Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: cglasgow on October 01, 2015, 09:34:06 AM
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Over the last year iv been trying all the boat launches in.the lower mainland trying to find the one that works best for me, (proximity to home, dock to tie up to) and I have to say it's very frustrating and discouraging the lack of proper facilities for boaters on the fraser river, as a newbie I find it very intimidating to launch my boat in the morning with so many people waiting/watching. I find myself avoiding going out on the boat because I'm so nervous about bumping someone else's boat at the dock or make a mistake and embarrass myself at the ramp. The night before boating I stress about all the possible negative scenarios abd while I'm on the water I worry about the retrieval, almost all the launches have no where to park a truck and trailer. I'm wondering if anyone else feels the same, I realize my own anxiety issues are a factor here but I'm wondering if it's common and if others have gotten over their own fears/apprehensions. I tried to contact a local private club that has a launch, they informed me that the waiting list for club privileges is so long they don't even bother adding more names to it! What a sad unfortunate situation us boaters find ourselves in, I was perfectly willing to volunteer to help dock repairs or maintenance, and pay handsomely just for the privilege to launch and park. Not the clubs fault, just more of an issue with having a small handful of proper boat launches along 100km of river front, what can be done about this?? Am I the only one frustrated to this point can we band together to pressure municipalities, or am I overreacting and I just need to get more efficient and comfortable launching at the existing ramps, anyways thanks for reading my rant if you made it this far, tight lines!
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Yes true our boat launches r brutal...there are only a few decent ones. It is good to be nervous about it, I find it makes u prepared for the trip or if the unexpected was to happen. I don't find a need to cancel a trip because of it. Take your time and do things right. Ask for help if needed. Busy launches r a reality close to a major city and a government who will not provide the funding.
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There is a shortage of launches IMO especially in the lower. Go grab a coffee and head down there (without your boat) sit back and watch on a weekend. I think you're overthinking it. Sounds like you could use more practise reversing with a trailer. Take it to an empty parking lot and practise reversing into stalls. Launching by yourself can be a little tricky at first. I think most importantly just go do it and don't give a crap about what others think about you. Who cares what strangers think of you anyways?
With practise you will become better. What drives me nuts is when guys trailer their boat, and then sit there while they strap up and put their gear away. Secure the boat on the trailer then pull off to the side. The same for launching, don't go down the launch until you're ready to launch.
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Just like learning to drive it takes practice.
Get a few pilons or cardboard boxes and find a parking.g lot where you can practice your drop and pick up (without dropping)
Also, bring along some one who at least has a clue.
Taking someone out who may have no idea also adds to the frustration.
(No one likes to look/Appear to be a novice but everyone was one once)
If someone is really getting in your face about it ask them to assist or STFU)
Patience with yourself and others and others with you is what's needed but there's ALWAYS gonna be the impatient guy who forgets that they were a little slow when they started.
A few trips (and fails) are needed to develop confidence.
After a bit it'll become routine.
Good luck.
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I'm not sure where you're located or intending to launch but I was at the Old Orchard Bar a few days ago and there looks to be around 200m of gently sloping clay waterfront to launch from. I saw about a half dozen trucks with boat trailers parked along the clay banks. I don't think you'd have any issue finding a spot to launch uninterrupted.
Odd crowd in the area though. Saw some guys doing burnouts in an expensive Subaru and another guy very hungover at 11am on a Tuesday, stumbling out of his car.
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Thanks for all the great replies everyone, I guess I'll take comfort in knowing that every time I go out it will be easier and seem like less of a nerve racking experience, all the more reason to get out as much as possible!
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where abouts are you you located
lower river mid river upper river
my buddy and I can launch our boats his or mine
in under five min but that is only due to experience
we each have our own jobs be it tie downs plugs
motor down "LOOKING FOR THE DOWN RIGGERS"
might want to switch that one lol
when you have a good partner that helps a lot
you work as a team
relax is the main thing do all your loading before you hit the ramp
ramp etiquette in out quick but don't rush yourself
that's when you forget things
like the plug and yes we have all done it once :o
the parking lot and cones sounds like a good idea
build some confidence it just takes time
relax cnm
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Take your boat down to the launch in non peak hours and practice.
