Vic Smith wrote:
I was reading some comments about it elsewhere and got to thinking.
When/if I get to the point of launching my own boat, I'll have to
spend some time watching ramp activity before I do it myself.
Used to launch/retrieve with my buddies years ago, but I forgot
everything except how hard it was to crank the boat onto the bunks.
I think the owner was leery of backing in far enough to float it.
Oddly, I don't remember any problems pushing it off when launching.
Maybe we were stronger setting out fishing than we were when we got
back, or maybe it's just how gravity works.
I don't remember any problems at all.
But from my reading it seems the ramp is a good comedy show sometimes,
and a good drama when the hotheads get involved.
Anybody care to share some "outstanding" experiences?

--Vic

To speed your visit to the ramp, plan for every eventuality, and have
the tools and materials to carry out those plans.

One of the most frustrating event at the ramp is not he person who is
methodically launching their boat but the person who is running around
wringing his hands because the unexpected happens.

Once we lost the nuts on the bunk board, and as I launched the boat, I
launched the bunk board. We pulled the boat to a safe place, and
retrieved the board, parked the car, and went sailing. On returning we
took the one bolt from the remaining board, tied the other end of the
board down with rope and retrieved the boat. On our way home we
stopped a Lowes and replaced the nut.

In event of the unexpected you will get more help if you look like you
know what you are doing.