Public boat launch etiquette/problems

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jhnmdahl
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Public boat launch etiquette/problems

Post by jhnmdahl »

Most of us know the basics, like have the drain plug in and stash all your stuff in the boat before backing down the ramp to minimize the time you tie up the ramp, but some (especially new boaters, or the type who drive 53mph in the left lane while everybody passes them on the right) seem to have no clue.

Post your best stories, advice, videos/photos, or other comments related to launching a boat here (whether a Cobalt or other boat) - I'm sure we'll see some good ones!

John
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jhnmdahl
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Re: Public boat launch etiquette/problems

Post by jhnmdahl »

I'll start with a summary of suggestions for new boaters to help keep things moving smoothly:

1. Put the drain plug in the boat (before backing down the ramp so you don't tie it up)
2. Get your stuff from the car in the boat (before backing down the ramp so you don't tie it up)
3. Remove any rear or side tie-downs from the boat (before backing down the ramp so you don't tie it up)
4. Start the blower if sterndrive, but for all, make sure the key is in the ignition and the boat is ready to go (before backing down the ramp so you don't tie it up)
5. Have your dock lines out and ready to go (before backing down the ramp so you don't tie it up)
6. Do all the things you can do away from the ramp before backing down the ramp, so you don't tie it up unnecessarily long

Once backing down:
7. Tires matter - make sure they are in good shape and have good wet traction, especially on wooden launches or with vehicles that aren't 4WD
8. Back down far enough to float the boat, so you aren't struggling to launch it. This usually involves totally submerging the fenders covering the trailer wheels, as a rule of thumb
9. If you aren't comfortable backing up a trailer, it may be less stressful to practice in an empty parking lot somewhere rather than on a busy ramp on the 4th of July
10. Once the boat is floating and the winch strap is unhooked, start the motor and back it out clear of the ramp. Move the tow vehicle out of the way promptly so other people can use the ramp.
11. Don't park the tow vehicle/trailer anywhere that will make it difficult for others to use the facility

When pulling out:
12. Back the trailer in as far as you needed to when launching the boat
12. Tilt the motor up as necessary when approaching the trailer, but certainly before pulling the trailer forward to avoid scraping the ramp
13. Don't "power load" by throttling the boat to get it up on a trailer if it won't float there - this washes out the end of boat ramps, and will earn you a well-deserved fine in most places.
14. Pull the boat away from the ramp before unloading stuff from the boat, pulling the drain plug, attaching tie-downs, and other activities so as to avoid needlessly tying up the ramp.

Ask if you don't know or need help - most people will gladly give a few pointers or help out.
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Re: Public boat launch etiquette/problems

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Re: Public boat launch etiquette/problems

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