posted 04-04-2004 04:42 PM ET (US)            

Don't worry about it. If folks at the ramp have never boated by themselves, it's their loss. As long as you aren't clogging the ramp for an inordinate amount of time, you should have no problems.

With the 150, at many ramps, you could even moor the boat behind one that is currently retrieving ...this will offset some of the "down time" that is left while you retrieve your Jeep and trailer (assuming by screen name that you're using a jeep as a tow vehicle).

The 150 launches and retrieves very easily - especially if you've had some practice.

Most boaters will notice that you're solo and not have a problem with it.

I've been boating solo lots of times and have never had a problem with "angry boaters".

If they get too mad, just go over and pull their plug...bailing will give them something else to concentrate on for awhile. :)

posted 04-04-2004 06:08 PM ET (US)            

Launching isn't as much of a problem. Get EVERYTHING done in the prep area before moving toward the ramp. Wait your turn in line and back the trailer into the water. Holding a 25' dockline from a stern eye and a 15' dockline from the bow cleat, push the boat off the trailer from the side of the boat the dock is on, then get on the dock and walk the boat out.

If the dock is long and you can move the boat back far enough so someone can start launching in front of you, tie the boat to the dock, park the tow vehicle and trailer, and hurry back to the boat to cast off before you delay the boat in front of you.

If the dock isn't long where someone can launch in front of you, if there are waiting docks on the side of the launch, go ahead and start the boat and move it over to one of them before parking the tow vehicle and trailer.

If the dock isn't long and there are no waiting docks, the person following you will just have to wait for you to park the tow vehicle and trailer and get back.

Retrieving solo at a busy launch is where the problem comes in. You can't tie up to a launching dock and obstruct those in the tow vehicle line from launching or retrieving while you go get your tow vehicle and trailer. And you can't pass those in the line waiting to launch (or retrieve) just because your boat is tied to the launching dock, even though it would help clear that ramp for them to launch, because your boat shouldn't have been there in the first place.

If you're going to launch at a ramp that may be busy when you return, make sure it is one which has waiting docks. Wait until you can tie up to one of them, then go get your tow vehicle and get in line. Once you get your trailer in the water, go get the boat and bring it up to the launching dock, behind your trailer.

At a ramp without waiting docks that isn't busy, just wait for anyone in line to launch/retrieve, then pull up to the dock and tie up. Do NOT pull in behind a boat that's retrieving if there are other vehicles in line! Try to tie up on the dock as close to the ramp as possible to discourage someone from backing down while you're getting the tow vehicle and trailer. They may assume you've left it to park the tow vehicle while launching. If someone does back down on your boat, while you're getting the tow vehicle and trailer, leave the tow vehicle in line, and go out on the dock and walk your boat around the end of the dock, so they can finish launching, then pull it back up and go get your tow vehicle.

Hope this helps... and contratulations on your 150 Sport. We LOVE ours!

--
Moe

posted 04-04-2004 06:22 PM ET (US)            

I guess I just don't boat where it's busy enough to really steam someone off in that regard. At the busiest ramp that I use, there are 8 ramps (3 finger piers). Pier 1 is designated as a "launch only" pier, Pier 2 is "Launch or retrieve" and Pier 3 is "retrieve only".

With a 150, even if someone jumped in line ahead of you, you'd likely have space to squeeze down and retrieve the boat without screwing up the whole process.

I can see how this might be a problem with a particularly busy day and no clear directions on launch/retrieve ramps. That thought had not occurred to me before since I've never encountered a problem.

Then again, being from a major city, I'm likely the one to stare down someone who gets out of hand. If you paid your money to use the ramp, either through local taxes or launch fees, as long as you're not taking too much time in the process (having trouble backing down, loading, etc) and are just running to your car, I can't see how someone should be rightfully P.O.'d at you.

But I suppose carrying a portable air compressor to re-fill your trailer tires after an unpleasant encounter might be appropriate. :)

posted 04-04-2004 10:21 PM ET (US)            

If you feel rushed at the ramp launching or retrieving, just ask for a hand to hold the bow line, some one will help you.

