Page 37 - ODUMar-Apr2019

Ramp

Etiquette

Capt. Mike Gerry

As is always the case in the spring we are getting into the
busy time of year and the boat ramps are the first place

one must face the crowds. As usual every day can be a
new adventure when you pull up to a ramp, as it’s the
time of year that many folks that have never pulled a
boat are being faced with getting their boat in the water
as well as the many folks that think they can take as
much time on the ramp as they need.

We all want people to be safe and take the time needed to get their boat in the water, however we also
must realize that your actions at the ramp can be aggravating to those trying to get in and chase that
first bite of the morning and sitting in line at a ramp where the inexperienced boater is struggling with
protocol can be extremely aggravating. So here is my list of do’s and don’ts while facing the crowds at
your local boat ramp.

Pre-prepare, make sure your truck parking break works correctly, understand how your straps un-hook
and always understand how to get your boat plug correctly installed.

Prepare, every time you get to a boat ramp prepare your boat for launch before backing down the
ramp, make sure your gear, life jackets, boat straps are ready to launch this will cut down time trying to
get your boat in the water. Sitting at the ramp watching someone prepare their boat while backed into
the water is extremely annoying to the others in line.

Practice, if you have never backed a boat down a ramp, get your boat to an empty parking lot and
practice backing it up and understand how the boat turns prior to ever getting to a busy boat ramp.
Believe me the mental pressure you will feel the first time you’re backing a boat down a ramp will be
high and if you haven’t practiced some it will cause a mistake and these types of mistakes generally
result in your property being damaged.

Lastly, if you haven’t run your boat motor make sure you have had some good instructions on the
starting and operation of the boat, and make sure it starts as sitting with the boat half in the water

watching someone trying to start it is a fire storm.

Fish Lake Guntersville Guide Service - www.fishlakeguntersvilleguideservice.com,
www.facebook.com/FishGuntersville, Email: bassguide@comcast.net, Call: 256 759 2270