Ramp manners

[plowboy]

Drove to Dale yesterday and got to the circle ramp at a local marina. I got my boat ready to launch up the hill and when I got down to the ramp two boats had the ramp blocked. No big deal I thought. They wheeled out several wagons loaded with the weeks supply of fishing gear, clothes, tackle boxes etc. There was no way to make the turn to get my boat in. Well 20 minutes later while I watched them put the last straps on the boat tarp (on the ramp) I finally got out there and caught some fish. I guess it just blows me away how inconsiderate or just ignorant people are about the rules on launching ramps. I am a very easy going guy but it was all I could do to stay calm and just let it go. They were from another state but I think there are some from my home state probably just as bad. Not into state bashing since I know there are good and bad from all of them. I waited 20 minutes and they were half done when I got there.

[gettingonefishin]

I have to agree with alot of these stories but some of thes people actually dont know the ramp laws. For some they are not born with these abilities and when they get their first boat they just dont know. I myself was getting a little edgy 1 day watching a person on a 2 lane ramp trying to get his boat to the water. Had no idea that the trailer goes opposite the direction ya cut the wheels. Finally I got out and offered assistance. I taught him how to get as straight as he could at the top of the ramp and which way to turn his wheels when backing. This man offered me a 20 dollar bill for my help. No I didnt take his money but now he knows the laws of the ramp and how to get his boat in and out.

[KYHorseflys]

After reading these posts, I've thought, "Man, I better have someone with me that knows what they're doin' for the first few times whenever I get a boat!" This is a good thread though not only for you fellas and gals that know what you're doin' - but also for someone like me that doesn't own a boat (and may be a while) to learn from.

[Danny]

Just do exactly what you did when you got that first baitcaster, practice at home!! I do that still. I am one of the ones that just can't back a trailer using my mirrors. I practice and practice, just can't seem to get it. No, I am not secretly blonde. LOL

Now I can turn and look over my shoulder and put the boat trailer just about anywhere I want it. Especially when no one else is there to witness it... LMAO

The best advice is, besides talking to others, such as the tips in this thread, but the best advice is to use common sense. Just put yourself in the shoes of someone waiting. What would you want the guy you are waiting on to do?

Danny

[KYHorseflys]

Yep... will do!

Also, I drove a forklift (rear wheels are the ones that turn) for a few years, and I can drive backwards like nobody's business, LOL! :) So maybe that'll help, if even a little bit.

Anyways, it'll probably be a long time before I can afford my own boat - then again, maybe I'll win one from a giveaway contest!!! Wishful thinkin' there...

[crazyfishinnut]

I drove one all my adult life and I can back a trailer in spots that would make most butts pucker ... goes with the territory
Rodney
Tight lines
It is easier to build a child than it is to repair an adult. GOD BLESS

[jrbass]

I practiced with a 12 foot 4 wheeler trailer since I was 12. If you can back something that short a boat is easy.

[decker]

Wait till the jet skiers get out in full force or some poor guy that his wife won't help him load the pontoon. I also love the guys who forget their plug, i have done this so I can lagh all I want. Your at the mercy of the people waiting to put in.I will let a guy in front of me if he forgot his plug. Another thing i have witnessed is in the winter,have you ever saw a boat froze to a trailer it can happen.

[artcarney_agr]

This world is full of amateurs, and of course morons who just don't know any better!

[Danny]

How many of you have seen that new Evenrude E-tec commercial about as much time as four strokes spend in the shop, you forget what you are doing?? I love that commercial. Know why? Because I am not waiting in line to launch.

What kills me is when you get someone who pulls out of line to try to jump ahead.

Last year while fishing a tournament, or I should say waiting to launch, I had walked over to ask the guy running it a question. I was about 14 boats back from the ramp. Well as you would know, the line moved forward, and there were two truck/trailer spots in front of me. Some guy from the back pulled out, gunned it and took off for the front of the line. I walked right out in front of him, made him stop. I put my hand on his hood, and asked my co-angler to get behind my steering wheel and move my truck forward.

One of these days I am going to get shot, I just know it. I just hope my life insurance is paid up. LOL

I do agree with the statement about the enjoyment of it all. Especially if you are not in a hurry too. It is really great watching the guys with the big old luxury liners or the cuddy cabins or whatever they are called. I've seen them walk out to the back of the boat, in shoulder high water trying to guide their boats on the trailers. It is fun to watch. Unless you are waiting to load as a super-cell thunderstorm rolls in. Dang that hail hurts.

Danny

[raporter]

unfortunately ignorant people have boats too.x(

[know1]

Some of the best entertainment is to take a lawn chair and a picnic lunch and just sit out at the launch ramp during peak season. As long as it's not you involved, it's all pretty humorous!!