Bad Ramp Experience

[Mr_Shamrock]

We were at the ramp on Saturday morning putting in and there was a pontoon that put it in front of us. This family was the most ridiculously inconsiderate boaters that I have ever come across. They put the boat in and tie up. THEN decide it's time to load the boat with all there gear, I am sure your saying OK that happens all the time right? Well not like this. They parked their truck and trailer in the parking lot which is about 50 yards away. There were 6 of them and 5 stayed on the boat and one guy walks back from the truck with a cooler - not a big deal at this point. I am backed in as far as I can and since this dock is so short it won't allow 2 boats in at the same time unless they are both real small. The same guy walks all the way back to his truck and comes back with another cooler - at this point I am starting to get a little tweaked. He then goes back for a 3rd cooler, but this time he gets 1/2 way down the dock and somehow trips and dumps it all over the dock. He cleans it up (by himself) and puts it on his boat. So hopefully that is the end of it. I sit there another 10 minutes (which seemed like an hour) and at this point there is a line of people waiting to put in about 20 deep. Finally I get out and ask if there is a problem and if he needed some "assistance". He looks at me with this clueless face and says "Are you waiting on me?" I lost it - I asked him what the hell did he think I was waiting for? I get no response and he starts his boat and backs out enough for me to get mine in. He is still floating back there partially blocking me, but I squeeze by and pull out about 40 yards to set the tube up for the kids. He pulls right back in and blocks the ramp again. This time I see a new guy walking from the parking lot with a fullsize gas BBQ grill and sure enough he was with the other idiot. I had to sit there and watch how there were going to get this huge grill on a (I'm guessing) 20 ft pontoon that now has 7 people, 3 monster coolers on wheels, and a big inflated tube. They got it in there barely. Now the funny thing is he pulls out and shuts the boat off while they try to arrange everything, we got our tube set-up and I hear him cranking the motor over and it won't start. We left and he was still cranking on it as the wind was pushing him right back towards the dock. Some friends of ours met us out there and they were about 5th in line and said when they put in he had the cowl off the motor and was scratching his head looking at it. All I can say is wow!!!!!! We still had a great time though!

 

[Thad]

Re: Bad Ramp Experience

I will never understand why people can't load their boat at home. Even if I have a long trip ahead of me, say maybe I'm going ove to the Mississippi, I still have my boat loaded before I leave the drive. I'm pretty sure my cooler is NOT going to blow out of the boat on the way. The only thing that does get put in my boat at the ramp is my wallet, phone, and people.

And I just really can't understand how you don't know your boat isn't going to run. Not to the point of having the cowl off. I can see forgetting to prime the ball, or even leaving the line off. But you HAVE TO KNOW if the darn thing runs or not. Your last time out should have told you that.

I have had my share of SHT's, just had one last Saturday:redface:. But it never involves holding up the launch.

I can understand and even accept the people who have a difficult time with backing a trailer or getting their boat in the water, but not all of these people I read about that do things like this.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Bad Ramp Experience

Your story is a carbon copy of what I saw weekly last year! I vowed this year to cough up the $300 for a private ramp pass the first time I encountered a pontoon holding up the ramp like that. Luckily I haven't had to wait for for anyone other than standard people loading by a pontoon, yet...

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: Bad Ramp Experience

Sounds like poetic justice to me. Wasting nearly an hour of everyone elses time at the ramp then his boat wont start. Perfect ending to this story.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Bad Ramp Experience

now I'm not questioning the protocal of pre-loading, especially at public ramps. But it's interesting that the process is new to me, after 40+ years of boating, and here's why: when we launch small boats (<19') in salt water, we keep the axle dry, and push it off the rollers. Often we have a trailer that "breaks". What happens, the stern of the boat dips and the bow rises, and if the stern is weighted down with gear on top of the motor, etc, you can swamp the boat and/or drag the ramp. And the stern is where the coolers go.
So now that I am enlightened, if I go to one of your ramps I'll pre-load, at most maybe setting the heavy cooler on the dock next to the ramp for a fast load. But what you might be seeing, is someone like me who didn't know any better. Assume this when you educate them.
I also have to say, for the OP's story, I feel for the guy who humped everything while his worthless crew sat on their thumbs the whole time. I've been with people like that. They need to be keel-hauled.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Bad Ramp Experience

now I'm not questioning the protocal of pre-loading, especially at public ramps. But it's interesting that the process is new to me, after 40+ years of boating, and here's why: when we launch small boats (<19') in salt water, we keep the axle dry, and push it off the rollers. Often we have a trailer that "breaks". What happens, the stern of the boat dips and the bow rises, and if the stern is weighted down with gear on top of the motor, etc, you can swamp the boat and/or drag the ramp. And the stern is where the coolers go.
.

