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So you're saying most of the people putting in late morning (pleasure boat crowd) all tie up to the dock blocking anyone else from using that stall? I guess I can see that...but can't they tie up to the end of the dock or beach the boat off tithe side? I've never used a launch as big as the pics being posted. 3 stalls is the biggest I have used.
I am with youQuote:
Originally Posted by Olebiker
Courtesy docks? To tie off and go get your trailer? If there is a dock, its on a ramp. There is no room for a courtesy dock. The left of the ramp in that pic I posted are multi million dollar condos. To the right is the Marine Sheriff and local DNR Biologist Station.
Almost the entire shore line on the American side is lined with homes and alomost everyone has seawalls. There have been bar/restaurants and marinas that have sold out to developers to build multi million dollar homes. Selfridge ANG base is also being eyed for development. They have been drooling over that land for 40 years....
Yes....cannot tie up to the end of the dock. docks arent long enough. There is no area to beach the boats.Quote:
Originally Posted by cweb
So if I show up to launch and all nine of the launch ramps are tied up but there are three load ramps not being used, I have to wait until a launch ramp is available even though a perfectly good ramp is sitting unused?Quote:
Originally Posted by bob o
On the lowerleft of the pic is where the shack is to enter. If you follow the proper procedure to enter the launch and follow it to the prep lanes all the way east turning around then pointing west again just before the docks start there is a stop sign. You are to have your boat ready to launch before you enter the launching area....there are instructions near the stop sign. But if you follow that path you will have driven almost a half mile INSIDE the launch facility....
Again, its hard to understand the scale of it until you are there.
If it is not busy (no one waiting in the prep lanes) then no you dont have to wait. Usually when there are people waiting to launch in the prep area, there is a MDNR employee directing traffic. YES I SAID DIRECTING TRAFFIC.Quote:
Originally Posted by Olebiker
This is seriously one of the strangest north vs south threads yet.
it's nothing to worry about if your not dragging your boat up here to launch at this ramp now is it?
LOL I know... It doesn't get any simpler than explained. I think a road trip up here for Olebiker is in store lol While your up here admiring our spacious ramps you also have an opportunity to fish the pond for some of the greatest smallmouth fishing around.Quote:
Originally Posted by bmck25
In most big tournaments, including every tour level event I have ever been to, not only do they not winch the boat up the last foot, about 95% of the time they don't even attach the strap to the boat before pulling out. Taking out happens very fast. While the trailer is backing down the ramp, the boat is moving towards the trailer, the good operators can time it out for the boat to hit the trailer at about the same time it stops coming into the water. At this point the boat operator slides the boat onto the trailer, gives it a little gas to ease it up to the roller. Now the driver of the truck starts to pull out while the boat operator holds the boat against the roller with the motor. Just as the prop is about to break the surface, the boat operator lets off the gas and up the ramp they go. From the time the trailer starts down the ramp until the boat, trailer and truck is in a parking spot, in the lot, is less than 60 seconds. I have literally seen this maneuver done hundreds of times and I have never seen a boat come off the trailer even on some pretty steep long ramps.
I personally still take the time to at least attach and tighten the winch strap before pulling out but believe me I have gotten some eat S**T looks for doing so. The fact is that today's trailers are designed to be driven onto. They are not easy to winch unless the trailer is in too deep. If you back the trailer in deep enough to make winching it ALL the way to the roller easy, it is very likely that the rear end of the boat will still be floating and will not settle down on the trailer straight and level when you pull out. I understand why Michigan has the rule but I personally think it is a royal PIA rule that could be solved by simply extending the ramps. To my previous point, considering the level to which you guys up north are taxed, I don't think demanding that the ramps be properly designed is too much to ask. But hey, you guys are the ones who have to live with the inconvenience and clearly the state has done an outstanding job of convincing you guys that is not really a problem so if you guys don't mind I certainly don't care.
Ski Tar, do me a favor next time you load your boat . Glide it on the trailer tii it stops and see how "hard" it is to winch the hook to the roller the last foot
No problems here, I do every time and I have 22' to winch. It's all about knowing your boat and trailer.Quote:
Originally Posted by idbefishing
On my Z520 at most Ohio and Michigan ramps, I can idle up to easily a foot or less from the bow stop and winch that last foot without breaking a sweat. It's just a matter of practice, and of course having a well-designed (Ranger) trailer. Put me in the column of those who prefer to see DNR funds spent on more ramps rather than constantly repairing those we already have. Walking to the bow, stepping down onto my trailer step, attaching the winch hook, and winching that last foot or less absolutely takes less than 60 seconds. Since I can't walk on water, I had to get out of the boat anyway if I'm by myself. There's a song about "back when everything wasn't automatic." Just because power loading allows us to remain seated behind the console doesn't mean it's the best, or God-given right, thing to do. Excercise is healthy!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ski Tar
I pay 11 dollars a year for a pass for all the state launches and entrance to all the state parks..I haven't heard of a state that is any cheaper
Bottom line is if you don't like the laws then stay out of Michigan...We spend alot of time defending Bass fisherman because a few guys insist on breaking the rules and tearing up the launches..The forums are filled with members bashing powerloading bassboaters..I haven't seen a post yet from someone that has to deal with the rules complaining ..It's a small deal.....The DNR does a hell of a job here in Michigan and taking a few extra seconds to launch our boats is the least of our worries....We have awesome hunting , fishing, hiking, kayaking and ORV opportunities in this state..Most of the smart ones in this state know that we have a good thing going as far as outdoor opportunities and aren't going to whine over minor issues..
Did you not read the last line in the post you took the time to quote or did you not understand it?Quote:
Originally Posted by brnzbaklvr
By the way, I would pay more than double that $11 a year to be able to use my trailer as it was intended on a properly designed ramp. Further more, if I were paying the unethically high property taxes that you guys pay I would be pissed about the $11. However, like I clearly stated before, if it doesn't matter to you guys why should it matter to anyone else. You guys clearly enjoy the use of your state run facilities so more power to you!Quote:
Originally Posted by brnzbaklvr
For someone that doesn't care your using alot of bandwidth telling us how much you don't care..Quote:
Originally Posted by Ski Tar
Why are you so obsessed with property taxes..?? Property taxes and DNR funds are separate here in Michigan..by a voter approved law...And to be honest I live out in the country and have another place on a lake and my taxes aren't bad at either place...It's only the big cities and suburbs that pay higher property taxes but some of the areas average income more than make up for the higher taxes...but that is neither here nor there..Quote:
Originally Posted by Ski Tar
I do miss smallmouth fishing and, after watching the pros last week, I think a St. Clair trip could be on my bucket list. Don't think I'd want to haul my 17' Ranger all that way to put on the big water. I'd want one of those toothy critter boats with high gunwales.Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve j
Let me see if I understand this correctly. You show up to launch, drop your boat in the water, tie up to the dock and go park your truck. If you have to park at the far end of the lot it may be several minutes before you get back. In the meantime, no one else can use that ramp. You get back to the boat and take off and the next guy in line gets to launch.
When you get ready to take out you pull up to the dock and tie off. Again, no one else can use the ramp while you retrieve your truck from the far reaches of the parking lot. You get back with the trailer, load the boat and pull off to get everything tied down. If there are several boats wanting to take out at the same time who decides who gets to use the ramp next? I could picture bumper boats out there.