Idiots at the launch!

[Chris the Prop]

Re: Idiots at the launch!

Well, this weekend will be my first launch of my own boat. I've helped friends out a time or two before, so I'm not too worried. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that you guys aren't talking about ME on Monday!!!

Any tips for a newbie???

 

[BigJess]

Re: Idiots at the launch!

Don't forget to take the straps off and put the plug in!

 

[90sunbird]

Re: Idiots at the launch!

the public boat launch what a breeding ground for buttholes, i launch next to a park in poughkeepsie ny thay need a cop to watch this thing, first the kids love to throw rocks, sticks ect in the water at the ramp. then people park on the ramp itself when other people are loding and unloding there boat, also they like to take the parking spots that say trailer only when there is a parking lot 10 ft away but the worst are the idoits on jet skis who blow donuts infront of the ramp wile your are trying to load, it is so great when the cops drive down the ramp and see this, smile and drive away! i saw last week a truck nose up to a curb do a smoke show and drive away with a cop watch and not move him 50 yards away!!! BUT its a free ramp

 

[Mark42]

Re: Idiots at the launch!

I always do the best launch when I ignore everyone and just do what is needed to launch. Just run down the list, and all is fine. When I start talking to bystanders and well-wishers, is when mistakes are made because I get distracted from what I am supposed to be doing.

Keep focused and all is well.

Plus. if you're fast enough, you can beat the harbor master patrol and get away without paying to launch!!!!!

 

[90sunbird]

Re: Idiots at the launch!

Well, this weekend will be my first launch of my own boat. I've helped friends out a time or two before, so I'm not too worried. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that you guys aren't talking about ME on Monday!!!

Any tips for a newbie???

as far as a nubie i ben there so i understand, i will evern offer help when needed, most real boaters will, some of us still believe in waving at each other on the water. my advice to you is be nice and respect others and u will do fine

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Idiots at the launch!

luckily I don't have to deal with the ramp issues--but I love reading about them! @ comments:

The people who do not train and then enlist the help of their regular crew (typcially the wife/girlfriend) selfishly slow things down. Everyone can do something, especially when time is lost/dock space taken going to get or park the vehicle.

A great summer job for a highschooler would be a ramp boy (or girl) to be the extra hands, park/get the tow vehicle, load/unload, etc. Sounds like many of you would pay someone to go speed up the ones who need help!

And finally--when you lose patience with someone who forgets a plug, engine doesn't start, strap still on, power loads, goes the wrong way--remember, we all make mistakes or have a first time at a new ramp. Try to discern who is intentionally screwing up, or who doesn't care, before judging; your day will come.

 

[Cudos]

Re: Idiots at the launch!

I am brand new to boating, have never even backed up a utility trailer let alone a boat. I can honestly say I am dreading launching and loading for the first time. Having seasoned boaters watching me jack knife my boat while feverishly trying to back it down straight.

I know enough to be ready with straps off and boat loaded ect, but I will be nervous as hell about being the entertainment for the day. I have been practicing backing up up but still know that I will likely pooch a few attempts.

Is it ok to ask for help when things are taking to long? or do people get pissed about that?

Cheers

 

[Wingnutt]

Re: Idiots at the launch!

Cudos,

Man I wish all, well at least 50% of new boaters had your attitude!

Before you head off to the ramp, find a mall or a store with a BIG mostly empty parking lot and practice backing up. Use the parking lines as guides. Start by practicing backing straight until you build up some confidence, then try backing into the parking spaces at different angles. Remember, slow and small inputs on the steering wheel are the way to start out.

One trick I was taught when I was learning how to back semis is to put your hand on the steering wheel at the 6 o'clock position and using you side view mirrors only, turn the wheel in the direction that you want the trailer to go. This effectively turns the steering tires in the opposite direction you want the trailer to go. Don't forget that if you look back without using a mirror, you then have to turn the opposite way.

And no, asking for help is NEVER a bad thing! I for one am more than willing to help an inexperienced boater out. We were all newbies at one time.

 

[capt sam]

Re: Idiots at the launch!

luckily I don't have to deal with the ramp issues--but I love reading about them! @ comments:

The people who do not train and then enlist the help of their regular crew (typcially the wife/girlfriend) selfishly slow things down. Everyone can do something, especially when time is lost/dock space taken going to get or park the vehicle.

A great summer job for a highschooler would be a ramp boy (or girl) to be the extra hands, park/get the tow vehicle, load/unload, etc. Sounds like many of you would pay someone to go speed up the ones who need help!

And finally--when you lose patience with someone who forgets a plug, engine doesn't start, strap still on, power loads, goes the wrong way--remember, we all make mistakes or have a first time at a new ramp. Try to discern who is intentionally screwing up, or who doesn't care, before judging; your day will come.

we have a service similiar to that at one of our ramps. For $15, the guy will back you and your boat in and unhook you, you call him on the cell when you're coming back in and he puts the trailer in the water so all you have to do is drive up on it and then he pulls you out, like a boat valet I guess. He stays busy and if you have the wife and kids and a big boat it's worth it.

 

[BTMCB]

Re: Idiots at the launch!

I am brand new to boating, have never even backed up a utility trailer let alone a boat. I can honestly say I am dreading launching and loading for the first time. Having seasoned boaters watching me jack knife my boat while feverishly trying to back it down straight.