I always ask if some is solo. That same guy might be the one to give you a tow back in if needed. We are all boaters no matter what and a little neighborly help with a smile never hurt anything.

posted 04-04-2004 11:15 PM ET (US)            

http://continuouswave.com/ubb/Forum9/HTML/000615.html

for more information and discussion.]

Regarding launch ramp protocols--things can get out of hand at a launch ramp, usually the result of some intoxicants, too much machismo, and juvenile behavior.

Launching usually goes fine without much input from the skipper. It is loading the boat on the trailer that often takes time. It is best to practice a few times when the ramp is not busy to get your technique perfected.

The angle of the ramp, the depth of the water, and the availability of a courtesy dock all affect the process. Every ramp is a bit different. Often the really busy ramps are supervised by park officials.

posted 04-05-2004 12:21 AM ET (US)            

Most people who boat (as in work at doing it well vs. weekend warrior types) probably won't care if you take 2 minutes or 5 minutes to launch your boat. In fact, if you think you need help don't be afraid to ask someone before you start.

Just have your routine down but don't hurry, that's when you'll make even more mistakes.(speaking from experience- not putting the car in park, locking the primary keys in the car, leaving the keys for the boat in the car, forgetting something else in the car after you already went back to get the boat keys, trying to start the boat without the kill switch lanyard in place, trying to start the boat with the motor still tilted up, need I go on?)

The other thing you can do before attempting to launch for the first time on a Sat AM is go late at night if the ramp is lit and practice backing down and even launching the boat.

Remember anyone who has any boating experience has already made the mistakes that you will make. Provide no one gets hurt and no serious property damage takes place it should be a lot of fun.

posted 04-05-2004 01:33 AM ET (US)            

Congratulations on your new boat. You will have lots of fun boating that will outweigh the initial trailering anxieties. I am sure that with a beauty like the 15 Sport you are going to find plenty of friends who will want to go boating with you, so you may not be trailering alone as much as you think.

I launch and retrieve my 220 Dauntless by myself at least twice a week. In my part of the country it makes sense to use a bunk trailer, and I am driving on and off the boat (note, I do crank it up the last six inches when loading), not using a roller trailer and ropes system. I back in the water, with my wheels close to the edge of the water. Climb on the back bumper (this is easier then it sounds), and onto the tongue, unhook the winch line, and then use the trailer's winch post as a step into the boat. I am typically at ramps without docks, in which case I am using a remotely located boat float, or more likely putting the bow up gently on the shore and using the danforth anchor and about eight feet of rope as insurance to hold it there while I park the car. The 220 is a very beachable boat for it's size, the nose hangs over land quite nicely. I can do all of this without getting my feet wet in most locales. Loading is the same process in reverse. In my case, the order of who goes next, is largely determined by who has the car on the ramp. It is like stop signs, sometimes you will run into people who don't follow the standard "rules" of courtesy, and then you just have to wait a little longer.

If you are new to trailering a boat then it is wise to go and practice sometime when the crowds are not prevalent. The first time to a new ramp I am always very nervous and overly cautious. First I walk up to someone who has just used, or is about to use, the ramp and ask for some local advice (are there hidden obstructions, rocks near the shoreline, any special policies, etc.). I am never afraid to admit that I haven't been there before, and usually I get great advice about where to fish, etc., in addition to information about the ramp. Then just watch for a while and make sure you are comfortable with what is taking place. At a busy ramp with multiple lanes, staying in the middle of your lane will make your fellow boaters happy as much as being quick. Backing down an inclined ramp can be disconcerting at first and takes practice. I would encourage you to go slow, be careful, and as your learning get out of the car (be careful, put the brake on, look first, etc.) and take a look if you are unsure. Don't forget about both of your side view mirrors, they are very useful for staying straight in ramp lanes when backing up.

posted 04-05-2004 05:30 AM ET (US)            

I offer my deep apology for judging you incorrectly. It is brought to my attention that that kind of thing is going around. Best of luck with your new boat.

posted 04-05-2004 09:10 PM ET (US)            

I solo my 22'outrage all the time. I have timed myself - I can launch, park the rig, get back in the boat and clear the finger pier in under 3 minutes. About a minute more to retrieve. At my main launch our finger piers are long enough that you can tie up when the boat ahead of you pulls up to the first position, and get your truck/trailer while they are pulling out.

