Help at the boat ramp.

Tnstratofam

Commander
Joined
Aug 18, 2013
Messages
2,679
I've read several posts on here about bad experiences at the ramp. Thought I would pass on some good ramp behavior. The lake I go to has several public ramp options for the modern boater. There are always plenty of inexperienced people trying to launch or retrieve next to the experts. I think most of the time people here in the mountains seem to be patient with the less experienced. I have experienced this first hand. The last 2 times we took our boat out we had engine trouble and had to be towed back to the ramp. On both occasions total strangers unloading and loading their boats took the time to help us get our crippled craft back on the trailer. Everyone asked our problem and many offered up good advice or a good mechanics name and number. Both times we tied up one lane for about 5 minutes or so and both times it was rather busy. No one got angry, no one was rude. I really am thankful for all the help we get both at the lake, and here on iboats. Last weekend we were on our way once again to the ramp (I assured the admiral that I had the boat fixed this time). Just as I was coming up to the turn out for the ramp a spark plug blew out of one of the heads on my truck ( anyone with a Triton V8 knows my pain). While I sat there under my hood trying to rethread my spark plug two people offered to help me tow my boat home. That was really cool. I got the truck fixed and after all the excitement got the boat in the water. Still working on my carb issue, but all in all it was a pretty good day. Thanks to all you who are helpers of the desperate, and aid de camp to the newbies.:joyous:
 

Grub54891

Admiral
Joined
Jun 17, 2012
Messages
6,139
Re: Help at the boat ramp.

There are good people out there! I always try to help if they look like they need it.
Grub
 

southkogs

Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Jul 7, 2010
Messages
14,968
Re: Help at the boat ramp.

It's Tennessee, man ... it's supposed to be that way ;)

Welcome aboard.
 

LippCJ7

Vice Admiral
Joined
Sep 20, 2010
Messages
5,431
Re: Help at the boat ramp.

That is what its all about.

Sometimes people forget that, get into to much of a hurry or are caught up in their own issues.
 

Home Cookin'

Fleet Admiral
Joined
May 26, 2009
Messages
9,715
Re: Help at the boat ramp.

I find the boaters around here to be very helpful, although I don't deal with over-crowded public ramps. Same goes on the Eastern Shore where I do half my boating.

Growing up in this Navy town we knew we could always count on the squids (as they were affectionately known) to stop and help with any break-down, on land or sea; didn't even worry about my sisters out driving, then or now. They seemed to love the chance to get under a hood or push a car down the road.
 

rowlex

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
May 10, 2007
Messages
110
Re: Help at the boat ramp.

this reminds me i need to put my 2nd battery back in the hole it came out of. Thanks!

(jumper cabled a guy with dead battery so he could tilt his outdrive back up to trailer his boat)
 

EZSteury

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Aug 24, 2013
Messages
79
Re: Help at the boat ramp.

I'm really glad there are still good people out there, don't try that in MD up here they just don't care.
 

dlngr

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 15, 2007
Messages
547
Re: Help at the boat ramp.

I learned the hard way,run the outboard at home before putting it in the river. One fine day ,I put the boat in,got all set to go,and the battery was dead. A total stranger loaned me a brand new battery,since he had bigger problems with his boat. He jotted down my name and phone # -and called me a week later to arrange getting his battery back!
 
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