How big should a boat be in comparison to the car or truck getting it to the ramp? Once there, there are points at which one should draw the line, (Yes?), about how many people are needed to safely get the boat in the water.

There are many VERY able sailors out there who have been hassled enough about this stuff; there are many more who, sailors or not (such as myself) understand that the Government has no right to legislate the things being talked about here.

On the other hand, the regulations already in place, put there by the states I hope and not the Feds, should make the rules clear.

In any case, what can we tell the folks who don't know how to use a grain of commonsense in getting the S.S. Disaster off the ramp and into the water? What can we remind the rest of, about the things that will save them and others from needless pain on a holiday weekend? (Hmmmm - fireworks, gasoline, and engine compartment vapors don't mix well....?)

It's real easy to tell when you've been drinking

The tow vehicle has a weight tow restriction that should be followed.
I easily launch and retrieve a 30', 6,500 pound boat by myself. This includes at night.
If you were born after 1972, you are required to have a safe boating course (not that it helps many).
Many times I have helped complete idiots launch and retrieve their boats. I wish it were legal to shoot them on sight.

It's real easy to tell when you've been drinking


Even easier the next morning! :killingme

The tow vehicle has a weight tow restriction that should be followed.
I easily launch and retrieve a 30', 6,500 pound boat by myself. This includes at night.
If you were born after 1972, you are required to have a safe boating course (not that it helps many).
Many times I have helped complete idiots launch and retrieve their boats. I wish it were legal to shoot them on sight.


Often times I wish I had the time to just go sit at a ramp and watch. Many times it is better than a sit-com and no commercials. Windy days are pretty good.

Often times I wish I had the time to just go sit at a ramp and watch. Many times it is better than a sit-com and no commercials. Windy days are pretty good.I agree. :lol: I try to be patient but after 10 minutes I go over and offer to back it down the ramp or load it whatever the case may be.

Coming in last Saturday around 10:00pm there were idiots near the pier with no lights. I saw them when they held up a cell phone. UFB!! :faint:

Many times I have helped complete idiots launch and retrieve their boats. I wish it were legal to shoot them on sight.


Often times I wish I had the time to just go sit at a ramp and watch. Many times it is better than a sit-com and no commercials. Windy days are pretty good.

That used to be one of my favorite weekend things to do. Never failed to amuse. The best is when the whole rig, trailer and tow vehicle, wind up in the water.

One guy had no clue what he was doing, entire motor went up in flames. Ran over with my extinguisher and saved his butt because he obviously wasn't going to use his own. 2 minutes later he's cranking the motor again and up in flames it goes. I just shrugged my shoulders and watched it burn up.

That used to be one of my favorite weekend things to do. Never failed to amuse. The best is when the whole rig, trailer and tow vehicle, wind up in the water.

One guy had no clue what he was doing, entire motor went up in flames. Ran over with my extinguisher and saved his butt because he obviously wasn't going to use his own. 2 minutes later he's cranking the motor again and up in flames it goes. I just shrugged my shoulders and watched it burn up.

Wow. Dummy of the year.

That used to be one of my favorite weekend things to do. Never failed to amuse. The best is when the whole rig, trailer and tow vehicle, wind up in the water.

One guy had no clue what he was doing, entire motor went up in flames. Ran over with my extinguisher and saved his butt because he obviously wasn't going to use his own. 2 minutes later he's cranking the motor again and up in flames it goes. I just shrugged my shoulders and watched it burn up.

I think that seeing the boat come off half way up the ramp ranks right up there.