No one should hassle anyone who takes a little longer to center a boat on a trailer, etc. But holding up a line while you pull off tie downs, search for the plug, load the beer from the truck to the boat is justifiably going to get people pissed off. Do all that stuff either in line of off to the side in the parking lot.

posted 04-06-2004 12:13 AM ET (US)            

State of Ohio

http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/watercraft/opsguide/launch.htm

"The line at the ramp is formed by the tow vehicle's position in the line, not by the boat's position"

State of Florida

http://floridafisheries.com/ramps/
"The line is formed by cars and trucks with trailers, not by boats already in the water waiting to be retrieved. Please wait your turn in line."

posted 04-06-2004 12:11 PM ET (US)            

A couple of things to remenmber that might ease your mind:

1) Everyone there has had to launch their first time.

2) Everyone there has had some kind of problem while launching or retriving.

When launching solo, if there are mulitple ramps or docks, try to launch on the downwind side of the dock or pier, if possible. The wind will tend to blow the boat away from the dock, making it easier to control. This also applies to any water current.

Also, if you are new to trailering, load up your boat and trailer and go to an empty parking lot with some empty drink cans. Practice backing up and turning the trailer using the cans to denote a simulated ramp. From my observations, backing a trailer is the most intimidating manuver a new boater has to do.

Good luck and don't be intimidated by "the pros"

posted 04-06-2004 05:44 PM ET (US)            

After looking at the page you referenced I noticed it didn't say anything about salt water. Here's another excerpt from the link, " For vessels operated by individuals from up north, please wait in line as long as required to allow the tax paying locals time to launch and retrieve their boats." :-)

posted 04-06-2004 08:03 PM ET (US)            

--
Moe (43 years as a Florida resident - from birth)

posted 04-06-2004 08:20 PM ET (US)            

If you are truly a cracker, as I am, then I have no issue with you whatsover, my brother. Really I just coudn't resist stirring the pot a little. Now, your profile says you are living in Ohio. What gives man?

phatwhaler out.

ps: I was born In Vero Beach waaaayyy back in 1973.

posted 04-07-2004 11:54 AM ET (US)            

It depends on whether there are waiting or "courtesy" docks. Where there aren't, courteous boaters will drop off a tow vehicle driver, then back off so others can use the ramp... and the tow vehicle driver can back down on any ramp, whichever is available next, when his turn comes. A tow vehicle trying to cut ahead of the line in some places sometimes gets pelted with sinkers, etc.

A solo operator should probably avoid busy ramps without waiting docks.

Wherever there ARE waiting docks, there should probably be a sign, "Returning boats park at courtesy docks until your trailer is on a ramp." That would clarify it for those who don't know any better.

posted 04-07-2004 05:17 PM ET (US)            

These guys have covered most of it. Other ideas that may help at one time or another.

1. Unless you are the ONLY person there, there is always somebody willing to help you, just ask. Well, maybe if you just ran over the other guy's dog, don't ask that person!

2. Up here where I boat, parking is sometimes 300-600 yards from the ramp, so people moor their boats and walk to their cars. It takes a while. Whether the boat has priority or the car has priority, if the operator is not there, he has no priority. If its crowded and my wife is with me, I have her drop me off and she keeps the boat underway near the ramp or at a nearby dock. For the last 12 years, during the summer, I've kept my old Schwinn Varsity 10-speed bike in the back of my truck and use it for "commuting" from the ramp to the parking lot. I pass a lot of people walking... Anyway, I unlock my bike (locked to a guardrail or sign post near the ramp) and pedal to the truck. When I bring the truck back, I get in line behind the other waiting vehicles and wait my turn. If there are boats there, but no vehicles, I back down, wave my wife in and take the boat out of the water. Launching is the reverse. She takes the boat and I park the truck.

