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Boat Ramp Etiquette
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 |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
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 Yeah, instead of standing or sitting around laughing at the foibles of others (something turds like John Herring do...or at least tell us they do), go over and offer to help out whoever is having a problem. I used to single-handedly launch and retrieve my 7000-pound 25' Parker on occasion with a bunk trailer. I did it slowly and deliberately and I never had a problem except when there was a side wind. Then, I appreciated it when a volunteer offered to take a line form the stern and help hold the boat centered while I winched it up onto the trailer. |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
"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 I back down until the truck rear tires touch water. I'm especially careful when in salt water due to potential corrosion. My open aluminum boat will be partially floating at this point so it's easy to push off & control. I pull the boat next to the trailer and lift the bow up enough to slip a couple of fenders under it. I then lay the anchor forward on the ramp to avoid the boat floating away while I park the truck/trailer. With my bigger and much heavier sailboat... solo launch/retrieval was more troublesome because the boat sat too high to float off/on. |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
On Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:24:49 -0400, "Don White"
wrote: I back down until the truck rear tires touch water. I'm especially careful when in salt water due to potential corrosion. My open aluminum boat will be partially floating at this point so it's easy to push off & control. I pull the boat next to the trailer and lift the bow up enough to slip a couple of fenders under it. I then lay the anchor forward on the ramp to avoid the boat floating away while I park the truck/trailer. With my bigger and much heavier sailboat... solo launch/retrieval was more troublesome because the boat sat too high to float off/on. In many of the boat ramp stories I see there's so much traffic the solo stuff slows things down. But hey, if you're solo, you're solo. What you said about not wetting the rear truck hubs gave me an idea for a trailer though. I don't know the exact part names so bear with me. It should be clear enough. The hitch is on an arm connected to the yoke/frame. So the "hitch arm" is straight. I've seen them of different lengths depending on trailer design and size. What if the hitch was a telescoping tube, and once you got your back truck tires wet you could release the telescoping lock (maybe a pin though the tube.) and the trailer would then back down another few feet into the water? You could drive away from the water with it extended but collapse it and lock it before you hit the road. That could be real useful on steep ramps. Might have a similar design that would be let loose on a cable(s) to back down the ramp, then be cranked back up with a self-contained winch. The two end parts would be designed to auto-align and snug up stiff to be relocked. Don't know the parts names, but they use something like that for space station docking and mid-air refueling. This all might be overkill for a boat trailer, but might sell some. I'm not going into business and won't put a patent on the internets, so consider these ideas yours now. Just invite me for a week at the tropical island you buy with the proceeds. --Vic |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
"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 |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
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Boat Ramp Etiquette
"Vic Smith" wrote in message ... On Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:24:49 -0400, "Don White" wrote: I back down until the truck rear tires touch water. I'm especially careful when in salt water due to potential corrosion. My open aluminum boat will be partially floating at this point so it's easy to push off & control. I pull the boat next to the trailer and lift the bow up enough to slip a couple of fenders under it. I then lay the anchor forward on the ramp to avoid the boat floating away while I park the truck/trailer. With my bigger and much heavier sailboat... solo launch/retrieval was more troublesome because the boat sat too high to float off/on. In many of the boat ramp stories I see there's so much traffic the solo stuff slows things down. But hey, if you're solo, you're solo. What you said about not wetting the rear truck hubs gave me an idea for a trailer though. I don't know the exact part names so bear with me. It should be clear enough. The hitch is on an arm connected to the yoke/frame. So the "hitch arm" is straight. I've seen them of different lengths depending on trailer design and size. What if the hitch was a telescoping tube, and once you got your back truck tires wet you could release the telescoping lock (maybe a pin though the tube.) and the trailer would then back down another few feet into the water? You could drive away from the water with it extended but collapse it and lock it before you hit the road. That could be real useful on steep ramps. Might have a similar design that would be let loose on a cable(s) to back down the ramp, then be