Launching and retrieving your vessel at a boat ramp isn’t difficult - you just need to practise it a few times to get used to the process. However, when the ramps are busy, it’s essential that you adhere to boat ramp etiquette, so you can avoid a shouting match with other boaters.

The golden rule of boat ramp etiquette is to be considerate. Treat others as you would like to be treated yourself. What annoys you as you wait for your turn at the ramp? Avoid doing it yourself.

PREP THE BOAT AND TRAILER IN THE STAGING AREA

Don’t head straight for the ramp - you’ll need time to set up before you can launch. Big facilities have a staging area, while you’ll find parking near smaller ones. Head there first, so you can start removing the tie-downs, put all safety gear on board, fix the drain plug in place, mount the nav lights, angle the drive unit ready to splash, and more. Remember to check that the battery works before you get in the ramp lanes, so you don’t have to retrieve the boat as soon as you’ve launched her.

TURN OFF YOUR HEADLIGHTS AT THE RAMP

Once you’re in position, turn off your headlights. These could shine directly into the eyes of fellow boaters waiting for their turn. The lights will make it hard for them to see the ramp lanes properly and manoeuvre.

LAUNCH EFFICIENTLY

Every boater wants the launching process to be as swift as possible, so they can enjoy more time out on the water. Try to launch as efficiently as possible - follow the proper procedures to avoid damaging your boat and trailer, but don’t waste any time. Don’t chat with other boaters; focus on what you’re doing.

GO PARK THE CAR AS SOON AS THE BOAT IS IN THE WATER

Once the boat is floating, you need to free the ramp as fast as possible. It helps if you brought a friend or family member, so they can stay on the boat while you go park the car.

If you’re alone, you’ll need to tie the boat up at a nearby dock and rush back on foot to move the car. Just be mindful of other boaters waiting for their turn.

AVOID HOGGING THE RAMP

On ramps where there are no curbs or dividers to indicate different lanes, allow for enough space for other boaters to use the ramp at the same time as you do. This is especially important if you are launching solo and will need extra time to dock the boat and get back to the ramp on foot. Take up as little space as possible, so other vehicles can fit on the ramp.

It should go without saying, but don’t ever park or stop the car in front of a ramp. There may be no one around, but you may eventually prevent other boaters from reaching the ramp when they need it. Always go park the car nearby. If you need to pick up a passenger with limited mobility, approach the area once they are ready to board your vehicle.

ASK FOR PERMISSION TO TIE UP TO ANOTHER BOAT

If the courtesy dock is full, you may need to tie up to another boat temporarily. Always ask for permission before you do it - the other boater will probably want to assist. Make sure that your fenders are well-spaced at the right height. Ask the owner which cleats are safe to tie up to - some might be loose.

DON’T PULL UP TO THE RAMP BEFORE YOUR BOAT IS READY TO BE RETRIEVED

When retrieving your boat, wait for your crew to hover near the ramp, or have your boat tied up at the courtesy dock in advance. Approach the ramp only once the boat is ready to get retrieved. This will allow the ramp to be free for as long as possible, so you won’t create a queue (line).

AS SOON AS THE BOAT IS ON THE TRAILER, HEAD TO THE STAGING AREA

Once the boat is secured to the trailer, drive to the staging area or a nearby parking space. You can prep the boat for the ride home there, so other boaters can use the ramp to pick up their own boat.

There you have it. Boat ramp etiquette is very simple and fairly intuitive, yet many boaters fail to follow it. Being considerate requires little effort, but will help you have a more pleasant experience at the ramp and maybe even make new boating friends. Happy boating!

BOAT RAMP ETIQUETTE EXPLAINED