PWC Launch/Ramp Etiquette

[Lboogie]

I am a certified "noob," both to this forum and the world of jet skis. I've ridden jet skis before but they were rentals or belonged to friends. I haven't had to launch one until I purchased my GSX several weeks ago.

Needless to say I'm still getting the hang of backing the trailer. I have a small single trailer with a small tongue. From other posts I've read this is apparently the hardest to back up.

At my local marina I try to let more experienced boaters launch first. The ramp is very wide, enough for two decent size boats to launch simultaneously. The first time I launched there was no problem. People were very friendly, helpful and patient. (Being a slow day and my wife driving in her bathing suit probably helped). Since then people have been impatient and looking at me like I have no business on the water.

If I let boaters go ahead people get mad that I am blocking the way (I'm not but they do have to slightly maneuver around me). Others insist that I go since I arrived before them and then get impatient because if launching a PWC takes more than 30 seconds I get the collective evil eye.

I'm getting better by practicing in empty parking lots. Ill never be a natural at backing up a trailer and it does take time to put my ski in the water as I usually do it myself. What's a guy to do?

 

[LouDoo]

Get as much done as possible before you launch. IE, remove the stern straps, disconnect the bow hook, disconnect the trailer lights, make sure drain plug is installed. When it's your turn go ahead and launch. I tie a rope to the bow hook and tie the other end to my Jeep, float the SeaDoo off the trailer, take the rope tie it to the dock, take the Jeep to the parking lot, go back to the dock and go.

Lou

 

[Coastiejoe]

Keep practicing in lots.

When you go to the ramp drive like you have done it all your life. Your perceived confidence will be seen and others will be less likely to hassle you.

Single trailers are harder for the sole fact you can't see them too well. By the time you see them, they are often turned farther than you want.

Pulling forward a tiny bit is sometimes easier than trying an aggressive reverse correction.

 

[Dr Honda]

.............

I'm getting better by practicing in empty parking lots. Ill never be a natural at backing up a trailer and it does take time to put my ski in the water as I usually do it myself. What's a guy to do?

It's easy... sell your ski, and give up hope !!!!


LOL

SORRY.... couldn't resist.



OK... on a busy weekend... you will get the stink eye, regardless if you are a boater, or a ski. I totally understand that people are just starting out, and need to learn the ropes. AND, as long as they aren't being STUPID, and trying their best... I dont' get mad. Where I get mad is when there are guys who tie up the ramp, doing crap they should have done in the parking lot. So... here's my advice:


1) Do not give up your space in line. It's kind of like taking the "Right of way" on the street. It can be aggravating to others if you say "Go ahead of me." since they may not be ready either, and they may feel rushed. I know that sounds strange... but it's the truth. SO... if you are in line, that means you are ready. AND... on that note... don't get in line until you are.

2) Prep the boat/ski in the appropriate place. If the line to the ramp is long, you can do it there. But more times than not... do it in the parking lot before you get into the line. One of the lakes I visit has a wide section where the line starts, and there is room to wave people around.


3) Make sure your ski is ready to run: Nothing pisses me off more, than a JACK-OFF who ties up the ramp trying to start a boat or ski on the ramp. Besides... who wants to drive all the way to the water with a toy that wont' start. SO... if you have toys that are questionable... then start them at home. Then... start it again during your prep before getting on the ramp. With that said... if you have a conventional I/O or outboard... the water pump is rubber, and you can destroy it starting it dry. A jet boat or PWC doesn't have that issue.

4) Practice backing up: This one doesn't bother me as much as #3. I understand that some people never get this one... and I know even "Vets" have a bad day. SO... my suggestion is to go to empty parking lots, and put up a few cones. But better yet... go to the ramp during the week, or early morning, and practice. I'm sure you will get the hang of it. But, if you need an extra minute or so to get lined up... so be it. Now... where I get mad at this situation, is when some idiot takes forever, and then parks sideways on a 3 place ramp, and no one else can get in. If you find yourself "Hogging up" the ramp... pull forward, and set back in to one side.



Your trailer isn't any harder than any other to back in. The only down side is that a single trailer can be hard to see depending on the vehicle. In a smaller car/SUV... you should be able to see it. In a truck, it will be harder. BUT... you can always drop the tail gate to help. OR... put a pole on the end of the trailer to see where it's at. A simple bicycle whip, on a magnet is a conversant tool. When you get to the ramp... you can snap it on the trailer.


