Ramp etiquette - launching solo

[jtexas]

So far every time I been out alone it's not been the best weather so it's not too crowded, but on those days when people are lined up for the ramp, what's the best procedure for solo launching/retreival? I guess just leave the vehicle on the ramp while parking the boat? What do yall think about that?<br /><br />thnaks,<br />jtw

 

[FLATHEAD]

Re: Ramp etiquette - launching solo

What size boat. But it dont matter, If you are alone you dont have much choice than to dock the boat while your pickup sets on the ramp.

 

[ZmOz]

Re: Ramp etiquette - launching solo

Yeah, dock as far out of the way as you can, and park your truck as quickly as you can. It doesn't make me very mad if I have to wait for someone that is launching their boat alone if I can tell they are trying to hurry, but those idiots that just casually wonder out of their vehicle, take their time to launch and tie up, then walk back to the vehicle, find a good parking spot, and casually come back down to take their time starting their boat really pisses me off...even if they take the same amount of time to do it as someone that is trying to hurry.

 

[DaveM]

Re: Ramp etiquette - launching solo

In my area there is usually an "off ramp" side of a dock where you can tie up a boat. For example, one of the places I launch has 5 docks. The outside of dock 1 and dock 5 do not have ramp access. Here you would tie up your boat and go park. If that is not available, then tie the boat up at the extreme end of the dock.<br /><br />BTW - my belief is that anyone crabbing at me as I launch/recover my boat solo can get off their fat *** and help. Most people are pretty good about this.

 

[Maximerc]

Re: Ramp etiquette - launching solo

Lately Michigan has been putting big nasty rocks along the shor so you cant pull your boat up there .. makes it a pain !

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Ramp etiquette - launching solo

I always launch solo. Well, me and the dog but she don't help much. I've had a few people put there hand on their hips and give me that disgusted look. Always the ones with the nicest, biggest, fastest, most expensive boats. If they can't wait the 2 or 3 minutes it takes me to drop the trolling motor (one of the reasons I bought one-no warmup required), drive 30 feet, tie up and jog back to the truck..... FM<br /><br />Here's a link from someone else who launches solo. Same boat as me!

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Ramp etiquette - launching solo

OOPS,<br />Forgot to "paste" again......... <br /><br /> http://www.insideline.net/2000/duggins-0708-00.html

 

[GodsBeast]

Re: Ramp etiquette - launching solo

JTexas, you've got some good advise given here. You can only do so much. You can't drive a boat and the truck at the same time. Just don't make it obvious that your taking your sweet time, and enguage in a long story conversation, while your boat is tied up blocking the ramp. Probably if you enguage in pleasentries, such as "I'll be out of your way, as soon as I can." Don't be suprised if they say, "Hey let me hold your boat for you, while you park your truck." You never know, you or that guy might even run up on one another at a later date, and be able to assist the other. Now you have another boating friend, you can count on to check out or assist you when things go bad. <br /><br />This is what it is all about. The ones that are so much in a hurry, that they can't wait just a minute, or step up to help, can just GET OVER IT, or hopefully one day, life's experience's will improve their manners. <br /><br />GodsBeast

 

[Dman]

Re: Ramp etiquette - launching solo

Don't worry so much about what the other boaters think. You have a right to use the launch just as much as they do. By all means, keep a decent pace when loading and unloading but there is no need to run/jog back from your tow vehicle. I could really care less if people are waiting. I can put my boat on/off in a matter of maybe 2 minutes at most. If they can't wait that long, they need a different hobby. Do it safely and correct, that's more important than people's feelings.<br />Dman

 

[salty87]

Re: Ramp etiquette - launching solo

i'd say your actions before you get to the ramp make all the difference. have all your prep work and gear loaded before you take up a ramp spot and the rest should fall into place. there's only so much a person can do by themselves. if you've already prep'd the boat, there shouldn't be many surprises on the ramp.

 

[aggie97]

Re: Ramp etiquette - launching solo

I would have to agree with salty. It is not so much how long you take at ther amp, but what you do there. i don't mind somebody taking a little bit longer time to becareful or if it is their first time, etc.. I do mind when somebody drive into the ramp area staright off the road, pulls in front of you (when you were trying to get your boat ready on the side) and then backs into the ramp, but not in the water, then the kids all pile out. The parents start to unload the truck and put the stuff into the boat, try to find the kids, then figure out where to plug is so they can install it. Then finnaly find the kids, and strat puitting lifejackets on them. Them find the plug is in the youngest kid's hand, and he wants to play keep away. Finally get the plug in and back the boat into the water only to discover they did not unstarp the boat. Now they pull up and unstrap the boat and then back it into the water. They the dad gets out and discovers the engine won't start so he proceeds to get his tools out to do a major overhaul on the engine in the ramp. He finnaly gets it started, and then backs it up just enough to clear the trailer. He then get in the truck (with his wife on the shore line watching the kids) and then parks the truck. Then he finnaly returns, but discovers that on of the kids needs something out of the truck.<br /><br />I would go on, but you get the picture.<br /><br />Prep the boat before backing into a ramp slot. There is usually designated rigging areas at all ramps. When launch, just do everything with the thought that somebody else also wants to use that ramp, and don't rush, but don't doddle.<br /><br />If you look like you know what you are doing, most people will not be upset waiting, but if you look totally clusless about everything, maybee you need a little bit of help. Just ask. Most boats are MORE than willing to help each other out.