cranked back up with a self-contained winch. The two end parts would be designed to auto-align and snug up stiff to be relocked. Don't know the parts names, but they use something like that for space station docking and mid-air refueling. This all might be overkill for a boat trailer, but might sell some. I'm not going into business and won't put a patent on the internets, so consider these ideas yours now. Just invite me for a week at the tropical island you buy with the proceeds. --Vic I had this ideas when I ordered my custom built trailer. Originally I wanted a hinge type tongue similar to what some major trailer manufacturers use. (re 20 x 12 foot garage) The builder couldn't do that so we compromised on a larger frame square tube with a smaller diameter tongue slipped inside with two bolts to hold the tongue solid during use. The idiot made it so it only added 18" to the length and I could only enlongate or shorten it while the boat was on level ....or when the coupler was disengaged and the tongue supported by a tongue jack. Here you should be able to see one of the through bolts directly behind the winch mast. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2.../winchmast.jpg |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
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. |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
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 |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
On Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:11:45 -0600, Vic Smith
wrote: 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? My advice would be to scout out the ramp in advance and watch other people. See what works and what doesn't, particularly with boats of about your size and weight. If you are launching by yourself everything needs to be highly organized, preferably with a checklist. It's very easy to forget some seemingly minor detail like tilting the motor/outdrive up or removing the tie down straps. Do as much as you can in the waiting area so you don't tie up the ramp longer than necessary. Here are a few random tips: 1. Prepare to get wet and do some wading. 2. Leave your cell phone in the truck or boat. They don't like wading (don't ask how I know). 3. Make sure the drain plug is in, a *very* common mistake. 4. Back in far enough that the boat floats on and off easily. 5. Get lots of practice in advance with backing up the trailer, both straight line and turning both ways. It needs to become an instinct. 6. Have your dock lines ready in advance so you can tie up quickly and go park the truck/trailer after launching. 7. Make sure your boat batteries are charged. 8. Have everything in the boat that you are going to need that day. 9. Make sure you know how you are going to get on and off the boat in all circumstances. 10. Remember tip #3. 11. Check your brake lights and turn signals on both the trailer and truck before hitting the road. Know how to fix them when they don't work. 12. Remember tip #3. |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:40:17 -0500, Gene
wrote: On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:03:14 -0500, John H wrote: 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. That's weird. However, our ramps tend to be rather flat. Everybody around here bought a drive-on trailer and uses it as such.... Winching is good exercise. That's why God made 'em. They should be used. |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
Gene wrote:
On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:03:14 -0500, John H wrote: 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. That's weird. However, our ramps tend to be rather flat. Everybody around here bought a drive-on trailer and uses it as such.... Gene...I'm guessing by "drive-on" trailer you mean a roller trailer as opposed to a bunk trailer? I suppose bunk vs. roller is a function of facilities and preferences. I've never liked roller trailers. Fortunately, all the ramps I visit are steep enough to allow bunk trailers. I never power onto the trailer. I pull the boat up by hand with a line attached to the bow ring, then I winch it up the rest of the way. It's easier on the boat and me to do it slow and easy. Got a spray called "liquid rollers" I spritz on the bunks every so often. Works well. |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 14:57:32 GMT, Blazer wrote:
On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:40:17 -0500, Gene wrote: On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:03:14 -0500, John H wrote: On Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:55:20 -0800, "Mike" wrote: "Vic Smith" wrote in message m... 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. That's weird. However, our ramps tend to be rather flat. Everybody around here bought a drive-on trailer and uses it as such.... Winching is good exercise. That's why God made 'em. They should be used. I agree. Nothing 'weird' about using the winch. -- Calling an Illegal Alien an "Undocumented Worker" is like calling a Crack Dealer an "Unlicensed Pharmacist" John H |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:40:17 -0500, Gene
wrote: Everybody around here bought a drive-on trailer and uses it as such.... With rollers or bunks? I'm trying to figure out what makes it a drive-on trailer. |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
don't forget the plugs.....