OK... with all that said... really the "Golden Rule" is DON'T DO ANYTHING AT THE RAMP OR COURTESY DOCK, OTHER THAN LAUNCHING YOUR TOY !!! (on the dock, it depends how big it is. A small dock, means, move the truck, and get out of the way. With a larger dock, you can take your time, as long as you aren't blocking someone coming out or in to the ramp)


Good luck.





[video=vimeo;67253679]http://vimeo.com/67253679[/video]

 

[NX EXA]

LOL, funny video Dr Honda.

Not everyone gets the trailer backing down. Example: I'm better at it than my dad is and he's dealt with trailers a lot longer than I have. Just remember, the smaller the trailer the harder it is to back. Small steering movements can offset small trailers largely. I launched for the first time not quite 2 weeks ago and it was a bit nerve-racking but I've been dealing with small trailers for years. I open the rear hatch to help keep the trailer in line some but the main reason I do it is to check how far the trailer gets in the water before I stop. As mentioned before, practice. What better way than your very own driveway. Backing from the street 90° angle to the driveway will also help you to learn control while turning it. Most of the time when backing down the ramp it's almost always a straight shot. Practice, practice and enjoy your ski.

 

[Lboogie]

Dr. Honda - Good advice. Thanks. I've done most of what you recommend before. I basically watched a few people launch boats that seemed experienced and picked up pointers. I now unhook my straps (except the winch on the trailer), get out my keys and generally have my ski ready to roll when I hit the water. I dock it farther up the dock, away from the launch and basically run to my car to park it. Your comments helped me to understand why people get mad when I let them skip me. From now on if I'm generally ready and it takes me several tries to get the trailer in right other people be damned. I think I would mess up a lot because I felt pressure trying to line up my trailer properly on the first try.

 

[Dr Honda]

Since you are new... here's another helpfull tip. LOL




[video=vimeo;31396441]http://vimeo.com/31396441[/video]

 

[Jims5543]

So today was my first time launching my Challenger 1800 on my own, or any boat on my own since I was a teen and I went out with my parents on their boat. Which was never a fun experience. I promised that there would never be any drama nor anger at the ramp. No need for it we are out to have fun.

I read this thread, I took heed, and I made sure by boat was ready to go before I backed down the ramp.

It was a 4 slip ramp and it was empty when I arrived so I was relived, I have towed my race car all over the country but never backed a single axle boat trailer down a ramp before. It was like riding a bike, backed right to the water boat floated off, wife pulled it down the ramp way and tied it off while I went to park and board the boat.


Keep in mind at this point there were now 2 empty slips.


In the time it took me to park and jog back to the boat ( I was being courteous and wanted to get out of the way asap) some arsehat had back his boat down my ramp and it was wedged between the ramp and my boat, he was gone much longer than I was. I pulled by boat to the end of the dock so his wife could tie off double decker with me. I made a comment to her that I was not appreciating the pressure too much since t was my first outing with a boat.

We started up backed a little, spun a 180 and took off, my wife noticed the husband returning the reaming the wife because she let the boat touch the dock..... total moron.


I was pissed, it being my first time out and some idiot decides to launch into me with 2 empty ramps.

I can see it is not going to be fun at the ramps, now I know why folks pay a premium for waterfront properties.

I should also add, my wife and 10 y/o son were champs, we launched like it was routine and loaded back up the smoother. There was no drama with us at all we worked as a great team and we are going to try to practice some launches and loads during non peak times. I am sure we can do this like an F1 pit stop!! :

 

[Lboogie]

Dr. Honda,

Hilarious videos! I couldn't watch them from my mobile so I finally got a chance to check them out on my desk top. I have to say the only issue I have is that too many experience boaters seem to have the attitude that if you don't launch perfectly on the first try you don't deserve to breathe, much less be on the water. I've been practicing my butt off this weekend and went to the ramp several times early in the morning. Earlier in the week I went early on a Tuesday morning. I practiced with my jet ski and trailer (was there for several hours and literally saw no one). I'm getting way better but unless I get lucky I don't think I will ever get in on the first try. Oh well, as long as I'm ready to go and not acting like a jerk people can wait!

Jims5543, I'm glad my thread and the great advice others gave helped you.

 

[Dr Honda]

Dr. Honda,

Hilarious videos! I couldn't watch them from my mobile so I finally got a chance to check them out on my desk top. I have to say the only issue I have is that too many experience boaters seem to have the attitude that if you don't launch perfectly on the first try you don't deserve to breathe, much less be on the water. I've been practicing my butt off this weekend and went to the ramp several times early in the morning. Earlier in the week I went early on a Tuesday morning. I practiced with my jet ski and trailer (was there for several hours and literally saw no one). I'm getting way better but unless I get lucky I don't think I will ever get in on the first try. Oh well, as long as I'm ready to go and not acting like a jerk people can wait!

