Research at the boat launch 4/26/09

[CATransplant]

Just a note:

Just a note:

When I visit a lake I've never launched in, I always try to watch at least one boat being launched before backing down. At one lake, I watched, and the guy's trailer dropped into a big hole in the ramp. I went to a different lake. Here in Minnesota, there's always another lake just a short drive away.

 

[Blarney413]

Re: Just a note:

Re: Just a note:

GREAT THREAD! I just got my FIRST boat about a month ago. I am in Western Mass and the ramps were still pretty empty last month. I only live a few minutes from a ramp and spent a few hours just loading and unloading the boat. I did it when no one was around to get the hang of it. I forgot the plug on my second try but thats it. It was a great idea to practice. I came up with an easy to remember routine and figured out exactly how far to back the trailer in the water to get the boat on and off. Thanks for all the posts and for everyone telling their good and bad experiences. PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT (maybe not perfect but at least a standard to adapt off of).

 

[bluebird]

Re: Research at the boat launch 4/26/09

when me and the family go out for the day on the lake. One of the things we always do is watch the dock at the end of day. it never fails we always see alot of stupid things. my husband is always helping someone who has no clue what there doing. we always get a good laugh.

 

[Bluegills Unlimited]

Re: Research at the boat launch 4/26/09

Right now, weekdays in the beginning of the season are the BEST time to practice! That and practice backing the trailer in the supermarket parking lot, you'll be in great shape come 4th of July!!!

 

[Capt21]

Re: Research at the boat launch 4/26/09

My Turn I guess. My story has a slight karma twist to it.

Out cruising two weeks ago when one of the kids needs to use the restroom. I pull into the dock, toe off, and he runs up the the bathroom to do his business. While waiting, a minivan pulls into the launch with a brand new boat being trailered. The group consists of 10 people, the boat, 2 jet skis, and a 10' square inflatable raft of some sort. I shrug it it off and we go back out. 3 hrs later it is time to come in. Pull back in, the lake is like glass, except for the launch where these same people are revving the skis causing wake, and have that damn raft taking up one lane. Plus I should mention that the new boat I mentioned is tied off at the dock with no bumpers, and their wake is slamming it against the dock. I make the comment to my wife "look at these idiots". Frustrated due to the nerve of these people, I run up, grab the trailer, back it down, and load up. Here comes the karma. Due to my frustration, I broke my normal procedure of loading. Yup, pulled up off the ramp with the drive still down. Small scrape, nothing big, but I'm making fun of them, and I wound my boat, and my pride.

 

[monarch78]

Re: Research at the boat launch 4/26/09

Reading all these stories has made me nervous about launching my boat.

 

[Thuffjr]

Re: Research at the boat launch 4/26/09

This is something that I was involved in at a local ramp
My buddy and I were out on a small local lake for the day we launched with no problem but on the way back in I asked if he could get the truck backed down the ramp. He apparently didn't know how to back up a trailer so I went to get the trailer and had him stay with the boat. We were docked right in front of the ramp (small one lane ramp) there was a boat coming in to load so i told my buddy to move the boat out of the way. I was un aware he never drove a boat before.
First he backed up almost full throtle barely missing the boat coming in then in a panic he slamed it into foward and spun the wheel slamming the stern into the side of the dock. and rubbing my out drive on the the concrete ramp.
So now i have a fiberglass patch and new prop to do before the new season.
LOL it would have been a nice show if it wasn't my boat.