Given the crowded conditions at boat ramps, following proper procedure and etiquette will save time and prevent you from becoming a ramp rage victim.

• Prepare boat at far end of parking lot. This includes installing transom plug, raising Bimini top, loading gear, placing fenders, readying dock lines, checking fuel, finding key and turning on battery switch.
• Once you are 100% ready, get your truck in line to use the ramp.
• When it’s your turn, back down the ramp, get your boat off the trailer and quickly move your truck to the parking lot. Someone on your boat should immediately start the boat’s engine and move it aside to the waiting dock (so the next person can immediately use the ramp.)
• Do not put your boat in the water, then prepare or load it while at the ramp.

• Organize your gear while underway back to the ramp area.
• Approach the ramp area, tie-off to the waiting dock (not in the ramp area.)
• Have someone get the truck and trailer from the parking lot. They should wait in the truck line until it’s your turn. Unload all boat passengers at this time.
• While one person backs the trailer down the ramp, the captain unties the boat from the waiting dock and moves it to the ramp.
• Once boat is on trailer, raise the propeller and immediately move boat to the far end of the parking lot. Remove transom plug and gear. Turn off battery. Lower Bimini top and install tie-downs. Only now is it okay to take your time.
• Do not tie boat up at the ramp and then leave to get your truck. This can enrage other boaters.
• Do not unload gear from boat while at the ramp.
• Do not boat into a ramp when other boaters are tied off and waiting. Doing so is guaranteed to cause conflict.
• Remember to be well prepared and to know your launching/retrieving routine. Do each task in the same order every time. Having a checklist allows you to quickly proceed through each task without fear of forgetting something important (like the drain plug!)