Boat Ramp Submerged Debris- What are my rights?

[mwatermasy001]

While launching my boat yesterday (a brand new 21 ft. Chapparal), my prop caught an anchor that was submerged on the ramp...I was not even past the end of the dock trying to back out before this was on there...as a result, my prop is shot to hell....is there an implied warranty that the boat ramp should be clear of debris? There's no way I could have known that was there, and as a result, my new boat is now going to need a new prop, and some other minor repair work.<br /><br />Please advise with any information you may have.<br /><br />Also...the ramp is a municipal ramp...no signs at all about use at your own risk, etc...<br /><br />Thank you!

 

[paulgp6022]

Re: Boat Ramp Submerged Debris- What are my rights?

Most ramps are use at your own risk. If it is a private ramp that you pay membership fees to use, you might have a chance. Try your insurance company, they will probably cover it.

 

[trumpetbucks]

Re: Boat Ramp Submerged Debris- What are my rights?

A "municipal ramp"? I would check with the city/town manager and see if THEIR insurance would cover it. Of course, I hope you had witnesses if you're going that route....<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[neumanns]

Re: Boat Ramp Submerged Debris- What are my rights?

It is my best guess that is within your rights make a claim on the anchor. You could post a notice in the local newspaper informing any relitives of the anchor that they may also be liable. If the anchor is unable to pay you could indenture the anchor until the debt is paid. If the anchor is able but unwilling to pay you could threaten to maroon the anchor on dry land, this may get results as anchors love water. Or you could accept this as what it is, An unfortunate mishap and repair the damage afterall props are not cheap but realistically it is only a couple of bills we are talking about. Be sure to have the seals checked on the lower unit and move on.<br /><br />Sorry to sound so harsh but we would all be better off if we just accepted a little user responsibility every now and then.<br /><br />Heck of a Welcome aint it, Stick around There is a lot of good info here and new members are always welcome to join.

 

[Pecker]

Re: Boat Ramp Submerged Debris- What are my rights?

Rock On, Neumanns!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[mwatermasy001]

Re: Boat Ramp Submerged Debris- What are my rights?

this one is for you neumanns:<br /><br />First off, if I felt I was at fault ("user responsibility), I would be more than happy to pay for the repairs and move on...however, someone dropped an anchor (it didn't wash up itself) and the township left it there...so I guess what you are saying is that it's okay for ramp operators to ignore anything that may end up on their ramp, allow people to put boats that cost thousands on them at no fault if something should happen...that sounds reasonable to me (and I'm sure you would feel the same if it were your boat)<br /><br />Secondly..I will take the blame for posting this message here, I mistakenly took this board for a place where you could get some good feedback, without being ridiculed for your questions, or have to put up with people like yourself....I guess I was wrong

 

[FLATHEAD]

Re: Boat Ramp Submerged Debris- What are my rights?

Whoa hold up a second mwatermasy001. Neumanns I am sure meant no disrespect. He is a valued member here and has helped many a-boater out. You did not see the anchor so what makes you think the local municipality saw it. It may have just been dropped off there just before you arrived knowingly or maybe by accident. I think the only ones responsible would be the person that left it there and unfortunately yourself. I agree with SSminow try your insurance co. maybe you will be covered. Don't give up on this board yet it is the best boating forum on the net bar none.

 

[neumanns]

Re: Boat Ramp Submerged Debris- What are my rights?

The anchor was left inadvertantly...We do not by who but common sense will tell you that because this person is short an anchor and will need to replace it and it would be rediculous to assume someone drove to the ramp to discard it.<br /><br />I realize you are upset about the damage to your New boat, But **it happens. <br /><br />Persuing the city for not notifiying you that launching your boat could result in any number of mishaps is unfotunate. Most of us assume that any # of things could happen when we do anything. Not to mention that it will proably result in ramp closure.<br /><br />By user responsibility I not only mean things that happen as a direct result of your actions but also thing that can happen as a result of your actions. For example a submerged prop that we cannot see can and does hit things. Surly you did not launch your boat or buy your last car expecting nothing would ever happen to it , did you?<br /><br />Lastly this forum is full of information for people looking for answers and every once in a while we interject a little humor to help make a point. My point was that looking for someone to blame for something most would consider a possability (prop damage) is childish. The info you were looking for was also in my post, Check your seals.<br /><br />Ps. last week I did damage my prop on approach to a ramp. Now i know that I was trimmed to low for that approach therfore I do not feel diffrently I accepted the responsability rather than trying to get somoneelse to pay for the prop I ruined. I didnt even persue getting the gravel bar removed.

 

[Toontime]

Re: Boat Ramp Submerged Debris- What are my rights?

Mwatermasy100, I would like to know who you blamed for your last flat tire and did they pay to have your tire fixed? Why did you not have your wife check the ramp for you before you shoved the butt of your boat into the water? Boat ramps are the best source of used props and boating accesories of every kind. If folks picked up their castaways, I'd have to actually BUY parts occassionally. Even found a complete 10 horse merc laying beside the bumpy road to a dirt ramp once. We all feel sorry for your loss, but you will provide employment to numerous marine related folks if you continue to own a boat. Thanks for your contribution.

 

[JasonB]

Re: Boat Ramp Submerged Debris- What are my rights?

