Some of the best and cheapest entertainment can be found at our local boat landing on the weekend. About three weeks ago after a charter I pulled up to Wappoo Landing, and proceeded to back my truck down to pull out my boat. As I walked back down to the dock I could see a young group of guys having a little trouble with putting their boat on the trailer. It was a typical weekend afternoon at Wappoo with tons of people and even more current.
I started to notice that everyone around had stopped what he or she was doing to watch the next series of events. First the guy was trying to put the boat on the trailer with three of his buddies on the boat with him. Typically there is nothing wrong with this, but while attempting his trailering at a high rate of speed 2 of the 3 friends were thrown off the boat. Luckily none were injured, one nearly missed the prop by a foot, and the other landed on the dock. After seeing this, I asked the driver if he needed any help or if he would like me to put the boat on the trailer for him. He ignored me and tried another 3 or 4 attempts hitting the dock several times, and busting up part of the trailer. On the last attempt he hit the trailer dead center, but was going so fast the bow of the boat cracked his SUV’s back windshield.
Next time you are at your local landing try to follow some of these suggestions to make your day and everyone at the landings day stress free.
-
Use the get ready zone to prepare your boat, not one of the ramp lanes
-
After pulling out, do not block the ramp getting prepared for the ride home
-
Park in the appropriate parking spaces
-
Car pool
-
Do not park or tie off your boat on the inside of the landing, use the outside because you will make it difficult for others to launch.
-
Offer assistance to others, and have some patience.
Good luck, and if you ever get bored just grab a few drinks and head down to your closest landing on a weekend afternoon, and you will be entertained.
Capt. John Ward / Aff