As a former captain, I spent a lot of time at boat ramps. Boat ramps are busy places, especially during the weekend. Without question, a significant number of boaters are weekend warriors. They have little to no experience but continue to attempt fate every time they back the trailer into the water. Here are the most common boat ramp fails and how to witness them live in action. 

How To Watch Boat Ramp Fails

Again, I don’t want to see people injured or destroy vehicles, but it happens. Ramp failures occur on a consistent basis at launches across the country. Here is how to catch a first hand glimpse of the action that takes place at boat ramps. 

Find A Boat Ramp In Your Area

If you live near a body of water, you’re likely to find an abundance of boat ramps. However, picking the right one to post up at is important. 

With that said, determine the most busy boat launch in your area. Don’t hesitate to ask friends and family if you’re not a boat owner yourself. Most often, some ramps are busier than others because of location. 

Go At The Right Time

Timing is critical when it comes to catching action at boat ramps. Remember, during a work week, you’re unlikely to arrive at a congested launch. For this reason, it is essential to go during the weekend. 

Unless you’re naturally an early riser, it won’t be beneficial to show up at sunrise. The boat owners who are launching at the crack of dawn are most often anglers. Additionally, they are typically highly experienced. 

With that said, your best bet is to show up between 10 AM and 12 PM. These are the boaters who are running behind, unprepared, and inexperienced. 

The true spectacle will begin between those specific times. 

Pick A Place To Sit Out Of The Way

Once you arrive at the ramp, you don’t want to further escalate the risk of failures; therefore, it is important to stay out of the way. 

Most often, you will find a grassy area adjacent to the ramp. If this is available, break out a fold out chair. Also, make sure to pack a cooler with cold beverages in addition to a bag full of snacks. 

You’ll be in for an afternoon full of entertainment, so it is best for you to be comfortable. 

Most Common Boat Ramp Fails

Undoubtedly, there is a significant number of failures that can occur at a boat ramp. Here are the most common ones to be on the lookout for. 

Slips And Falls

One of the more common fails at a boat ramp are slips and falls. Ramps often become coated in algae, which makes them as slick as an ice skating rink. 

Considering the chaos that goes on during a weekend, boaters feel rushed to launch and get out of the way. Unfortunately, the rushing leads to people failing to think about the conditions of the ramp. 

When you’re posted up at the boat launch, you’re more than likely going to witness slips and falls. 

Fights

As mentioned before, boat ramps are incredibly busy, especially during the weekend. Everyone wants to get out on the water in as short a time period as possible. However, the lines are often long, leading people to become agitated. 

With that said, boaters get irritable with each other, and it leads to confrontation. Yes, fights will break out at boat launches. Due to the risk of fights, marine patrol and police officers are often parked at ramps and, particularly, during the weekend. 

In the event you see a scuffle, stay out of the way and let the authorities handle the situation. However, don’t be hesitant to indulge in a bag of popcorn while you watch the Malay. 

Loss Of The Tow Vehicle

Although losing a vehicle is not overly common, it does occur, unfortunately. I have never witnessed it myself, but I have seen plenty of videos on YouTube. 

There are a couple of reasons why tow vehicles end up in the water. First, the driver fails to put it in the park. Secondly, the gear slips, and the vehicle rolls backward and into the water. 

Unfortunately, it typically leads to the need to scrap the vehicle. In the event this happens while you’re at the ramp, offer a lending hand, especially if someone is trapped inside. 

Boat Ramp Fails Happen Often

Without a doubt, you never want to see someone become injured as a result of a boat ramp fails. However, sitting center stage to the spectacle of funny things that happen is not bad for a day’s worth of entertainment. Pull up a chair and take a seat at your local boat ramp.