Re: watching boats at the ramp today ....
I've been launching for 45 years and I think I know it all (LOL). Before I ever started way back then, I used to go to the ramp and watch, then I read books on the subject, then and only then did I try it myself.
Over the years I have offered assistance to those that were having trouble. Its 50/50 whether they will tell you to go to #$% or welcome your assistance.
Last year I was out by myself and twice had issues. Once, the wind came up real bad and I couldn't hold the stern and crank the winch at the same time, so I asked a guy sitting there to help me. He graciously did and all was well.
The next time it was a dead calm and I was just preparing to load when the parks dept. truck came by. The guy driving it came running to me and offered to help. When I said I was fine (thank you) he insisted on holding the aft line and totally mesed up the retreive. The boat was coming on the trailer fine by itself, but yanking the line caused it to trip off the rollers. I said thanks and after he left I relaunched the boat and pulled her on right. He was just so nice I didn't have the heart to yell at him.
My moral of the story is I help if asked and stay away if not.
