Boat Landing/Ramp Etiquette

[Guest]

I agree a 100%, fishing should be relaxing not fighting and yelling. I have seen tempers flair on Prior a few times.

[metrojoe]

Good point legendelite, With opener coming up this weekend the ramps are going to be busy.

[Ole #1]

This is the one thing I don't like about owning a boat. People are always in such a hurry to relax, I don't get it. I usually fish by myself, loading and un-loading alone is not easy and pushy people don't make it any easier.

Please be courteous to all fisherman at landings, if they are alone, offer to help them. If you are in a hurry, take a deep breath and relax.

Remeber fishing is supposed to be fun.

Ole

[wmn luv me walleye fearme]

I usually have no problem if it takes someone a little time to trailer , untrailer their boat. I do however tend to get frustrated and agitated when someone gets their boat out of the water and sits at the launch putting away their ski's, rods , tubes, etc instead of getting out of the way so the next person can get their boat in. I think that's were most of your arguments, fights etc usually come from.

[wounded minnow]

I agree 100% with the last post. I am usually patient, and sometimes will help others load or launch their boat if they are having trouble. However it really frustrates me when I see someone packing away all of their gear on the ramp. I would think anyone with even 1/2 a brain would pull out of the way and finish in the parking lot. I never express my anger towards these idiots because I feel sorry for them. Sorry..... I just had to vent.

[dasfooter]

As a long time fisherman but new boat owner it always nice to get a hand.

I hope everyone has a safe opener.

Das

[legendelite]

With the open water season upon us, please take the time to help people load/unload their boats.

I was out on Prior Saturday afternoon and was taken back by the pissed off people waiting to get the boat launched. Geez guys, I thought we went fishing to unwind and relax...

[catchin'whopper]

I am always willing to lend a helping hand at the access for someone who looks like they need it for trailering. I mean, then they are out sooner adn i can put in or take out my boat quicker.

But with that being said now, i think it is boater owner's responsibility to at least practice their towing and loading skills at some place where they won't subject themselves and 10 other vehicles in line to that eventual stress and frustration that comes with wanting to get in or out of the water. I guess you don't put a 15 year old with their driver permit in the middle of rush hour traffic to start them off, do you? There will be a lot of p1ssed off people too!

As mentioned before, I share the frustration of waiting, but am always willing to help. It just surprises me that people aren't more prepared in knowing their $10-15,000 boat, how to back it up, how to load it on the trailer. And of course the idiots that stow everything while blocking the launch area, they should be fined.

Catchin'

[Ole #1]

Packing up on the ramp is wrong.

Everyone have a fun and safe opener,take a kid fishing, help someone who needs it at the ramp and most importantly GO WILD!

Ole

[Guest]

Too funny Little Joe...kinda wierd I run into that same family almost every weekend. They get around. Funny story I was fishing with my buddy and we put one guy in the boat and dump and run :30 seconds on the ramp total. We were launching and Muffy and "Blake" were trying to back their boat in straight and launch for 10 minutes...we pull up and dump and I hear Muffy say to "Blake" why can't you do it like that, their boat isn't even as nice as ours. As if how much money you spend on your boat makes you better at using it. Some friggin' people.

Good luck all,

WEJ

[TG]

You guys are all right! COMPLAINERS, get out and help each other,and RELAX.

[TomWehler]

Wow!
I have always loved the goings on at the Ramsey County Beach boat launch at WBL.
LOL
I have helped many, many people in my day and seen others who would rather bitch than help.

Sad to see.
Going to write a book one day on the things I seen happen at that one landing.
To fun.
Most people help each other out and this is a great thing to see in the ME first, go fast world of today.
Fun to see.
Others only care about themselves and that is just so sad.
Get out and help if you are in a hurry or see someone who could use a helping hand or a kind word or maybe even a tip or two so as they can get better at launching the rig all together.
Me, well I go north until fall and seldom vist that launch except to watch, wait for the ice to go out on the Big V. and maybe help out the odd person if need be and make note of some of the dumb assed **** I have ever seen in my life?

