Boat Ramp Mistakes: What NOT To Do At Public Boat Ramps 

Don't forget to check out the Salt Strong Insider Fishing Club: secure.saltstrong.com/insider-fishing-club-details

If you see a guy struggling dont be the guy who just stares in amusement or frustration. Offer to help them.

When I first got my boat I went to the launch ramp when it was empty and practiced over and over again. Did this several times. It’s a great stress free way to learn.

Another good tip for at night or early morning is to turn off your headlights so others can back into the ramp next you and see

My pet peeve is when the guy launching has fishing buddies going along who park their cars where the trailer parking is and then there is not enough parking for cars with trailers. Tell your fishing buddies to park their cars in car parking spots not trailer parking spots.

That first topic is so important I’ve seen so many people stop right in-front of the ramps then take 15mins to get their boat ready. Blocking everyone from accessing the other ramps.

When you first float your boat, move it as far as possible away from the ramp. This move allows the next person to launch while you are parking the trailer. Improved efficiency.

I hate when kayakers leave their kayaks on the ramp of a busy boat ramp stacked up on the side. I own a kayak and a boat and I always load my kayak off the busy boat ramps.

I’m a new boat owner and this was helpful thanks

Number 6. When a guy politely asks you if you need help backing up, he’s not insulting your manhood, just let him help you.

The first few times I was at a busy ramp I felt so nervous & under pressure not to upset anybody & get the boat in & out of the water efficiently. It doesn't help when you're new to it all & if you're on your own. I've got it figured out now.

Great video for new boat owner's like myself. I already violated a what not by blocking a ramp getting prepared to launch. I now know after watching this to get the hell outta the way so other's can use the ramp..

Maybe keep the party music down till you leave the dock also. Tends to be a bit distracting.

My son and I practiced half a day backing our new bass boat in an empty lot. Also practicing dry launching/retrieving with a person in and out of the boat. Also boat prep prior to launching and out of the way of other boaters. Practice sure helps...

Very helpful. I pick up my first boat Saturday. Thanks!

Thank you very much for this video. We are new boat owners and want to make sure we follow these guidelines.

Great video, after 40 years of boating I have seen it all. I would add also to turn off your headlights at night, leave your parking lights on or other drivers cannot see when backing down. Never turn your truck off when loading the boat, if for some reason it won't start, and I have seen this, you are blocking traffic. Keep up the great work!

I'm new to boating just bought my 1st boat today anf this is very helpful

Who knew there was such a thing as a boat ramp expert! Great tips, nicely done!!

Just getting our first boat today! Thanks for the information!

Luke, this is an excellent video. What salt strong is doing is amazing. Maybe a follow up on this video is something along the lines of proper boating etiquette on the flats? Not tearing up the grass when coming on and leaving the flat something like that. Thanks! And you a Joe keep up the good work!

I didn't realize #5 caused ramp base erosion. Saw firsthand what that does to trying to get a boat on the trailer at low tide. Thank you for mentioning that.

I've seen people hogging the dock because their boat won't start of just because they like to talk. I've seen kids swimming from The dock. I've seen people sitting on the dock with their feet in the water. The dock is used for tieing up your boat to go get your truck. Or to park your truck after you've unloaded your boat. Some of us have to load and unload by ourselves.

Also, maybe some assistance from people at the ramp. If you see some one having trouble, offer your assistance that way the ramp lines can move quicker and keep launching accidents to a minimum.

Great advice! Got my first kayak and didn’t know the rules. Common sense stuff, but I wish everyone would follow your advice.

I wished we had the kind of room at our ramps they have there.

They need to tell the people at Gandy that it’s a Boat Ramp and not a public fishing pier. Lol

Delaware's boating safety course online actually cautions against power loading at all. Even with your motor(s) trimmed up, there's still ramp erosion that could damage a trailer and a wash pile that could damage a motor. Just back your bunk trailer far enough and stop your tow vehicle just before the rear tires touch the water. A larger boat is going to have a roller trailer and a power winch anyway. Lots of great information and recommendations! Thank you

Good video of Luke. Always good to remind people of proper etiquette.

