boat access etiquette

The last couple weeks now that the water temperatures have warmed up, I’ve noticed a severe decline in timeliness, respect, and etiquette at the accesses. Its seems like this all comes from recreational watercrafts like pontoons, jet skis, wake/ski boats, etc. They take a LOT longer to unload/load their watercrafts and they leave their boats at the dock, literally sitting right IN THE WAY so the next person cannot use load or unload their boat. The other day a pontoon was parked in the access and it prohibited anyone else from actually using that access until they loaded it up, so the owner thought he had the right of way to get it out of there and went past the 4 people in line waiting in their vehicles to use the access. So because he has a pontoon parked there blocking the access, he doesn’t have to wait his turn like everyone else? Is it just my experience or have the rest of you seen this play out now?

Never had an issue. Then again im that guy who just backs in anyway, slowly, when they see an old tin boat like mine coming down the ramp with more battle wounds than a WW2 german tank they tend to get the heck out of the way.

I ask em to move politely first of course. I hope you do the same, or just rant online passively aggressive. Most folks are not aware of what they are doing, and the ones who do but don’t care are the ones I really enjoy getting nervous

gimruis wrote:

The last couple weeks now that the water temperatures have warmed up, I’ve noticed a severe decline in timeliness, respect, and etiquette at the accesses. Its seems like this all comes from recreational watercrafts like pontoons, jet skis, wake/ski boats, etc. They take a LOT longer to unload/load their watercrafts and they leave their boats at the dock, literally sitting right IN THE WAY so the next person cannot use load or unload their boat. The other day a pontoon was parked in the access and it prohibited anyone else from actually using that access until they loaded it up, so the owner thought he had the right of way to get it out of there and went past the 4 people in line waiting in their vehicles to use the access. So because he has a pontoon parked there blocking the access, he doesn’t have to wait his turn like everyone else? Is it just my experience or have the rest of you seen this play out now?

It’s not just you, I see the same thing. Here’s my opinion about it… First off I hate people on jet skis, but at the access they’re usually pretty quick about unloading and going. At least around me. But the people with the big wake boats and such are slow and act like they own the lake. When the waters cold, and they’re not there, I have 0 issues at accesses (despite the occasional guy who shows up with a new boat and learns how to back it up on the spot. Then realizes he’s gotta take it out and put the plug in). I see most fishermen being much more considerate. They don’t usually waste time and park in my way. If there’s one person, I’ll offer to help them. If I’m by myself, I get offered help all the time by other fishermen. I never accept just because I’ve got a good working system. But some people love the help. I’ve never seen a prick with a big wake boat offer to help someone. Just my observations. Similar to yours, and I fish up by Detroit Lakes, there’s a lot more recreation boat around the twin cities, which would be a nightmare to me!

If they’re in my way, I back down and get close to give them the hint and if they don’t get it or don’t see I ask them to move. Some get crabby, some didn’t realize they were in the way.

Had someone literally attempt to fight me last week Saturday night at the landing. That was a first.
Watched him back up while yelling. Walk onto the dock while yelling. Yelling while another person backed in also… All I had to say was “first time backing up a trailer?” For him to EXPLODE

I was amazed how that turned bad quickly. Was entertaining from my chair. Wasn’t too worried about a drunk average sized ol guy. Guy was a real winner… Was teaching his kids too. The things that make people blow a gasket

Just be as patient as you can. It is OK to wait. Even if they aren’t as quick as you.
Fish enough you’ll be faster than anyone at the landing… That only makes it faster when your the only one there.

I tend to keep my last beer on ice until i am ready to leave. That way I have a nice cold one while I wait. Even though boaters leaving the lake have a right of way to those coming… It doesn’t mean there is a sign or that they know any different.

I fish Minnetonka often and i actually don’t encounter many problems. I tend to launch at the smaller launches though to avoid the crowds. The biggest problem i have is when people don’t park correctly and either take up multiple spots or park their trailer crooked and over the line. Makes it a pain to get around them.

I try to help people. I always stay polite. I run solo 90 percent of the time and know what I’m doing. I’m gonna toot my own horn and say I am one of the faster guys at the launch that you will see.
But most others aren’t so I will help them. I dont know how many times I’ve assisted with backing trucks up or running the winch for some one.
But yes there are a holes to who are number 1. Had a guy sit and fuel his jet skis on the trailer on the ramp last week. 4 skis. I told him that’s what the parking lot was for. And he didnt seem to think it was a problem holding up the 5 trucks behind him

rjthehunter wrote:

I’ve never seen a prick

Now wait a minute! I help frequently!

