reasonable use of a public boat ramp without some toe tapping self centered immature idiot timing and criticising my efforts! Get over yourself. Do some community service and go on a field trip with a special ed team. After keeping up with autistic and other disabled children who may never know the "joys" of boat ownership you may learn to slow down and live right. Give the other guy a break. You WILL need it yourself someday I guarantee! Thank YOU for letting ME vent!

Psalty, as the parent of a 15 year old with autism, let me thank you for your 30 yrs of working (and work it is!) with special-needs children. Talk about unsung heroes. I agree with Captain Losten Confuzed (like the name), it seems that you've got everything together. Hate to beat a dead horse, but, I'm new at this, so I haven't really experienced a whole lot of ramp rage, but I think there's a difference between holding everybody up because you want to load the coolers with the boat half in the water, and having everybody wait a little because you're taking a minute or two longer than they might like. I can only speak for myself, but if someone was taking longer, be it due to age, or physical condition, or they were just having a little trouble getting the boat or trailer to cooperate, that wouldn't upset me in the least, and I would probably be inclined to offer assistance.

That being said, if you and the OP want to settle things outside, I won't get involved, but I'd sure like to watch!

 

[Eddie Ray]

Re: Ramp rules?

You people for the most part have failed to see the point? That point is that it is discourteous to tie up the ramp doing the things you should have done while either waiting in line or in a parking spot. No one is saying that a person who is slow at backing down or getting their boat off is the problem. The problem is the idiots who wait till they are down on the ramp ,then decide to load the fishing gear. Or check the oil. Or the other million stupid things they should have done out of the way! They are the self centered ones!
Have a nice day!
Eddie

 

[Maclin]

Re: Ramp rules?

We load and retrieve the same as psalty described, except my wife does not get in the boat with us anymore, knee replacements, heel spurs, back problems, I am just thankful she wants to help me not have to go solo. We get some looks from the Moomba crowd but who cares. I am ever mindful of the time we take but have finally learned to not let outside considerations transform into pressure on me. When launching we might be on the ramp a minute longer than most. Retrieving is longer, depends on how far the courtesy dock is. But 5 minutes tops, more like 3 from the time I dock, climb out and back the truck down (she gets it to the ramp then I finish) then get back to the boat and motor over to the trailer. My son is also a helper now and takes care of the winch duties. I cannot reach the bow hook at all on mine when on the boat, and he is now able to save us a huge amount of time as the wife could not do that before.

 

[Maclin]

Re: Ramp rules?

Yes, Eddie, to your point, when we hit the ramp it is all about launching or retrieving, no ancillaries. This should be common etiquette, amazes me to see it happening otherwise.

One time I could not dock because someone had left their 20 footer tied to the end and hang out, and I need the whole dock with the way my Cuddy is configured, can't just nose in, tie up and hop out. I had to putt around for 30 minutes before he came back. The wife was not sure what I was doing, and we had left both cells in the truck, so I had to get close and holler loud enough so she (and everybody else within a half mile) could understand why I was putting around waiting. He must have heard that, or someone he knew, cause he showed back up in 5 minutes and moved. I was getting close to just bumping up against his and moving it as far as his lines would let it move away from the dock as it was past 8pm and time to go home.

 

[Eddie Ray]

Re: Ramp rules?

Maclin,nice looking boat. I have to do all the boat duties my self. And I too try to do it smoothly,and then get out of the way.
The ramps here in SW Florida are not overcrowded like some I've seen on Utube. But I still try to get in and get out with out blocking anyone else. Any longer than I have to

 

[Eddie Ray]

Re: Ramp rules?

Maclin, by the way thanks for the help you have given me in the past. I have an older 22ft cuddy,and I do believe you have answered many a question for me.
Thanks again
Eddie

 

[emoney]

Re: Ramp rules?

If you guys would just move to the water and have a lift in the back yard like me, you wouldn't have all this stress in life, sheesh. But seriously, there's a fine line between patience and rudeness and the hard part is figuring out which is which. Nothing we can do about "booger heads" and there's no sense getting stressed about them, but the numbers are in their favor, sadly enough. Happy boating all!

 

[Maclin]

Re: Ramp rules?

Maclin, by the way thanks for the help you have given me in the past. I have an older 22ft cuddy,and I do believe you have answered many a question for me.
Thanks again
Eddie

No problem! Glad to help when I can.

 

[mysweetone]

Re: Ramp rules?

I think I made a HUGE error at the boat ramp when pulling out yesterday. My wife can not operate the boat or retrieve/back down the trailer so its all on me... lets just get that straight before I go into what happened. Now I have heard horrer stories about people trying to get out of the water at a public launch when the weather turns foul, and yesterday was that day. It was beginning to rain and thunder was in the distance...

I waited my turn to pull the boat up to the dock. Had my wife and kids hold the lines while I went to get the truck. There was a line of 4 or 5 trucks/trailers waiting to retrieve there boats (which were not at the dock so I assume they were floating around just offshore?) Well I drove past the line to get my boat. One guy yelled at me to stop so I did and he asked me what I was doing. I told him I my boat was at the dock (and pointed to it) and wanted to get it out of everyones way. He said, "o, ok, go ahead" So I got back in the truck and the next guy stuck his head out his window cursing every word in the book at me to get in line. I tried explaing that my boat was at the dock and no one would be able to use it until I was out of the way but that didnt phase him. So, I got back in the truck and began to back the truck and trailer up to get in line. Well...my trailer got slightly away from me and it hit a jet ski trailers galvanized fender and and bent it to hell. Needless to say the owner was not pleased and I, embarrased and very sorry. I told the guy to hold on, I went back to hte truck looking for a couple of $20's or a $50 and could only come up with a $100. I ran back over the driver and apologized again and handed him the $100- His response was... silence. I understand he was upset, I would be too, but hell I gave him $100- at least a thank you would have been appreciated. Hell he can buy two fenders, and still have $50- left over to buy himself somethin nice.

