If your boat is broken or otherwise not cooperating, yes, you need to clear it out of the way of other people. Does not matter if you are alone and with a 4 year old. You should not block the ramp. Of course, everybody has a bad day, I am sure the other guy will get over it. I might offer to help you move it or clear it from the ramp or get it back on your trailer but no freaking way would I help fix, diagnose or otherwise repair your boat. I got my own stuff to work on and I spend a lot of time working on it so that when I get to the ramp, my boat runs.
I wouldn't be too concerned about it...it happens. I am new to boating and this is my first season with my boat. I solo-loaded/unloaded an 18ft Starcraft every trip, with my four year old at three different lakes. I am quicker by myself than some people are with help. The last trip out I had the trailer in the water, next to another trailer. He was attempting to load, got close to his trailer, lost it and ended up on top of mine. The bad part was that I started my approach after he got close to his trailer, so I had to abort my landing and watch as he and his wife struggled to get the boat anwhere near there own trailer. The were still trying to crank it in as I was driving up the dock.
It happens, and it is sometimes unavoidable. Big deal if someone has to wait 20 minutes to get on the water. Help out if you choose, offer to pull the truck off the ramp if it is going to be awhile, or crack open a soda, sit back, relax and watch the craziness of the ramp. I think everyone just needs to relax a little bit. Taking it easy is why we enjoy the water!
Getting to the dock early to launch is the easy part, it is taking out on a windiy afternoon when everyone is doing the same is when it gets interesting.
Selfish person here.
No. I just think life's too short not to leave the best impression you can on people. I'm 51 years old, and I'm not sure how many hours that equals out to be that I have been alive, but the way I see it, a half an hour lending a helping hand is but a drop in the bucket of life. And I often help total strangers load their truck at home depot or lowes when they are by themselves. That's just me and i wont change.
+1. About two weeks ago I was loading my boat and an older gentleman was backing his trailer down to load his boat. I started to get a bit irked because he was backing within a foot or so of my vehicle--but then realized he was just not that good at backing down and couldn't see his trailer. I motioned for him to stop and proceeded to straighten his trailer up for him (by hand--was a light trailer). After getting him straight I gave him the thumbs up then drove up the ramp. I would rather help (which makes it faster for everyone-and makes me feel good. I just have never understood why some people would be inconsiderate at the ramp.
No, a person who works 24X7 and has very little time. I did not ask you for an opinion on me, the OP asked for an opinion on ramp manners, I gave mine. If you do not like it to bad but still, please clear the ramp in a timely manner, both you and the OP. Thank you.
+1. About two weeks ago I was loading my boat and an older gentleman was backing his trailer down to load his boat. I started to get a bit irked because he was backing within a foot or so of my vehicle--but then realized he was just not that good at backing down and couldn't see his trailer. I motioned for him to stop and proceeded to straighten his trailer up for him (by hand--was a light trailer). After getting him straight I gave him the thumbs up then drove up the ramp. I would rather help (which makes it faster for everyone-and makes me feel good. I just have never understood why some people would be inconsiderate at the ramp.
^^^^^ Here's a good example of great citizenry.
^^^^^ and here's an example of poor citizenry.
Folks....If you're someone who has to work 24/7.....why are you on the boat ramp or out on the water in the first place? Unless you're a tugboat captain, sea captain or a taxi.....aren't you supposed to be working.? How about this.....make more time for yourself.....and allow more time for others to do what they have to do and don't be so rude about it. Life is to short to go around with an attitude like yours.
I agree. And why is the boater on the water always willing to pass you with a big wave hello or a high five as if commorodity is as plentiful as the waves, and then get on the boat ramp and give you the finger ? I don't get it......![]()
Ya know... I started to agree.... then I went back and re read his whole post.... He did at least say he'd help move the boat to a dock....