LOL! I was asked this spring if “I had to take up the whole ramp?”. It was a double ramp and from the size of his boat, I really didn’t think we would both fit in it at the same time. Once I got out of the truck, I didn’t have time to look before he sharply asked the question. I moved the trailer over an helped him load. Life was back to good again.

I think too that as the ramps are less busy now then earlier, the urgency to clear out the ramp isn’t there. That’s my thoughts anyway…and I’ve been busted before as well.

Fishing and boating is ‘spose to be enjoyable. I just assume there are some that are so concentrating on loading their pride and joy they forget to be aware of their surroundings.

I think another part of it is that alot of rec boat owners are not very practiced in loading/unloading their boat, so it’s a very stressful situation for them
with lots of eyes watching/critiquing them and that’s why/how things can escalate quickly and get blown out of proportion.

Maybe the guy waited in line on the water, and when it was his turn to load the boat he went to grab the trailer. Not really the way everyone else does it, but could be his thought process.

Also, this is the first I’ve ever heard that there’s supposed to be priority for those leaving the lake vs those getting there. Pretty sure it’s just get in line, and wait your turn.

It’s tough because recreational time is valuable and hard to come by, but having, using, and sharing a boat is supposed to be relaxing and fun. I have to mentally slow myself down just driving to the lake because I just want to get out there. Then anything that “gets in our way” irritates us even more but as hippy as it sounds, the only person who can affect your happiness, is you. I like that save the last beer thing.

As long as people can take the time to realize the difference between good people who are just struggling vs. people being selfish and not caring about others with etiquette. I totally agree that there are measures that should and need to be taken prior to launching, and that a boat going down the ramp should be set to go, otherwise you’re just wasting everyone’s time. And as Crappie mentioned, sometimes people F a bunch of others over by taking up too much parking space. There’s typically limited truck/trailer parking anyway and if you take up two spaces on a busy weekend you’re screwing someone else over.

However, sometimes there are well-meaning people making honest mistakes. In those cases it’s much better to offer some assistance than to rip on them or take passive agressive measures to make sure they know you’re not happy. One of the first times I backed a boat up I realized that it can be different backing a trailer up down a ramp where you may lose sight of some of it compared to a flat parking area. I guy that was waiting got out and I prepared to be ridiculed. Instead, he walked right up and helped guide me with backing up, and I decided right there that that was they type of guy I wanted to be. I’ve seen threads on here in the past where people just ripped folks who couldn’t back up a trailer and complained about it. You’ve gotta start somewhere, and sometimes for inexperienced people that first time every year brings some rust with it. They’re probably embarrassed and frustrated, so why not help them out? Again I understand this isn’t always the case, and that sometimes people are making the conscious decision that their time and space is more valuable than yours. Those are the type that need correcting.

Also, I have to admit that I was a bit taken back to read a reasonable, thoughtful, and helpful response from a guy with a screen name of butthurt

Gordio wrote:

Also, this is the first I’ve ever heard that there’s supposed to be priority for those leaving the lake vs those getting there. Pretty sure it’s just get in line, and wait your turn.

You cannot get in line if you are on the water.

When the landing gets full… Spots do not open up unless you let people off.

Often times those coming to the water block in a parked truck so they couldn’t load anyway.

I’ve had as many as 5-6 launch before I can exit. Typically I’ll watch two or three launch and then just as I’m about to get access to the dock to exit, another boat pulls in… And so on.

You can pretty much tell from the water which people entering the landing are even considering those waiting to leave the water. Either way, no biggie.

Its not just jet skis and wake boats. Mille Lacs was bad memorial weekend. I especially love it when 1 guy drives the truck out and the 2-3 people sitting in the boat hold on to the dock on the ramp side. To dumb to drive the boat and to dumb to pull it to the other side of the dock.

If you go to a popular lake on a weekend I’d suggest you do so knowing you need to have patience and maybe be prepared to lend a helping hand. Most people don’t want to screw up the launch/load of their boats but it happens and we have all been there.

If you don’t want to deal with it get on the water early or go somewhere that isn’t so busy…..there is enough room for everyone.