Great tips thanks very helpful to me IAM a new boat owner

That one about eroding the end of ramp is very important. Boaters just don’t understand how much damage that does.

I see folks doing those things. They just dont know or maybe dont care. Great video. Very imformative. I hope the right folks see it. GOD BLESS

Great points covered. Well done.

Nice one. I hadn't thought of the last point but it makes sense.

Great review of these points! Thanks!

Very good points thank you. As mentioned be helpful that’s how we learn . When it’s time to load have your designated person who will go get the vehicle and trailer. This person will be put on the dock and your boat will move back out to open water.wait until you see your trailer being backed down for loading and then you can approach your trailer for loading and move out asap. Some people use the ramp dock for kids and playtime activities so try to get their attention that you will be loading or unloading your boat. Lots of people just don’t know so stay calm and safe. Thanks all for your great inputs here.

Erosion from the non trimmed drive can also cause the end of the ramp to crack and fall away, seen that one personally. #5 is often overlooked but a key principle of ramp etiquette.

Im not new to boating but, Im a new boat owner. Its 19ft center console and I'm nervous as hell to put it in the water for the 1st time simply for the screw-up factor at the ramp. Thanks for the info!

Great points. Now if just every boater could watch this.

Some ramps are wide enough to easily accommodate 2 trucks launching/loading, but some people back up right in the middle with plenty of room on either side, but not enough to get another launch in.

I would add one more: don't unhook your safety chain/winch hook until you are down at the water. there seems to be one line of thought out there one youtube that says: "get it all ready at the staging area so that you only need to back down and launch the boat." Great if your ramp is gradual, but my experience last summer as my boat slide back off my trailer before getting to the water told me that safety chains and winch hooks are there for a reason.

Very good video..Thanks

I thinking of getting a boat and have never had one. Thanks for the courtesy tips. I’m sure i will be nervous as hell

Great advice,,, courtesy goes a. Long way at a boat ramp

THANK YOU FOR #5!!! enuf said

Boaters I don't have a issue with for the most part it's always been jet ski's seems like there the ones who want to camp out on the ramps

dark or dusk turn your headlights off

Great tips...thank u!

Our boat club doesn't allow powering on or off your trailer for exactly the reason you stated. Thumbs up.

Who else was waiting to see what that Jeep Wrangler was pulling ?

blocking the business lane loading/unloading, you politely ask them to pull away and get a response like, “relax pal, this is a 70k dollar boat”. It’s hard to keep cool.

From the other side of things, rule 1...it is a boat ramp first and foremost. not a fishing area. Sure it's fine to fish there (most places). But I've pulled up to ramps locally to see families having a fishing party mid ramp. Beach chairs, rod holders set up, 10 people with lines in the water. And you know what they do when trailered boats arrive? Stare and continue doing what they were doing. No one moves. Well for a couple mins anyway...

4:05 really wish some people would actually power load at one of my local ramps... might actually get rid of the sand covering the last 15 feet of the ramp..? Heck I'd do it but i don't want to run over my winch and wind up in the back of my truck.

I've literally just got a boat. Launched it my boat only twice. Nobody told me any of these "rules" it's just common sense. Only one I wouldn't have thought of was #5. Thanks for the vid.

great video, i am 63 years old and want to go fishing more. i have a bow mount trolling motor and a electric anchor. your solo launch is great but climbing over bow when getting back on trailer would be hard. any help please, thank you, also i have seen a 3 step rial that mounts to the trailer

I wish EVERY person that hits a launch would live by these ideas/rules. Ugh. And for Christ sake, the staging area is NOT where you park to get ready NOR pack-up after! That’s what the parking lot is for! Thanks for posting this. 🇨🇦👍🏼

All good stuff I would add when retrieving your boat or launching your boat at night use your parking lights there's nothing worse than coming down the ramp backwards staring into somebody's headlights while they hook up their boat it seems so common sense but so many people leave their lights on while they're hooking up their boat making it tough for others to back down

Who are the thumbs down lol. Hopefully I'll never run into any of those 90 something people. Great video lots of people who should probably watch this 😉

ok I have a big question I am a solo boater when I launch should I park the boat and leave truck in ramp or leave boat and park truck first? thanks

Luke, what about when there's only one ramp like Southerland Bayou in Crystal Beach. When its time to head in and load up, is it first boat to the dock or first trailer in the water? If you're with a buddy that can back the trailer in I can see it being more efficient. But if you're solo you're getting snaked. What's your take?

