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MAIN LAUNCHING RAMP GUIDELINES

Our launching ramps are located in busy marinas with other vehicles and pedestrians present. The below guidelines should be adhered to, to ensure the safety of all ramp users. Please note that the tie-up area is only to be used while vehicles and trailers are being parked or retrieved. If you require berthage for a longer period of time, please contact the marina service centre to arrange a casual berth.

  • Always remain aware of your surroundings, our launching ramps are located in busy marinas with other vehicles and pedestrians present
  • When launching and retrieving your vessel ensure that your boating passengers wait at the arrival/departure jetty or up on the walkway, keeping the ramp clear.
  • Ensure children are accompanied at all times and please keep children of the launching ramp. Vehicles reversing may not see the children on the ramp, and this can be very dangerous
  • Finish all preparation and loading prior to your arrival at the ramp. eg vessel drain bung in place, vessel tie-downs removed, all personal gear on board, tow flag removed etc. Have your vessel lines tied off and ready.
  • If you are launching during a busy time at the ramp, wait your turn in line.
  • Do not block (with you trailer or vehicle) the marked pedestrian crossing across the front of the launching ramp.
  • Boats being retrieved from the water have right of way over boats being launched.
  • If possible, use two experienced people to launch and retrieve your boat. One to drive the towing vehicle and one to operate the boat.
  • Take extra caution when getting out of the car as boat ramps will be wet and can be slippery.

 

LAUNCHING VESSEL

  • Stay within your ramp lane when reversing.
  • When launching at dusk or dawn, shut off your headlights when backing down the ramp so that anyone backing their trailer in an adjacent lane will be able to see.
  • Check that nobody is standing on or in the vicinity of your ramp lane before backing your vessel – check with both your vehicle side mirrors and remain aware as you slowly reverse.
  • Back down the ramp until the proper depth for launching is reached. Set the vehicle in park or gear and firmly set the parking brake.
  • Undo the vessels safety chain and then the winch cable at this point.
  • After launching, move the vessel immediately to the launching ramp tie-up jetty and park your vehicle and trailer.
  • Don’t be a ramp or dock hog! Clear the area as soon as possible to allow others access to the facilities.

 

 

Copyright: Gareth Cooke/Subzero Images

VESSEL RETRIEVAL

  • Essentially the same as launching vessel but in reverse.
  • Get the trailer ready before moving to the ramp with winch wire/rope pulled off the winch and ready to deploy.
  • Check that vessel in park or gear with parking brake firmly on.
  • When approaching trailer with vessel ensure outboard motor or stern leg is tilted up to prevent propeller hitting the ramp.
  • Refrain from powering the vessel onto the trailer, the prop wash can cause serious damage to the ramp surface.
  • Secure trailer winch cable and safety chain prior to towing vessel out of water.
  • Vacate the ramp area as soon as possible to prepare vessel for departure from the marina.