Jims5543, I'm glad my thread and the great advice others gave helped you.

Yep.. they make me laugh too.



Look at it this way... if taking a little extra time to back up is your only sin... then you are fine. The real issue is when you compound that with other things (messing with a no-start, hogging the center, loading on the ramp, loading on the courtesy dock, etc) that's when people get mad.


I may laugh at the Noob getting sideways while backing... but I generally don't get mad until they REALLY tie it up, and I'm sitting in line for 15 or 20 minutes.


In all my years of boating... I may grumble under my breath... but only one time, I got out of my truck and told someone to move their crap, so others could use the ramp. (they tied up the center of the ramp for 15 minutes with a boat that wasn't starting) But, more times than not... I get out, and ask if I can help.

 

[Lboogie]

Thanks Doc! Here's hoping that most people I run into at the ramp in the future are helpful like you!!

 

[Dr Honda]

You know.... it's funny.....


Yesterday, I went to the lake, and it wasn't busy at all in the morning. After I got my boat launched, and I was walking back from parking the truck... there was a guy who was prepping his skis in the "Pull Out" area. After looking at the condition of the skis, the tow rig, and the people getting ready... I thought I would wonder over, and just let him know that he was in the pull out section, and that the lower part was for "Prep."


I was nice, and simply said.... "Excuse me, I know it's not busy today, and it really doesn't matter because of that. But, the lower section is for prep, and this section is for pulling out, and getting ready to leave."


Anyway... he just looked at me like I was an ass... so I said... "well, Just letting you know, and have a nice day."


I went to the boat as told the wife, and she said... "You can only help the ones who actually want help."


Oh well.

 

[Jfrenchws6]

Is it bad to leave your ski tied to the dock in the launch lane if there isn't any other place to tie it up while you park your vehicle?

Thats how the place I launch at is. There are multiple ramps, but unless you take the boat out into the river, your going to be in the way. The good thing is the parking lot is very close. So it would be 2 mins tops to park it and get back. I don't see it as a big deal, but maybe I'm wrong?

 

[Dr Honda]

Is it bad to leave your ski tied to the dock in the launch lane if there isn't any other place to tie it up while you park your vehicle?
.............................

That's what the courtesy dock is for. So you can tie up, and park.

Where the problem is.... If you would tie off.... and then go to the store to get more fuel, or food, etc. I know that may sound like a joke... but it's not. We see people, all the time, act like the courtesy dock is their own personal dock.


Like above... the golden rule is....


Spend as little time at the ramp as possible. That will help keep the next guy happy.

 

[biffdotorg]

I should also add, my wife and 10 y/o son were champs, we launched like it was routine and loaded back up the smoother. There was no drama with us at all we worked as a great team and we are going to try to practice some launches and loads during non peak times. I am sure we can do this like an F1 pit stop!! :

Routine, is the key word there. Once you have a routine down with a family team, it all goes smoothly. Even a 10 year old can be part of the routine, even if it is just getting in the boat, and stowing food and pulling out life jackets.

After watching for a few years in our X-20, our 12 year old passed her MN Boating Safety course and is legal to drive our boat. She has practiced a bit with me over the past couple summers, but it was mostly idling out of the bays, or a bit of fun on the water.

This summer during our annual vacation at a rented cabin, she showed the maturity to do perfect touch-n-go's at the docks dropping off people or picking up. Followed by smooth 180's and idling away. Her throttle control was so impressive that she graduated to driving onto the trailer twice and backing off the trailer once! She has even surprised me when she picked up on how I can parallel park the boat by moving it sideways up to a dock! I tell you what, I am more than happy that my wife can retire from that job, as she gets ultra-stressed when there are crowds around.

Please let me reiterate, that this maturity at the helm has come from practice over the past couple summers. And there was no way I could let her do these manuevers now until she got the certificate in her hand. The maturity of a 12 year old can only be measured by a parent that understands the consequences if they screw up. She only does these with a boat-experienced adult in the boat with her.

The point is, if a 12 year old can do it, any spouse can do it. Have the significant other practice driving the boat and then loading/unloading the boat as well. Over a couple summers, you too will have a partner that can make this process quicker. No more tie-ups at the courtesy dock can save lots of hassle.

Good luck!

PS: It really pisses off some of the spouses at the dock that refuse to drive the boat on a trailer, when a 12 year old loads perfect in a single shot. (thank you veve guide posts)

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

"I was pissed, it being my first time out and some idiot decides to launch into me with 2 empty ramps. "

Almost as bad as some public urinals where you arrive it's empty and take one end, and another guy comes in right next to you instead of going for the other end.