We have all made mistakes.
Here are a few of mine.
Launched Dad at Tsawaseen im my 16 ft Lund ,pulled him up onto the beach.Came back and the gas cans were floating in the back and Dad was just noticing water lapping at his feet.
Jumped in started it and took off and then pulled the plug to drain out what I hadn't bailed out initially.
Took new boat out for first time to Allouette Lake and buddy backed me in while I rode in the boat.
Kept getting him to back up further because the boat still wasn't off the trailer.
I then realised the trailker was floating under the boat as I hadn't undone the tie downs.
My Canoeman moment,
Launch at Rocky Point Port Moody and motor out to Pt Grey/Bell Buoy for Sockeye and when almost there I had a oh no moment.
Stopped the boat and looked to find I hadn't loaded the downriggers.DOHH!
Ive run out of gas on the Fraser more than once and there is probably more to add but I wont.
OK 1 more.
I even ran out of electricity on the Fraser. :o
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Closest ramp is maquabeak park, I have a bigger 17ft aluminum heavy gauge boat with a wide beam so it's nice to have a dock in fact almost necessary, thanks for the honesty firstlight it's funny to look back at our mistakes, to be honest i haven't had too many problems, dead battery more than once and one near miss pulling away from a dock in shuswap. One of the first times I had ever driven a boat me and my wife decided we'd goto rocky point on a canada day long weekend, that was an awful experience, island 22 was rather hectic the fist time I launched there as well
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I find I have the same problem the only boat launches I found to be ok so far are the cheam just above the Agassiz bridge and the Harrison lake boat launch. I try to avoid the other ones because of the amount of traffic for the same reasons being a bit of a novice
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Not sure why you need a dock.
You should be able to pull it onto the shore/beach without damaging it.
Ive done it with all my boats.
If worried you can allways throw an old piece of carpet down and drag it up onto that.
I used to use some pvc cut lengthwise when bar fishing.
I could drag the boat right out of the water if wanted as it slid very easily on the pvc.
4 inch is what I used.
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The dock makes it easier for disembarking once the boat is on the beach and everyone hops in how do you push the boat off when running a prop, it's much too high sided to just hop in no problems while wearing waders, any suggestions welcomed and appreciated!!!
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With no dock they either stay in the boat, get wet or you carry them.
But usually we run ashore, disembark, hold a rope (attached to the bow of the boat) while someone brings the boat trailer down.
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Lol! Fair enough, but maybe I should rephrase my question, we arrive at the launch, get the boat off the trailer everyone climbs in while someone holds the rope on shore, then person holding the rope gets in, now everyone is in the boat the motor is raised to avoid hitting the rocks with prop, now, the motor needs to be lowered into the water and started in order to pull away from the beach but once it's loaded the boat is heavily loaded down in the rocks/sand how do you push the boat off the beach and get the motor running without obliterating the prop
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Lol! Fair enough, but maybe I should rephrase my question, we arrive at the launch, get the boat off the trailer everyone climbs in while someone holds the rope on shore, then person holding the rope gets in, now everyone is in the boat the motor is raised to avoid hitting the rocks with prop, now, the motor needs to be lowered into the water and started in order to pull away from the beach but once it's loaded the boat is heavily loaded down in the rocks/sand how do you push the boat off the beach and get the motor running without obliterating the prop
Always carry a pair of oars in your boat. Use the oar and push the boat off until you are in deeper water and then slowly lower the outboard and start the motor. This will work even better if another person on the boat can help you with the 2nd oar. Ideally, you should check your electricity and gas (pump up some gas into the line and the inboard) when the boat is still on the trailer. When in deeper waters, start the engine and slowly pull back. Make sure you keep your cool during the process. If there's heavy wind/waves, you will definitely need 2 people to make this work. Always keep your eyes on other boats that might be around the launching area but don't worry too much about what other bystanders see/say. The first few times are ALWAYS tricky but as others already have said, you'll get the hang of it very soon.
