Putting a boat in the Kentucky River

[Griflog]

Not sure if this is the correct forum to post this in, but I need some advice. I'll will be putting my boat in on a river with a failry decent current. Most of the time I'll be puttin in by myself. It is a 16ft runabout. My problem is, there is no courtesy dock. So, when I put in, what do I do with the boat while I'm parking my tow vehicle? If my ten year old son is with me, he should be able to hold on to the line to hold the boat at the ramp, but what if I am by myself? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[External Combustion]

Re: Putting a boat in the Kentucky River

Don't lay that responsibility onyour 10 year old son. If anything were to happen he would blame himself. The worse thing is that he might not let go and be dragged into the current while trying to save the boat. Kids are not always logical, especially when they try to please us parents.

Take your anchor line out and tie it to a tree or large rock if they are available. If not, plant your anchor on the shore and take up the line. If you don't have an anchor, get one.

I launch my thirty footer by myself frequently where there is no courtesy dock and the anchor trick works fine.

 

[Willyclay]

Re: Putting a boat in the Kentucky River

Suggest you go to the ramp without your boat on the next nice boating day and watch how others handle the situation. Lots of safe and efficient boaters out there as well as a few who have not thought it through very well. Good luck.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Putting a boat in the Kentucky River

tie it to a tree, anchor it on the shore. find a buddy.

 

[dave11]

Re: Putting a boat in the Kentucky River

I agree with External Combustion. Don't place that responsibility on a 10 year old boy. Launch and retrieve the boat as if you were doing it by yourself. Tie it off to something or ground it while you park.

 

[Griflog]

Re: Putting a boat in the Kentucky River

I agree with External Combustion. Don't place that responsibility on a 10 year old boy. Launch and retrieve the boat as if you were doing it by yourself. Tie it off to something or ground it while you park.

After reading my own post, I realize how stupid it would be to put that kind of resposiblity on a ten year old.

 

[Griflog]

Re: Putting a boat in the Kentucky River

Don't lay that responsibility onyour 10 year old son. If anything were to happen he would blame himself. The worse thing is that he might not let go and be dragged into the current while trying to save the boat. Kids are not always logical, especially when they try to please us parents.

Take your anchor line out and tie it to a tree or large rock if they are available. If not, plant your anchor on the shore and take up the line. If you don't have an anchor, get one.

I launch my thirty footer by myself frequently where there is no courtesy dock and the anchor trick works fine.

That's pretty much how i envisioned it being done, just wanted some expert advise!