3. When I boat by myself, I ask for help to secure the boat at the float and do pretty much the same thing with the bike & truck.

posted 04-07-2004 11:34 PM ET (US)            

So although Im nervous about it thats what I will do...recently recovered from back surgery, but I figure how hard is it to crank that Natucket onto a trailer???? I figure Im not picking it up, just cranking...whats your take...Also, I think the biggest difficulty I may have with a new back is backing her to the water because of the twisting action looking behind me...your take?/...But I also figure if Ive trailered a Yamaha Jetski, loaded and ooffloaded her many times, that gives me some idea what the boat issues may be, even though its heavier and wider, the procedures are the same...except at my Marina, the boat ramp was idle most of the time and the concrete stoped were my trailer wheels stops, after that all mud...didnt mind getting wet...always put towels on the floor of the tow Jeep...always in a bathing suit....

posted 04-07-2004 11:48 PM ET (US)            

Depending on the ramp, the cranking may be tough on an injured back if it's shallow and you can't get it deep enough. First time you put it in the water, spray the bunks with silicone after parking the tow vehicle and trailer. If it's really hard at the ramp you use, I'd personally put an electric winch on it before risking further injury.

posted 04-09-2004 01:15 PM ET (US)            

Have decided against the 2nd battery...and will get the mooring cover down the road from mills....Cant have it all right away I guess....

posted 04-10-2004 08:30 AM ET (US)            

I have belly painted many boats hangin from a 3 and 5 ton whinch set up hoist..up to 38 footers..have used many different kinds of paints...but found that racing vinyl proves to be the best all round......you can roll it on with the proper nap roller....it dries to a really hard/tough vinyl finish...very durable..this stuff...unlike many bottom paints..it does "go away"....thats what alotta bottom paints are designed to do....so barnacles and grasses don't adhere...it doesn't flake off with time...
if ya scrath it..the repair blends in easily...and it contains no heavy metals.....cost very close to what the average bottom paint cost....all are exspensive.

posted 04-10-2004 08:48 AM ET (US)            

Two Schools of Thought
How Ramp Design Affects Trailer Performance
http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/trailering/twoSchools.html

There is a 7-part series of articles about trailering in the Reference Section:

http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/trailering/

--------

Re Launch Ramp Priority, it is often confusing who comes first, the boat or the trailer.

I recall this incident from my own experience. We approached a ramp in our boat. The ramp was occupied with another boat in the process of loading. We moored to the sea wall adjacent to the ramp. I went to the parking lot
to get the trailer.

While I was gone the boat loading on the ramp cleared the water, and another boat drove up and tied to the dock at the ramp. The boat just loaded stayed at the ramp for a minute or two to get properly tied down to ascend the ramp.

As soon as the ramp cleared, I backed down with my trailer. Of course, now there is another guy's boat at the dock. The solution to this was simple.
I just waited until he got back with his car/trailer. There was a brief stand off. Finally, he moved his boat to the sea wall, and I pulled my boat to the ramp.

It would be easier to resolve these kinds of conflicts if there were a sign posted at every ramp that advised users what the protocol was, however, in my experience, most ramps to not have such information posted.

posted 04-13-2004 10:57 AM ET (US)         

How do I recognize the courtesy dock? It's a dock with a pedestrian approach but no vehicle ramp?

posted 04-13-2004 11:42 AM ET (US)            

That's correct. And occasionally, there will be outer docks that have a ramp on the inside but not on the outside. The side without the ramp is the courtesy or waiting side of that dock.

posted 04-13-2004 03:10 PM ET (US)            

Wow, 7th generation! Are you related to Chief Osceola or something? ;-)

posted 04-16-2004 01:03 PM ET (US)            

toooo funny...hey richard, when you were young...did ya eat "sea cow" like we did in vero beach? I think they called dem thangs manatees now.....sea cow and sea turtle..man o man...whatta dinna dat was back den.