At the Boat Ramp

The weekend is finally here. You're all loaded up (well, the car is loaded, you're not) and it's time to head for the lake. You get to the ramp and take your place in line. When your turn comes, you back and fill until the trailer is absolutely straight on the ramp. You back up to the water's edge, untie the cover and start transferring fishing and ski gear plus several coolers to the boat. You back into the water and launch the boat, then pull out to park while your wife and kids hold the boat. You come strolling back, jump in the boat and take off. You're happy - on the water in only 45 minutes.

Then your wife tells you that unless you find another lake to go to, she's staying home. While you were parking the car, all sorts of people hollered at her and the kids. They were really upset and made the kids cry. And the language they used!

I hate to tell you this, but they were right. At least partly right. I certainly don't advocate abusing women and children, and the ones who unloaded on her but couldn't face you are cowards. They should have unloaded on you! You were about as inconsiderate as you could be without trying.

Next time you go to the ramp, stop in the parking area first. That's the place to take off the cover and load the boat. When you get onto the ramp, the only point of attachment should be the winch strap or cable.

Realize that almost nobody outside of a fishing show backs a trailer on a straight line all the way. The important thing is to end up straight enough to launch when you reach the bottom of the ramp. Try putting your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel. Then simply move your hand in the direction you want the rear of the trailer to go. You may be making many small corrections, but you're making quick progress down the ramp.

Now that the boat is in the water, clear the area. If the ramp provides a dock next to ramp, have your partner wait for you with the boat there. If there is no dock, hold the boat off to the side so someone else can launch.

When you're done for the day, just reverse these steps. You should be able to get in and out in under 10 minutes. You'll be happier and so will your wife.

Oh, and if you get the urge to holler at some poor schnook doing what you used to do - don't. Give them this article and help them on the road to better boating. And have a little patience with beginners, and those of us who get told "no, your other left."

[note: I know that many women will read this, and some will resent the gender bias in some of my writing. This is not a slight, I just find the he/she thing awkward and making sure the references are balanced resembles work. I was cursed with a Y chromosome, so that's the point of view I write from.]

John McCabe's Web Guides show you how to find more and better success in all facets of your life. For more articles on living an abundant, vibrant, joyous life, come to http://Web-Guides.com

---

From Ocean Cruises and Ocean Liners to Vacation Cruises and Cruise Ships

The golden age of transatlantic ocean shipping and travel began... Read More

Want To Know More About Cruises and Cruise Ships?

Today, Norm Goldman Editor of Sketchandtravel.com, is pleased to have... Read More

Fun and Fat Free Cruising

This year more than 10.5 million people will go on... Read More

How to Choose Alaskan Cruise-Tours with Princess Cruise Lines Vacation Packages

Are you planning to take a cruise- tour vacation to... Read More

Celebrity Cruises for All-Inclusive Vacations

Why Take a Cruise Vacation? Well, with all the cruise... Read More

Cunard! The Name Alone Evokes Nostalgia For A More Civilized Era

Traveling famously on a Transatlantic crossing or cruising the world... Read More

Mediterranean Cruise Expert Guide

A Mediterranean cruise is without doubt the most varied type... Read More

Advice for Pressure Washing Companies Cleaning Marina Docks

So you are in the pressure washer business and you... Read More

Alaska Cruise Expert Guide

The Alaska cruise is a breathtaking adventure that you'll never... Read More

Update April 2005 - Holland America Cruises, Signature of Excellence Program

Holland America Cruise Lines has initiated a program of up-scaling... Read More

Boat Detailing - Final Process in the Reconditioning ? Applying the Protective Sealant on Gel Coat

It is often recommended that you do not use any... Read More

Stocking up Your Boat

There, you have just got a boat. A nice new... Read More

The Best European Cruise Travel Vacation!

So, you are contemplating a European cruise. You are looking... Read More

Norwegian Cruise Line - American Style!

It's not just the size and opulence of their sleek... Read More

Buying a Used Sunfish Sailboat: Know The Ins and Outs Before Sailing Away

As anyone who's ever bought a used car knows, you... Read More

Carribean Cruise

Caribbean Cruises are among the most demanded cruise vacations in... Read More

Royal Caribbean Cruises! Where Their Slogan Is Get Out There? And They Mean It

Imagine a cruise line where choices include ships with golf... Read More

Alaska Glacier Cruises: Alaska Up Close and Personal

What do you have in mind for your next vacation?... Read More

Bahamas Cruise Expert Guide

The Bahamas is arguably the most popular cruise destination for... Read More

Water Molecule Alignment for Increased Speed In the Water

A submarine can move faster thru the water if the... Read More

There Are Many Reasons Why You Should Choose Inflatable Boats Over Traditional Boats

If you spend any time in or around the water... Read More

The Reluctant Sailor - Tips for the Sailing Beginner

Stroll around any marina and you will soon spot the... Read More

Western Caribbean Cruise

We were on the Radiance of the Seas for the... Read More

Disney Cruise Expert Guide

Experiencing the magic of Disney at Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney... Read More

A Lifetime Cruise ? Hawaiian Cruise - An Exotic Hawaiian Cruise Trip

Hawaiian Cruises are everyone's dream cruise to the Hawaiian Islands... Read More

Luxury Cruise Line Vacations for Your Romantic Getaways!

Every cruise vacation offers passengers a luxurious cruising experience. Some... Read More

The Merchant Navy and the Internet

A web site dedicated to the writings of the sea,... Read More

Mexico Cruise Expert Guide

Being our next door neighbor, Mexico can sometimes be forgotten... Read More

10 Thoughts On Picking a Cruise Ship Cabin

The best advice is to be informed about cabins and... Read More

Family Cruise and Family Cruises

Family cruises are a special time for families to connect... Read More

Tropical Cruise Expert Guide

A tropical cruise in the Caribbean or in the Gulf... Read More

Alaska Cruise Ship Vacations

Alaska is one of the world's great cruise destinations, particularly... Read More

Philippines Surfing if You Want to Miss the Crowds

Philippines surfing is not quite a destination that would conjure... Read More