If i was new id have a checklist in chronicle order cause ur sure to forget something when the pressure is on.

Thanks for the detailed video, I don’t own a boat, but... > If the city/county posted the Ramp Rules (5, 10, ?... rules) in multiple places it would “fix” some of the problems. The cost of the signs is nothing compared to the aggravation caused by inconsideration & stupidity. > Remember: you can’t fix stupid! > Posting signs facing the boats coming in for them to trim and winch would cost far less than rebuilding the end of the ramp every few years.

Thanks for this video. We just got a small fishing boat and I don't know any etiquette. Do you have any other videos on etiquette?

DAM WELL SAID !

Occasionally we get that one person who docks their boat and goes across the street to have lunch or chat with another person .. move off to the side somewhere out of the way !!

If you are a solo boater, only use ramps that have a courtesy dock. Vehicles with trailers have the right-of-way not boats tied off to the dock

When someone gets a new boat, especially the ones getting their first boat: Go to the boat ramp that you intend on using on a Monday or Tue when ramps are slow, practice, practice, practice backing down the ramp, launching and loading. I leave out very early in the mornings so the guys I encounter at the ramp are fishermen and usually as efficient with launching as I am. But when I come back in mid-day, oh my! I have seen too many people that had to just arrived at the lake straight from dealership with their new boat for first outing, what a disaster at the ramp.

You aré completly right my friend!! All of your observations aré correct. It is as simple as " the others do exist as well, Not only me". Problem is some people cannot think simple. They never read the back the one dólar bill: "E pluribus unum".

You should add in that docks are for boats, not anglers. My wife and i went fishing, returned to get out and i had a hard time docking because people just kept fishing and casting when we were trying to dock. Last thing i need is a hook in the eye.

Amen brother !!!!!!!

The best thing to do at a boat ramp is on a,Saturday when trying to get out and load boat is to go up to dock and let driver out. Then you sit there until he gets truck. Be prepared to hear cussing and threats. But it's a grand ole time

What about when you are returning from your fishing trip and there are few boats wanting to get in to the ramp ?

Be patient and not rude, treat people like your family. If someone is having a hard time don’t judge them we have all been there, forgot plugs, left the ears on whatever!

Ypu brave yo, ni threat intended but you know people see this they might try to test you , I totally agree with your video be dream come true if they all listen to us bro again thank you for educating these foos who have no idea. Before you leave house put ears on start her up less problem at ramp no cold start you on to dock pick up crew yall fishin think about it yall

Thank you. Common sense isn't common. Neither is consideration for others.

had a guy blocking the ramp trying to start his engine, i was a 12-15 year old kid telling a 60 year old guy "did you prime it". he was not to happy when that was his issue LOL

I have had two incidents with ignorant people tying up the state pier at Westport, MA, by cleaning fish. First time was three guys cleaning a day's worth of fish on a HOLIDAY while I and six other boats waited in the rocks for half an hour to land our boats (The Westort launch has plenty of rocks.). The three guys tied up one of the two docks and the other was in constant use by the holiday crowd launching. The second time at this same public launch was a charter guy with three customers. This guy tied up and cleaned fish for more than half an hour, while another boat launching at the opposite dock tied up and waited for people to arrive. The jerk in the charter boat also caused a delay on his launch by launching before his clients arrived and waiting for them while he stayed tied up at the dock - that's twice in the same day that this RI charter guy screwed other people. In both cases of cleaning fish, the jerks just threw their garbage into the water at the dock. Both times the Westport Harbor Master was called but wasn't able to get to the docks before the jerks made their mess, screwed the rest us, and left.