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Boat Ramp Etiquette
On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 13:20:59 -0500, Gene
wrote: On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 10:03:40 -0500, HK wrote: Gene wrote: On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:03:14 -0500, John H wrote: 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. That's weird. However, our ramps tend to be rather flat. Everybody around here bought a drive-on trailer and uses it as such.... Gene...I'm guessing by "drive-on" trailer you mean a roller trailer as opposed to a bunk trailer? I suppose bunk vs. roller is a function of facilities and preferences. I've never liked roller trailers. Fortunately, all the ramps I visit are steep enough to allow bunk trailers. I never power onto the trailer. I pull the boat up by hand with a line attached to the bow ring, then I winch it up the rest of the way. It's easier on the boat and me to do it slow and easy. Got a spray called "liquid rollers" I spritz on the bunks every so often. Works well. http://www.associatedcontent.com/art....html?cat= 11 Again, the purpose of the drive on trailer, according to your cite, is to save on winching. If your ramps are not scoured or otherwised damaged by the flow of the water, then by all means drive on. However, this is not the case for most concrete ramps. -- John H "The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not." Thomas Jefferson |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
"Don White" wrote in message ... "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 I back down until the truck rear tires touch water. I'm especially careful when in salt water due to potential corrosion. My open aluminum boat will be partially floating at this point so it's easy to push off & control. I pull the boat next to the trailer and lift the bow up enough to slip a couple of fenders under it. I then lay the anchor forward on the ramp to avoid the boat floating away while I park the truck/trailer. With my bigger and much heavier sailboat... solo launch/retrieval was more troublesome because the boat sat too high to float off/on. And you screw up the ramp for others while you park the truck. Pull it off to the side of the ramp area or tie it off to the dock out of the way. |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
"John H" wrote in message ... On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 14:57:32 GMT, Blazer wrote: On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:40:17 -0500, Gene wrote: On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:03:14 -0500, John H wrote: On Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:55:20 -0800, "Mike" wrote: "Vic Smith" wrote in message om... 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. That's weird. However, our ramps tend to be rather flat. Everybody around here bought a drive-on trailer and uses it as such.... Winching is good exercise. That's why God made 'em. They should be used. I agree. Nothing 'weird' about using the winch. -- Calling an Illegal Alien an "Undocumented Worker" is like calling a Crack Dealer an "Unlicensed Pharmacist" John H Takes too long and if the strap breaks, what then. But we build the ramps longer here because of big tide changes or large lake level changes. 2-300 ft level change in some lakes. |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 11:17:42 -0800, "CalifBill"
wrote: "John H" wrote in message .. . On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 14:57:32 GMT, Blazer wrote: On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:40:17 -0500, Gene wrote: On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:03:14 -0500, John H wrote: On Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:55:20 -0800, "Mike" wrote: "Vic Smith" wrote in message news:es2hq4h31778524t9uqd19nd6e1t5i8lbk@4ax. com... 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. That's weird. However, our ramps tend to be rather flat. Everybody around here bought a drive-on trailer and uses it as such.... Winching is good exercise. That's why God made 'em. They should be used. I agree. Nothing 'weird' about using the winch. -- Calling an Illegal Alien an "Undocumented Worker" is like calling a Crack Dealer an "Unlicensed Pharmacist" John H Takes too long and if the strap breaks, what then. But we build the ramps longer here because of big tide changes or large lake level changes. 2-300 ft level change in some lakes. *If* the strap breaks, drive it on. You've no other choice. Like I told Gene, if no damage can occur due to the scouring action of the prop, then there's nothing wrong with driving on. 'Takes too long' isn't a good reason. -- John H "The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not." Thomas Jefferson |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
