Ramp Follies Your Peaves

[Feathers and Fins]

While waiting at the ramp to unload yesterday I kept thinking to myself ( This could be a reality show ) When I came into Prairie Creek there were two boats trying to get on the trailer. I docked up went and got in my truck and waited 20 minutes in line before I could load up. They were still fighting to get loaded when I pulled out.

Do people really think putting the trailer all the way in the water so the hitch is even in and then running the boat up to it is how to load. I had to watch it was like NASCAR you know you watch for the wrecks! Anyway they would start to pull up and the boat would go off center one way then the next then back I just kept laughing i couldnt go help this was to funny.

Both were Wake/Ski boats with nice roll on trailers which was even funnier when i saw them. I really am not sure where these people learn to trailer but it has to be SNL or a Boating for Dummies book.

I have been boating most my life and rule one was to learn the sweet spot on the trailer so you only put enough of it in the water so you can drive right up on it latch up and go. Even Ocean fishing and fighting the St Lucie Inlet ramp with a roaring tide this was not hard. It is a pet peave of mine when people tie up a lane and a half and mess around 20 to 30 minutes when so many are trying to load and unload. So I am curious to what others think. Also amuzing stories would be fun it is Monday after all.

[J-Doc]

This should explain it all.......

"Jet-ski owner"

"Ski-boat Owner"

Nuff said......

[Guest]

deleted

[Quillback]

I think the worst are pontoon boats trying to get on the trailer when there's a good crosswind blowing across the ramp. Not that I get mad at them for it, but that's a good way to tie up a ramp for a while.

[J-Doc]

My favorites that really gets my blood boiling......

1. The moron on the jet-skis that purposely rides up close to a dock at 3/4 to full throttle and then drives off like they were outrunning a tsunami. Creates havoc for those of us trying to load and or tied up to the doc making our boat bash against the dock. As well as havoc for the late comers trying to launch and haven't started their motor since last summer when they didn't winterize or drain the gas of the tanks and they wonder why it's not starting.
2. The moron in the big $50,000 wave maker (ski boat) that comes pulling up to the dock at 3/4 to wide open throttle with the obnoxiously bad taste in music (usually gangster rap). He proceeds to within 50ft of the dock before shutting down the USS STUPID and then creates a 4-6ft tall wake that slams the dock and other boats that are beached (usually us bass boats because the dock is full) and the poor schmuck trying to launch his pontoon boat (see above where Cooter Brown is trying to start the motor on old gas from last year)

This is the typical 10AM to 5PM scenario at Hickory Creek public launch.

GOSH I love no wake zones now.....

[Feathers and Fins]

This is why I avoid Hickory Creek lol... The only thing that normally gets me to say something is the DUI screaming at his wife that's when Papa's upbringing come out and I say something. Never speak to a lady like that! Never had an issue because there are normally 20 or 30 other big rednecks around who give the DUI the look of ( you look like something im about to stomp in the mudholes ) People need to respect their wives / girlfriends... Man that gets my blood boiling.

[doohickey]

I am rather new to boating. I got my first boat last year, an old, beat up jon boat with a couple trolling motors. I'm really glad I started with a beater because it took me a couple times to get loading and unloading figured out.

So I upgraded over Christmas to a 14' v-bottom bass boat with a bunk trailer. Now I'm going to admit that the first time I loaded that boat on the trailer I had it too far in and was doing exactly as F & F said. It took me awhile, it was freezing cold and snowing, and I got quite wet. That being said, I'm glad there was nobody around to laugh at me, but if there had been, it sure would have saved me a headache if someone would have given me a tip about the "sweet spot". I have since learned to do it fast and by myself. I knew to have everything ready and that it is not courteous to tie up the ramp though.

[J-Doc]

And there in lies the difference............you care. :-)

Most do not.

If I saw someone struggling and looked like they were willing to receive help/advice, I would be happy to help. Most look like they think they know what they are doing and do not want someone telling them what to do. I've had people try and do that for me or ask if I need help. By reaction I say "Thanks I got it". I figure most will do the same thing.

[LarryC]

i was a new boater...50 years ago. Made every mistake possible. Practice does improve performance. At one time I dropped a ski boat into the lake almost every night during the summer. About 30 seconds unloading and the same coming out.

Sometimes I can make a helpful suggestion that can help the new boater. Other times I bite my tongue as some folks don't take kindly to suggestions.

Having wrote the above, I rarely see a ramp during the weekends or holidays. Retirement does have advantages.

[Feathers and Fins]

doo,, you care like Doc said... many of these fools I have seen time and time again. One couple is so dangerous at the ramp ( and ive tried to talk to them ) that if I see them I fish the back of PC ramp cove till they are gone. He is a big mouth loud music know-it-all who wont listen to anyone, im waiting for him to put his boat over the trailer and into his trucks bed.