Boating Ramp Etiquette

[J White]

One helpfull hint :D you might want to try and load onto your own trailer...
I backed down a double ramp one day beside some guys who were trying to
load a big cuddy-cabin boat - I found out later they had something broke
in their steering - about the time I get backed in and stop, the driver guns
it and shoots all the way over onto my trailer cross-ways - I briefly had a
devilish little thought about pulling it to the top of the ramp for him, but
decided my little trailer couldn't handle the load. :D

Heard one the other day too, about a fellow who was so distracted he
launched and took out down the lake, clean out of sight, leaving his rig
idling on the ramp. The guy who told me about this, said they just parked
it for him and left the keys in it, said they thought about hiding the truck and
trailer, but decided the man must have enough problems in his life already...

[kmb411]

I have seen a few fights, arguements and even in one once. I had loaded the boat, and all the tie down areas where blocked. So I pulled in to the beach parking area to tie down. I was not blocking the road, just a corner hanging out. My wife was emtpying the rods, coolers and kids. Some punk pulls up and starts cussing me like a dog. I tell him to tone down do to the kids around. He threatens to hurt me physically for blockeing the whole (*^% parking lot. His girl friend or wife asks him to get in their vehicle. He doesnt, and approaches me.

I told him to calm down before he get hurt, of course he does not listen. It was priceless when my 120# wife told he to HALT. You see, her best friend Mr. PPK was pointed center mass. The little red dot of her lazer sight caused him to pee himself.

The best part was when the park ranger cuffed him and a dozn or so witnesses pointed out the he had threatened us.

To this day she will not tell me if she would have pulled the trigger or not.

Remember: people like myself tend to bring our guns to their knife fights.

[gooch]

We had a guy launching one morning on the White River and I offered to help him unload. Well he got pi**ed and told me to mind my own business. Well it took the guy forever to get his gear loaded and the boat unstraped. We didnt say a word while he was doing it. He finally got his gear ready and was ready to back into the river when another guy waiting to use the ramp asked if he would like him to back the old truck and boat in or help scotch the tires. Again the man got pi**ed and told him to mind his own business. Well the guy backed the boat into the river got out and jumped in and fired the boat up and just as he started to pull the boat off the trailer the parking brake failed and his whole rig rolled into the river. It was freezing and there was nothing that he could do to stop it. No one said a word, instead I jumped in our boat and my buddy backed me in and we lauched right over the top of his car. You could see it cause it was still dark out and his headlights were still on under water. You should have seen the look on that old crotchety mans face when we left it was priceless.

[sccamper]

Priceless!!!

[bowdenja]

kmb411............. I like your wife and ain't even met her!

Worse thing that happen to me was putting in one day with my dad.......... a long time ago.......... Dad unhooked the boat while I loaded what we already hadn't put in........... He started backing in and I grabbed the tie-rope. I ask Dad if he has unhooked everything, and get the look and a "YES!", so I give the rope a yank to start the boat off the trailer............. it's NOT unhooked at the bow ............the rope was one of those that stretch a little.
I looked like guy in those old B&W superman shows, kinda suspended in mid-air and well I found out how cold, deep and muddy the water at the ramp was.

Bad thing was....... I came up for a breath, the Governor of the state was looking down at me from his boat a little wet from the belly flop I just did. For a 16 year kid it was not a pretty scene.

I think that story of a 6' 250 pound flying kid doing the belly flop on a cold March morning went around the lake for a few years........... Man I am glad camera phones, camcorders and disposable camera had not been invented yet!

Since then I have always been nice and helpful to anyone I see with problems at a boat ramp. AND I always double check the bow hook:D

john

[JimmyZ]

it's more like 10-15 or longer.Car/top style boats are still popular up in Minnesota.

Man, doesn't anybody duck hunt. I can have waders on, boat launched, truck parked, dog take a dump, and headin out in under 5 min. Have to beat that sun up and all the other hunters. I can't imagine waiting in line for two hours.

[SwampHunter]

Man, doesn't anybody duck hunt. I can have waders on, boat launched, truck parked, dog take a dump, and headin out in under 5 min. Have to beat that sun up and all the other hunters. I can't imagine waiting in line for two hours.

I duck hunt. In fact it's my main life line. Not a single day goes by without thinking about duck hunting at least half of the day. Yes I am obsessed. I started hunting when I was 5 years old. Never missed a season. Started guiding when I was 15 and done that up until I wasn't physically able. I carve decoys and work with alot of outdoor companies.

We have adapted to a different style of huning over the to where we don't have to get up as early on most days. The lines do get long here, bu I don't guess I have ever been on the ramp for 2 hours.

[JimmyZ]

I know what u mean. I have kind of a compulsive disorder when it comes to duck hunting. Thank God for fishing though. Gives us a chance to be out during the rest of the year. Weekend duck hunting gets busy, but have not
seen a true duck hunter take more than 5 minutes at a ramp in the morning.


My dream day in the fall. Duck hunt in the morning. Then go crappie fishing. Then get an afternoon duck hunt in. :D I do this for 2 weeks in the fall.