I think I posted my worst ramp story on this forum before but a quick refresher: I was approaching Sheps after the Derby a few years back to take out my boat. I was inside the docking area and had dropped by buddy to grab the truck and trailer and get in line. a guy was just putting in a clearly brand new 24-27 foot gorgeous boat. It took him 5 minutes to line up then he got in the water and started pushing only to realize after a few minutes that he didn't release his winch. A few more minutes of pushing he released he didn't back up enough. Between attempts he walked to his truck and had "a few minutes" of conversation with him wife. I would say it was a good 20 minutes before his boat floated off the trailer. Took him another 5 to get it to the dock and tied. I thought "new guy...it takes time...he's got it now and the ramp is about to clear". Nope...(with truck and trailer still on the ramp) he gets into his boat and begins unwrapping all his gear still in plastic wrap...bumpers ropes...you name it...everything. All the while I am clearly waiting not 20 yards from him. Since we were approaching FORTY MINUTES and I now had two other boats behind me...I motored over, suppressed my frustration and said to him "excuse me...could you move your truck off the ramp so other boats can get to the ramp?". While he didn't snap back...he also never said "sorry" or gave a "oh I didn't realize that" look back...he just stared at me blankly and without saying a word moved slowly to his vehicle and moved the truck.
For weeks after that I was angry just thinking about it but now years removed...I realize that I SHOULD have recognized the new boater and after a few struggles...I should have tied up and walked over to him and without asking...just started helping after introducing myself to both educate and provide friendly assistance. Clearly this guy lacked common sense but there was opportunity to educate and assist here that would have benefited everyone.
Captain clueless in the first story of this thread...clearly needs education. I no longer think that floating at the ramp in patient silence is the best approach. Given what I read, I probably would have approached and said something like: "Excuse me...do you mind if I get to the ramp so I can take out? These ramps can get pretty busy in summer can't they?" If the guy was a jerk after that...well - its on! Point being, clueless people don't pick up on "patiently waiting" people at the ramp - they just don't have awareness of anything past their bow and stern. One good educational moment can pay it forward for the dozens of other people this person will inconvenience each season.
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