Question about ramp etiquette

[CATransplant]

Re: Question about ramp etiquette

Just to add, If I need help I ask, If I see someone strugling I will pitch in and help. It only makes sense.

If someone's struggling, I'll offer to help, but will get my boat loaded and pulled out of the way, then come back. About half the time, though, the person struggling to load a boat says, "No, thanks," or something less courteous. In those cases, I just drive on.

Some folks refuse help, even if they need it badly. I guess it's an ego thing. The most common problem I see people having is backing the trailer in too deep, and their boat's floating off the rollers or bunks, so they can't get it centered on the trailer. I watched one guy who blew off my offer of help struggle for half an hour to get his boat on the trailer. When he pulled up the ramp, it still wasn't on the trailer right.

One guy who let me help him learned about launching deep and retrieving shallow and said, "Wow! Thanks. How come the dealer didn't tell me that?"

 

[sierrak9s]

Re: Question about ramp etiquette

One guy who let me help him learned about launching deep and retrieving shallow and said, "Wow! Thanks. How come the dealer didn't tell me that?"

Wow. Thanks! I didn't know that either.

:redface:

I've been launching deep and retrieving deep, but I've been fortunate so far that the winch just draws the boat up nice into the bumpers. Launching, I'm always afraid of taking off the winch hook until after I get the boat started, lest it float away and then not start.

I'll get used to it, I guess. Just a nervous Nellie.

 

[GXL205 Deke]

Re: Question about ramp etiquette

I hear you on the nerves, I don't have the hang of retrieval yet. Launch got it down. Retrieval is a night mare. I cant keep her straight coming onto the trailer for the life of me. When you say retrieve shallow, how shallow is shallow? Memorial day will be my third retrieval. already dreading it.

 

[RL Gman]

Re: Question about ramp etiquette

Shallow = back bunks 6-12 inches underwater for most ramps, or about half of the bunk lenght is generally the same depth...changes for very steep or very shallow ramps.

 

[jkust]

Re: Question about ramp etiquette

There could be many variables here as well that some take for granted. For instance, my wife will not drive the boat (anywhere but open water) or the tow vehicle (after her incident). Hence, a drop off at the dock to retrieve the tow vehicle isn't possible. We have no choice but to park at the dock, I run for the truck and apologize as needed. Also then trying to maneuver a deceivingly heavy 3500 boat from say the shore or one side of the dock to the other is challenging to say the least. Ramp etiquette I think starts with good intentions but is so Ad Hoc, that people get in where they can fit in. Of course we have Minnesota Nice here which as cliche as it sounds generally holds true. As for the launching in shallow versus deep, my roller trailer makes so no part of the boat need be in the water to retrieve or lauch if you were so inclined to use it like that. A roller trailer is the single biggest stress reliever to me at a less than optimal launch.

 

[Dave Abrahamson]

Re: Question about ramp etiquette

I Back the trailer in until I get the bunks completely wet,(slides easier), then pull it up the ramp until I see about a foot and a half to two feet of the boards out of the water. Winch her up tight and she usually goes up straight every time.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Question about ramp etiquette

There could be many variables here as well that some take for granted. For instance, my wife will not drive the boat (anywhere but open water) or the tow vehicle (after her incident). Hence, a drop off at the dock to retrieve the tow vehicle isn't possible. We have no choice but to park at the dock, I run for the truck and apologize as needed. Also then trying to maneuver a deceivingly heavy 3500 boat from say the shore or one side of the dock to the other is challenging to say the least. Ramp etiquette I think starts with good intentions but is so Ad Hoc, that people get in where they can fit in. Of course we have Minnesota Nice here which as cliche as it sounds generally holds true. As for the launching in shallow versus deep, my roller trailer makes so no part of the boat need be in the water to retrieve or lauch if you were so inclined to use it like that. A roller trailer is the single biggest stress reliever to me at a less than optimal launch.

True. My trailer also tilts, so I can actually load my boat from the ground. I tilt the trailer, off the hitch and, as I winch the boat onto it, the trailer backs itself under the boat until there's enough weight to tip the tilting part of the trailer back to the level position. I can reverse that to launch the boat on dry ground, or in very, very shallow water.

As you say, a roller trailer makes life a lot easier, even with a 12' aluminum boat.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Question about ramp etiquette

All of this talk about easy retrieving is good, but every boat and trailer is different, so everyone has to learn what works with their particular setup. The only thing I'm sure of is that the boat must come into contact with the trailer's bunks or rollers before it reaches the bow stop, or nothing works.

