While boating is an enjoyable stress reducing activity, sometimes just getting the boat into and out of the water at the boat landing is frustrating.

Over crowded landings and lack of preparedness by many boaters causes a lot of stress. Being prepared and using proper boat landing etiquette can reduce the hassle and frustration for you and for others using the landing.

If you are new to boating, consider practicing at the ramp during less busy times. This way you will avoid the traffic and distractions.

If it has been a while since you last used your boat, consider using muffs and start the engine on the hose before you leave. There is nothing worse than getting to the landing only to find you have a dead battery or other engine problem.

Load everything in the boat and secure the drain plug prior to heading out to reduce ready time once there.

Once at the landing, remove straps and load any other items from the car to the boat at the “make-ready area” of the landing. Don’t wait until you get to the actual ramp.

During launch and recovery, it is always best if one person can drive the boat and another drive the car. A little trailer backing practice in an empty parking lot will go a long way toward reducing headaches during the launch and recovery.

Try not to position the rig so that only you can utilize the ramp. Also, if you are alone, don’t dock your boat along the walkway where it impedes the use of the ramp by others.

Investing in properly fitting trailer side guides can be very helpful. Not only will it help line up the boat on the trailer during recovery, but it makes he empty trailer more visible during backing.

If you are meeting someone at the landing and do not have a trailer, do not park in spaces designed for trailers. Most landings have parking spots for cars without trailers. Or, consider meeting somewhere else and riding in with the boat vehicle.

On busy weekends and holidays, be sure to pack a lot of patience when heading to the crowded landing.

With a little practice and preparation, you can reduce the frustration for you and others and really enjoy the relaxing benefits of boating.

At Hanko Boats, we would be happy to not only help you navigate the boat buying process, but we can also help you to get the proper training and equipment to enjoy our beautiful waterways.

Three Points of Contact – Good Advice for all Boaters
While on board you should always strive to have three points of contact with the boat. This means, you should have both feet planted and holding on with at least one hand. If seated, have your feet touching the floor, Having three points of contact assures that your body is in position in such a way that the majority of your body is in contact with the boat, and you won’t be set off-balance easily.
Kill Switch Lanyard
Use a kill switch lanyard. On power boats and personal watercrafts, this simple tether between you and the ignition key shuts the engine off if you fall overboard or lose your balance while driving, reducing the potential for harm to you or others in the water.
No Boating While Intoxicated
Don’t drink and drive a boat; alcohol affects judgment, vision, balance and coordination.
Water Sports
Skiing, tubing and wakeboarding are popular water sports, but they also can be dangerous with participants traveling at high speeds.  Remember to take the following steps to minimize the risks:
-Learn how to get up out of the water and how to safely use the tow rope.
-Make certain the towline is not caught in the propeller or wrapped around a person or obstruction prior to beginning.
-Wait for the propeller to stop before getting back on the boat.
-Always have a spotter in the boat, and go over basic hand signals.
-Enjoy these activities during daylight hours only.
Buoy Markers
Look for Buoy markers that are green in color with numbers. Keep this marker on your left (port) side when proceeding in the upstream (returning from sea).
Dress Properly for Boating
Dress properly for the weather conditions and bring an extra set of clothes in case you get wet. Consider dressing for the water temperature as well as the atmospheric temperature. Don’t forget the sunscreen and know the signs of heat illness.
Stay Alert
Be alert at all times, and steer clear of large vessels and watercraft that can be restricted in their ability to stop or turn. Also be respectful of buoys and other navigational aids, all of which have been placed there for one reason only – to ensure you own boating safety.