I'd argue that if you have a trailer that breaks on the ramp, you have absolutely no business with that trailer behind a vehicle! You are placing other peoples life at risk on the road, as it could just as easily break down there. And from the description, it sounds like safety chains wouldn't save you (or the other people)

 

[lncoop]

Re: Bad Ramp Experience

Even if you don't want to load the boat at home for some reason you can load it in the parking lot out of the way. Just boggles the mind how clueless people are. It's amazing there aren't more boating accidents.

 

[marlboro180]

Re: Bad Ramp Experience

I'd argue that if you have a trailer that breaks on the ramp, you have absolutely no business with that trailer behind a vehicle! You are placing other peoples life at risk on the road, as it could just as easily break down there. And from the description, it sounds like safety chains wouldn't save you (or the other people)

^^^^^^I think he is saying he has a tilt trailer.

Mr. Shamrock,

All I can say is uggghhh, hate it when that happens, better luck next time!

 

[SangerTom]

Re: Bad Ramp Experience

At the lakes we go to - they always have a prep area. Do your loading, etc there and then drop in and go. Was a lake for the first time a couple of weeks ago and the ranger actually had people move out of the way if of the ramp or dock if they were loading.

Alas, there are still people that SHT

 

[TMoNeE]

Re: Bad Ramp Experience

^^^^

There is a prep area for a reason, maybe let that guy know the next time. I know its really easy to get frustrated with people who dont do well on the ramp, but I think a LOT of it just comes down to education. I mean im a relatively new boater and if I hadn't spent a bunch of time on here, I wouldnt have known that there IS a prep area, let alone to USE it. I would have been loading my **** from the dock onto the boat.

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: Bad Ramp Experience

now I'm not questioning the protocal of pre-loading, especially at public ramps. But it's interesting that the process is new to me, after 40+ years of boating, and here's why: when we launch small boats (<19') in salt water, we keep the axle dry, and push it off the rollers. Often we have a trailer that "breaks". What happens, the stern of the boat dips and the bow rises, and if the stern is weighted down with gear on top of the motor, etc, you can swamp the boat and/or drag the ramp. And the stern is where the coolers go.
So now that I am enlightened, if I go to one of your ramps I'll pre-load, at most maybe setting the heavy cooler on the dock next to the ramp for a fast load. But what you might be seeing, is someone like me who didn't know any better. Assume this when you educate them.
I also have to say, for the OP's story, I feel for the guy who humped everything while his worthless crew sat on their thumbs the whole time. I've been with people like that. They need to be keel-hauled.

It is more common courtesy than anything. It sounds like this guy spent the better part of 30 to 40 minutes while 20 other cars backed up behind him. Not acceptable. We dont load our coolers when we are taking a long trailer ride because of the fear of losing lids and stuff. However, we also do not block the ramp to load it. I would pull off into the staging area to do this stuff, and if a staging area is not available, I would pull off the road a block or so from the ramp and load up. THE RAMP IS NOT THE CORRECT PLACE TO LOAD YOUR BOAT UP, especially when it is the only ramp available.

OR if you must spend this amount of time, think about the boaters behind you that are waiting. Move out of the way until the ramp frees up. It is obvious that this guy had no clue he was even in the way.

If he is that unaware of his surroundings, maybe he shouldnt be driving a boat in the first place. Or a car or truck for that matter.

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: Bad Ramp Experience

^^^^

There is a prep area for a reason, maybe let that guy know the next time. I know its really easy to get frustrated with people who dont do well on the ramp, but I think a LOT of it just comes down to education. I mean im a relatively new boater and if I hadn't spent a bunch of time on here, I wouldnt have known that there IS a prep area, let alone to USE it. I would have been loading my **** from the dock onto the boat.

I think its a little bit more than just being educated. It is common courtesy and being aware of your surroundings. You wouldnt stop in the middle of a busy road blocking traffic, to load up your car for 20 or 30 minutes would you??? The OP said there was about 20 boats waiting, and the guy actually asked him if he was waiting on him to get out of the way. That is not an education thing, it is a matter of being aware of your surroundings and common sense.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Bad Ramp Experience

Guys. I agree completely that the guy shouldn't hold anyone up at all while he loads his stuff, and that what he did was inexcusable.
A cooler sitting on the dock next to the ramp, dropped into the boat the second the boat hits the water, does not delay anyone, but is necessary with a roller launch I described. That's my point: there are ways to launch without holding anyone up, as long as you are conscientious about it, make the effort and hustle.
Smoking crater: easy. a trailer that breaks is not broken. Aka a tilt trailer. It's what we salties grew up with; now all they sell are "float on's" so their cousin that sells hubs, axles, brakes and lights can send his children to college. I may have some old equipment but give me some credit!