I've seen so many people trying to retrieve their boat with the entire boat floating above the trailer with the winch cranked completely in and the bow at the bow stop. That can't possibly work. For every boat and trailer, there's a point where the boat will contact the rollers or bunks and be centered on the trailer. Finding that point is the key to easy retrieves.

You can't center a floating boat on a trailer, and almost all trailers are designed to center the boat if it hits the rollers or bunks at the right point.

I recommend that new boaters take a weekday off, find an non-busy lake with a ramp and experiment with retrieving, moving the trailer shallower or deeper until they find the combination that works the easiest. Then, memorize how deep the trailer must be for that sweet spot. Often, lakes with low speed limits are uncrowded most of the time. They're a good place to practice.

Once you get the combination down, retrieving will be a snap or should be. If you can't find the right position, then it's time to think about adjusting your trailer to make it work better.

 

[smartwork]

Re: Question about ramp etiquette

Sierra -

With your mentioning that you are new, I think the following may have played a part. As the others mentioned being too cautious, "too cautious" is relative. You were probably just staying within your comfort zone of being new (which is good). Unfortunately, that wise decision to stay within your comfort and experience zone may have conflicted wtih your wanting to move outside of that zone and go ahead and dock. When the more experienced boaters went ahead, that probably only fueled the frustration of not being able to or wanting to do the same - possibly out of fear that you may end up in a undesirable situation. Don't fret it though... you'll soon not worry a bit about dropping off your passenger in the midst of other traffic.

Good on you for staying within your personal zone. Don't let the others who went ahead worry you. As long as they were not reckless, they too were simply acting within their comfort zone.

 

[sierrak9s]

Re: Question about ramp etiquette

Sierra -

With your mentioning that you are new, I think the following may have played a part. As the others mentioned being too cautious, "too cautious" is relative. You were probably just staying within your comfort zone of being new (which is good).

Partly. It was partly knowing that I am a slow, cautious docker, and not wanting to get in people's way. It was also not knowing the "rules," and wanting to err on the side of not breaking any "rules."

I detest rude people. So in a situation where I don't really know what's rude and what isn't, I'll hover for a good long while in order to stay out of everybody's way.

Next time, though, I will be a little -- just a little! -- more aggressive in unloading the truck driver, at least. For the actual retrieve, I will continue to stay out of people's way and wait for a loooong opening, because it can take me a while to get the boat on the trailer.

 

[ECVCHAMP]

Re: Question about ramp etiquette

But here comes another boat wanting to do the same thing, and instead of hanging back, they go right up to the dock and offload. Another boat comes up and does the same. Then another. Meanwhile, I'm still circling and waiting, and getting frustrated, because their drivers are now getting their trailers into line, while I'm still in the water a half-hour beyond what I planned.

Just remember the other boaters do not know what you are doing or thinking. They might think you allready dropped someone off to get the trailer. just sayin.

 

[Knot Waiting]

Re: Question about ramp etiquette

I wish there were more first timers as concious as you are Sierra. Good to hear someone who worked both in their comfort zone and with a concern for others. You'll get more adapt at handling this type of situation with time. Just like everything else theres a learning curve involved. Judging by what you'ce stated so far, your off to a good start.

 

[109jb]

Re: Question about ramp etiquette

I'm not picking on one particular type of boater; however, I must say that it is nearly impossible to get out of the water on a Saturday evening at my area ramp (one ramp) because of the "Bass Boat Bullies" Don't get me wrong. I love to fish and would like to have a bass boat. That having been said. They come streaming in the lot one after another and line up to launch! They WILL NOT LET ANYONE LOAD!! One puts in and then the next backs down. This begins just before dark and continues for about 2hrs. Since I was a child, I was taught to TAKE TURNS. One boat goes in and then a boat comes out and so forth. The only ones that don't seem to get this is "The Bass Boat Bullies" They see a bow rider trying to get off the water and think " I can't let him get in my way" I can have my 20 footer out just as quick as they can, so what gives?

Just my little rant!
sorry

The truck and trailer determine your spot in line. The exception are launches with multiple ramps where the ramps are denoted for either launching or loading. In that case launch from the launch ramp and load from the load ramp.