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You should.have oars.
They are a mandatory piece of boating equipment.
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I've always found it is a good idea to lift the motor so it is just barely in the water and start it before pushing off. Make sure it is going to work so once you push off you aren't drifting free unable to get it started. That is where most of the accidents I have seen happen at boat launches, some guy pushes out and starts pulling or turning the key but can't get it going. They then drift into the next boat down or the next couple.
Once you are sure it is ready to start, then you can get out, give it a good push out into the water, getting in at the last minute (might get one foot wet), and then drop the motor enough to start it and back out, lowering it all the way when the water is deep enough.
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Once you are sure it is ready to start, then you can get out, give it a good push out into the water, getting in at the last minute (might get one foot wet), ...
Good point. During the fall and winter months, I always bring my rubber booths to the boat launch. Keeps you warm and dry when launching and retrieving the boat. Other thing is that you always have a rope connected to the bow in case you need to throw it to someone on the shore for emergency retrieve.
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Thanks for all the replies everyone, it sounds like, like most things, experience and trial and error are the keys to success, I hope after a few years I'll have all the tools and knowledge to handle even the busiest of launches!
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took some gas out to another fellow today
always check your gas gauge
lol cnm
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Had 3 boats in the last 14 years ,a 13,16 & 16 ft.
At first did have somewhat nervousness about launching & retrieval. The launches that were mainly used were the McDonald Beach boat launch & at the south end of #2 RD. Both are pay launches.
Both get rather busy at times but not so during weekdays.
Others posted great ideas & practise makes perfect.
When you arrive at a launch make your turn near the launch & drive till you get your trailer & veicle in a straight line with the ramp. Get out & ready your boat for launching.
Do the things in the same order like 1) put in the plug. 2) take off the straps 3) on & on...
This way things to do will be so automatic in your thinking.
When you start backing mainly use your left side mirror but give quick looks in the other 2 mirrors.
Backing slow is the best way. Also put your hand on the bottom of the steering wheel.
If you need the trailer to move to the left as you back up then with your hand holding the bottom of the steering wheel turn your hand ( wheel ) to the left.
If you need the trailer to go to the right just turn your steering wheel to the right.
Just remember to grip the steering wheel with 1 hand at the bottom. From there turn the steering wheel.
Try to back down the ramp & try to keep the trailer about a ft to 2 ft from the edge of the dock.
When taking you boat out after coming up the ramp drive away far enough away from the area so others can use the boat ramp.
Seen too many pull their boat out of the water only to stop near the top of the ramp to put on straps on & on while others are waiting to use the ramp but can't because it's plugged up by 1 boater.
Once seen a very busy ramp & a guy backs his boat in the water only to stop & talk literally 5 minutes on his cell phone. Boats are waiting to come in & others wanting to launch !!!
One thing I did was to throw a 4x4 under my front left wheel after setting the parking brake / put in the parking gear. Just felt safer knowing the vehicle would not roll into the water if something went wrong.
Brake/transmission on & on.
Boating is really an adventure but in these waters it can be so dangerous.
Been in so many situations but in the over 14 years on the lower Fraser & Sandheads & other local waters we never never had a really serious mishap.
Mind you were in scary conditions many many many times.. Currents,standing waves,winds,vessel wake,nearly hitting logs & deadheads.
Thus keep practising ( great idea others made was to go to a launch during low usage times & use practise. Practise 1-2 hours. If you use the McDonald Beach ramp launch on the south side of the dock.
Pavement goes farther into the water on that side.