 

[BrianFD]

Re: Ramp etiquette - launching solo

Launched by myself plenty of times. All I can say is "ditto" what the others have said. If you're all ready before you back down the ramp, and don't dawdle, then no one has any right to complain. And if they do, suggest that they should have arrived a little earlier. Then they could have launched before you got there. <br />If you're lucky enough to have a courtesy dock, then be sure to use it when launching and retrieving. If not, then your only option is to tie up to the ramp dock and block it until you park your rig.<br />Like the others, if I'm in line and I see someone launching by themselves, I'll usually offer to help. Sometimes they let me, sometimes they don't. In any case, if someone raises "Cain", don't take it personally. It's their own ignorance showing.<br />BrianFD

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Ramp etiquette - launching solo

Duuudes<br /> yall take the fun right out of boating. one of my favorite pastimes in the 1980's was sitting at the double ramp at lake benbrook just outside of Ft Worth and watching the loading/unloading. especially on sunday afternoons when a major thunderstorm approaching. we kept the tractor warmed up to retrive the occasional boat trailer or automobile that went swimming was great, free entertainment sometimes would be just like WWF on saturday night. ya'll have a nyce day now ya heer

 

[BrianFD]

Re: Ramp etiquette - launching solo

Rodbolt,<br />Not trying to ruin anyone's good time, here! I too like to watch the 'ramp follies' from time to time. 'Specially when I've offered to help and the idiot replies, "I don't need YOUR help! I know what I'm doing!!", who then proceeds to lose EVERYTHING down the ramp, hehehe. I just shrug my shoulders and walk away (saying under my breath, "well, I tried...").

 

[Scoop]

Re: Ramp etiquette - launching solo

Luna Sea, I went to the site you suggested. That guy uses the exact same method I use to launch my boat at a ramp. 90% of the time I take my boat out I am alone and by trial and error, developed the way to launch and bring my boat back in with the trailer. It is tough when you only have cement to ground on making sure the boat doesn't ground, but it works well and takes very little time.<br /><br />I recarpeted my bunks with low pile nylon outdoor carpet. Not the cheap astro turf kind and it makes launching and cranking the boat on a breeze. It is still nice when someone offers to hold the boat though.

 

[johnnybigrigger]

Re: Ramp etiquette - launching solo

We seem to have unwritten rules in my area for launching a boat solo.<br />1.Always jack-knife the truck trailer on the ramp taking up at least 2 lanes.<br />2.Pull the boat up on the ramp and allow it to float side-ways across the ramp to block the reat of the ramp.<br />3.Have a truck that is hard to start on the ramp.<br />4.Walk slowly from the parking lot to the ramp.<br />5.Then to top it off never...I mean never start your motor before leaving the house. Wait until you get to the ramp, and ask around for a jumper cables, or if anyone knows about repairing your engine.

 

[chads15]

Re: Ramp etiquette - launching solo

I can rig, launch, and park faster alone then when I have "HELP" 5 to 8 min alone. 10 to 20 if I have help. I try not to be rude to my "HELP" but most of the time... I would get more done if my "HELP" didnt "HELP" And @ Alumn Creek ( my 2nd home ) Everyone is in a hurry and nothing is fast enough. something funny I discovered last summer... the park ranger was there kinda keeping an eye on things.... and can I just say that the launching and retreving of boats just went flawless. average time of 3 min. the way it should be, Once he left, OHH MY!! ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE! the cussin resumed and the line came to a hault. Things go faster if you just relax. But people will never learn.

 

[Columbia]

Re: Ramp etiquette - launching solo

Some guys will take too long at the ramp, regardless....

 

[jtexas]

Re: Ramp etiquette - launching solo

Scoop & Luna,<br />Never heard of that method of grounding on the ramp before - but I guess its better than getting wet in cold weather. If I take the wife's minivan (yes a minivan ) I can open the hatch before backing down, and climb out on to the trailer tongue. In the summer though I'd just as soon walk through the water.<br /><br />If somebody offered assistance and you were inclined to accept, would you rather have 'em park your rig or your boat? I'm having a hard time imagining either.<br /><br />thanks for the feedback,<br />jtw

 

[ebbtide176]

Re: Ramp etiquette - launching solo

have them hold the boat. no running the big motor i guess if they really looked coherent, <br />you might let them deploy the trolling motor to get to the dock for you - lol <br /><br />you know you'd be crazy to let someone else park your rig, unless you plan on getting to be parking their rig in the near future. like a new fishing partner.