 

[Lboogie]

Wow you guys have really opened my eyes. Even as a newbie I would never do any of the things you folks mentioned that people do. My time on the water is so limited once I hit the ramp I want to enjoy every minute on my ski. I have my ski ready the night before or take 5 minutes at home before I leave to get ready. Using the courtesy dock to tie up and get food? That's just crazy talk!!

 

[Spimothy Leary]

for me now its second nature, although I had to learn how to handle a single using the mirrors once I bought my SUV, and i'm still kind of terrible at it by comparison as to how smooth it was with my car, where I could see the trailer thru the back window. I still lift the rear hatch if there is a line behind me to guarantee that i'll get it right the first time.

I don't sweat any reasonable delays, mainly because i'm used to being behind a boat loading coolers, sammiches, phones, tubes, and tons of extra crap in the ramp area instead of at home, and of course i've been behind the idiot who's boat won't start once he gets down. I figure I wait 4-8 minutes for the average boat, they can wait 2-4 minutes for me so I don't even think about the line, if you try to hurry, it usually means a mistake will be made which will delay things further.

continue to practice in the parking lots, practice backing into your garage, helps understand the confined space's in your brain, etc. practice practice practice, the more you ride, the more practice you get. I don't generally jog back from the parking area, but I walk briskly, and I DO get frustrated when a boat is tied off, holding people up and the dam guy is strolling as slow as fug back from the parking area, even saw one stop to take a phone call and light a smoke, I was ready to choke him.

I've also volunteered to help those that look like they are struggling, but you have to be careful, because some arrogant people are out there that refuse help, even tho its obvious that they need it. I hate those people.

and I never let anybody that doesn't have a FWC boat cut in line, I even had one guy try to cut in front of me and i threw it in drive and blocked him, and just sat there in my car quietly while he yelled at me thru his windshield, I wasn't about to get out and confront him, he seemed quite belligerent, and I had my daughter with me, but I was willing to sit there and block him all day if that's what it took I also had raw numbers on my side since there were two other boats behind me so I figured the 3 of us could take him if we had to hahah
After a minute he gave up, circled around and got back in line like a good little boy. Maybe he was a prick that thought he could cut, or maybe he was just ignorant of what the line of trailers in the prep area is for... (to wait your turn !)

All in all, the ramp is always entertaining, my favorites are the jackknife trailers, and my least favorite are the bastards that yell at their wives, cursing, etc... really wish those types of people would find another hobby

 

[Ryan331]

I've been to busy docks, not so busy docks, and ramps that are more like roads that go into the water, without any docks at all..

One thing I've run into with docks, on a smaller busy lake (like elsinore) you get a lot of wake - Tying up at the dock to go park the truck even if it's calm, you can come back to find your boat hammering into the dock, I've found a rock anchor bag right near the launch ramp is a good way to park the ski.. You get wet, but I've always had to get into the water somewhat when launching a ski around here

Another thing to note.. If you're having issues making the trailer go the direction you want.. try using one hand on the bottom of the steering wheel, push it to the left (SLIGHTLY) to get the back of the trailer to the left, push it to the right to get the back of the trailer to go right. If you're going more than half a revolution on a single ski trailer, you're going to get too much angle

 

[Dr Honda]

...........

PS: It really pisses off some of the spouses at the dock that refuse to drive the boat on a trailer, when a 12 year old loads perfect in a single shot. (thank you veve guide posts)

I hear this one all the time... but I don't really agree.

In my case... I have small kids, (2 and 7 years) and a wife who is scared of everything. (She cried once, when I jumped off one of our jetski's, and left her by herself) So... in this case... it's easier for her to just watch the kids and be out of the way. But, I've been launching toys for so long now... I probably can do it in under 5 min by myself.

I set the trailer a little on the deep side... I jump in, move the boat to the dock... and park. By the time I'm walking back... the wife and kids (and guests) are standing at the dock waiting for me to help them board.

Now... with that said... when I see the older couple, all by themselves, I see no reason that the wife can't help in some manner. BUT... I can honestly say... I see this happen all the time........

The old guy is in the LITTLE boat (one that shouldn't need help), and is screaming at the wife in the car... telling her to keep backing up. All the time... the engine is half trimmed up, to keep from hitting... and is really just pushing the boat harder into the trailer, and not pulling it off. Then, after 10 min of that... they realize that the front hook is still on. Basically this takes longer becasue of one simple fact......

THEY DO NOT WANT TO GET THEIR FEET WET !!!!!


