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MIKE SCARANTINOLaunching a boat can be a big challenge. Having the knowledge, ability and patience to work congested ramps is pivotal to a safe start on water.
Launch ramps can be daunting places for less experienced boaters, who in turn may cause tense moments for others.
There have been times when emergency brakes have not been set correctly. A few unfortunate people have forgotten to shift into park before exiting their vehicle, only to watch trailered vessel and vehicle slip into the drink.
Then there are those who show little respect for others waiting in line to launch their boats.
This group performs the preparation work that should be done before backing into position while sitting in the launch lane. Because of much inexperience, these boaters do it all in slow gear, causing frustrations to rise for others behind them. Each ramp has its idiosyncrasies - little things that may present challenges to those launching or retrieving their vessels.
The ramp at Anclote River Park in southern Pasco County has a few potentially dangerous quirks. One is the intense currents that swirl through the area. The ramp has multiple lanes, allowing up to six boats to take off simultaneously. The sheer volume of traffic on a busy day may be cause for concern to those less experienced on the water.
On an incoming tide, launching vessels should be backed into the water on the southern side of the floating docks, allowing the currents to put the boats snug against the docks. Entering from the north may cause vessels to be pulled away from the dock.
When approaching the docks to remove a craft, entering on the northern side during an incoming tide increases the chances for a miss and can force the boater to go around and try again. The opposite effect occurs on an outgoing tide.
Anclote River Park's ramp area is open to the water, traffic and resultant wave action, making the process more difficult. Twice each month as moon cycles become stronger, so do the tidal currents that affect the launch ramp. Plan outings to this facility according to individual experience.
In Hudson Beach, the public ramp has one launch lane. That causes massive waiting times during the busy seasons. It is not unusual for launching or retrieving vessels to be in line for an hour or more.
When a storm sends boaters scurrying off the water, delays can be excruciatingly long and tense. This situation has the potential for danger. At times, tempers have flared because of heightened anticipation from inclement weather. Quick, decisive and accurate movements are needed to alleviate stressful moments.
Some ramps are nothing more than shallow, sloping dirt paths. In such facilities, boaters should be aware that dropping tides may inhibit the retrieval process until the next high tide raises water levels sufficiently.
Boaters using ramps of this type in freshwater impoundments without tidal influences need to know the prevailing depths to have an uneventful launch.
Most ramps are man-made concrete structures. Some are angled steeply, some slope gently to the water.
Depending on vessel size and weight and the experience of the driver, backing down or pulling from the slope requires a high degree of diligence. Never launch or retrieve a vessel that is too large for the size and power of the vehicle.
Know the equipment being trailered.
Trailers with carpet-covered slide bunks are drive-on models. There is no need to winch the boat onto this type. Simply back up to the water until the trailer's fenders are barely covered, visually line the vessel to the winch and between the uprights, then drive onto the trailer until the nose hook can be coupled.
Trailers with numerous rollers are winch-on trailers, which are not to be driven onto.
Boaters who trailer vessels need to do their preparation in advance of launching. Tasks such as uncovering the craft or loading necessities for a trip never should be done in the launch lane.
The only duties that should be left to perform are maneuvering the final few feet to the water, unhooking the vessel, starting the motor and backing off the trailer.
Whenever a boat has been sitting a long time, start the motor at home on the hose and let it warm sufficiently.
The worst thing that can happen is to anticipate and prepare for an outing, only to discover in the launch lane at the ramp that the motor won't kick over or run well enough for the vessel to enter the water.
- If you have a question or comment, call Mike Scarantino, (352) 683-4868.