{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Ramp Etiquette and Trailer Safety","description":"Episode 8:  In today\u2019s 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.  Ramp rage is avoidable.  This discussion is important for new boaters, as well as experienced boaters.  Let\u2019s listen to some good advice. Before You Leave the House with Your Boat In Episode 6, Chad explained his pre-trip inspection routine.  You may want to go back and listen to it.  It\u2019s important that you visually inspect your wheels, hubs and lights.  It doesn\u2019t take long, but it could safe you some serious problems.  It\u2019s 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.  This includes hooking up your rear safety straps, especially if you have a few miles to go, or if you\u2019re going to be traveling at highway speed. Completely secure and stow your Bimini top.  The wind can damage it if it\u2019s not properly protected.  Make sure the car or truck you\u2019re using is adequate for the weight of your boat.  This is critically important for pulling and more importantly, for safely stopping.  Knowing how to properly balance out the weight of the boat and trailer is a critical safety step.  It\u2019s about power and weight distribution.  Molley recommends taking wider turns when you\u2019re pulling your trailer.  The turn-angle is different based on the extra length.  Some boats can be longer than the car\/truck pulling the boat.  If you\u2019re 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).  Chad uses his to make sure the boat is securely locked in to protect the boat and anyone who may be in the boat.  Molley describes 2 examples of problems they\u2019ve personally experienced. Know the vehicle and your various ratings (i.e. weigh rating, tow rating, tongue rating, etc.).  You have to be safe when you\u2019re towing a boat.  These ratings are listed for a reason. ProTip:  Consider covering the boat windshield with Press\u2019n Seal food wrap.  When you get to your destination, you can rip it off and you\u2019ll have one less item to clean. Ramp Etiquette This is a sensitive topic.  Plan your loading process.  Use the ramp wisely so you don\u2019t unnecessarily impede the other boaters who are trying to get their boats in or out of the water.  This is especially important for new boaters.  You have to practice and make sure everyone involved has a specific job to make it go as efficiently as possible.  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\u2019s going to happen during launch.  Explain how they can help or what might cause additional problems.  Remember, they\u2019re new to this.  The easier it goes, the better your day on the water will go. Take advantage of \u201cthe gravel lot\u201d to prep for launch.  Use this area, not the ramp, to load your coolers, tubes and other items.  Let people get seated before you get in line for the ramp.  Make sure your boat\u2019s battery is charged.  Take time to turn on the blower for 5-6 minutes if the boat has been sitting for more than 24 hours.  Have your young children put on their PFDs.  Finally, make sure the boat\u2019s plug is secure.  Now you\u2019re ready to hit the ramp. ProTip:  If you\u2019re new to the area, call ahead to the ramp.  Ask for the best launch times, based on your experience.  If a certain slot is typically crowded, you may want to wait until the majority of experienced boaters have launched.  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.  It tends to cause sediment to build up near the ramp, which will cause problems down the road.  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\u2019s usually a dock near the ramp.  It\u2019s for loading and unloading the items and people.  Be courteous to others and try to use it efficiently.  The more organized you are the better.  If you\u2019re waiting for someone, float around somewhere further out in the water.  Remember, you might be impeding the approach or angle for someone else who is trying to launch or load their boat.  Patience here is a virtue.  As we detailed in Episode 7, Don\u2019t Be THAT GUY! Much of practicing ramp etiquette really comes down to organization, courtesy, practice and patience.  Stay focused and ask for help if you need it.  We\u2019ve all been there.  Remember, this is supposed to be fun. That\u2019s a wrap for this episode.  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.  We hope to see you out there soon.  Until next time, here\u2019s to warm weather and calm waters! Don\u2019t forget to subscribe! ","author_name":"Lake Life With Molley And Chad Podcast","author_url":"http:\/\/lakelifewithmolleyandchad.libsyn.com\/website","html":"