"Don White" wrote in message ... "Vic Smith" wrote in message ... On Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:24:49 -0400, "Don White" wrote: I back down until the truck rear tires touch water. I'm especially careful when in salt water due to potential corrosion. My open aluminum boat will be partially floating at this point so it's easy to push off & control. I pull the boat next to the trailer and lift the bow up enough to slip a couple of fenders under it. I then lay the anchor forward on the ramp to avoid the boat floating away while I park the truck/trailer. With my bigger and much heavier sailboat... solo launch/retrieval was more troublesome because the boat sat too high to float off/on. In many of the boat ramp stories I see there's so much traffic the solo stuff slows things down. But hey, if you're solo, you're solo. What you said about not wetting the rear truck hubs gave me an idea for a trailer though. I don't know the exact part names so bear with me. It should be clear enough. The hitch is on an arm connected to the yoke/frame. So the "hitch arm" is straight. I've seen them of different lengths depending on trailer design and size. What if the hitch was a telescoping tube, and once you got your back truck tires wet you could release the telescoping lock (maybe a pin though the tube.) and the trailer would then back down another few feet into the water? You could drive away from the water with it extended but collapse it and lock it before you hit the road. That could be real useful on steep ramps. Might have a similar design that would be let loose on a cable(s) to back down the ramp, then be cranked back up with a self-contained winch. The two end parts would be designed to auto-align and snug up stiff to be relocked. Don't know the parts names, but they use something like that for space station docking and mid-air refueling. This all might be overkill for a boat trailer, but might sell some. I'm not going into business and won't put a patent on the internets, so consider these ideas yours now. Just invite me for a week at the tropical island you buy with the proceeds. --Vic I had this ideas when I ordered my custom built trailer. Originally I wanted a hinge type tongue similar to what some major trailer manufacturers use. (re 20 x 12 foot garage) The builder couldn't do that so we compromised on a larger frame square tube with a smaller diameter tongue slipped inside with two bolts to hold the tongue solid during use. The idiot made it so it only added 18" to the length and I could only enlongate or shorten it while the boat was on level ....or when the coupler was disengaged and the tongue supported by a tongue jack. Here you should be able to see one of the through bolts directly behind the winch mast. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2.../winchmast.jpg Oh yeah.. I also had to loosen that back u-bolt (seen removed in picture) in order to slide the tongue forward (for launch/retrival) or back (for trailering). |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
"CalifBill" wrote in message ... "Don White" wrote in message ... "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 I back down until the truck rear tires touch water. I'm especially careful when in salt water due to potential corrosion. My open aluminum boat will be partially floating at this point so it's easy to push off & control. I pull the boat next to the trailer and lift the bow up enough to slip a couple of fenders under it. I then lay the anchor forward on the ramp to avoid the boat floating away while I park the truck/trailer. With my bigger and much heavier sailboat... solo launch/retrieval was more troublesome because the boat sat too high to float off/on. And you screw up the ramp for others while you park the truck. Pull it off to the side of the ramp area or tie it off to the dock out of the way. Don't screw up anything. Here, it's usually quiet at the ramps during the week and I do move the boat too one side where it waits for me. Unfortunately, they usually put the little finger docks a small distance from the ramp. Makes it a bit of a hassle for solo launches/retrievals. examples.. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...launchramp.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...d/Hpim0187.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...d/Hpim0155.jpg |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
"CalifBill" wrote in message m... "John H" wrote in message ... On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 14:57:32 GMT, Blazer wrote: On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:40:17 -0500, Gene wrote: On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:03:14 -0500, John H wrote: On Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:55:20 -0800, "Mike" wrote: "Vic Smith" wrote in message news:es2hq4h31778524t9uqd19nd6e1t5i8lbk@4ax. com... 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. That's weird. However, our ramps tend to be rather flat. Everybody around here bought a drive-on trailer and uses it as such.... Winching is good exercise. That's why God made 'em. They should be used. I agree. Nothing 'weird' about using the winch. -- Calling an Illegal Alien an "Undocumented Worker" is like calling a Crack Dealer an "Unlicensed Pharmacist" John H Takes too long and if the strap breaks, what then. But we build the ramps longer here because of big tide changes or large lake level changes. 2-300 ft level change in some lakes. What? You sippin Kalifornia wine again? How could a lake... or even the ocean ..raise& lower 200-300 feet? We have the highest tides in the world here at about 53 feet. http://www.bayoffundy.com/highesttides.aspx |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
On Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:11:45 -0600, Vic Smith
wrote: 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. Melt yourself some paraffin wax get a brush, and put a skimpy coat of the stuff on the bunks. You can even just rub things down with the stuff. Of course there will be streaks of wax on the boat, but who cares how the fish feel about the looks of it. There is also soap, specifically the big bars of ivory. Casady |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 16:47:34 -0400, "Don White"
wrote: How could a lake... or even the ocean ..raise& lower 200-300 feet? We have the highest tides in the world here at about 53 feet The Corp of Engineers lets that much water out, and it will drop that far. Casady |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
