Improved Small Habits Can Prevent Huge Future Problems at Boat Launch

Remember the grammar school assignments that show you a picture of something and then asks, "What doesn't belong?" or "What's not right in this picture?" Well, in this blog post we are going to play the same game. This time we are going to examine a few pictures that were taken within an hour of each other at a local boat ramp and observing how people launch their boat when they are alone. Why this is not a TV reality show, I don't know. So, here we go. And remember, this was just in approximately 60 minutes.

This is the equivalent of playing on the highway...it's only a matter of time

Picture 1: In the picture above - with the maroon truck and maroon boat - what doesn't belong? Ding! You are correct! The man that stood on the edge of the water, then planted his foot on the tire to climb into the bed of his truck to climb over the tailgate of his truck and balance himself on the tongue and metal supports of the trailer...HE DOESN'T BELONG THERE!

Picture 2: In the picture below - white truck and beautiful black/blue boat - what doesn't belong? Ding! You are correct! Again, he man that stood on the edge of the water, then planted his foot on the tire to climb onto the bed cover of his truck and is now sliding down the tailgate in hopes of balancing himself on the tongue of the trailer to push his boat off the trailer...Yes, you are right! HE DOESN'T BELONG THERE!

Oh yeah, this is normal. What could possibly go wrong?

Picture 3: In the picture below - red truck and gray boat - what doesn't belong? Ding! You are correct again! Here we have yet another boater executing the same gymnastics the boaters did, but he has the advantage of planting his foot on a spare trailer tire before he makes the leap onto the deck of the boat. This is not the best way to launch a boat by yourself, and I agree, - HE DOESN'T BELONG!

Trusting the only anatomy you'll ever have to the 'gods of the ramp' - not smart

After wading through the water, climbing into the boat - he still ended up in the water

Lastly, Picture 4: In the picture above - while the gentleman performed all the necessary maneuvers as his peers did before him, his resulted in greater peril (not shown to protect the innocence of the ignorant). And yes, HE DOESN'T BELONG THERE, but hopefully he's learning.

When you launch a boat by yourself, or alone, or solo either A) swallow your pride and ask another boater for some help. While they hold a rope to the boat, you can launch and go park - saving yourself injury and clearing the ramp of your vehicle while your newly made friend holds the boat for your, or B) You can employ the assistance of a Dakota Boat Retriever that effectively does the same favor as a friend. Either way, you'll be making your way easily to a day on the water instead of a day at the hospital. A Dakota Boat Retriever is the extra pair of hands you need when launching alone. Happy Boating!