Ramp Etiquette

[studlymandingo]

This would be a good post for those new to boating. Today, I was testing out my rig with a new set of Smart Tabs (Great Investment). There is a boat ramp about 3 blocks from my house that puts into Tampa Bay. I frequently use this ramp, and generally people are courteous. Today however, I pulled up to the ramp after a quick test run, and there was a cruiser (approx 26') sitting on the trailer, still on the ramp. There was a family milling about. At first I thought little of it as I tied off to the dock. I put on my flip-flops and walked towards my truck, got in, started the engine, and rolled down the windows to let the heat out. The family was still milling about the boat and vehicle. I backed my trailer in the direction of the ramp and waited. 10 minutes had passed on the radio clock since I had gotten in my truck, so I decided to see if they perhaps needed some help. I went to the back of the boat where the husband was messing around, and asked if everything was allright. His reply was "Yea why?" I said that I was waiting to pull my boat out of the water, and I would like to use the ramp. The guy then yelled "I just got this #*@&in' boat and I'm checkin' it out." I asked if it was his first boat, and he said "Yea, what's it to you?" I replied "It's common courtesy to load up and pull away from the ramp as quickly as you can safely do so, then you can pull the plug, and stow any gear you need to when you are out of the way. This is a public ramp and there are often several people waiting to use it." Then he said that he would take all the time he wanted, at this point his wife jumped in the truck and pulled over to the side as her husband ran after her screaming cuss words at the top of his lungs as the kids looked on wide-eyed. I just shook my head, jumped back in the truck, backed down the ramp, quickly secured my boat, pulled up and out of the way, while this guy is still yelling at his wife.<br /><br />All this being said, you who are new to boating, welcome!!! Please be respectful to others around you, whether on the water, at the ramp, or at the supermarket. It makes life much more enjoyable. Have a great summer on the water!!!!!

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Ramp Etiquette

You're always gonna get one of those. You handled it well.....

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Ramp Etiquette

Ran into a similar situation a few years ago with a couple launching two new jetskis. It took them forever to launch these two things. Most of the time however was spent getting suited up which should have happened in the "ready area". Some folks just don't get it or they mean well but are just disorganized and walking is a challenge for them.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Ramp Etiquette

Wouldn't you just love to pull the plug on one of these guys, as he's backing into the water?

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Ramp Etiquette

Yeah. Congratulations. I'd have probably smacked him.<br /><br />Guess his wife has been married to him for awhile and was accustomed to this type of belligerance.<br /><br />First time HE wants to use the ramp and another like soul is doing the same thing, I bet I know what his reaction will be.<br /><br />Mark

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Ramp Etiquette

A lot of thoughts ran through my head, trust me! But I wanted to maintain my composure, especially in front of the guy's kids. I just couldn't believe someone could be such a mouthy hothead after just coming in off the water on thier first trip out on a boat. I've had several boats, and I'm still elated on maiden voyages. <br /><br />If the guys like that now, I can't imagine his first engine problem!!!

 

[JRJ]

Re: Ramp Etiquette

Sounds like you encountered a moron. Too bad for his wife and kids

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Ramp Etiquette

A camera, some adult beverage and a comfy chair at a public ramp on a major holiday weekend can be fun. All of the once or twice a year boaters test their skills (or lack of them) at these busy times. Besides their inexperience, lack of courtesy, and inability to back a trailer makes for great entertainment so long as you don't have to deal with the events that are sure to unfold before you.

 

[QC]

Re: Ramp Etiquette

I literally did what Upinsmoke talks about before I got my first boat. Wife went too. At the time, I had no idea how smart that was. I thought I might learn something, but didn't think it would be what not to do.

 

[jaybirdtx]

Re: Ramp Etiquette

I have a NEW mechanic that got a hard lesson last week in Ramp Etiquette. We were done with a lake test and got to the ramp about the same time as a local tourny's weigh in was wrapping up. I stay in the boat about 20 yds. off shore. He goes up the hill, we were parked directly in line with the ramp, he backs down not aware that there are 5 trucks waiting in line. The ramp is only 2 wide right now due to low level. HE MAKES IT 3 WIDE this day. The guy in the first truck waiting in line. And HE IS BIG. Goes down and gets my mechs. attention. I see fingers gesturing and hear a bit of yelling. HeHeHe. My mech. drives back up the hill and got his *** in line like the rest of us do. Knowing what happened and still laughing when I get into the truck with him, He asks,"What was that guys problem? He just started gettin on to me for NO reason." HeHe 1 New Boat Mechanic= 1 Lesson Very Well Learned after that. He thought he was about to get his butt kicked!!!!!

 

[erikrs301]

Re: Ramp Etiquette

I'd have gone around him, squeezed as close as possible and used the ramp. I had a S10 p-up and just an aluminum bass boat, amazing how you could squeeze that setup around idiots. The enragement on their face was always priceless.

 

[paulie0735]

Re: Ramp Etiquette

Why is it that our sport has such a disproportionate amount of morons? I would have smacked him too! I also agree with upinsmoke, you don't have to spend much time at a boat ramp to be 'entertained' Can you imagine the ear bashing he would have got from the missus!

 

[Speedwagon]

Re: Ramp Etiquette

Originally posted by paulie0735:<br /> Why is it that our sport has such a disproportionate amount of morons? I would have smacked him too! I also agree with upinsmoke, you don't have to spend much time at a boat ramp to be 'entertained' Can you imagine the ear bashing he would have got from the missus!

I don't know that it's disproportionate. Any activity that involves a material good that can be used as a status symbol, induces an extremely urgent need for the idiot to be extracted in many people, and flaunt it at every opportunity.

 

[rottenray6402]

Re: Ramp Etiquette

I really don't think that the amount is disproportionate, go to a pro football, hockey, baseball, basketball, well you get the idea... any type of sport and you see a large amount of idiots. It seems to be a mounting problem because back when I was young if you were to rude or stupid there was a very good chance you were going to get your rear kicked. Now there are so many lawsuites and court cases that should have been settled much cheaper in the alley or whatever. I'm not a violent person but some people just need to have their butts beat!

 

[Gfriedman]

Re: Ramp Etiquette

Honestly, i think it all stems from a lack of knowledge. Obviously! <br /><br />But to drive a car you must pass a test and be certified. To drive a boat you need.... almost nothing! just to be of age and depending on the state maybe a boat drivers license. I have a commercial and regular boat license from the state of NH and no one ever saw me drive a boat to get it! i took an extremely easy test. For my regular license the test was online. though i didn't need it i could have sat there with the book in my hand.<br /><br />i think that's why we have so many idiots. Anyone who has taken the NH state boating test will agree! even the questions on the test are almost so obvious someone knowing nothing will still pass!

 

[ricksrster]

Re: Ramp Etiquette

you don't need an education to be courteous,just common sense.