"Richard Casady" wrote in message ... On Fri, 27 Feb 2009 19:11:45 -0600, Vic Smith wrote: 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. Melt yourself some paraffin wax get a brush, and put a skimpy coat of the stuff on the bunks. You can even just rub things down with the stuff. Of course there will be streaks of wax on the boat, but who cares how the fish feel about the looks of it. There is also soap, specifically the big bars of ivory. Casady Some here use the liquid dish soap....... a favourite used to be Joy.... or Dawn |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
John H wrote:
http://www.associatedcontent.com/art....html?cat= 11 Again, the purpose of the drive on trailer, according to your cite, is to save on winching. If your ramps are not scoured or otherwised damaged by the flow of the water, then by all means drive on. However, this is not the case for most concrete ramps. -- John H They guy that wrote this article is no expert at boating, or writing. It is basic information any one of us could write with some bad info included. What's up with this? "A cheap boat trailer more often than not, won't hold up." Cheap or undersized? What does "won't hold up." mean? "There won't be as much heat or tread wear on the tires if they rotate more times per mile." Really? "It's fairly safe to say that most boat trailers are weatherized and protected from rust. If you are in doubt, it would never hurt to have it rust coated." Rust coated? OK, he's an idiot. |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 16:32:25 -0500, gfretwell wrote:
Your tide is a daily thing. The drop in western lakes is probably going to just be forever. When they built the dams the rivers were flowing wild and the valleys filled to 300-400 feet behind the dam. Now the west is using water a lot faster than the river can put it back so the lakes are drying up. Add to that, a drought. Just this past week, Schwarzenegger declared a drought emergency. |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
"Don White" wrote in message ... "CalifBill" wrote in message ... "Don White" wrote in message ... "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 I back down until the truck rear tires touch water. I'm especially careful when in salt water due to potential corrosion. My open aluminum boat will be partially floating at this point so it's easy to push off & control. I pull the boat next to the trailer and lift the bow up enough to slip a couple of fenders under it. I then lay the anchor forward on the ramp to avoid the boat floating away while I park the truck/trailer. With my bigger and much heavier sailboat... solo launch/retrieval was more troublesome because the boat sat too high to float off/on. And you screw up the ramp for others while you park the truck. Pull it off to the side of the ramp area or tie it off to the dock out of the way. Don't screw up anything. Here, it's usually quiet at the ramps during the week and I do move the boat too one side where it waits for me. Unfortunately, they usually put the little finger docks a small distance from the ramp. Makes it a bit of a hassle for solo launches/retrievals. examples.. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...launchramp.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...d/Hpim0187.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...d/Hpim0155.jpg Pull it over to the docks and tie it off or to the rocks if calm. If someone else comes up they do not want to wait for you to fart around. One of our ramps that just reopened. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/10...0226091747.jpg Has been the low water gravel ramp for 6 months at least to launch. And this paved ramp is the normal low water ramp. the normal ramp at highwater is 8 lanes wide. |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
"Don White" wrote in message ... "CalifBill" wrote in message m... "John H" wrote in message ... On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 14:57:32 GMT, Blazer wrote: On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:40:17 -0500, Gene wrote: On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:03:14 -0500, John H wrote: On Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:55:20 -0800, "Mike" wrote: "Vic Smith" wrote in message news:es2hq4h31778524t9uqd19nd6e1t5i8lbk@4ax .com... 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. That's weird. However, our ramps tend to be rather flat. Everybody around here bought a drive-on trailer and uses it as such.... Winching is good exercise. That's why God made 'em. They should be used. I agree. Nothing 'weird' about using the winch. -- Calling an Illegal Alien an "Undocumented Worker" is like calling a Crack Dealer an "Unlicensed Pharmacist" John H Takes too long and if the strap breaks, what then. But we build the ramps longer here because of big tide changes or large lake level changes. 2-300 ft level change in some lakes. What? You sippin Kalifornia wine again? How could a lake... or even the ocean ..raise& lower 200-300 feet? We have the highest tides in the world here at about 53 feet. http://www.bayoffundy.com/highesttides.aspx Lake Oroville is 700+' deep at highwater levels. Drop it 300' and still 400' of water in the deeper channels. |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
"Richard Casady" wrote in message ... On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 16:47:34 -0400, "Don White" wrote: How could a lake... or even the ocean ..raise& lower 200-300 feet? We have the highest tides in the world here at about 53 feet The Corp of Engineers lets that much water out, and it will drop that far. Casady http://www.lakeoroville.water.ca.gov...WPbenefits.cfm |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