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Thanks for the Advice, A-Boater. Great tips from everyone, boating truly is an adventure and my first few years have been slightly rocky and slow going, mainly due to my hesitation and to time constraints and other commitments, its very hard to find days where i can just take off and have an entire morning to myself without my family needing me or work harassing me. In Regards to A-Boater, you sir must have a large pair if you were taking that 13 footer out to sandheads! I have been making excuses not to venture out that far yet as i still need some things on my boat that im trying to get done one thing at a time. I still only have my main motor with no kicker, i only have my one starting battery, and i also have no downriggers and i need a marine radio in case of emergencies. To me these things are essential but maybe im being tooo cautious?? seems everytime i save a few buck something comes up and my pimped out boat dreams are "dashed against the rocks"
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Pretty much made all the mishaps listed here. Hip waders or tall boots help a lot.
Practice, have a routine, have a partner and take your time. Do not rush, even when there is a line-up. Slow and steady, its not a race.
Oh, one thing I didn't see here when I skimmed through, drop your tailgate or lift your rear hatch if so equipped. (ensuring nothing will slide out when backing down or revving back up the launch.
Keep an extra drain plug with you. Use a lanyard and/or floatation for your keys (or a drybag).
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With our 13 & 16 ft boats we picked days with low winds & high tide days.
It's when the tide changes or high winds it gets hairy out there.
Plus on high tide days it's much easier to launch & re trailer.
A cell phone is all you need in local waters.
Seen boats that went to Sandheads or even just to Shady Island I'd be scared to be in Steveston Harbour.
Boating local waters on high tide low wind days are 100 x safer.
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This is our first year with a "real boat" and dealing with Fraser launches, crowds, etc. A few words to the wise from things I have learned...
Probably best to take your new boat to the LAKE first before you head to the river. Best to get any logistical issues sorted out with loading, unloading or whatever here than on the mighty Fraser.
Once reasonably comfortable with your new pleasure craft, head to the river. We like to launch at Island 22, however it is pretty far from the mouth of the Vedder so lately we have been launching in the Sumas Canal.
As others have said have a routine and stick to it. For us it's pull in near the launch and ready the boat and trailer. Undo straps, put plug in, put any rods and crap from truck in the boat. Once ready wife backs the boat down and I stay in it. When motor is just deep enough I yell stop and start it up. Then turn it off.
If I'm going to drive it off the trailer I won't kill the motor, instead will get the wife to back of the winch strap and unclip boat, then I'll drive it off under power. However we have generally been just attaching a rope to the bow, pushing it off the trailer, then pulling it to shore. It's only a 16ft boat so this is not that hard for me. With a bigger boat may not work. Then everyone hops in, me last and I push off as I hop in the bow. If it's shallow/mucky we'll row out a bit before I start the motor.
A few other random thoughts....aside from some tools and common sense stuff like that I carry 5L of extra gas under the passenger seat - you never know when you or someone else might need it. Also carry some jumper cables. Considering buying a power pack in case it is us that has the dead battery and noone is around to jumpstart us. Have some other random odds and ends in a tupperware that should allow me to handle most situations.
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Having just bought our first boat last year it's taking some time to rig it out good pfd's for every seat, sonar,marine radio,battery pack for boosting,rods,anchor,all the things to make the outings less stressful. Unloading and loading at the lakes was a great way to get comfortable with that . I've put a rope on the bow 19 ft just short of the full length of my boat that way it can't end up in the pump.this way it's been easy for me to load and unload by myself. I just try not to worry about what others think at least we're out there trying to enjoy ourselves.GO BIG OR STAY HOME . Play safe and be considerate of others
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When unloading the boat by yourself, make up a bow line that's 5ft longer then your trailer is from winch to tail. I use high strength carabiners for easy use. Attach the end to the trailer and back in until the boat just floats, bump the brakes and pull out. SLOWLY. This works great for those long shallow ramps when you're by yourself.
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Funny story about boat launching.
Went to the Fraser boat launch at Bridgeview Marina a few years ago fishing for pinks with a newbie.
I knew he was eager to help but I didn't want him trying to move the boat in the heavy current.
I told him "don't try to move the boat, we'll do it after I park the truck".
Of course, after I park the truck, I come running back to find the boat sideways in the current and him in the water up to his neck trying to manage the boat.
I mean, there is a dock right there - just keep it pressed up against the dock & I'll fire it up and we'll drive away. But no...