During peak boating season, ramps are crowded. With so many eager boaters lining up to launch, courtesy and preparation make all the difference. Good etiquette benefits everyone and ensures more time is spent out on the water enjoying the day instead of waiting in line.
#1. Use the Staging Area
The most effective way to keep traffic moving at the boat ramp is to complete all final preparations before entering the ramp lanes.
Many larger facilities provide a staging area for this purpose. Take the time there to load all safety equipment and gear, remove tie-downs, and check that the battery and motor are working properly. Make sure the drive unit is angled appropriately, and confirm the drain plug is firmly in place.
#2. Mount Navigation Lights Early
If you’ll be launching before sunrise or after dark, attach and check your navigation lights before reaching the ramp. This improves your visibility to other boaters.
#3. Turn Off Your Headlights
While backing toward the water, rely on your mirrors instead of your headlights. Bright beams make it nearly impossible for boaters in nearby lanes to see where they’re going, so switch them off to keep the ramp safe for everyone.
#4. Bring a Friend
Bringing along a friend makes launching a boat easier. One can stay with the boat while the other manages the vehicle. After the boat is in the water, the driver should move it to a safe spot out of the way, then return to pick up the friend from the parking area. This teamwork minimizes time on the ramp and clears the lane for the next boater.
#5. Share the Ramp
Some ramps have lanes marked by curbs or dividers, but many do not. When using a ramp without designated lanes, be courteous by leaving enough space for other boaters to launch or retrieve their boats at the same time.
#6. Ask Before Tying to Another Boat
When the ramp is crowded, it may be difficult to find space to wait or pick up passengers. Even if it’s only for a few minutes, securing your boat to someone else’s without permission can cause frustration. Always ask first, and if they agree, make sure your fenders are appropriately spaced to prevent damage.
#7. Ease Your Boat Onto the Trailer
When taking your boat out of the water, don’t slam on the throttle in an effort to push it onto the trailer. The strong force from the propeller will wash away sediment and create deep holes behind the ramp. These holes can damage trailers or cause tires to get stuck.
Instead, ease the boat onto the trailer at a normal loading speed and use the winch cable to pull it up the rest of the way.
Refill Your Boat’s Fuel Tank With Ease
Preparation makes for a smooth boat launch, and having the right equipment makes refueling simple.
EZ-POUR®’s HI-FLO® Replacement Spout and Vent Kit easily refuels boats, as well as ATVs, farming equipment, diesel trucks, and gas tanks with wider openings. The flexible nozzle empties a five-gallon gas can in as little as 35 seconds and fits most gas cans and water jugs. This kit includes a spout, spout cap, tether, 8″ spout extension for those hard-to-reach tanks, 1/2” replacement push-in vent, flame arrestor, and yellow and black base caps.
Simply head on over to our website or visit one of our retailers to find yours today!