Boat Launching Etiquette
Not all of us can have a slot at the marina as it can be expensive, or maybe you just don’t take your boat out enough to warrant it. For those of us that don’t, we need to launch our boat from the ramp, and on weekends it can be pretty hectic. Though you’ll see many people being what we call “ramp hogs”, by trying not to be one yourself will make the line go that much faster. Though there are lots of ins and outs to launching your boat properly, if you follow this one simple rule, you will be fine:
Get Out Of The Way As Quickly As Possible
Everything you will read or learn about launch etiquette is encompassed by this rule.
“How does one do this?” you might be wondering. Well, get everything done that you can before you get in line and back up your trailer into the water. This means checking the fuel in your motor, loading all you gear in the boat, and undoing the tie-downs. You will keep the ball eye winch on until you release your boat.
Now all you have to do is get your boat in the water and get your vehicle out of there as fast as possible. It is of course easier to do this with two or more people, but people will understand if you’re by yourself but well prepared.
Once you’ve backed into the water till your boat is just floating, you can release the boat winch line from the trailer. At this point you can have your partner drive the boat off the trailer, or use the lines to tow it out of the way. If your by yourself, you can tie the boat to the dock, drive your vehicle out of the way, then get your boat out of the way.
Do you see how getting out of the way is the main theme?
Now when you bring your boat back in, you are just going to reverse the process. Keep your boat out of the ramp until it is your vehicle’s turn to back down the ramp. It’s not about which boat was there first, it is about which vehicle is there first. Once you’ve backed into the water, get your boat on the trailer and then get out of the way. Once you are out of the way, you can take your time making sure all the tie-down lines are secure, and take your time getting all of your gear out of the boat and into your car or truck. Getting out of the way makes everyone happy.