Getting it On by Neil Grose

It is often said that the two happiest days in boat ownership is the day you buy the boat and the day you sell it!

Boating can be the most pleasurable of activities, especially once you are out on the water. However it is the launching and retrieving that causes most of the problems and in many ways is the real reason that anglers get rid of their boats.

There are a few simple tricks to launching and retrieving boats that can make life a whole lot easier for you and those around you - particularly those waiting behind you to get on or off the water!

ETIQUETTE

There are more harsh words spoken on boat ramps than just about anywhere else on the water. Some guys think that they own the ramp; others are hyper-critical of other ramp users and others will just dawdle about, totally ignorant of the other 30 boats keen to get onto the water. Much of this angst can be avoided if boat owners follow some simple guidelines. Get your boat ready for the days fishing well away from the ramp. Nothing annoys other boat users more than to sit and wait while some one rigs their rods, puts eskies in the boat and generally fiddles and faffs about while occupying the ramp. Stow everything and prepare the boat for launching in a place where you aren't holding up other users. If there is a queue then get in it and stay in it.

The same goes for packing everything away after the days outing. Please don't just pull the boat from the water, drive 10m forward and then pack up. Move the boat out right of the way so others can get out of the water as well.

If you are able, give a hand to boaters who might be struggling. Elderly boat users often appreciate a hand, as do boating beginners. Apart from helping them out, you are also making the process much quicker as well - a small point, but worth bearing in mind.