On Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:55:20 -0800, "Mike" wrote:


"Vic Smith" wrote in message
.. .
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

Vic,

Unfortunately, some can't offer advice without taking an unwarranted shot at
another, and not answer the question. You have a legitimate question that
deserves a
legitimate answer.

You are correct. Go to the ramp, and watch how the experienced guys (and
gals) are doing it. You'll learn alot. If you offer a hand (which is always
appreciated), ask questions.

The best advice I can give is to make sure you
back down far enough to wet all of the bunks, then pull back out to the
proper depth. It's a LOT easier to move a boat on wet bunks rather than dry.
I actually power my boat all the way up to the stop. You can do this w/out
revving the engine at the last second. You just need to get a feel for the
headway speed you need to do it. Many ramps frown of folks revving their
boats up to the trailer stops. It can make a mess of the bottom of the ramp,
and kick up all sorts of stuff. So, wet the bunks, and coast up as far as
you can.

Leave the boat in forward, connect the winch strap, and winch her the rest
of the way up.
Keeping the boat in forward, even at idle, will help immensely. Jump back to
the helm,
put her in neutral, and cut the engine(s).

I hope this helps.

--Mike



I have to disagree with having the engine running at all when
retrieving or launching the boat. Our local county ramp has had signs
up for a few years now showing the damage caused by the scouring
action of the propellor when the engine is in gear and pushing water.
Finally, the county has started imposing fines when folks are caught
doing it. I agree wholeheartedly with the idea.

The practice washes the sand/dirt away from the concrete end of the
ramp and even from under the ramp. Without support the ramp begins to
break off, or at the least provide a dropoff to catch trailer tires.

Wetting the bunks helps. But, that can be done with a coffee can in
about four seconds.
--
Calling an Illegal Alien an "Undocumented Worker" is like calling a
Crack Dealer an "Unlicensed Pharmacist"

John H