I've recently gained access to a friends boat to use in the bays for salmon. I'm a veteran of the launching wars and am well versed in the good etiquette needed to keep things moving in a tidy manner.

Here's my dilemma:

I know all to well that 2 guys launching is essential so as not to tie up the ramp. One backing the truck down, the other in the boat to fire it up and ease on/off the trailer.

But, I will be in a situation where partners aren't always available. I'm very sensitive to the fact it is considered bad form to tie up the ramp as I envision myself backing the truck down....hop out and into the
boat....drive the boat off to moore somewhere, all the while the truck is sitting on the ramp...people get impatient.....you get the idea.

What is a guy to do? Not fish? I know I get VERY impatient when people drag their feet at boat ramps but I'm not sure how to approach this. I don't want to tie up the ramp but it seems kind of stupid to sit at home with a boat ready to fish too.

What do you guys think?

I launch my boat and fish alone all the time. I have generally found the other boaters to be fine with launching alone.

There are a few rules that help out a lot though. First, know how to launch and trailer the boat quickly. Nothing is more frustrating than waiting behind someone who is screwing around or doesn't know what they're doing. Even alone, I can get my boat into and out of the water as fast as anyone.

Second try to keep the boat as far up in the front of line as you can at the dock so others can get in behind you.

Whether you are pulling out alone or not, get the boat out of the water and out of the way of everyone else as quickly as possible. This means not, not, not blocking the entry lanes while you tie down and get the boat ready for the road. I have been putting in and taking out at Everett lately and you would not believe how many people are sitting right in the lanes in everyone's way while they are messing around with the boat and trailer. If you move off to side everyone can get in and out.

I have found that if you move quickly and are curtious to the other boaters they will be the same to you.

Watch for me in 8.2 and 9, I'll be the guy alone in the Alumaweld with the net out.


WoodinvilleBill

I self-launch all the time, IF the ramp has a dock. It takes about 2 minutes AFTER I've prepped the boat in the designated prep area away from the lanes:

1. prep the boat AWAY FROM the lanes -- plug in, all trailer straps and hooks off except for bow eye hook, trailer electrical unplugged, outdrive up, 2 fenders + 2 dock lines
3. back the trailer into the water until the boat is almost ready to come off the trailer
4. SET THE BRAKES!!!
5. secure the dock lines to the dock, as far back as the lines will reach
6. remove the bow eye hook
7. back the boat the rest of the way into the water
8. SET THE BRAKES!!!
9. untie the dock lines. Pull the boat all the way to the end of the dock and secure the boat to the dock
10. go park the truck

Regards.

Mike
Woodinville

I wish everyone was as considerate as you.I get a little irritated with the nonsense that goes down at the launch but I would have no problem with somebody who doesn't have anyone to help them taking a little longer or tying up on the dock etc.That's reasonable.
Personally I just avoid weekends when I am alone or with someone who isn't able to help me much.I also like to launch extra early so I can do my thing out there and then pull out before the rest of crowd decides to call it a day.Good luck.

I launch my boat at Shilshole all the time solo and it doesn't take me more than about 1 minute to back the boat to the water, release the boat while holding the rope, tie the boat as far down the ramp as possible and get to my car and get out of there. My experience is that 10% of those at the ramp should practice backing up a trailer in a big parking lot and not at the boat ramp when fishing is hot and every minute counts. Another 2% should probably just take up a different sport that doesn't involve backing a trailer!! Bottom line...if you know what you're doing and are halfway proficient at the launch routine you won't bother anyone by going solo.

Open seats may be a hot commodity on the board here. Make an offer. Take someone with you. I'll bring the beer/gas/launch fee/bait what ever is required (within reason!) for a ride.

GutZ