Can't wait to see what happens now that the Concel & Carry gun law has passed?
Wow!
Holly Crap is there going to be fire works at the old boat ramp this summer?
Move over Road Rage, bring on the Boat Launch Blues.
Someones is going to die.
Only a matter of time.

Very sad indeed.

Let just hope it is not one of the good guys eh?

Keep on Rock'en and duck!!!!

T.

www.muskytomsguideservice.com

[icehousebob]

A friend at work swears this is a true story. A couple years ago, some doctor bought a new boat in Prior Lake and took it out the same day to try it out. He drove it around the lake for a while and then stopped at the marina where he bought it to complain that it wasn't as fast as they had claimed. The marina owner's son went down to check it and saw some straps still attached. He looked over the side and discovered that the guy had launched his boat by unhooking the trailer from his car and had been running around the lake with the trailer attached to his boat. The guy I work with claims he heard it directly from the marina owner's son. Some beginning boat owners might need more than just a little helping hand.

[Zaraspooks]

I was waiting to put in on the St. Croix one afternoon while the couple in front of me was trying to get out. They were somewhere in their late 30's with a brand new river crusing boat and a brand new Suburban. He had backed the trailer in and she was trying to drive the boat up on the trailer - without much luck.

So he gets out of the truck and yells, "Give it more gas!" She does but still can't get it on the trailer.

He yells again, "Give it more gas!" Still no luck.

So he yells, "Give it more F#%king gas!!!!"
So she gives it everthing it's got and runs the new boat up over the trailer and into the back of the Suburban crushing in both doors.

She hops out of the boat and says, "Is that enough F#%king gas for you?"

I'm guessing he didn't get to much lovin that night.

The Spook

[bgfish00]

I agree totally. Just lend a hand and keep the lines moving so we can all enjoy the opener. Its going to be a busy one at the landings.

Good Luck

[Guest]

I like the original intent of this thread: what IS the proper etiquette?

I'm entering my 2nd year of owning my first boat. Pre-season practice backing the trailer and floating the boat made these a less stressful act. A Saturday morning is not a good time for first-timers. Take a weekday off to practice.

Once at the landing, launching and retrieving the boat is never the issue. The boat is on the bunks and winched tight in about 30 seconds.

If you have 2 people who can drive the boat and trailer, things are pretty easy. Dump and run or beaching the boat with 2 operators works really slick. The only time at the dock is to let someone jump on or off.

Where I run into trouble is when I am the only one in the group who can drive the boat and trailer. This is about 80% of the time. I'm always left with no choice but to lash the boat on the side opposite the ramp, then hustle up to get the trailer in queue for the ramp. Meanwhile my boat hogs a space at the dock.

Question: what IS the etiquette here when the line waiting for the ramp (to launch) suddenly gets long? Should I wait my turn behind 5 rigs getting ready to launch, or should I ask to jump to the front in order to get my boat away from the dock ASAP? This gives more dock space for the multitude of boats wanting on the lake.

That question aside, I offer some simple suggestions:

-- Prep and stow equipment, bumpers, ropes, rods, etc.. away from any lines at the landing. Explain to others in your group how it's going to work while you are in the car.

-- Use 2 people when possible. Work over time to teach others who go with regularly how to dock or back a trailer.

-- When alone: beach when possible? Else, work to get your boat to the side of the dock away from the ramp. That's probably the best we can do when working alone.

-- Keep the family unit away from the dock unless you are embarking or disembarking. A busy dock is not the place for the 4 year old to try and play with the dog or his kid sister.

-- Be patient. Everyone has earned their 5 minutes of fame at the landing. If things are taking longer, offer help. I saw a guy at Prior last year struggle for 15 minutes in a high wind situation. By the time he got the boat on (by himself), he was so stressed he forgot to trim up the I/O. You know the rest of the story. A little help from any of us watching could have prevented what turned out to be a bad day for one of our fellow sportsmen. I wish I had helped.

Thanks for any comments. Good luck to everyone during the opener!!

