Having good manners and being courteous to others is important wherever you are, especially on boat ramps, because of the many hazards launching and retrieving a boat can cause. Boat ramp etiquette is the unwritten rules and courtesies you extend to others at a boat ramp for a safe and efficient boat launch or retrieval. Now that we know the general meaning of boat ramp etiquette let’s look at some of its top essentials.
Preparing Your Boat
First things first, do not head straight to the boat ramp. Stop in the parking lot or staging area (at larger facilities) to get everything in order before starting to launch. You need to take your time to make sure you have all the essentials needed and taken care of, including
- Your boating license.
- Remove your tie-downs.
- Put all safety and other gear on board, such as life jackets, a fire extinguisher, fishing equipment, food, water, etc.
- Mount your navigation lights.
While prepping your boat in the staging area or parking lot, you should also ensure that the boat’s drain plug is in place and that the battery and motor are in proper working order.
Turn Off Your Headlights
Next, once you are in position, you want to ensure your headlights are off and use your parking lights to back your boat down the ramp. The ramp’s angle and water can shine your headlights into the eyes of other drivers launching or retrieving their boats, causing a hazardous situation. The boat launch area will have plenty of lighting to launch and retrieve your boat safely and efficiently, no matter the time of day.
Follow Ramp Rules and Regulations
It is important to follow the rules and regulations of the boat ramp you are using. You want to move with caution and approach the boat ramp slowly. Do not cut in line at the queue. You should wait your turn like everyone else. The boat ramp you use will have the rules and regulations posted on-site. Ensure you read them and follow them closely. Not following them could result in a hazardous situation for you and others.
Quick and Efficient Launching
When you are getting ready to launch your boat, you want to spend as much time on the water as possible. Launching your boat quickly and efficiently allows you to do this and extends that to other boaters as well.
Tips for Launching Your Boat Quickly and Efficiently
Here are some tips to help you launch your boat as efficiently as possible.
- Once the boat and trailer are in the water, start the engine before releasing it from the trailer.
- If you have a friend with you, have them put on their life jacket and get in the boat so they can move it as soon as it is released.
- If you do not have a friend with you, attach dock lines to the boat so you can pull it to a safe area out of the way of others trying to launch.
Once the boat is released and in a safe location, get in your vehicle and park it in the parking lot so other boaters can use the ramp.
Avoid Hogging the Ramp
Some boat ramps have clear markings or dividers between ramp lanes. However, some do not have any. If you have questions about using the boat ramp, you can park in the staging area and ask another boater about the boat ramp etiquette of the boat ramp you are using.
You want to ensure you are far enough over that another boater can launch or retrieve their boat while you are using it. Also, do not park the tow vehicle in front of the ramp, whether anyone else is there or not. If another boater shows up while your vehicle is parked at the entrance of the boat ramp, this prevents them from being able to launch or retrieve their boat.
Retrieving Your Boat
When retrieving your boat, wait to pull it up to the ramp until the boat trailer is in place. Also, wait to back the trailer down the ramp until the boat is ready to be loaded.
Tips for Retrieving Your Boat
Here are several tips to make retrieving your boat as quick and efficient as possible.
- The tow vehicle driver can get in line for their turn to back down the ramp.
- Once the boat driver sees the trailer backing down the ramp, they can get the boat in position to load it on the trailer.
- Once the boat is loaded, secure the winch and safety chain to the boat’s bow.
- The tow vehicle driver can get in the vehicle and bring the boat to the staging area, where the boat driver can get out and help unload the gear onboard.
Before heading home, you will want to make sure that you connect the trailer lights and secure the tie-down straps at the staging area.
Clean, Drain, Dry
Another essential step of boat ramp etiquette is CDD (clean, drain, dry). Before leaving the staging and heading home, you want to clean any weeds from the boat or trailer, drain the blige, and drain any live or bait wells. This helps prevent invasive species like zebra muscles or milfoil from spreading. The CDD process may be posted at the boat ramp you are using. It is also important to note that this practice is a requirement in most states, and you could face fines for failing to follow regulations.
Learn Boat Ramp Etiquette from Boat Stop Marina
Boat ramp etiquette includes the common courtesies of quick and efficient launching and retrieving of your boat at all boat ramps. It also gives guidance on how to remain in the good graces of other boaters at boat ramps. By following these essentials of boat ramp etiquette, you and everyone else can have a fun and safe experience out on the water.
If you have questions or need to discuss boat ramp etiquette, contact us at Boat Stop Marina. We can help you navigate the wonderful world of boating.