This just came across my desk. It's a press release from BoatUS, with a
few very specific reminders about boat ramp protocol.

NEWS From BoatU.S.
Boat Owners Association of The United States
880 S. Pickett St., Alexandria, VA 22304
BoatU.S. News Room at http://www.BoatUS.com/news/releases.asp

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact: Scott Croft, 703-461-2864,
Date: June 22, 2005

BOATU.S.' TOP TEN TIPS ON HOW TO AVOID STRESS, STARES AND
HONKING HORNS AT THE LAUNCH RAMP

When launching your vessel at a boat ramp, does it seem like the whole
world is watching your every move? In the June 2005 issue of BoatU.S.
Trailering magazine, Chapman's Boating Etiquette author Pat Piper
offers ten tips for happier boating:

1. Prior to backing down the ramp have everything that needs to be
transferred from the tow vehicle placed in the boat. Trailer boaters
who wait until their vessel is in the water cause delays and get nasty
stares.

2. Concrete and fiberglass don't mix. Unhook the boat from the
winch after the vessel is in the water, not before. Once your boat is
splashed, have your crew secure it to the dock while you park your tow
vehicle and trailer, leaving the ramp open for the next launch.

3. Don't make others wait while you're having a discussion with your
crew on where to go or else those waiting in line behind you will
happily offer suggestions.

4. Offer assistance if someone needs help. If you have never backed
down a ramp, practice in a large parking lot prior to launching.

5. If you're on the ramp and would like help, be succinct. This is
not the time to ask questions about bleeding the brakes or to debate
the advantages of bias ply tires.

6. Trailer parking spaces are for tow vehicles and trailers only.
Guests should park elsewhere.

7. Get into a routine at the ramp and use a checklist. It will make
your life easier.

8. When returning to a ramp, drop off the person who will get the
tow vehicle and trailer from the parking lot first and wait for them in
an out-of-the-way location while they retrieve the vehicle.

9. Once the boat is on the trailer, secure safety chain to the bow
eye and move up the ramp. Secure the remaining tie downs and transfer
stuff back to the tow vehicle when you get to the parking lot - not on
the ramp.

10. If you'd like to talk to other boaters about launch ramp
etiquette, your experiences at boat ramps or other boating related
issues, go to the messages boards at BoatUS.com.

BoatU.S. - Boat Owners Association of The United States - is the
nation's leading advocate for recreational boaters providing its
600,000 members with a wide array of consumer services including a
group-rate marine insurance program that insures over 240,000 vessels;
the largest fleet of more than 500 towing assistance vessels; discounts
on fuel, slips, and repairs at over 800 Cooperating Marinas; boat
financing; and a subscription to BoatU.S. Magazine, the most widely
read boating publication in the U.S. For membership information visit
http://www.BoatUS.com or call 800-395-2628.

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