So here's another point of etiquette... if you want to make the boat launching go faster... don't pussyfoot around the trailer, in an attempt of staying dry. (unless you are fishing in the winter time)

........


All in all, the ramp is always entertaining, my favorites are the jackknife trailers, and my least favorite are the bastards that yell at their wives, cursing, etc... really wish those types of people would find another hobby

I agree.... unless someone is dooing somthing VERY wrong, and making me wait an extra long time..... I dont' get mad... and most of the time... it's funny.

So:

Funny at the ramp: Noobs who are at least trying; The old guy who forgot the plug, or rear tie-downs; the guy who forgot to put up his I/O or Outboard.... etc.



NOT funny: A-Holes who cut the line, hogs the ramp, ties up the ramp with a boat that won't start, or ties up the dock to do something other than parking/picking up/dropping off people. (or other real emergency)

 

[biffdotorg]

In my case... I have small kids, (2 and 7 years) and a wife who is scared of everything. (She cried once, when I jumped off one of our jetski's, and left her by herself) So... in this case... it's easier for her to just watch the kids and be out of the way. But, I've been launching toys for so long now... I probably can do it in under 5 min by myself.

I can agree with that. Small children are #1 priority at the ramp. Boats can rub, people can wait, but children need to be watched. There are too many ways for them to be in the wrong spot if not watched very closely. Heck, my wife freaks out backing the boat if the dog jumps up in the bow. What would she do if she was backing out with two small children up in the bow. That would never fly.

I see your point for sure. One day, they will be a part of the team as well.

 

[Spimothy Leary]

i thought i'd share an embarrassing moment, my 2nd trip to the boat ramp... years ago...

met my bro in law at the ramp, he got there first and had already launched and parked, I hadn't quite yet learned that 10am launch means get there at 9:40 and be ready to ride at 10,, so I got there 10:05, he decides to help and says,,, " i'll ride the ski down the ramp and reverse/launch it to the beach while you park", (his nice way of saying,, your late fugger)

Duly noted he's ex coast guard, owned a boat/ski since he was like 12, and can back down a trailer blindfolded.... which is why this story is soooo embarrassing...

anyway

so he gets on the ski, 5 grey hairs on the bench watching, I proceeded to jackknife the ski at least 6 times, if not more, while he sits on top of the ski, and the old farts comment, "not that time" "try again" "uh, oh" "almost had it that time" etc etc... back and forth, back and forth, worse every time, it took me about 6 minutes to finally back the dam thing down the ramp. of course I get this from the old farts.

then I realize,

1) left my lanyard at home
2) half a tank of gas
3) low on oil, and of course I never bought any

so.. trip to the gas station to fill up (his) spare fuel can, I didn't own one at the time, borrowed (his) oil, and borrowed (his) spare lanyard.

he's also been with me another time I forgot to add oil and rode the last 10 miles with the beeper going off, he's been with me when I nearly sunk because of drain plugs, he's been with me when I hit a sandbar that he pointed out right before I ran right over it.

I'm shocked to this day that he still talks to me...

(come to think of it, he quit the sport and sold me his ski shortly after,, maybe he didn't get bored with it after all, maybe I"M the reason he quit ! lol

The moral to the story....? We've all been new to this.. have no fear, just keep doing it, and then one day you'll get the comment from the old fart at the ramp along the lines of "so, you've done this once or twice eh ? " and you'll just nod and keep a straight face, then smile to yourself when you turn away

Enjoy !!!

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

"he's also been with me another time I forgot to add oil and rode the last 10 miles with the beeper going off, he's been with me when I nearly sunk because of drain plugs, he's been with me when I hit a sandbar that he pointed out right before I ran right over it."

Talk about hard to get, that's a rough way to start off any bromance!

 

[Spimothy Leary]

"he's also been with me another time I forgot to add oil and rode the last 10 miles with the beeper going off, he's been with me when I nearly sunk because of drain plugs, he's been with me when I hit a sandbar that he pointed out right before I ran right over it."

Talk about hard to get, that's a rough way to start off any bromance!

no kidding lol

but honestly, its just typical noob stuff, not having a routine, thinking about other stuff instead of paying attention, etc... thankfully now I have it all figured out now (for the most part)

 

[Lboogie]

no kidding lol

but honestly, its just typical noob stuff, not having a routine, thinking about other stuff instead of paying attention, etc... thankfully now I have it all figured out now (for the most part)

Thanks for that! You made me feel much better about my noob non-abilities. I jackknifed one time without even realizing it. I was looking at the wrong mirror. Another car honked to give me the heads up. I gave them an embarrassed look. They just waved politely and smiled. Calmed me right down.