[Zaraspooks]

When I purchased my first boat I spent an afternoon in the local church parking lot practicing backing up. Later I went to a access at a local lake that wasn't heavily used, backed my trailer in and spent a hour driving on and off the trailer. Now, it probably takes me less than 2 minutes to load and unload - even by myself.

By spending a little time and practicing, it can really pay off.

The Spook

[Iceman73]

I had the unfortunate experience of launching my boat for the first time on Eagle Lake off of 169. For those of you that haven't launched there, the ramp backs into a narrow little inlet that might be 20 feet wide. So once the trailer is backed in far enough, there is very little maneuvering room. Getting it off the trailer was no problem, but getting it back on was awful. You have to essentially bring the bow up to the trailer, and then quick swing the whole boat 90 degrees and then power it onto the rollers, all in about 3 feet of water max. Needless to say, I didn't go there for a long time until I had perfected my technique. It was quite a mistake to trailer a boat for the first time ever at that lake. I certainly learned my lesson.

[Little Joe]

Boy is this topic timely. Fished WBL last Saturday. Knowing the ramp gets very crowded/busy I launched very early with no incident. Wasn't as fortunate getting out. Beached the boat and was waiting in line to drop the trailer in. Noticed there was a guy by himself struggling with the winds to get his boat trailered. The guy in front of me (overpaid MBA/Laywer type with a new toy)gives me a disapproving look. I got out of my truck and helped the guy trailer his boat. After a "thank you" he was off and I was one step closer to getting mine out.

Overpaid MBA guy backs his brand new $30+K rig in crooked so I can't use the other lane. He finally gets it off the trailer and has Muffy and the 2.5 Polo clad kids attempt to hold the boat to the dock (landing side) which prevents me from backing my trailer in completely. I am trying to be patient when Muffy gives me a look as if to say "don't you dare touch my new toy". I couldn't believe it!!!!!!!

Thanks for letting me vent

[Guest]

I can't stand it when people take more that 5 minutes to load or unload, especially when they load, so many people are stupid and back there trailer in so its almost under water, and they wonder why the boat isnt staying in one place. I will help people if they are having some difficulties, but i fish a lot by myself during the day and loading and unloading is easy, when u load u just powerload it, doesnt take 2 people to powerload, it takes like 30 sec. its fast and real easy to do. Another thing that bothers me is when people cant back there boats in straight( if its 2 or more spots) it's ridiculous, the easiest way to control backing up is to go slow, then you have way more control of it, enless your powerdumping.

Yea that Eagle landing can be tricky, it just takes practice, once u got it down it takes no more than 2 minutes to load. it's tougher when the wind is coming from the west.

Another hard landing is Weaver lake, because if u think the concrete goes straight into the water, then u got problems. as your backing up u have to know where the ramp is, on this ramp about 10-15 ft backing in it slants/turns and u have to follow it, plus if the water is high u have to back way in, its a horrible landing. One time i was backing in and i didnt turn soon enough and my back tire slipped off and then i got stuck, i dont have 4 wheel drive, but luckily i was the only one there.

[This message has been edited by MgFisherman1984 (edited 05-07-2003).]

[Walleye_GFA]

If a line get tie downs off while in line.

If no line doing at ramp is ok IF YOU ARE QUICK AND THERE IS NOBODY BEHIND YOU, AND YOU WILL BE IN THE WATER IF THEY DO COME BEHIND YOU.

Once in the water, take your boat to the beach or another dock, dont just leave it there so nobody else can launch or recover until your back.

Above all, dont make your kids or a guest hold your boat at the dock so others cant get in water, when you could just as easily move it to the adjacent dock... while you in your dickies and supple leather shoes parkl the truck and get the minnows, tkaing at least 5 minutes while there are several people waiting in line...

In all, be respectful and do what you can to make sure everyone else gets in or out of the water in a timely manner...

I've seen such horrors here (mostly Tonka, and Waconia) that the people would have been beaten and left for dead in say... North Dakota where they dont have to put up with the preppy recreational boaters...

Good thing Minnesota has great fishing...

