Boat Ramp Etiquette

Following the etiquette guidelines and the steps outlined below helps speed up launching and retrieving you boat at boat ramps. It ensures a smooth traffic flow and avoids causing unnecessary irritation to other boat ramp users.

Before launching your boat

When launching a boat, please ensure you have your boat prepared prior to joining the queue, including:

• bung in place
• tie-downs removed
• all personal gear, food and clothing on board
• outboard support bracket and tow flag removed
• your ramp permit displayed on your boat

Launching your boat

When launching a boat

• While the driver reverses down the ramp, someone else walks beside the vehicle holding the painter (bow line) prepared to push-off the boat from the trailer.
• Move the boat to the jetty.
• To clear the ramp area, the person on foot can walk the boat around the offside of the jetty.
• The driver parks the vehicle and trailer, and returns to the boat.

Retrieving your boat

On return to the ramp from a day's fishing on the lake:

• Approach the jetty or beach.
• If possible drop-off a person to retrieve the vehicle and trailer. Back the boat away into the lake.
• Wait for your trailer to be positioned on the ramp.
• Load on the trailer.
• Drive away from the ramp to prepare for departure