The "Official" Memorial Day weekend ramp story thread
#5
Senior Member

Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: connecticut
Posts: 1,732

Was watching a 22' sailboat with 5 people on it trying to dock at the ramp. It had a 4 hp outboard on it. Lady was leaning way over to twist the throttle and shift it. On top of that, she had no idea how to drive it. Left after watching multiple attempts to dock.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,693

From the self centered insecurity of the guy who constantly yells at his wife and kids, to the snotty female and her entourage consisting of everyone in the neighborhood beginning the party at the ramp, to the know it all who jumps lines and does it all his way, to the new folk who just got the boat and would like to go for a ride without all the shouting.
Fault and blame, age, experience aside this is not how it should work, but is how it does work too many times.
“I am in a hurry”. “I am better than you!”
“I”.
#14
Senior Member

Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: somewhere over there
Posts: 4,081

Stopped the local ramp while enjoying a late breakfast. Trailer lot was full so people had to launch and drive to the overflow area.
That left two scenarios.
Circle around until the driver returned
Tie up and wait for the driver to return.
That left two results
Idling boats that had to dodge two kids on SUPs that we’re getting in the way. They were told to move a couple times and dad finally got them out of the way. Just waiting for one to fall and get cut up.
or
Dad had to do everything and left a boat full of people tied up right where they launched and blocking the ramp.
That left two scenarios.
Circle around until the driver returned
Tie up and wait for the driver to return.
That left two results
Idling boats that had to dodge two kids on SUPs that we’re getting in the way. They were told to move a couple times and dad finally got them out of the way. Just waiting for one to fall and get cut up.
or
Dad had to do everything and left a boat full of people tied up right where they launched and blocking the ramp.
#15
Member
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 93

Nothing too crazy at the ramp. Truck in front of me backed in way too far and trailer wheels fell off the edge (pontoon boat, as they always are). Took a good 20 minutes to get it out. The people with the slips were ridiculous. One group with an old ass cabin cruiser that looked like they couldn't afford to fill it up took up the entire end of the dock (where transients can tie up to grab food, or go to get their trucks - dozen of fold out chairs and literally no room to get out. Not a single one offered to grab a line from my wife as I pulled up, or even moved their feet so we could get by. Real pricks. After I backed the trailer in and came back to grab the boat, one of the idiots was swimming in front of it. After I pushed off the dock, it took every bit of restraint to not goose it a bit and give him a wave.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Palm Beach Gardens FL
Posts: 1,588

We really just need a little understanding at the ramp. Had a guy launch ahead of me and then tie up at the ramp dock (there are 7 non-ramp slips just for getting out of the way). Took him 10 minutes to get back to the boat and another 10 minutes to load wife and kids, coolers, dogs etc. Mind you, I'm sitting at water's edge waiting patiently. Finally had enough (he was arranging his cushions), tilted the engine up so the shiny stainless prop blades were heading right for his bow and carefully launched. When he saw that prop come within a half inch of his nice new gel coat HE UNDERSTOOD and departed rapidly!!! Like I said, just a little understanding...….
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Punta Gorda, FL
Posts: 157