I was waiting to get on Minnetonka at Gray’s a few weeks ago. Sunday morning at 9am, so I knew there would be a line. No biggie. But at one point the line hadn’t moved in over 10 minutes. I got out to see what was up. Only 2 of the 4 lanes were in use. The guy at the front of the line was oblivious, he thought had to wait for it to be totally clear. He was standing there chatting it up with the AIS inspector intern kids. I politely pointed out that there were 2 lanes open and a long line of people waiting. The inspector looked at me with this incredulous smirk and said “what do I look like, a traffic controller?”

I fish a lot have a system down about 3-5 minutes for me to load or unload. I do wish people would offer to help more for me I’m alone 95% of the time usually goes just fine occasionally my issue is you need to back up to the edge of the dock so when you push off there is no dock you need to try to move it over to the other side which depending on wind can be an issue. I have asked for help sometimes I rarely get it. One guy said do it yourself I do help others when I can. The 1 thing that sets me off is the guy that can’t start his boat if it does not start in 5 minutes please just pull it to the side but I never do or say anything to escalate an issue life’s too short to get upset about that. Many years ago on a local lake with a very old landing metal dock A guy was coming in to fast with a big fancy glass bass boat I was fishing on the dock saw him come and got out of the way right away. I saw him coming to fast and decided to try and deflect the boat off the dock with my foot he yelled don’t touch my blankity blank boat. So I stepped back watched him put a foot long gash in his boat it was bad. Then he goes to load his boat up and did not trim his motor up. My wife started to say something to him and told her he new what he was doing the mark from the skeg was there for years. I just can’t believe someone would risk there boat for that oh well his loss not mine the wife and I sure giggle about that one every once in a while.

After long and careful observation, I came up with a mathematical formula to describe typical ramp behavior.

IQ = 1/L

In other words, the longer the boat…..

One of the coolest things I’ve ever seen was an early spring day on Pool 4. The public access in Red Wing was incredibly busy. It was packed. There were two very long lines of trucks, and lots of boats cruising around the river in big circles. The guy I was fishing with hands me his keys and says “back the truck in for me.” I thought I’d be sitting in that line for an hour. WRONG. It was amazing, in and out one guy after another. Everybody knew exactly what to do and what was going on, and then it was my turn. Strange truck, strange trailer, but it all went well and we were out of the way in a few minutes. It was fun to watch.

S.R.

FishBlood&RiverMud wrote:

Had someone literally attempt to fight me last week Saturday night at the landing. That was a first.
Watched him back up while yelling. Walk onto the dock while yelling. Yelling while another person backed in also… All I had to say was “first time backing up a trailer?” For him to EXPLODE

I was amazed how that turned bad quickly. Was entertaining from my chair. Wasn’t too worried about a drunk average sized ol guy. Guy was a real winner… Was teaching his kids too. The things that make people blow a gasket

Just be as patient as you can. It is OK to wait. Even if they aren’t as quick as you.
Fish enough you’ll be faster than anyone at the landing… That only makes it faster when your the only one there.

I tend to keep my last beer on ice until i am ready to leave. That way I have a nice cold one while I wait. Even though boaters leaving the lake have a right of way to those coming… It doesn’t mean there is a sign or that they know any different.

Now that you reminded me…

2 weekends ago I was pulling up to a dock to head out for the day. A dad, his wife and daughter were loading up too. I pulled up and right away could tell something was wrong. Well the dad was yelling at his daughter and wife, grabbed his daughter by the back of the shirt and threw her out of the truck. Then he grabbed her Gatorade from her and threw it out I to the lake?!!! So I hit the gas and scooped the Gatorade up with my net. Looked at him and he got in the truck and floored it out of the water. Truck squeeled and boat bounced a foot off the trailer. I loaded up in my normal 2 mins and drove by him and asked if he wanted his Gatorade back. He told me to f off and I said don’t treat your wife or kid like that. There is no reason to act that way. He got all mad and got in the truck so I tossed the Gatorade in the back of his boat as he sped away. Absolute a hole…

Red Eye wrote:

Its not just jet skis and wake boats. Mille Lacs was bad memorial weekend. I especially love it when 1 guy drives the truck out and the 2-3 people sitting in the boat hold on to the dock on the ramp side. To dumb to drive the boat and to dumb to pull it to the other side of the dock.

This is exactly the issue I was referring to when I made the original post. A pontoon is a large watercraft and I don’t understand why it can’t be moved while other people already in line use the access first. Move the boat while the person getting the trailer gets in line for crying out loud.

