When I was living on my boat at the Cape Marina in Cocoa, Saturday evenings meant time for a beer at Grills Seafood Deck & Tiki Bar to enjoy the “Boat Ramp Follies.” The public ramp was located right next door to the restaurant and provided the perfect opportunity to observe the wins and fails of often incompetent or inebriated (sometimes both) boaters. The cheers would go up for the successes, laughter and help for those who struggled. Frequently people would hit the water from a boat or the overcrowded deck. Fortunately, there were ring buoys strategically located on the deck. Unfortunately, there were occasional fights, and angry words would often fly. It was reality TV, before there was reality TV.

To avoid being part of the follies practice “Boat Ramp Protocol,” a set of unwritten rules and common courtesies designed to make launching and retrieving boats efficient and safe for everyone using the ramp. Key aspects include common courtesy such as preparing your boat away from the ramp, using the staging areas, and being mindful of other boaters.

THE KEY DOCTRINES OF BOAT RAMP PROTOCOL

Respect the Line: This is the big one. Wait your turn and avoid cutting in line at the boat ramp both putting in and taking-out. More fights have occurred from cutting in line than any other offensive behavior

Prepare Before Accessing the Ramp: Complete all boat preparation (e.g., installing drain plug, loading gear, attaching lines) at home or in the designated staging areas, away from the ramp itself.

At the ramp staging area, before approaching the ramp, remove the trailer’s transom straps and pull out about 6 feet of the winch strap leaving it connected to the bow-eye then relock the winch. This will help keep the boat from floating away after launch, and really helps if you are launching single-handed.

Be Competent: Launch and retrieve your boat quickly and smoothly, minimizing the time you occupy the ramp. If you are new to backing a trailer, practice in a parking lot with cones or in your driveway. Then practice some more. A general rule is, when backing straight back your hand should be at the bottom of the steering wheel, if you want the trailer to go to your right (facing forward) move the wheel to the right and vice versa if you want the trailer to go more to the left.

Have someone in your crew hold an appropriate length of line alongside the boat and trailer as it is going down the ramp, either on the dock or at the edge of the water. This prevents the boat from drifting away as it lifts off the trailer. The boat typically floats off the trailer bunks when the trailer tires are submerged. If there is no one to assist, tie the bow line to the winch support on the trailer.

Once floating and under control remove the winch strap and retrieve it. Use the bow line to maneuver the boat.

Use the Staging Area: After launching, promptly move your boat to a designated area (like a courtesy dock, sea-wall or out of the way place) and straightaway move the tow vehicle and trailer to the designated parking area so others can access the ramp. 

 Don’t Block the Ramp: Don’t ever leave your boat unattended on the ramp or block access for other boaters. If you are launching single handed leave your boat at the staging area to move the launch vehicle and trailer. When returning, leave the boat at the staging area. When a ramp is vacant and you are next in line, back the trailer down the ramp then retrieve your boat and load it onto the trailer. Attach the transom straps in the designated staging area after leaving the ramp.

Be Courteous: Be considerate of other boaters, avoid excessive noise, including loud music or yelling, while on the ramp. Turn off headlights when backing down the ramp and avoid socializing on the ramp. If you see someone struggling, offer to help, but only if it’s welcome.

Park Responsibly: After launching or retrieving, park your vehicle and trailer in the designated parking area, out of the way of traffic. 

Now get out there and have some fun.

Ponce Inlet September 2025 Tide Chart