Boat Ramp Etiquette

[Stinky_Hooker]

1. Never check your battery or engine before you leave the house, always wait until your boat is launched, in the water and you have already parked your truck before you check either item!

2. If you have a problem and the engine won't start, by all means, stay in the middle of the ramp, take the cover off, play with the battery....go back to your truck and get your toolbox. The boat ramp is the best and safest place to work on your engine and battery.

3. Never load items from your truck into your boat until you are parked dead in front of the ramp with other people waiting. That is the coolest and smartest time to add your skis, rods, ice, beer, food, etc. Oh, and always take your time while doing so, people are patient and understanding, they don't mind waiting so they can get their turn to do it to someone too!

4. Once you have launched your boat, the ramp is blocked and you are parking your truck and trailer, stop by the men’s room and take your time; when your done, stop and talk with your friends, maybe even have a beer or a cup of coffee, smoke a cigarette, or cut a dip!

5. As you approach your boat after it has been sitting in the ramp for 5 or 10 minutes, say "Oh " I forgot my whatever and go back to the truck; never mind the guy in the water is doing donuts waiting to get his boat out. Head back to the ramp, but wait a minute, did you lock your truck, you know there are thieves around the boat ramps, turn around and go back and check your door locks, again, never mind the guy doing donuts wanting to get his boat out.

6. When your finished for the day, return and be sure to block the ramp with your boat so no-one else can use it. On your way to the truck, go to the men’s room again, smoke a cigarette and take your time getting your truck, its been a long day, its time to relax and make everyone else wait, I mean, you are more important than them!

7. When you pull your boat out of the water, stop right in front of the ramp and unload your stuff back into the truck. This will insure that anyone else wanting to use the ramp is "SOL"! When you see a guy with a truck and trailer trying to maneuver behind you, stop what you are doing and make sure he doesn't hit the back of your boat, Never move your truck and boat out of the way to make it easier for him, that's just not courteous and not near as much fun. Believe me the other guy will really appreciate your sense of humor!