"Don White" wrote in message ... "CalifBill" wrote in message m... "John H" wrote in message ... On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 14:57:32 GMT, Blazer wrote: On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:40:17 -0500, Gene wrote: On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:03:14 -0500, John H wrote: On Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:55:20 -0800, "Mike" wrote: "Vic Smith" wrote in message news:es2hq4h31778524t9uqd19nd6e1t5i8lbk@4ax .com... 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. That's weird. However, our ramps tend to be rather flat. Everybody around here bought a drive-on trailer and uses it as such.... Winching is good exercise. That's why God made 'em. They should be used. I agree. Nothing 'weird' about using the winch. -- Calling an Illegal Alien an "Undocumented Worker" is like calling a Crack Dealer an "Unlicensed Pharmacist" John H Takes too long and if the strap breaks, what then. But we build the ramps longer here because of big tide changes or large lake level changes. 2-300 ft level change in some lakes. What? You sippin Kalifornia wine again? How could a lake... or even the ocean ..raise& lower 200-300 feet? We have the highest tides in the world here at about 53 feet. http://www.bayoffundy.com/highesttides.aspx (When full, Lake Oroville is 900 feet above sea level. Currently, it is 753 feet above sea level.)http://www.reuters.com/article/press...008+BW20080429 |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
"Don White" wrote in message ... "CalifBill" wrote in message m... "John H" wrote in message ... On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 14:57:32 GMT, Blazer wrote: On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:40:17 -0500, Gene wrote: On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:03:14 -0500, John H wrote: On Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:55:20 -0800, "Mike" wrote: "Vic Smith" wrote in message news:es2hq4h31778524t9uqd19nd6e1t5i8lbk@4ax .com... 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. That's weird. However, our ramps tend to be rather flat. Everybody around here bought a drive-on trailer and uses it as such.... Winching is good exercise. That's why God made 'em. They should be used. I agree. Nothing 'weird' about using the winch. -- Calling an Illegal Alien an "Undocumented Worker" is like calling a Crack Dealer an "Unlicensed Pharmacist" John H Takes too long and if the strap breaks, what then. But we build the ramps longer here because of big tide changes or large lake level changes. 2-300 ft level change in some lakes. What? You sippin Kalifornia wine again? How could a lake... or even the ocean ..raise& lower 200-300 feet? We have the highest tides in the world here at about 53 feet. http://www.bayoffundy.com/highesttides.aspx Don, do some friggin' research before you spew your stupidity. I'm so excited that your tides are the highest in the world... something to be extremely proud of. That has no bearing on lakes formed by dams... you drinkin' your son's beer again? --Mike |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
wrote in message ... On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 20:40:55 -0600, thunder wrote: On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 16:32:25 -0500, gfretwell wrote: Your tide is a daily thing. The drop in western lakes is probably going to just be forever. When they built the dams the rivers were flowing wild and the valleys filled to 300-400 feet behind the dam. Now the west is using water a lot faster than the river can put it back so the lakes are drying up. Add to that, a drought. Just this past week, Schwarzenegger declared a drought emergency. As the old margarine commercial used to say, "it's not nice to fool mother nature". You guys tricked the desert into thinking it was prime river bottom land and now nature is striking back. We have enough water. But agriculture is big political lobby powers and get subsidized water that grows subsidized crops. About $9.50 an acre foot for water. Homes pay about $250 and acre foot. And the farmers are reselling the $9.50 water for $200 to Los Angeles water. And Ag uses 80% of the water in the state, to supply about 2.4% of GDP and employment. |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
CalifBill wrote:
wrote in message ... On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 20:40:55 -0600, thunder wrote: On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 16:32:25 -0500, gfretwell wrote: Your tide is a daily thing. The drop in western lakes is probably going to just be forever. When they built the dams the rivers were flowing wild and the valleys filled to 300-400 feet behind the dam. Now the west is using water a lot faster than the river can put it back so the lakes are drying up. Add to that, a drought. Just this past week, Schwarzenegger declared a drought emergency. As the old margarine commercial used to say, "it's not nice to fool mother nature". You guys tricked the desert into thinking it was prime river bottom land and now nature is striking back. We have enough water. But agriculture is big political lobby powers and get subsidized water that grows subsidized crops. About $9.50 an acre foot for water. Homes pay about $250 and acre foot. And the farmers are reselling the $9.50 water for $200 to Los Angeles water. And Ag uses 80% of the water in the state, to supply about 2.4% of GDP and employment. In the US, I believe farms produce 100% of all of the food we eat. What is your is you over feed lawn producing except run off that is polluting th environment? |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