I think you are on your own for repairs/replacemnt of your prop. I view it much the same as my last new prop. I hit a rock as I backed off the trailer the first time out. While the waterway is maintained by the Army Corp. of Engineers, It's not their resposiblity that I backed into a rock. If we all tried to get someone to pay for all the stuff we tear up boating, all the public ramps would be gone as municipalities couldn't afford the liability. <br /><br />I don't mean to sound disrespectful, but there is a danger of breaking something/hitting something submerged every time you put the boat in the water. If I ding a prop by hitting something, it's my responsibility. When there is no sign, I would assume use at your own risk. Heck, I assume that anyway. Boating is expensive, espicially when stuff gets damaged. I know this well, I have two boats. Insurance will catch the big stuff, but your pocket will catch the smaller stuff. If the most expensive thing I break is a prop. I will be one happy camper <br /><br />While you may technically have a case with the muni. where the ramp is, is it worth your time, money, and frustration to deal with the red tape? If it is a single ss prop, it will cost you $100-$200 to fix it. If it's alum, $100 will replace it. Not worth the numerous hours you will spend at City Hall waiting in line.

 

[ebbtide176]

Re: Boat Ramp Submerged Debris- What are my rights?

masy001, i'm sorry things got a little testy here, but sometimes you have to just ignore any comments that are irritating to you, and go on to the next reply... 99.9999% of the replies here are meant to inform, help, educate and humor others. i too think neumanns meant to inform & help. <br /><br />btw - did you already have an anchor? what kind of anchor did you just inherit? unless it was a very big mushroom type, you might want to keep your motor raised above the bottom more than the 8-10" that was most likely involved... just a thought. and i'm sorry to hear of this maiden voyage mishap.

 

[lakeman1999]

Re: Boat Ramp Submerged Debris- What are my rights?

If you damaged the anchor, it is your responsibility to make every effort possible to find the true owner of it, and either replace, or pay for the damages you caused when you inadvertantly rammed into it. I hope you were not speeding, as it is unlawfull to proceed at a speed above idle within 50 feet of a launching ramp, and you may be liable for a fine from the DNR.

 

[jamiewashere256]

Re: Boat Ramp Submerged Debris- What are my rights?

You people are killing me. The guy asked your advice for a problem he is having.It may seem "Rediculous" to you but it's a legit problem for this guy. This place I thought was to help each other not insult each other. The answer nuemanns gave was not very objective. The was no need to insult the guy Jeez.

 

[Toontime]

Re: Boat Ramp Submerged Debris- What are my rights?

Gosh, I'm so ashamed and overwhelmed with guilt about my previous response and the fact that I failed to answer his question. The answer is: You have the right to sue anybody for any reason. You also have the right to pay the legal bills for all concerned should your side not prevail. I understand the need to vent one's frustrations but accidents happen. Murphy is still alive and well and his laws still apply.

 

[Pecker]

Re: Boat Ramp Submerged Debris- What are my rights?

Maybe we need to send out divers to check and see if there are any lawyers chained to the anchor

 

[jamiewashere256]

Re: Boat Ramp Submerged Debris- What are my rights?

Good. You should feel that way.

 

[jamiewashere256]

Re: Boat Ramp Submerged Debris- What are my rights?

mwatermasy001 JasonB had by far the best response, Im sure you figured that out though. Good luck.

 

[Snydersc]

Re: Boat Ramp Submerged Debris- What are my rights?

What it really boils down to is lack of resposibility for your own actions. I know that now it is easier to blame someone else for your own problems. I do not see any need to banter back and forth over something as silly as a prop. Its happened to all of us at one time or another. You came here with a problem, and really you got several answers, just because you might not like all of the answers is not a reason to whine. This forum has been the most helpful of ANY site that I have found. We should all be grateful. <br /><br />Bite the bullet(or should I say anchor...)<br /><br />Shawn

 

[Snydersc]

Re: Boat Ramp Submerged Debris- What are my rights?

Oh, I do have one question, did you pull the anchor out so the rest of us don't hit it. I know thats what I would have done.

 

[JasonB]

Re: Boat Ramp Submerged Debris- What are my rights?

We were all new boaters full of questions once. Heck, I'm not such a new boater and I still ask a bunch of questions. <br /><br />If I were the owner of a brand new nice boat, I would get perturbed by something as simple as a dinged prop. That's why both of my boats are exactly 28 years old. I've dinged three props in the last 4 years. All on the same boat. The first time it was brand new and it perturbed me greatly for a couple days. It cost me $50 to undo the damage. Bottom line, it wasn't worth the worry. The second one, my wife backed into a rock when she forgot to shift out of gear. No real harm done, just another $50. Used it as an opportunity to get the prop repitched. The last time, I put the freshly rebuilt prop on (yes another new prop experience...) and the second time I tried to pull up a skier, the bridle cable got sucked around the prop and made a nice cut in it. Heck, I was happy my old 85hp could cut a 1/8" steel braid cable . Lost some tools changing that prop out.<br /><br />My point is, a new boat is like a new car. It's perfect until you get that first scratch. But you get over it. Don't fret too much over a dinged prop. Enjoying your boat is what it's all about. To me, $100 is a chunk of change, but it's a spit in the wind compared to the cost of a 21' Chap. In your shoes, I would get the prop repaired and/or buy a new one. Chalk up a good reason to carry a spare prop and the tools to change it. Then a dinged prop doesn't stop the fun of a day on the water, it just pauses it while you laugh at yourself for running over something and try to figure out how to change a prop while in the water Been there, done that, lost the pliers <br /><br />Please don't take this as putting you down, but as you get used to boating, you will get a pretty thick skin on some things. Just keep it in perspective. <br /><br />It's all good when you put the throttle down.....