The fishermen come to the ramp near sun up and sun down. They are entitled to their turn. If they get there and their truck is in line why in the world would you think they should let you ahead of them? If your truck is in line then you get your turn too. It sounds like you know the time of day they come so if you want to avoid the rush then get off the water before the rush starts.

As a fisherman, I can tell you that the morning fishermen deal with the same thing you are talking about. After my morning fishing I often get to the launch ramp at prime rush for all of the pleasure boaters that are launching. I beach or get my boat to the dock and get my truck into line and wait my turn.

Hate to be harsh, but that's just the way it is.

 

[scoutabout]

Re: Question about ramp etiquette

...

I recommend that new boaters take a weekday off, find an non-busy lake with a ramp and experiment with retrieving, moving the trailer shallower or deeper until they find the combination that works the easiest. ....

Terrific advice here if you can manage it. It's very stressful trying to get the hang of something with a crowd watching, nevermind wanting to use the same piece of pavement and dock you are.

It will come with time and even though I've been launching and retrieving all sorts of boats solo for at least 25 years now, every once in a while I'll have an off day where I'm hard pressed to hit any part of the trailer with the boat - never mind get it straight. Keeps ya humble!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Question about ramp etiquette

To amplify the great suggestion of practicing on a weekday, let me suggest to those who are the only one in the crew who drives the boat and the trailer, to reconsider and get the rest (typcially, here, the wife) able to handle the same.
It's really not fair to the other boaters when you have able-bodied adults sitting aboard but you act as if you are solo--solo is always slower.
There is also a major safety factor--everyone in the boat needs to know how to stop it, turn around and pick YOU up, and/or return to base with your carcass.

You may find the "wife" is better at it than you are. She may enjoy boating a whole lot more--she may even take her friends out without you. In any event she will appreciate your skills if she finds it difficult. You may get a co-pilot so you can relax, or cut bait/rig lines, etc on the boat ride. Having two skilled boat drivers makes the anchoring process much easier, especially in adverse conditions.

Get your children driving the boat at 14 and the trailer at 16. That's the time for them to understand the responsibility, and you are with them to teach them (assuming you know what you are doing!). I trailered a boat across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel at 15 with my learner's permit--and so did my daughter. At 16 I could trailer to the ramp, launch and fish the bay with my friends, retrieve and come home. So could my sisters and mother--although they were smarter than me and dad and usually got a boy, me or him to do it for them!

The only way to get experience is by experience.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Question about ramp etiquette

Very good point. All adults and teens involved in boating should learn and practice operating the boat and the drivers should be able to back the boat trailer. A little practice in an empty parking lot will do the trick.

As you said, just for safety's sake, everyone over the age of about 14 in the boat should know how to operate the boat at least at a basic level. The teens will jump at the chance to learn something new and fun. Mom will understand the safety issues.

That said, Dad needs to exercise all the patience available when teaching this stuff. What seems easy to those of us who are experienced is completely baffling to novices. I still remember my father teaching me to drive. He just couldn't understand it when I didn't immediately grasp and retain every skill.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Question about ramp etiquette

It's really not fair to the other boaters when you have able-bodied adults sitting aboard but you act as if you are solo--solo is always slower...

Excellent post, however solo is not ALWAYS slower. You can't make that statement as fact, sorry.

 

[DevonS]

Re: Question about ramp etiquette

Ahhh... I love proving I used the search function by reviving an old thread.

I had my second-ever outing today with another buddy of mine. First dock launch ever. Didn't go too badly. Though after starting the boat I had some trouble actually getting off the dock. A bit of waves and wind and verly little skill with boating at present and I was "that guy". Having a hard time picking a line and having to re-calibrate 60 times a second because the wind or some wake is pushing you around.

I had the same issues as the OP with retrieval. Not sure about who should go when if both sides are used for comin' and goin'. But we puttered up to the dock (not very gracefully) and my pal held the boat at the end of the dock while I grabbed the truck. A few guys were waiting to launch so I asked them what the etiquette was and the guy appearing to be next told me to go ahead and retrieve. I got out pretty quick tho. My boat seems pretty easy to trailer according to the whole 2 times I've had her out.

When I'm with my family I will pretty much be solo. My wife does not drive. Doesn't even know which is the gas and which is the brake. I may get her to cruise around in open water, but I seriously doubt she'll get anywhere near a dock. My kids are 6 and 2; long time before there's help there. My wife is also a small girl so holding the boat on a dock in rough water may be a no go as well. I see some frustrating times coming