Wally

[LiLBro]

Everybody should just relax, people need to worry more about if they have everything ready than actually launching their boat. If you are waiting in line, make sure everythings ready to go, so when you do get to launch, it is more simple and much faster.

------------------
"If i asked you to go fishing with me, would your answer be the same as your answer to this question?"

[ricqik]

I wait my turn and I expect others to do the same. What I don't like is when I come in and load up and someone walks up to my boat and looks around to see if I have fish in the boat. I prefer to be asked, not take it to your own self to look for it. Makes them look like thieves looking for something to take. Also the people who stand by the launch and won't move and expect me to navigate my trailer around them. Have the decency to get out of the way until I'm done, then jump back in the water as you please.

[chief]

Great stories--and great advice!!

I'll add only this:

Last year on Clearwater, at the private pay launch on the west end, I waited for exactly 21 minutes (Yes, I did time it.)while a very obsessive angler hand dried every exterior inch of his 20ft Ranger. Violence nearly occured when I asked if he also planned to wax it.

As many have said, get your boat on/off, move away, THEN tidy up.

[Guest]

Nitz,

The proper etiquette is to keep your boat out of the way, and to wait your turn, That is how it works, maybe not as conveinent as you would like, but that is the way it goes.

Also, I would like to commend those that have mentioned things about calming down and being patient. Worry about your own self. I was launching my boat last year, took about two minutes, but not fast enough for the next guy in line, he was tapping his horn, and gesturing "hurry up". Well turns out he forgot about his own stuff, and could have been prepping his rig for launch, instead of worrying about what I was doing, he ended up taking about 10 minutes at the ramp.

The worse thing about the early season, is the people that wait to see if their motor will start until they launch it in the water. Cranking OR soleniod clicking, no start, grind, swear, inconvenience everyone, blue haze of smoke on the water, good greif, how about a little pre-launch maintenance, eh?

[Fisher Dave]

Its simple guys ..

Common Sense and Common Courtesy is all we need to practice at the ramp. We all know the actions we should be taking at the ramp.

I usually fish by myself, and am very experienced at dumping my boat in on my own. In fact I would bet I'm quicker than most avid fisherpeople, or pairs with a high level of courtesy.

I have my boat ready in the lot before I hit the backing area. If there happens to be a line I do it in line. If there is not a line, I will pull off where others could get around me if they somehow would be ready 1st.

When my boat is loaded and ready(including bait and small items from truck) I back it in, jump in and fire it up, immediately pull it off the trailer and dock it or beach it somewhere near, but out of the way. From there I jump in my truck and get it parked.

When loading my boat. I pull up to the dock or beach it and have my gear set in the boat where it is out of the way. I back the trailer in, motor the boat on, jump to the front and hook it, then I jump out and pull way out of the way off the launching area, and out of everyones way and make it trailerable.

The best we can all do is practice good common courtesy. Nobody wants to have a problem trailering their boat. Others will note our actions, and possibly learn for trailering their own boats (less experienced).

There will always be others that just dont care and will take as long as they want at the access. I cant tell you how many times on the city lakes where a sailboater of all things would be picking up their boat in a double wide access, have their vehicle at an angle across both launch lanes, and take their time to take everything down and tie it up where they could more easily do it in the lot. What I do in a situation like that is walk up to the person and ask *how can I help*. Only once has the person accepted the help, on the other occasions the person pulled up out of the way.

I don't know about everyone else .. but I would rather stay in a relatively good mood before starting the day of fishing.

[scalescratcher]

I have to agree with Fisher Dave. I too have become pretty efficient at launching and getting the boat out of the water on my own. I have also experienced the misery of those once a year boaters with no respect for others and have tried to be patient or help. This year I was finally able to upgrade to a larger used boat that I will be able to drive onto the trailer (something new for me). I will make every effort to continue to get in and out as quickly as possible but expect some issues (even with my practice over the last 3 weeks). I can only hope that if things don't go as smoothly as I'd like that the guy behind me will be as patient and helpful as I've tried to be in the past. After waiting a few months for this day, I certainly don't want to start the day with a %&*tty attitude. Good luck to all and remember to smile.