Bass Dude Posted May 23, 2012 Posted May 23, 2012 Zona's 'that guy' article is great and a perfect time of year to put something like that out on the forum. I would like to add one thing.......what he says goes for everday at the boat ramp, not just during the busy holiday. Get in, Get out....should be the motto at all boats ramps!!! Quote
stkbassn Posted May 23, 2012 Posted May 23, 2012 While I agree with the part of not fooling around with chores and other misc. activities at the ramp and holding folks up I will say one thing in defense of the guys that are relatively new to the whole backing in and taking out thing......We were all once newbies at this and even under perfect conditions(no wind, good water levels) we all had a little trouble at first. This sport has grown so much and this time of year especially finds everyone and their brother wanting to get out on the water......So, remembering this and how we weren't all pros when we got started....give someone a break and maybe a little help at the ramp if you're in such a hurry to get out there. Remember, we all have to share the water so why not be kind, lend a hand, and, be patient. Be safe out there this weekend! Be courteous as well. Quote
Polarkraft05 Posted May 23, 2012 Posted May 23, 2012 While I agree with the part of not fooling around with chores and other misc. activities at the ramp and holding folks up I will say one thing in defense of the guys that are relatively new to the whole backing in and taking out thing......We were all once newbies at this and even under perfect conditions(no wind, good water levels) we all had a little trouble at first. This sport has grown so much and this time of year especially finds everyone and their brother wanting to get out on the water......So, remembering this and how we weren't all pros when we got started....give someone a break and maybe a little help at the ramp if you're in such a hurry to get out there. Remember, we all have to share the water so why not be kind, lend a hand, and, be patient. Be safe out there this weekend! Be courteous as well. While I agree with the part of not fooling around with chores and other misc. activities at the ramp and holding folks up I will say one thing in defense of the guys that are relatively new to the whole backing in and taking out thing......We were all once newbies at this and even under perfect conditions(no wind, good water levels) we all had a little trouble at first. This sport has grown so much and this time of year especially finds everyone and their brother wanting to get out on the water......So, remembering this and how we weren't all pros when we got started....give someone a break and maybe a little help at the ramp if you're in such a hurry to get out there. Remember, we all have to share the water so why not be kind, lend a hand, and, be patient. Be safe out there this weekend! Be courteous as well. agree here, as long as its the skill of the driver that is holding up the line. we all had to learn, but if it is him unstrapping his boat, putting stuff in the boat, etc then there is no excuse. the boat should be ready to go in the water when it is backed down the ramp. for some reason people around here think its ok to park on the ramp (most of the time down the middle of a two lane) and take their sweet time getting the boat ready. 1 Quote
Super User BrianinMD Posted May 23, 2012 Super User Posted May 23, 2012 Yes, everyone has a first time backing down a ramp. But that should not be the first time attempting to back up a trailer, especially if it is a busy one. Empty parking lots are the place to do practice backing up the first few times. If we are waiting in line and see someone struggling offer to help, never hurts to offer. One thing I have done, and had others do it is "ghost launch", if you are by yourself do not bother with ropes if someone else is already on the water and willing to take you from the ramp to your boat. This works great as long as it is not moving water.... But...the things that do bother me is the people not ready to just drop the boat and go. Sitting on the ramp is no time to put in the plug, get equipment from the vehicle and such. Quote
Bass Dude Posted May 23, 2012 Author Posted May 23, 2012 Link to the article please? It's on the home page... Quote
stkbassn Posted May 23, 2012 Posted May 23, 2012 Yes, everyone has a first time backing down a ramp. But that should not be the first time attempting to back up a trailer, especially if it is a busy one. Empty parking lots are the place to do practice backing up the first few times. If we are waiting in line and see someone struggling offer to help, never hurts to offer. One thing I have done, and had others do it is "ghost launch", if you are by yourself do not bother with ropes if someone else is already on the water and willing to take you from the ramp to your boat. This works great as long as it is not moving water.... But...the things that do bother me is the people not ready to just drop the boat and go. Sitting on the ramp is no time to put in the plug, get equipment from the vehicle and such. I couldn't agree more, I think if you are launching your boat you should be prepared to get in and get gone....It's no time to be checking your battery, wiring, looking for things, loading, etc. That's common sense and common courtesy in my opinion but we know that's not what we run into at the boat ramp often times. Also, you're right, Memorial Day weekend at the boat ramp should not be your very first attempt to launch a boat. You should at least have a few launches under your belt and be relatively confident that you know how to do it.That being said, it can be quite daunting to have a line of boats and rubber neckers watching you and anxious to get their turn....For newbies, this can be intimidating. That was what I meant by giving someone a little slack. First timers, don't try this on Memorial Day... Personally, I don't even want to see the lake until after the sun goes down this weekend.... Quote
Super User Nitrofreak Posted May 23, 2012 Super User Posted May 23, 2012 I agree with the general consensus here as well, be ready, I also agree with stkbassn, I will not be anywhere near the water with a boat on holidays, although I do enjoy going to the docks and watching lol. I will help the ones that need help and are not too proud to accept the help, the ones that are too proud usually make it to u-tube anyway. 1 Quote
bknap Posted May 24, 2012 Posted May 24, 2012 While I agree with the part of not fooling around with chores and other misc. activities at the ramp and holding folks up I will say one thing in defense of the guys that are relatively new to the whole backing in and taking out thing......We were all once newbies at this and even under perfect conditions(no wind, good water levels) we all had a little trouble at first. This sport has grown so much and this time of year especially finds everyone and their brother wanting to get out on the water......So, remembering this and how we weren't all pros when we got started....give someone a break and maybe a little help at the ramp if you're in such a hurry to get out there. Remember, we all have to share the water so why not be kind, lend a hand, and, be patient. Be safe out there this weekend! Be courteous as well. i couldny of said this better ! people now adays do not have patience, if you are in that big of a hurry leave earlier to put in.... just have some patience Quote
Bass Dude Posted May 24, 2012 Author Posted May 24, 2012 i couldny of said this better ! people now adays do not have patience, if you are in that big of a hurry leave earlier to put in.... just have some patience I agree on a normal day at the ramp that patience is needed. But...Memorial Weekend is not the time to practice putting in. Quote
NoBassPro Posted May 25, 2012 Posted May 25, 2012 one of the launches near me has this problem solved. you have to back straight across a busy two lane highway . get in and get out or get hit, not the place to take your time. Quote
BassResource.com Administrator Glenn Posted May 25, 2012 BassResource.com Administrator Posted May 25, 2012 Link to the article please? http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/boat-ramps.html Quote
Global Moderator Bluebasser86 Posted May 25, 2012 Global Moderator Posted May 25, 2012 When I bought my boat I practiced backing it in an empty parking lot to get comfortable doing it. I wasn't an expert by any means but it didn't take me 20 minutes to get the boat down the ramp either. My biggest pet peeve is waiting until you're on the ramp to prep your boat. Do that before backing down and things go much faster. Quote
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