I wish those who have ski boats or tour boats would listen to thus too. So many of them send their kids to the restroom, so they set in a ramp waiting for everyone to arrive, after they have back in.

I did 2 enlistments in The U.S. Army. One of the best things I learned was how to back a trailer..... WELL.

Sorry but I think number one should be learn to back up with the trailer before even lunching anything in the water. Number 2 - learn the preparation steps for your lunching. Have everything ready in the boat before getting near the lunching zone. Number 3 - ask for help if you new to the sport. They are plenty of people willing to help you , so you have a safe lunch

Luckily I don’t worry about this I fish week days and everybody knows etiquette!

Two rules, 1. Practice backing up a trailer. 2. Read signs and observe launch traffic and flow before launching.

Ive seen plenty of fights at the ramp from people coming in wanting wright of way to get their boat out before others can go in... seems to be a big one at the ramps near me. Id be interested to hear the general opinion from others on this??

You should do a shallow water boating vid

2:35 mistake number 5 in demonstration. Lazy people power up instead of using the trailor winch.

Practice backing your trailer or if you know you will be on the boat and someone else is going to be backing the trailer in then have them practice backing the trailer around before doing it at the ramp

my local boat ramp 2 slots....amazing to watch the people who think they rented the ramp for an hour or something?

Something that you should do is be patient with other people. Backing a trailer into a slip is tricky, and not everyone is an expert. If someone is having trouble, you could offer to help or guide them.

When I started boating I would get real nervous at certain boat ramps because everyone there is expected to be perfect... so I'd end up taking out my frustration on my wife... I'd try to reverse in a hurry getting the trailer all twisted it was a mess she literally didn't want to go anymore because of how I was it was horrible now literally slow and steady wins the race at the ramp as long as things flow smoothly... block everyone out... I'd literally tell myself fnck everybody else here they can kiss my glass...I got better now we're Just go out and enjoy ourselves and everyone is happy

Can i use rwd car or i need awd

I fish a lot but myself. Taking the boat off and on means you leave the boat with no one with it. When I take it off I tie it to dock or rock if no dock, I find a lot of people don't have the patience for me to park and come back to boat. Are they supposed to wait until I get in my boat and leaving before they back in. One other problem are people fishing where I need to park boat while I park truck, almost got in fight because he laid rod on ground and I couldn't see it. Who has right of way in those situations.

For safety reasons I would ask boat passengers to avoid the lanes and wait on the dock ...it's happened many times that unexpectedly a person appears in back of me as I'm backing my boat down...sometimes adults with kids walking across all lanes..

I bet someone with a basic business license and liability policy could make a killing launching and loading boats for the googans.. 🤔

Christians ramp rule number uno stay away from the weekend warriors. Reel guys go on Monday through Friday or 3am weekends Lmao

Also, if the ramp is divided by lanes that are painted on ramp. Stay in the lane so the entire ramp can be utilized to reduce wait time

The area where you load your boat and put your plug-in is called "make ready".

I agree needs to be talked about its why I got rid of my little bass boat..I loved it... because I had to back up two or three times because I never done it before or it take me three times to line up but there was never a line if there was I'd go to end of line..I had men get in my face and curse me out..some even take some of my gear off my boat and throw it to the ground...there was no excuse in that.especially when I am the only one there and they can use the lane right beside me. I say I'm sorry I'm new I'm trying ..and that make me even more upset...Some called me everything but a child of God...that's why I kayak now..I don't need the ramp...and I don't need to be anywhere near these people...

I've said it a million times, been boating 50 yrs.,always put the plug in the boat before you leave home because it's so busy at the prep area it's so easy to overlook the plug when you're trying to remember all the other things you've got to do.

hire a ramp cowboy that keeps things moving

Take your boat to Walmart and learn how to drive backwards. Try and drive around the building backwards at 15 mph without touching the breaks. Thumbs up if you can or thumbs down if you can't.