Tales and Trails

BY DAVE BECK Boat ramp etiquette

For years I have thought about writing an article about today’s topic: Boat ramp etiquette. My hesitation has always been that my usual reading audience is already well versed on the subject. Well, the day is finally here. I have changed my mind.

It’s not only important to know how to launch and load a boat efficiently while others are waiting, but it is also important to be patient when someone is struggling to do just that. Your patience toward your fellow boater can be severely challenged while waiting at the boat landing. I’ve never witnessed a fist fight at the boat ramp but I’ve heard my share of profanity and arguments.

So, what was the last straw in deciding to write about this? Well, it was when I was pulling up to the dock at the boat ramp to load my boat about the same time that another boater wanted to launch his boat. Upon seeing me tie my boat to the dock, he whirled his truck and boat trailer around so fast that I thought his boat was going to flip off the trailer. It was obvious that he wanted to get on the ramp before me. I know that 23 minutes later he launched his boat because I sent a text message while waiting and noted the time stamp.

What took him so long to launch his boat? He had to load two coolers, three life jackets (one at a time), fishing poles, tackle boxes, beach towels, a couple of sweat shirts (one at a time) and a boat seat. All the while he seemed oblivious to me sitting and wait- ing. When he finally did back his trailer into the water, he had to pull it out twice because the first time he forgot to put the boat plug in and the second time he had to undo the safety straps on the hull. To say it was painful to sit and wait is an understatement.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with boat ramps, there is usually a designated prep area in the parking lot where boaters are supposed to load the boat prior to launching. If there is no prep area, use the parking lot. The same is true for loading your boat at the end of the day. When you come off of the water, use the prep area or the parking lot to offload what is in the boat into the vehicle.

Growing up the son of a commercial fisherman, launching a boat was a pretty important skill to have and one that was learned early on. I launch and load with sort of NASCAR pit crew mentality. I want to get on the water and get to fishing. When I’m done fishing, I want to get loaded and out of the way just as quickly. So how does one accomplish this? Remember that the boat ramp is where you launch and load the boat. That’s it. Everything should be loaded into the boat before you come near the ramp and when coming off the water, pull completely away from the ramp to unload everything from your boat. That way other boaters can continue to utilize the ramp.

So, the next time when using use the boat ramp: Be prepared, be patient and be a role model. Thank you.

Didn’t get enough Dave this week? Visit “Outdoor Trails and Tales with Dave Beck” on Facebook for photos and video of Dave’s adventures. You can share your own photos and video with him there as well, or by emailing him at [email protected] Also, check out OTT content on Instagram @ thepiercecountyjournal

It’s simple: Remember that the boat launch is where you launch and load your boat. Everything should be loaded into your boat when you come to the ramp. Photo by Dave Beck