- Joined
- May 17, 2009
- Location
- Charleston WV
While it can be frustrating, it could go a lot smoother if people would follow some very simple, common sense rules at the ramp: Be Prepared
One of the most frustrating issues is backing a boat to the water at a multi-boat facility when the vehicles already there have their headlights glaring at you while they launch.
Once your boat is in the water, let your partner move it away from the dock to await your return from parking the vehicle. Most docks are small and tying up only blocks other boats.
It may be embarrassing to allow people to see that you can’t back a trailer straight enough to get it into a small opening. It is more embarrassing when others are waiting behind you as you make multiple attempts at backing your boat.
On any given summer weekend, tens of thousands of boats are launched at myriad boat ramps around the country. Even without a tournament, tempers can still flair. Take the time to practice some common boat ramp courtesy. You will be much happier, and those around you will thank you for it.
- Make sure you have everything that goes in the boat in the boat before you get to the ramp
- Use the time waiting in line to put equipment in the boat
- Don’t wait until you back the boat down to the water to unstrap and untie
One of the most frustrating issues is backing a boat to the water at a multi-boat facility when the vehicles already there have their headlights glaring at you while they launch.
- Turn your headlights to parking lights while you are in line
- No one can see to back a boat when bright lights are in their rearview mirror
- Turn the lights back on only after you drive the trailer out of the water and head for a parking place.
Once your boat is in the water, let your partner move it away from the dock to await your return from parking the vehicle. Most docks are small and tying up only blocks other boats.
- Retrieve your partner from the dock and move away. Allow others the same courtesy
- Do not tie up to the dock to spend time tying leaders, preparing tackle, etc. Again – the dock space is limited.
It may be embarrassing to allow people to see that you can’t back a trailer straight enough to get it into a small opening. It is more embarrassing when others are waiting behind you as you make multiple attempts at backing your boat.
- Learn to back a trailer! Take a day off and practice in a remote parking lot somewhere!
- Ask for help! It is far less embarrassing to ask a fellow angler to back you down, and people are more than willing to help because it only speeds things up.
- Let another angler back you down, and you can then drive out to park after the boat is launched.
- If you are fishing alone, ask for help. Launching a boat alone means your vehicle will take up launch space for an extended period while you tie your boat and return.
On any given summer weekend, tens of thousands of boats are launched at myriad boat ramps around the country. Even without a tournament, tempers can still flair. Take the time to practice some common boat ramp courtesy. You will be much happier, and those around you will thank you for it.