Ramp Etiquette and Trailer Safety

1 rich Libsyn https://www.libsyn.com 90 600 Ramp Etiquette and Trailer Safety Episode 8:&nbsp; In today’s episode, Molley and Chad are going to talk about two topics that can really determine how your day on the lake goes and how it ends.&nbsp; Ramp rage is avoidable.&nbsp; This discussion is important for new boaters, as well as experienced boaters.&nbsp; Let’s listen to some good advice. Before You Leave the House with Your Boat In Episode 6, Chad explained his pre-trip inspection routine.&nbsp; You may want to go back and listen to it.&nbsp; It’s important that you visually inspect your wheels, hubs and lights.&nbsp; It doesn’t take long, but it could safe you some serious problems.&nbsp; It’s easier to fix issues now, before you have to do it on the side of the road or near the dock. Make sure everything is tight and secure.&nbsp; This includes hooking up your rear safety straps, especially if you have a few miles to go, or if you’re going to be traveling at highway speed. Completely secure and stow your Bimini top.&nbsp; The wind can damage it if it’s not properly protected.&nbsp; Make sure the car or truck you’re using is adequate for the weight of your boat.&nbsp; This is critically important for pulling and more importantly, for safely stopping.&nbsp; Knowing how to properly balance out the weight of the boat and trailer is a critical safety step.&nbsp; It’s about power and weight distribution.&nbsp; Molley recommends taking wider turns when you’re pulling your trailer.&nbsp; The turn-angle is different based on the extra length.&nbsp; Some boats can be longer than the car/truck pulling the boat.&nbsp; If you’re not careful, you can cause significant damage to your boat, trailer, signs, etc. Trailering Your Boat Consider taking an extra safety strap (i.e. come-along).&nbsp; Chad uses his to make sure the boat is securely locked in to protect the boat and anyone who may be in the boat.&nbsp; Molley describes 2 examples of problems they’ve personally experienced. Know the vehicle and your various ratings (i.e. weigh rating, tow rating, tongue rating, etc.).&nbsp; You have to be safe when you’re towing a boat.&nbsp; These ratings are listed for a reason. ProTip:&nbsp; Consider covering the boat windshield with Press’n Seal food wrap.&nbsp; When you get to your destination, you can rip it off and you’ll have one less item to clean. Ramp Etiquette This is a sensitive topic.&nbsp; Plan your loading process.&nbsp; Use the ramp wisely so you don’t unnecessarily impede the other boaters who are trying to get their boats in or out of the water.&nbsp; This is especially important for new boaters.&nbsp; You have to practice and make sure everyone involved has a specific job to make it go as efficiently as possible.&nbsp; It always works better with 2 people or more. If you have new people going out on the water with you, take time to explain what’s going to happen during launch.&nbsp; Explain how they can help or what might cause additional problems.&nbsp; Remember, they’re new to this.&nbsp; The easier it goes, the better your day on the water will go. Take advantage of “the gravel lot” to prep for launch.&nbsp; Use this area, not the ramp, to load your coolers, tubes and other items.&nbsp; Let people get seated before you get in line for the ramp.&nbsp; Make sure your boat’s battery is charged.&nbsp; Take time to turn on the blower for 5-6 minutes if the boat has been sitting for more than 24 hours.&nbsp; Have your young children put on their PFDs.&nbsp; Finally, make sure the boat’s plug is secure.&nbsp; Now you’re ready to hit the ramp. ProTip:&nbsp; If you’re new to the area, call ahead to the ramp.&nbsp; Ask for the best launch times, based on your experience.&nbsp; If a certain slot is typically crowded, you may want to wait until the majority of experienced boaters have launched.&nbsp; The people working at the dock or ramp generally have a good feel for the volumes during the day. Avoid Power Loading Around the Ramp Revving your motor unnecessarily is actually bad for the ramp, your boat and more.&nbsp; It tends to cause sediment to build up near the ramp, which will cause problems down the road.&nbsp; This usually occurs when people are done for the day and are trying to load the boat back on the trailer. Using the Courtesy Dock There’s usually a dock near the ramp.&nbsp; It’s for loading and unloading the items and people.&nbsp; Be courteous to others and try to use it efficiently.&nbsp; The more organized you are the better.&nbsp; If you’re waiting for someone, float around somewhere further out in the water.&nbsp; Remember, you might be impeding the approach or angle for someone else who is trying to launch or load their boat.&nbsp; Patience here is a virtue.&nbsp; As we detailed in Episode 7, Don’t Be THAT GUY! Much of practicing ramp etiquette really comes down to organization, courtesy, practice and patience.&nbsp; Stay focused and ask for help if you need it.&nbsp; We’ve all been there.&nbsp; Remember, this is supposed to be fun. That’s a wrap for this episode.&nbsp; I hope you found it helpful, insightful and maybe a little entertaining. Thanks for Listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider sharing it with your friends.&nbsp; We hope to see you out there soon.&nbsp; Until next time, here’s to warm weather and calm waters! Don’t forget to subscribe! Lake Life With Molley And Chad Podcast http://lakelifewithmolleyandchad.libsyn.com/website <iframe title="Libsyn Player" style="border: none" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/20346899/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/forward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/88AA3C/" height="90" width="600" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe> https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/item/20346899