Tips for Boat Ramp Etiquette

Whether you've been boating for a while or just starting, boating etiquette is a crucial skill. It requires time and effort to master, just like anything else in boating. Here are some tips to help you launch your boat safely and efficiently.

1. Complete all prep work in the loading area—outside the ramp where other boaters are launching.
2. Launch quickly and efficiently.
3. As soon as the boat is off the trailer, pull back up the ramp and park in a designated spot.
4. When retrieving your boat, use a courtesy dock or tie up the launch area until your trailer is in place.
5. Load the boat onto the trailer, secure the winch at the bow and the safety chain, then proceed to the staging area to finish unloading and securing your trailer. 

The key is to get in and out of the launch area as quickly and safely as possible.

What is ramp etiquette?

Ramp etiquette refers to the polite and safe way of launching and retrieving your boat from a ramp. It's simple: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." When ramping, remember that other boaters will most likely be present. Everyone in the boating community should be treated with dignity and courtesy.

Take turns

When it's your turn to launch, give top priority to the person who came before you. Let that person go first if you are launching from the exact location where someone else is waiting. Give another boater a courtesy push-off if he or she is waiting for a launch.

Be aware of other boaters who might be at the ramp. It’s your right and your responsibility to watch out for other boaters and ensure everyone has an opportunity to launch and get off the ramp.

If a fellow boater is waiting on the ramp, let him or her go first. Keep the trailer's brake engaged if a boater is on the trailer. Walk-in front of vehicles, not in between the boat and tow vehicle. This is very dangerous, and the driver may not see you.

Keep a close eye on your children. Your fellow boaters are trying to get in the water as fast as possible not to hold up the launch area and delay their fellow boaters.

Stay on your side of the ramp.

Stay on your side of the ramp when ramping. Allow plenty of space for other boaters to pass and other boats to park. When launching, if the ramp is on one side of the boat and your boat is on the other, stay on your side of the boat.

Tie up your boat correctly.

Tying up your boat correctly is essential when you get to the top of the ramp and decide to tie up. Tie your boat as tight to the ramp as possible. This will prevent your boat from dragging on the ground and from being pushed back off the ramp or pushed into the loading area into other launch spaces or boats waiting to be picked up or launched from the ramping area.

Don’t leave your boat unattended for long periods.

If you need to leave your boat unattended while others are present, you should use the courtesy push-off and ensure your boat is tied up correctly and not dragging or stuck on the ramp. Be mindful of others launching or recovering their boat. It is advisable to stay at least 10 feet away from any other boat to avoid causing a wake or damage.

Conclusion

Ramp etiquette is an important skill. Respect your fellow boaters and keep you and your boat safe on the ramp. It will help you become a better boater and make your boat ramp experience smoother.

If you're looking to build or repair a dock, seawall, or boat lift or need dredging. Contact Precision Marine Construction at 941.924.6044 to schedule a free estimate.