Boat Ramp Etiquette and Top Launching Tips

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Words by John Gullick/CPS-ECP Manager Special Programs

The lakes in the Okanagan are a calling for many enthusiasts with trailerable pleasurecraft. On any given day in the summer (especially on weekends), the lines start to form and wait times increase as many hit the water to enjoy fishing, wakeboarding, cruising, and spending time at anchorages. 

It’s often that I get asked questions about how best to use a boat ramp while giving due consideration to other enthusiasts since it’s not uncommon to arrive at a ramp with a long lineup. This is an interesting topic and one that is often overlooked but boat ramp etiquette is important to practise. The basis for this article originally came from Bill Ballard of the Antique and Classic Boat Society, Michigan Water Wonderland Chapter.

When you arrive at the boat ramp, the lineup can be too long sometimes so it’s very important to be efficient when it’s your turn. When boaters have had a long week and are trying to get a good start to their vacation or weekend, they can often be brutal with their comments if you hold them up. 

Before you pull out of the driveway with your boat in tow - or even in line at the ramp -  always be ready by following some of these simple tips: 

  • Load what you need from your tow vehicle to your boat.
  • Check and secure the drainage plug.
  • Remove all straps and safety chains.
  • Unplug the trailer wiring harness.
  • Check the bilge for gas vapours
  • Squeeze the gas hose.
  • Check drive belts for correct tension.
  • Check the engine(s) oil

You’ll also want to secure your dock lines to the bow and stern so that when you launch from the boat ramp, you can more conveniently tie your lines at the dock (if there is one) on either side. When the ramp opens up, back in carefully, and float your boat off the trailer while someone mans the lines to secure the boat. 

While one of your crew parks the tow vehicle, the person at the helm can turn on the blower and start the engine to warm it up. Try to keep your total time at the dock down to less than a few minutes.

Some other additional suggestions to keep things moving smoothly include:

  • Have your passengers stay close so you can leave the dock as soon as possible. This is a boat ramp and not a boat slip.
  • When launching your boat, roll down your windows so you can hear the instructions and guidance from your crew or spotter. 
  • Leave your bow pennant and stern flag poles stored aboard your boat while launching and recovering as they tend to get in the way.

An efficient launch can be a thing of beauty. If you are prepared and ready, it should go pretty smooth. 

Remember, if you offer to help another boater don’t do anything without asking them first. If they don’t accept your offer or just provide specific guidance, don’t attempt to touch their boat or gear.

Launching a boat is an easy process but there are protocols to follow so you can get on the water quickly, safely and without holding up other boaters.  

For more information about boating safety courses, tips to become a better boater, seminars and events visit www.cps-ecp.ca

More Boat Launching Tips 

As your goal is to start and end a day on the water as smoothly as possible, we also suggest the following:

  • If required, pay necessary launching fees at the marina office or pay station beforehand.
  • Turn the ignition key to the “start” position to make sure your engine battery isn’t dead.
  • Attach the fenders to your boat and unplug the trailer light wiring from the tow vehicle.
  • After a day of boating and you’ve loaded your boat back on the trailer, transfer all essentials into your tow vehicle in the parking area. This is also the time to ‘clean, drain and dry’ to avoid the spreading of invasive species like zebra mussels. For more information visit www.dontmoveamussel.ca
  • Remember to raise your outboard or sterndrive so they don’t come into contact with the ramp. 
  • Always determine water levels to ensure it’s deep enough to launch and how steep the ramp is. More remote launching areas may have some underwater hazards.   
  • When returning to the launch ramp, tie your boat to a dock or circle around the lake until the tow vehicle and trailer are ready. 

Where to Launch and Retrieve Your Boat in the Tri-Lakes

There are a number of boat launching facilities throughout the Okanagan. Here are a few to consider:

Lake Country (Okanagan Lake)

  • Coral Beach Park and Boat Launch

17246 Coral Beach Rd.

  • Gable Beach Park

945 Gable Rd.

  • Whiskey Cove 

15708 Whiskey Cove Rd.

(Non-motorized/hand launch only) 

1450 KLO Rd. 

For more information visit www.lakecountry.bc.ca

Wood Lake 

  • Oyama Boat Launch 

Located at the north end of Wood Lake. 

2860 Woodsdale Rd.

  • Bottom Wood Lake Road 

North of Woodsdale Rd. (hand launch only)

Kalamalka Lake 

  • Kekuli Bay Provincial Park

Located on the west side of Kalamalka Lake 11 km (7 mi) south of Vernon on Hwy 97.

  • Kalavista Boat Launch

8500 Kalavista Dr. Coldstream, BC 

Kelowna

  • Cedar Creek Park

5200 Lakeshore Rd. 

  • Cook Road Boat Launch

500 Cook Rd.

  • Water Street Boat Launch 

1354 Water St. Downtown Kelowna

  • Sutherland Bay Park Boat Launch

700 Ellis St.

For more information visit www.kelowna.ca

Summerland

  • Peach Orchard Beach Park

14877 Lakeshore Dr. S. 

Located at the north end of the park. There’s also parking and a floating dock.

  • Okanagan-Similkameen

Kickininee Provincial Park

Located at Soorimpt just off Hwy 97 S 

Peachland 

  • Strachan Bay

Beach Ave and 8th St. 

Skaha Lake

  • Skaha Marina

3895 Lakeside Rd. 

www.skahamarina.com

*Ed note: Always be sure to contact the municipalities or marinas before your visit for accessibility, hours of operations and if fees are required.