It would be nice if the DNR posted boat launch etiquette at the launches and maybe in the papers(or online).
I don’t think most people understand the procedures.
the line forms with trucks and trailers, not boats on the water.
The problem I have is when I go solo, returning to the launch, If its busy there is no way to park the boat then get the trailer and get in line to pull the boat out, without tying up the dock.

rjthehunter wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>FishBlood&RiverMud wrote:</div>
Had someone literally attempt to fight me last week Saturday night at the landing. That was a first.
Watched him back up while yelling. Walk onto the dock while yelling. Yelling while another person backed in also… All I had to say was “first time backing up a trailer?” For him to EXPLODE

I was amazed how that turned bad quickly. Was entertaining from my chair. Wasn’t too worried about a drunk average sized ol guy. Guy was a real winner… Was teaching his kids too. The things that make people blow a gasket

Just be as patient as you can. It is OK to wait. Even if they aren’t as quick as you.
Fish enough you’ll be faster than anyone at the landing… That only makes it faster when your the only one there.

I tend to keep my last beer on ice until i am ready to leave. That way I have a nice cold one while I wait. Even though boaters leaving the lake have a right of way to those coming… It doesn’t mean there is a sign or that they know any different.

Now that you reminded me…

2 weekends ago I was pulling up to a dock to head out for the day. A dad, his wife and daughter were loading up too. I pulled up and right away could tell something was wrong. Well the dad was yelling at his daughter and wife, grabbed his daughter by the back of the shirt and threw her out of the truck. Then he grabbed her Gatorade from her and threw it out I to the lake?!!! So I hit the gas and scooped the Gatorade up with my net. Looked at him and he got in the truck and floored it out of the water. Truck squeeled and boat bounced a foot off the trailer. I loaded up in my normal 2 mins and drove by him and asked if he wanted his Gatorade back. He told me to f off and I said don’t treat your wife or kid like that. There is no reason to act that way. He got all mad and got in the truck so I tossed the Gatorade in the back of his boat as he sped away. Absolute a hole…

Y’all are both insane in my opinion. You have nothing to gain by voluntarily engaging with people in that state of anger. By saying anything at all you are actively seeking out a confrontation. For what?

Couple years ago there was a guy in a boat on the St. Croix up around Osceola, got into it with a group of disrespectful kids who were on shore. He thought he’d teach those guys a lesson and ended up being stabbed and now his kids don’t have a dad anymore. It doesn’t matter how tough, or how right you are — there are crazy people out there, add booze and frustration into the mix and people end up dead.

What chaps me more than people hogging the launch are cars that park in trailer spots……that is unforgivable.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.twincities.com/2015/12/11/accused-stabber-testifies-in-st-croix-river-homicide-trial-i-knew-he-could-kill-me/amp/

Friday evening I watched a guy getting ready to leave with a 22′ pontoon. Before he left I watched him go over to a empty trailer that wasn’t parked straight, pick it up and slam on back down straight in the parking spot.
It was later on a Friday night so the spot wasn’t needed.
Was just funny to watch this guys demeanor. Just flat out upset him that someone parked crooked and he was willing to pick it up 2′ in the and let er drop! IMO, if your going to do that, set it down nicely.

tangler wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>rjthehunter wrote:</div>

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>FishBlood&RiverMud wrote:</div>
Had someone literally attempt to fight me last week Saturday night at the landing. That was a first.
Watched him back up while yelling. Walk onto the dock while yelling. Yelling while another person backed in also… All I had to say was “first time backing up a trailer?” For him to EXPLODE

I was amazed how that turned bad quickly. Was entertaining from my chair. Wasn’t too worried about a drunk average sized ol guy. Guy was a real winner… Was teaching his kids too. The things that make people blow a gasket

Just be as patient as you can. It is OK to wait. Even if they aren’t as quick as you.
Fish enough you’ll be faster than anyone at the landing… That only makes it faster when your the only one there.

I tend to keep my last beer on ice until i am ready to leave. That way I have a nice cold one while I wait. Even though boaters leaving the lake have a right of way to those coming… It doesn’t mean there is a sign or that they know any different.

