Ramp rage

[karrier]

Dolhes Rocks the other day, this bloke obviously new to boating trying to back down the ramp going in all directions. these two other blokes waiting their turn start having ago at the poor bloke, telling him he is useless etc. End result he drove back up the ramp and parked his car and boat while the other two put in. Mate and I offered to help and in no time he was in the water. So maybe instead of abusing some times a little help will solve the problem and get the ramp moving again. This has been the first time I have seen this as I believe most people using the ramps are curtious. It was mid week so the ramp wasn't busy they were just impatient
Cheers Karrier

[The_Walrus]

I'm with you Karrier.

We were all new to the game and I remember how nervous I was even though I put in plenty of practice. Mind you, I killed a few witches hats

The only ones I have no patience with is those who treat a ramp as their private beach.

Luc

[Elysium]

I dont hit the saltwater boat ramps all that often...but I do hit the freshwater ramps all the time. And yes the stupidity carries over to the fresh as well!

We get the families who come down to the dams for a picnic...and decide that the boatramp would make an ideal base camp for the days activities....then give you the evil eye when you reverse the boat down the ramp and make them move...I am sure they are thinking we have no right to be there?!?!?!?!

But the one that really gives me the dirts is this...

most impoundment boatramps have turning areas for you to turn and reverse the trailer down the ramp...you would be suprised how many people think this makes a fantastic parking spot "its right next to the water afterall" they say!

So if I come across this I sure get their attention. You make the widest turn possible and make sure that the trailer and tow vehicle JUST miss the badly parked cars...it sure makes em think about where they park!

[deb]

Couldn't help but smile at Horizon Shores on Saturday afternoon. We arrived back, already a ute & trailer backed in on one side, so we just went to the other, went and got the car, backed it down, hopped in, drove it on, hopped off, drove off the ramp, total time 1min or so, meanwhile the very nice awfully new H Hunter 680 Patriot was being nudged ever so gently to the back of the trailer, that was already there, when we arrived!
As we drove off the ramp, his mate hooked it on, the skipper turned the motor off, and the two proceeded to take turns to hand winch it on! In the meantime, the another boat arrived , did the same as us, and got off before them

[MAD-MIC]

I'm with you Karrier.

We were all new to the game and I remember how nervous I was even though I put in plenty of practice. Mind you, I killed a few witches hats

The only ones I have no patience with is those who treat a ramp as their private beach.

Luc

Reversing a boat is easy when you can still see the boat. I have no trouble reversing UP our steep driveway or even reversing up the street, and around corners but as soon as the boat goes DOWN a boat ramp (even harder with a bare trailer going for the retrieve) I am all over the place. Lucky ramps have three lanes sometimes!!

[Doomy]

This ones a bit different but relates to preparation!

A couple years ago we had a weekend at Peter Faust Dam.
We get there Friday and set up with the esky and a barbie and as I'm setting up some rods these guys from Melbourne come over for a chat about baitcasters.

Turns out they have never been luring before and have new rods,reels,lures and a brand new boat! So after some casting lessons and beers we wish them good luck and hit the sack.

Next afternoon we run into these blokes again and ask them how they went?
Well turns out they got to the bottom of the ramp launched the boat and went to hook up the fuel line but the fuel tank is a Evinrude and the motor is a Honda.

They bought this brand new rig and towed it 4000k without every having run the motor

I think it was a long weekend and they had to bribe someone in Prossy to open up and get a new fitting.

[cooky]

Couldn't help but smile at Horizon Shores on Saturday afternoon. We arrived back, already a ute & trailer backed in on one side, so we just went to the other, went and got the car, backed it down, hopped in, drove it on, hopped off, drove off the ramp, total time 1min or so, meanwhile the very nice awfully new H Hunter 680 Patriot was being nudged ever so gently to the back of the trailer, that was already there, when we arrived!

The boat ramp aint meant to be a place to show off.
I'm new to boating (just over 12 months) and I've been driving the boat on since the very first trip out (mate said to give it a go). Boat ramp conditions mean I can't do all the time, but 90%. My first few times I would say I was cautious. Being cautious in my 5.4 glass (a few years old) is a LOT different to a 680 Patriot. I'm guessing over $100,000 worth of gear. I have a feeling I'd be VERY careful myself with a boat like that (for awhile anyway).
I've come back one time in a rush and wasn't thinking too well - ended up a nice angle on the trailer (stuck) - bloke on next trailer had to give my decky a hand. Was I embarrassed - NO. Who cares - chill out.

[gunna]

[quote author=Luc link=1130669112/30#31 date=1131093098]I'm with you Karrier.

We were all new to the game and I remember how nervous I was even though I put in plenty of practice. Mind you, I killed a few witches hats

The only ones I have no patience with is those who treat a ramp as their private beach.

Luc

Reversing a boat is easy when you can still see the boat. I have no trouble reversing UP our steep driveway or even reversing up the street, and around corners but as soon as the boat goes DOWN a boat ramp (even harder with a bare trailer going for the retrieve) I am all over the place. Lucky ramps have three lanes sometimes!!
[/quote]

The next couple times you are returning home from the ramp stop into some open space ( like an industrial area) and spend 5 minutes reversing with side mirrors. You will be amazed how quickly it becomes easy.

[Duyz72]

I am no expert, and with the amount of boats I have launched at the ramp you wouldn't have to take off your pants to count.
BUT given my novice status, I am yet to shank a boat. Just take your time, and let gravity be your friend.
Most problems I see are people over steering, any slight movement will do the trick and get the wheel back to centre ASAP.
Aim for the bottom of the ramp, not where the wheels are right there and then.

[ol_bob]

what shits me is ya wait ya turn and some knob head rocks up at the ramp and pushes in and very often its the same bloke who pushes in when its time to put the boat back on the trailer...should be legal to carry at shotgun at the boat ramp wont be pushing in again with a hole in the hull