After the line proceded forward I got into line, retrieved my boat and was un my way. Now... after all this I assume the PROPER retrieving order is to wait in line with the trucks/trailers even if the boat is taking up valuable dock space? Sound right you?

 

[lncoop]

Re: Ramp rules?

Hey spyder, I see you're an Arkie. Take a look at this thread and make plans to come up for it. You can have your pick of dozens of ramps, all guaranteed jackass free (unless you happen to use Spillway or Brady). Bring the whole fam. Gonna a be a large time. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=537863

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Ramp rules?

I think I made a HUGE error at the boat ramp when pulling out yesterday. My wife can not operate the boat or retrieve/back down the trailer so its all on me... lets just get that straight before I go into what happened....

There's the problem. You guys that use crowded ramps need to have anyone over 14--OK 16--trained and capable of operating either the boat or the vehicle. It's just selfish not to. You wouldn't be real happy to see three 30 year old guys standing around holding the lines--and the line--while one guy scambled around to do all the work? I'm not talknig about young children, the elderly, or the one-time inexperienced guest, nor am I talking about the solo boater, who gets a break because he is alone. You are not.

And then look what happens when you get in a hurry--it just gets worse.

Don't be that guy.

 

[mysweetone]

Re: Ramp rules?

Thank you for your opinion of how many people should be operate my boat Home Cookin, I will teach my wife some weekday when the ramp is quite how to pull the boat up to the dock. And just for the record there was one individual over 30 and a couple young kids not capapble of doing either. However with your post you failed to answer my question...
What is the proper way to retrieve at a busy ramp if you only have one operator?
Should I have left the boat taking up the space at the dock and waited in line or just got the thing the hell out of the way of everyone else? I was trying to do what I hought was right. I have only been boating for a year now and am still learning my way around... Someday i hope to have all the knowledge that others on this forum have but for now I don't.

 

[salty87]

Re: Ramp rules?

solo'ing at a busy ramp is not fun. but, sometimes it has to be done.

round these parts, it's the truck that dictates who is getting pulled out. trucks wait in line and boats float around if they can. if that can't happen tie her up to the dock and wait in line in the truck. around here though, the dock is not at the end of the ramp...it's off to the side a good distance. makes the trip from dock to truck to ramp back to dock a real workout if you're hustling.

i won't use the ramp on a really busy day without another driver to help with the truck or boat. just takes the fun out of it knowing that all of the 'mr. do it betters' are waiting to vent their live's frustrations.

 

[mysweetone]

Re: Ramp rules?

Thank you commander... now I know, and knowing is half the battle!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Ramp rules?

Thank you for your opinion of how many people should be operate my boat Home Cookin, I will teach my wife some weekday when the ramp is quite how to pull the boat up to the dock.

Now you're talking. It's no different than spending time taking the safety course before you go boating. You have to invest the time, and that means avoiding busy places to do it. it may mean taking a day off from work. You can also go to an empty church parking lot one weekday evening and set up some cones, do some backing and parking, when it's nice and quiet. Drive around the block. Baby steps.

Out on the water, get to a quiet area, and let her practice driving up to a marker, post, bouy, etc. A soft mud bank is the best! Approach from all directions to feel wind and current effects. The desired skill is to kiss the mark without using the reverse.

In no time she'll be as good at it as you are. Perhaps better.

And from a few decades experience, you may know, men teaching wives/girlfriends how to do stuff, any stuff, often ends up badly; they for some mystery respond better to other men's instructions, even when they say the exact same words you do. Consider sending her out with an experienced friend.

 

[capecodtodd]

Re: Ramp rules?

something that drives me crazy is people that don't know how to back a trailer. Backing is a needed skill at a ramp and to watch guys go back and forth more than 3 times it starts to get a bit old especially when there are a bunch of boaters waiting to get in or out. Some guys have launching down while others should practise even if it is just in a big parking lot.
I used ot go to a ramp where folks would bring chairs and pack a cooler to watch the show. Sometimes they even had numbers they held up like it was the Olympics!!
One of the most aggravating I had to work around was a bunch of kids backed their hobie down the ramp and proceeded to rig the lines and sail, I launched around them went out for a couple hours came back to the ramp and they were just getting underway. The whole time they had blocked a lane.
Another funny time there was a really low tide so the bottom of the ramp was in the mud and a small 2 wheel drive pickup was trying to get a too large a boat for it up the ramp and it was slipping all the way. 3 heavy guys were bouncing on the bumper trying ot give it traction but it wasn't working. Finally a guy waiting with a F250 and a center console to launch tied a rope to his trailer to the front of the little truck and pulled the whole deal up the ramp to the cheers of all who were waiting.
Fun times at the ramp.

 

[mysweetone]

Re: Ramp rules?

I used ot go to a ramp where folks would bring chairs and pack a cooler to watch the show.

I have actually considered doing this!!!! ...I would have put on a helluva' show the other day when my debacle occurred....

 

[Eddie Ray]

Re: Ramp rules?

Wow after reading these threads,and some of the others. I am never going to complain again. I don't know how some you guys don't go postal? In S.W. Florida the line is almost never more than one boat,two tops. And some people don't really get ready to load,u load. But nothing like some of the stories I've heard here. I will still try to make ready out of the way,and keep my time at the ramp as short as possible. But no more losing my cool . I see that it could be a LOT worse.
Happy boating guys.
Eddie