Now that you reminded me…

2 weekends ago I was pulling up to a dock to head out for the day. A dad, his wife and daughter were loading up too. I pulled up and right away could tell something was wrong. Well the dad was yelling at his daughter and wife, grabbed his daughter by the back of the shirt and threw her out of the truck. Then he grabbed her Gatorade from her and threw it out I to the lake?!!! So I hit the gas and scooped the Gatorade up with my net. Looked at him and he got in the truck and floored it out of the water. Truck squeeled and boat bounced a foot off the trailer. I loaded up in my normal 2 mins and drove by him and asked if he wanted his Gatorade back. He told me to f off and I said don’t treat your wife or kid like that. There is no reason to act that way. He got all mad and got in the truck so I tossed the Gatorade in the back of his boat as he sped away. Absolute a hole…

Y’all are both insane in my opinion. You have nothing to gain by voluntarily engaging with people in that state of anger. By saying anything at all you are actively seeking out a confrontation. For what?

Couple years ago there was a guy in a boat on the St. Croix up around Osceola, got into it with a group of disrespectful kids who were on shore. He thought he’d teach those guys a lesson and ended up being stabbed and now his kids don’t have a dad anymore. It doesn’t matter how tough, or how right you are — there are crazy people out there, add booze and frustration into the mix and people end up dead.

Maybe it’s me seeing a dad throw his daughter around… The daughter was crying and the mom was even in tears. I don’t honestly know how someone can not say something in a situation like that. I’m not worried about a crazy person. If they’re quicker on the draw then congrats to them. But I can’t just sit back quiet in a situation like that. I have my means of self protection. I’ll also take it upon myself at times to stand up for others who can’t stand up for themselves.

I’m not seeking out a confrontation. Honestly I’m not a very confrontational person but I hope this guy rethinks the ways he’s treated his wife and daughter.

I can see it more in your situation than in FBRM’s, but the wise crack bout the gatorade is just asking for trouble with someone who’s already beyond his limit.

If you were concerned for the safety of the woman and child I would’ve called law enforcement and let them deal with it.

To each his own, but I’m not going to put my family’s security in jeopardy just to set somebody straight. My life insurance policy is good but it won’t take my kids fishing or play catch with them in the backyard. My 2 cents.

This sign is at the public access in Grand Marais. I always thought it should be posted at every access in the state.

S.R.

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tangler wrote:

I can see it more in your situation than in FBRM’s, but the wise crack bout the gatorade is just asking for trouble with someone who’s already beyond his limit.

If you were concerned for the safety of the woman and child I would’ve called law enforcement and let them deal with it.

To each his own, but I’m not going to put my family’s security in jeopardy just to set somebody straight. My life insurance policy is good but it won’t take my kids fishing or play catch with them in the backyard. My 2 cents.

Half of my anger came from him chucking the Gatorade bottle in the lake. I don’t care if he’s mad but don’t litter $hit in the lake and don’t scream and throw your kid and wife around.

One thing to keep in mind is that it takes a little longer to do anything when you have small kids…old folks too. If we want to encourage people to use the outdoors, even if it is in a tuna boat, have a little patience for families that need extra time.

To heck with the rest of those jokers.

FishBlood&RiverMud wrote:

Had someone literally attempt to fight me last week Saturday night at the landing. That was a first.
Watched him back up while yelling. Walk onto the dock while yelling. Yelling while another person backed in also… All I had to say was “first time backing up a trailer?” For him to EXPLODE

I was amazed how that turned bad quickly. Was entertaining from my chair. Wasn’t too worried about a drunk average sized ol guy. Guy was a real winner… Was teaching his kids too. The things that make people blow a gasket

Just be as patient as you can. It is OK to wait. Even if they aren’t as quick as you.
Fish enough you’ll be faster than anyone at the landing… That only makes it faster when your the only one there.

I tend to keep my last beer on ice until i am ready to leave. That way I have a nice cold one while I wait. Even though boaters leaving the lake have a right of way to those coming… It doesn’t mean there is a sign or that they know any different.

I’d probably pick you to win that fight lol.

There is something about launching a boat at a busy landing that absolutely puts everybody on edge though. I think it’s the inherent manliness that is associated with it. Everyone’s worried that all the other fancy looking fishermen will think they are posers or something.

DNR should install some speaker systems and pump in some soothing music to calm everyone down. Would probably do more good than AIS inspections.

It does get significantly more challenging if you are by yourself and there isn’t a good place to moor your boat.

Matt Moen wrote:

What chaps me more than people hogging the launch are cars that park in trailer spots……that is unforgivable.

THIS! Probably the only thing I actually get pissed off at someone for at the ramp. That’s when the Gulp jars come out……(not really, but man if they have the window cracked that’d be a good one….)