DON'T CLOG THE RAMP

October 25, 2021

Prepare at your house – Getting your boat ready at home will minimize your time on the boat ramp. If your boat is fully rigged and ready, you can spend less time in the staging area. This will open a spot for the next boater, and you’ll be on the water faster.
Communicate – Chat with the other boaters! Even small talk can reduce tense moments at the boat ramp. If your boat is ready and you’re jumping ahead of someone, simply let them know that you’re dropping in. Being cordial with other boaters can be beneficial, especially in smaller communities.
Move your boat over – If you are running your own shuttle, don’t just leave your boat at the bottom of the ramp. Pull it off to the side to make room for other boats. This will let other boats have space while you are off running the shuttle.
Do not inflate your boat at the ramp – Ideally, your raft should be inflated when you pull up to the ramp. If you don’t have a trailer and you must inflate it fully, do it way off to the side. Since this process is time consuming, make sure you’re not blocking anyone who does have a trailer. Being unprepared like this should mean you take extra caution to be courteous.
Know how to back up a trailer – Being proficient with this is essential for all boaters. Do not learn how to back up a trailer at the boat ramp. Practice in an empty lot and get a feel for it. When it’s your turn to back up your boat, do it efficiently and properly.