Boat Ramp Manners

Having watched thousands of people launch their boat, I have created a list of boat ramp rules of order.

1. Practice backing your boat up before going to the ramp

Find a time the ramp is empty to practice backing that boat down. Also, don't try to teach someone else to do it during peak hours. Learn on your own time.

2. Prepare your boat before you back down the ramp

There is nothing more frustrating than watching boaters load their gear while others wait to get access to the launch. They saunter to and from their vehicle grabbing parcels, hats, and coolers. Then they proceed to mess with tie straps, plugs, and boat checks. What a time waster. These are things better done in the parking lot prior to lining up to the ramp.

3. When loading your boat on to the trailer, pull it out of the water and into a parking space before you do any clean up

If you've seen it once, it probably happens thousands of times. One of those boaters who think they own the ramp pull their boat out of the water, yet block the ramp from use, while handing off items to others. Pull your boat up and park out of traffic so the next guy can get a chance.

4. Do repairs in the parking lot, or better still in the driveway at home, not on the ramp.

If you have mechanical problems pull your boat out of the way. Trying to fix issues at the ramp is a big no-no. Do you really think the fix will get you through your day of boating? Unless it's something simple, you may end up needing a tow back to the dock--not a fun situation.

5. If you pack it in, pack it out!

Keep the boat ramp clean. Throw away your trash. Can't find a trashcan? Bring it home with you.

6. Docks are for loading and unloading passengers only

Boat ramps with docks are great for loading and unloading passengers. Don't monopolize the dock, do your business and move on. Docks are not for fishing, BBQs, or swimming.

Also, utilize the dock. Try not to load all your passengers in the boat until you have it in the water. A lot can happen when putting the boat into the water; it's safer from the dock anyway. Passengers should off load on the dock too. That's what it's there for.

7. Be courteous, be aware, and be safe.

When you are at the ramp wait your turn. Watch out for others crossing roads or little ones playing around the area. You have to watch out for those who may not be watching out for themselves. Safety is job one.

8. Maintain you cool

Yelling obscenities, throwing gestures, or storming over there to tell someone off will only prove to others that there's more than one idiot out there.

9. Learn by watching others.

Take a day and go watch what goes on at the ramp. Note the good, bad, and the ugly. You will learn how the traffic flows. You will see a comedy of errors. You will become a courteous ramp user.

Happy launching!