Boat Ramp Etiquette

We made it! It’s finally boating season. The weather is hot and sunny, the lakes are rising and getting warmer, and people are bringing their boats out for the season. But with the beginning of boating season, comes the frustrations many feel when launching their boat. Many of us have been there: it’s hot, you’re sweating, and you’re eager to just get on the water. When you’re in these conditions, it’s easy to get frustrated when people aren’t efficiently launching their boats. We’re here to tell you that it DOESN’T HAVE TO BE SO FRUSTRATING! Follow some of these great tips to make launching easier and less stressful.

• Prep your boat as much as possible AT HOME; Check to see if your battery is charged, make sure your safety gear and accessories are in place, know where your drain plug is, and if you can run your boat at home to make sure it starts, do so. It’s important to be as prepared as possible before you hit the road.
• Once you’re at the boat ramp you should, as we like to say, get into the queue (get in line), THEN quickly and efficiently load up your crew and the remainder of your gear before it’s your turn to back down the ramp. Everything should be in place when it’s your turn, so make sure you’re prepared. Don’t forget to install your drain plugs!
• Don't hog the ramp! If it’s wide enough for more than one person to launch at the same time, stick to the side so people can do that.
• Observe your surroundings before launching. Did someone else get there first? Is someone alone and trying to get their boat out? Be aware, alert, and respectful.
• Don’t be too proud to accept help. If struggling, even just a little, and someone offers help, LET THEM HELP YOU! Then observe what it is their doing, so you can be a better captain next time. Always take advantage of an opportunity to learn!
• Don’t park your regular car in boat trailer parking. Boat trailer parking spots are made for vehicles and their trailers, not vehicles without trailers. Even if it’s fairly empty, and regular parking is full, DON’T DO IT!
• Respect the dock. Docks at boat launches are there for boater’s temporary use. Limit the time you spend tied up to these docks as much as possible.

Following these simple tips will make launching your boat much less stressful. Not only is it important to know these simple rules of boat launching for safety reasons, but also to prevent frustration for you and others! We all want to have a good time out on the water, don’t let that first step put a damper on your day!

What would you add, that you want people who are launching their boats this summer to know?