On Feb 28, 3:47*pm, "Don White" wrote:
"CalifBill" wrote in message m... "John H" wrote in message .. . On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 14:57:32 GMT, Blazer wrote: On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:40:17 -0500, Gene wrote: On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:03:14 -0500, John H wrote: On Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:55:20 -0800, "Mike" wrote: "Vic Smith" wrote in message news:es2hq4h31778524t9uqd19nd6e1t5i8lbk@4ax. com... 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. That's weird. However, our ramps tend to be rather flat. Everybody around here bought a drive-on trailer and uses it as such.... Winching is good exercise. That's why God made 'em. They should be used. I agree. Nothing 'weird' about using the winch. -- Calling an Illegal Alien an "Undocumented Worker" is like calling a Crack Dealer an "Unlicensed Pharmacist" John H Takes too long and if the strap breaks, what then. *But we build the ramps longer here because of big tide changes or large lake level changes. 2-300 ft level change in some lakes. What? *You sippin Kalifornia wine again? How could a lake... or even the ocean ..raise& lower 200-300 feet? We have the highest tides in the world here at about 53 feet.http://www.bayoffundy.com/highesttides.aspx- Hide quoted text - - Show quoted text - Holy cow! The first time I check here and I see this. It must be the dumbest post I've ever seen. Absolute stupidity. glyci |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:28:47 -0500, Wayne.B
wrote: 1. Prepare to get wet and do some wading. 2. Leave your cell phone in the truck or boat. They don't like wading (don't ask how I know). 3. Make sure the drain plug is in, a *very* common mistake. 4. Back in far enough that the boat floats on and off easily. 5. Get lots of practice in advance with backing up the trailer, both straight line and turning both ways. It needs to become an instinct. 6. Have your dock lines ready in advance so you can tie up quickly and go park the truck/trailer after launching. 7. Make sure your boat batteries are charged. 8. Have everything in the boat that you are going to need that day. 9. Make sure you know how you are going to get on and off the boat in all circumstances. 10. Remember tip #3. 11. Check your brake lights and turn signals on both the trailer and truck before hitting the road. Know how to fix them when they don't work. 12. Remember tip #3. Good list. I'll probably renumber things a bit, the big changes being 1. Make sure the drain plug is in, a *very* common mistake. 2. Make sure the drain plug is in, a *very* common mistake. 3. Make sure the drain plug is in, a *very* common mistake. 12. Remember tips 1,2,3. Might miss it otherwise. --Vic |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
On Sun, 01 Mar 2009 10:12:13 -0500, Keith Nuttle
wrote: CalifBill wrote: wrote in message ... On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 20:40:55 -0600, thunder wrote: On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 16:32:25 -0500, gfretwell wrote: Your tide is a daily thing. The drop in western lakes is probably going to just be forever. When they built the dams the rivers were flowing wild and the valleys filled to 300-400 feet behind the dam. Now the west is using water a lot faster than the river can put it back so the lakes are drying up. Add to that, a drought. Just this past week, Schwarzenegger declared a drought emergency. As the old margarine commercial used to say, "it's not nice to fool mother nature". You guys tricked the desert into thinking it was prime river bottom land and now nature is striking back. We have enough water. But agriculture is big political lobby powers and get subsidized water that grows subsidized crops. About $9.50 an acre foot for water. Homes pay about $250 and acre foot. And the farmers are reselling the $9.50 water for $200 to Los Angeles water. And Ag uses 80% of the water in the state, to supply about 2.4% of GDP and employment. In the US, I believe farms produce 100% of all of the food we eat. What is your is you over feed lawn producing except run off that is polluting th environment? Don't think it's 100% any more. Agree about the lawns. Here around the Great Lakes water is cheap, but I never water the lawn anyway. Just the flowers. --Vic |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
On Sun, 01 Mar 2009 10:37:14 -0600, Vic Smith
wrote: Good list. I'll probably renumber things a bit, the big changes being 1. Make sure the drain plug is in, a *very* common mistake. 2. Make sure the drain plug is in, a *very* common mistake. 3. Make sure the drain plug is in, a *very* common mistake. 12. Remember tips 1,2,3. The Turbocraft has no drain plug, and we never missed it, in fifty years. One time we forgot to put the drain plugs back in the engine block. With the propulsion pump behind it the water came out fast. Casady |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
On Sat, 28 Feb 2009 09:28:47 -0500, Wayne.B
wrote: 3. Make sure the drain plug is in, a *very* common mistake. What reason is there for a drain plug to be larger than 1/4 inch? It only has to drain 40 inches a year. Casady |
Boat Ramp Etiquette
On Fri, 27 Feb 2009 22:55:20 -0800, "Mike" wrote:
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. Everything helps! I note some discussion about methods. Have to figure that out myself. I'm never shy about getting educated, so I expect to spend some time watching others and practicing before I get my feet wet. Luckily, I'm pretty good at backing trailers. --Vic |
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