 

[jim372]

Re: Bad Ramp Experience

i have been towing trailers since i was 15 and i am 60 now.
i had a 24 toon for the past 12-14 years and i never loaded it at the dock
and moved boat to end of dock or to place away from ramp.
then moved truck and trailer to parking lot.
even if wife was along i still had to move truck since she proved she cant drive truck and trailer , she took out guys tail light one time.
i left note and guy called me and was so happy i left nope that he said it was ok.

 

[d.boat]

Re: Bad Ramp Experience

now I'm not questioning the protocal of pre-loading, especially at public ramps. But it's interesting that the process is new to me, after 40+ years of boating, and here's why: when we launch small boats (<19') in salt water, we keep the axle dry, and push it off the rollers. Often we have a trailer that "breaks". What happens, the stern of the boat dips and the bow rises, and if the stern is weighted down with gear on top of the motor, etc, you can swamp the boat and/or drag the ramp. And the stern is where the coolers go.
So now that I am enlightened, if I go to one of your ramps I'll pre-load, at most maybe setting the heavy cooler on the dock next to the ramp for a fast load. But what you might be seeing, is someone like me who didn't know any better. Assume this when you educate them.
I also have to say, for the OP's story, I feel for the guy who humped everything while his worthless crew sat on their thumbs the whole time. I've been with people like that. They need to be keel-hauled.

I don't understand why people who are waiting for these folks don't simply walk up and explain the protocol. Some people just don't know and need to be told. This can be done nicely.

Ran into this situation this past weekend. Another guy and I were waiting in line and a fellow had his rig on the ramp, messing with the boat and such. We simply walked up to him and asked him if he knew that prep. was supposed to be done in the staging area so people who were ready to launch could do so - and that he could take his place in line when he was ready. He said sorry, pulled off the ramp and did just that. No big deal. No yelling, no making fun of the guy, just a guy happy to learn a new lesson and a couple of us happy that we could launch and go.

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: Bad Ramp Experience

I don't understand why people who are waiting for these folks don't simply walk up and explain the protocol. Some people just don't know and need to be told. This can be done nicely.

Ran into this situation this past weekend. Another guy and I were waiting in line and a fellow had his rig on the ramp, messing with the boat and such. We simply walked up to him and asked him if he knew that prep. was supposed to be done in the staging area so people who were ready to launch could do so - and that he could take his place in line when he was ready. He said sorry, pulled off the ramp and did just that. No big deal. No yelling, no making fun of the guy, just a guy happy to learn a new lesson and a couple of us happy that we could launch and go.

Its common sense, nobody should have to explain it to anybody. When there are 20 boats waiting on you it should be pretty obvious unless you are completely oblivious, and if that is the case, then you shouldnt be driving a boat or an automobile for that matter. Plain and simple.

 

[tomlida1]

Re: Bad Ramp Experience

People like this have no clue. I see my share of them as well. Last weekend, jet ski backs down the ramp and gets loaded. No big deal. Going pretty fast.

Well, the idiot then decides that he wants to put his cover and tie downs on right at the top of the ramp, blocking the second lane to put in.

The parking lot was 10 feet over. How can you not freaking pull around and take care of business there!

 

[mnypitboat]

Re: Bad Ramp Experience

People like this have no clue. I see my share of them as well. Last weekend, jet ski backs down the ramp and gets loaded. No big deal. Going pretty fast.

Well, the idiot then decides that he wants to put his cover and tie downs on right at the top of the ramp, blocking the second lane to put in.

The parking lot was 10 feet over. How can you not freaking pull around and take care of business there!

Exactly my point. It is simply the fact that they dont give a crap about anybody else. It has nothing to do with them not being educated to boating etticate

 

[d.boat]

Re: Bad Ramp Experience

Its common sense, nobody should have to explain it to anybody. When there are 20 boats waiting on you it should be pretty obvious unless you are completely oblivious, and if that is the case, then you shouldnt be driving a boat or an automobile for that matter. Plain and simple.

So you'd opt for just being pissed and thinking the guy's a jerk rather than having a decent conversation and asking him to move out of the way and explaining why? Now that makes no sense at all.

 

[jtmarten]

Re: Bad Ramp Experience

At the lakes we go to - they always have a prep area. Do your loading, etc there and then drop in and go. Was a lake for the first time a couple of weeks ago and the ranger actually had people move out of the way if of the ramp or dock if they were loading.

Alas, there are still people that SHT

+1
Our Rangers won't let you advance to the launch until after inspection (dayum zebra mussels), which they won't do until you're finished prepping.