Ramp Etiquette and Trailer Safety

Episode 8:  In today’s episode, Molley and Chad are going to talk about two topics that can really determine how your day on the lake goes and how it ends.  Ramp rage is avoidable.  This discussion is important for new boaters, as well as experienced boaters.  Let’s listen to some good advice.

Before You Leave the House with Your Boat

In Episode 6, Chad explained his pre-trip inspection routine.  You may want to go back and listen to it.  It’s important that you visually inspect your wheels, hubs and lights.  It doesn’t take long, but it could safe you some serious problems.  It’s easier to fix issues now, before you have to do it on the side of the road or near the dock.

Make sure everything is tight and secure.  This includes hooking up your rear safety straps, especially if you have a few miles to go, or if you’re going to be traveling at highway speed.

Completely secure and stow your Bimini top.  The wind can damage it if it’s not properly protected. 

Make sure the car or truck you’re using is adequate for the weight of your boat.  This is critically important for pulling and more importantly, for safely stopping.  Knowing how to properly balance out the weight of the boat and trailer is a critical safety step.  It’s about power and weight distribution. 

Molley recommends taking wider turns when you’re pulling your trailer.  The turn-angle is different based on the extra length.  Some boats can be longer than the car/truck pulling the boat.  If you’re not careful, you can cause significant damage to your boat, trailer, signs, etc.

Trailering Your Boat

Consider taking an extra safety strap (i.e. come-along).  Chad uses his to make sure the boat is securely locked in to protect the boat and anyone who may be in the boat.  Molley describes 2 examples of problems they’ve personally experienced.

Know the vehicle and your various ratings (i.e. weigh rating, tow rating, tongue rating, etc.).  You have to be safe when you’re towing a boat.  These ratings are listed for a reason.

ProTip:  Consider covering the boat windshield with Press’n Seal food wrap.  When you get to your destination, you can rip it off and you’ll have one less item to clean.

Ramp Etiquette

This is a sensitive topic.  Plan your loading process.  Use the ramp wisely so you don’t unnecessarily impede the other boaters who are trying to get their boats in or out of the water.  This is especially important for new boaters.  You have to practice and make sure everyone involved has a specific job to make it go as efficiently as possible.  It always works better with 2 people or more.

If you have new people going out on the water with you, take time to explain what’s going to happen during launch.  Explain how they can help or what might cause additional problems.  Remember, they’re new to this.  The easier it goes, the better your day on the water will go.

Take advantage of “the gravel lot” to prep for launch.  Use this area, not the ramp, to load your coolers, tubes and other items.  Let people get seated before you get in line for the ramp.  Make sure your boat’s battery is charged.  Take time to turn on the blower for 5-6 minutes if the boat has been sitting for more than 24 hours.  Have your young children put on their PFDs.  Finally, make sure the boat’s plug is secure.  Now you’re ready to hit the ramp.

ProTip:  If you’re new to the area, call ahead to the ramp.  Ask for the best launch times, based on your experience.  If a certain slot is typically crowded, you may want to wait until the majority of experienced boaters have launched.  The people working at the dock or ramp generally have a good feel for the volumes during the day.

Avoid Power Loading Around the Ramp

Revving your motor unnecessarily is actually bad for the ramp, your boat and more.  It tends to cause sediment to build up near the ramp, which will cause problems down the road.  This usually occurs when people are done for the day and are trying to load the boat back on the trailer.

Using the Courtesy Dock

There’s usually a dock near the ramp.  It’s for loading and unloading the items and people.  Be courteous to others and try to use it efficiently.  The more organized you are the better.  If you’re waiting for someone, float around somewhere further out in the water.  Remember, you might be impeding the approach or angle for someone else who is trying to launch or load their boat.  Patience here is a virtue.  As we detailed in Episode 7, Don’t Be THAT GUY!

Much of practicing ramp etiquette really comes down to organization, courtesy, practice and patience.  Stay focused and ask for help if you need it.  We’ve all been there.  Remember, this is supposed to be fun.

That’s a wrap for this episode.  I hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining.

Thanks for Listening!

If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your friends.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters!

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