I know enough to be ready with straps off and boat loaded ect, but I will be nervous as hell about being the entertainment for the day. I have been practicing backing up up but still know that I will likely pooch a few attempts.

Is it ok to ask for help when things are taking to long? or do people get pissed about that?

Cheers

Don't "dread" it, just be prepared, focus and take your time. No one here is suggesting anyone "rush". We all have had problems and have made mistakes but so long as you are trying to do it right you will be fine. Also, you should not be afraid to ask for help (if you want to or need it) as most boaters would be happy to help you if asked. So, relax and enjoy that first launch!!

Making a mistake at the launch makes you human. Having lunch on your boat while tied to the launch dock, with others waiting to launch or retrieve, makes you an idiot!!

 

[dannyual767]

Re: Idiots at the launch!

Don't "dread" it, just be prepared, focus and take your time. No one here is suggesting anyone "rush". We all have had problems and have made mistakes but so long as you are trying to do it right you will be fine. Also, you should not be afraid to ask for help (if you want to or need it) as most boaters would be happy to help you if asked. So, relax and enjoy that first launch!!

Making a mistake at the launch makes you human. Having lunch on your boat while tied to the launch dock, with others waiting to launch or retrieve, makes you an idiot!!

I'd say that pretty much sums it up.

 

[lonemust]

Re: Idiots at the launch!

Here's mine. Last year my dad and I took my boat out to work some bugs out of the carbs. (adjust them). Dad mess them up to the point the motor won't start back up. Got the thing back to shore( never left the no wake zone). Had him get the car I waited with the boat. Some guy comes up with this huge boat backs down the ramp loads everything on it, unstraps the back. He even has to put his tie off lines onto the cleats. Anywho, he back the boat in the water sets the e-brake, puts the van in park gets out to give his father-in-law the tie-off lines (so he can pull the boat to the dock). As he steps out of the van it starts to roll backwards: he tried to get it stopped but by time he was able to hit the brake pedal the tires are already on the slippery stuff. The van stayed running the hole time. The water was less then 6" below the bottom of the FRONT bumper. He tried to drive it out but the tires would not grab, so another boater pulled him out with his truck and a tow strap from someone else. Turned a very upsetting day (being P-off at dad) into a hilarious day. Exspecially after they got the van out of the water and the owner opened the backdoors to let the water out of the van and said he needed to put drain plugs in the floor of his van.

 

[Burtonair01]

Re: Idiots at the launch!

I think we all need to start taking pic's of these funny events that we see happen from time to time and post them so we all can get a laugh, and if it happens to happen to us then we can post those as well so we know it can happen to us as well.

 

[Andyfender]

Re: Idiots at the launch!

I am brand new to boating, have never even backed up a utility trailer let alone a boat. I can honestly say I am dreading launching and loading for the first time. Having seasoned boaters watching me jack knife my boat while feverishly trying to back it down straight.

I know enough to be ready with straps off and boat loaded ect, but I will be nervous as hell about being the entertainment for the day. I have been practicing backing up up but still know that I will likely pooch a few attempts.

Is it ok to ask for help when things are taking to long? or do people get pissed about that?

Cheers

I share your pain! My boat is ready to go when I start to back her down the ramp. I feel like a 1000 eye balls are watching me. A minute seems like an hour. I think I have read everything on boat etiquette this past Winter. I should be okay If I just take my time and don't try to rush!

Andy

 

[25thmustang]

Re: Idiots at the launch!

I plan to have a drink this weekend, in honor of not having to go through the launch ramp woes!

 

[CaliCash]

Re: Idiots at the launch!

Wouldnt it be great if your IQ was on your drivers licence and if it was below 70 they wouldnt sell you beer or tobacco!!

THAT IS AWESOME! I'd certainly vote yes for that!

 

[CaliCash]

Re: Idiots at the launch!

as far as a nubie i ben there so i understand, i will evern offer help when needed, most real boaters will, some of us still believe in waving at each other on the water. my advice to you is be nice and respect others and u will do fine

I have noticed that this is becoming more and more less common. I still do it when I pass by a boat though, it was how I was raised.

 

[Supersportster]

Re: Idiots at the launch!

I am hit or miss when it comes to launching... For whatever reason it always seems to go smoothly when there is no one else at the launch...

I recently bought one of those vertical boat lifts...So now I only have to launch once at the beginning of theyear, and once at the end...

Amazing how good those lifts work..

 

[duck0872]

Re: Idiots at the launch!

I was at Lake Iowa one time getting ready to put the jon boat in. Had it all ready to go and was pulling in to turn around and back down the ramp when some idiot came flying in front of me with an empty trailer and proceeded down the ramp. I was a little miffed but thought "well he's just pulling out, this will be quick anyway, no big deal". Yeah right. 45 minutes later I was still standing there at the only ramp and he was still trying to get his boat on the trailer. Finally a DNR officer who apparently had been watching came by and told them they had been on the ramp too long and had to move so I could launch. We could still see him on the ramp a half hour later. Makes you wonder.

 

[jwp]

Re: Idiots at the launch!

Yes there are times when you just want to strangle the guy ahead of you.
When this happens, it's time to remember "hey, I came to enjoy myself". For
an side splitting day, leave the boat at home. Get a lawn chair and cooler,
then sit in the shade and watch the fun. Even better, take a vedio camera -
it get's to even the pro's. You may even find yourself being laughed at