Dumb things at the ramp

[Speedy]

I’m sure you have all seen a few of those videos “Dumb Things” not to do at a boat ramp.

Went to Lake Willoughby to try my luck and while loading my gear on to my boat in the parking area I heard some screaming. Then the Vt. Fish & Game boat inspector lady came over to me and said “I just have to get away from that New Jersey lady over there trying to put her boat in, she asked me to help,but I’m not allowed”. A black late model Jeep was pulling up and back on the ramp several times, with her two young boys giving directions. Only one lane ramp there and I was next to put-in, when it happened. Then I spotted the boat/trailer running free down the ramp (off the hitch)with bare foot boys trying to stop the runaway combo, Fred Flintstone style. I ran over and saw the fiberglass speed boat slammed into the dock and half off the trailer cross-ways. 3 foot nasty scrap and large crack thru the outer layer of the hull. They had unstrapped the rear trailer hold downs and then disconnected the trailer hitch on the Jeep. I was speechless, (which is rare). What a mess. Broken boat blocking the only ramp, sideways off the trailer, wedged into and under the dock, they had disconnected the boat winch strap, and safety chain, didn’t have a 25’ Bow Rope, no life jackets, no extinguisher, alarm horn, no boat pole. Not a Clue.

I was just about to ask “Where is your husband or the boat owner”, but I bit my tongue and asked if she needed a little help? 19-21 ft , in-board, only 1/3 in the water, is too heavy to push straight. Trailer was jacked 45 degrees and no ropes or chains this was a situation for AAA towing service. LOL Ended with getting the trailer hooked up again, pulled it out of the way, and got the boat to float, then reload it on the trailer using my ropes,and boat pole and my back. “Ok lady, put the Jeep in 4 wheel drive and pull out slowly”. What’s that? Unbelievable! Didn’t know how to put her own Jeep in 4 wheel drive. Now there are 3 more boats wanting to put-in, and wondering if I was having fun or not. Lost over an hour of fishing time and a few cuts and scraps on my old body. The VT. Ramp Inspector said I should charge that lady a few hundred for what I did. My wife said she was impressed that I spoke very nicely to the stressed out lady, then put her arm around me and said “That-a-boy” and made me smile. Worth it. Zero fish that afternoon.
Speedy

[Reelax]

Sad but hilarious. Thanks for sharing!!

[raz]

Only at a boat launch...

You're a good man Speedy. Thanks for helping out those folks.

[Ship of Fools]

Absolutely you're a good man ..... i probably would have been on the road to the nearest ramp!

[Gecha (Gerry)]

Thanks for sharing the story and helping that lady and kids.

[cpmaple]

You are a good man for helping out. On the other hand maybe that was a sign that they shouldn't be on the water if they can't even get the boat in. Hate to think that way.