I really hope some of the people I encountered yesterday are on this forum...
Sorry this is long. And feel free to ignore it
I did a real dumb thing while switching batteries in front of PNC Park. In a hurry, I put the wires on the wrong poles (yes, I need to install a switch). Of course, that left me dead in the water and in need to get to the South Side ramp. There were a lot of boats, so I began asking people who were going that way for a tow. Most weren't, but one person that was said it was too far. Another boater overheard and volunteered to tow me. He wasn't going that way. He was going out of his way.
In all of the commotion, I never caught his name, but I will be sure to thank him again every time I see him. And I certainly owe him a favor.
As we were getting off the boat at South Side, the first guy who refused to tow went cruising by. I hope I see him in trouble in the future.
Also, a guy jumped in the water and pulled my boat to my trailer as I was backing in. He didn't want my wife to worry. So, that guy deserves a nod too.
I have towed two people already this summer. It is just what we do for each other. I don't expect anybody to go out of their way, but if you are going that way... Am I wrong?
An aside... People at the South Side ramp need to follow some rules. Among the many: Don't sit on the dock and wait for people unless you have to.
I think its time for me to find a slip.
Last edited by captaindan; 07-11-2011 at 10:57 AM.
Reason: typos
Dan - sorry to hear about the trouble. I imagine this happened after we left? We would have been happy to help...we owe you and your wife for helping us launch.
As a new boater, I can only speak to my limited experience this year, but the South Side launch is quite the show on a busy weekend. From people flying by (often skiing/tubing/etc) and creating large wakes that can damage boats or hurt people as they launch/dock to all the bike traffic that park in the parking spots reserved for trailers (there are signs...but they need to be updated and it wouldn't hurt to have a few more). It just seems like no one really thinks about anyone else at the public launches...I guess that is why you pay the price for a private slip...just venting a little about the recent weekend experiences.
Yeah, you were gone. I know you would have helped. In fact, as soon as I did it, I looked over to where you were anchored! It all worked out. I was just really annoyed and the circus at the ramp pushed me over the edge.
Here is another one: Don't you love it when people use the docks as their hangout/swim platform for the day?
I saw that for the first time on Saturday. Two guys were "laying out" on the dock as numerous boats were waiting to drop off/pick up people. I couldn't believe it...
I totally agree with Captiandan ! More people need to have a little more courtesy towards others...if I see a boat sitting in the middle of the river I always boat by; hold my thumb up and ask if everything's okay - if not I would at least tow them to somewhere safer than just sitting in the middle of the river - a rule I go by - help others out - because I never know when I am going to need the help.....good point Captiandan !
How rude of people, sorry to hear about the way you were treated. I tried to take mine out for a first run. Starter went out (my luck), while reloading the boat there was another scrambiling to get to his truck. I help him get it on the trailer. At that point noticed he forgot to install the drain plug that is why he needed to get in. He just bought the boat and wanted to take her out for a spin. He did not know that there was a plug to be put in and did not have one. So I gave him mine, I knew I could not enjoy the day. I hope he did.
That does just suck, captaindan. Sorry(but not surprised) to hear it. Some people are just ignorant. Myself, I could not pass someone up who needed help. Just not good juju! And besides, I would just plain feel bad! We will all need help eventually. Also, how many times have you been at a ramp, coming or going, and the 'hangers out' look at you like YOU are in THEIR way? Its a BOAT ramp people! Geez.
Sorry to hear about that I believe most of us on this page are preaching to the choir, probably all have helped out a stranded boater more then once.
The one thing I have to get on is the use of the courtesy docks. They are just that and should only be for picking up and dropping off. Shouldn't even have cleats on the thing. I have told numerous people to get off (nicely). Once there were two boats tied off and not moving. Everyone was waiting for a move, I just pulled up and let my wife off on one of the boats to climb through. They weren't happy about that, but I said if you want to use this as your slip expect it.
I understand if you are dead in the water and have seen that too, but the courtesy docks are for everyone.
One last note, on lauching/retrailering. If you are boating as a family get everyone involved. Even as new boaters I have seen many that look to be doing this for a long time where the husband (sorry to be sexist just an observation) backs in, gets in the boat, moves it to the dock, ties off and then moves the truck. We have been boating a couple years, and I have to say my wife can back the boat into a sliver of a spot and we are out. I realize most people do this, but it is always the one or two that make everyone wait. Get your family involved!
I can't tell you how annoyed I get when I see a family pile out of a vehicle, the dad backs down the ramp, jumps in the boat, parks it on the dock, goes back to the vehicle, and parks it. All the while, the family is just sitting on the dock or the boat. Of course there are situations in which you need to "park" on the dock. Like when you are broken. And I have also nicely asked people to move. I love the idea of no cleats.
My wife and I have it down to a process. Pull up to the ramp. She jumps in the boat. I remove the straps and back into the water. She pulls off the trailer and waits for me on the other side of the river. When she sees me walking towards the dock, she pulls in. Usually doesn't even touch the dock. Same in reverse at the end of the day. We are not perfect boaters, but this seems like common sense.
I hardly use the South Side Dock, but the small dock and people over using it is always the issue... Here is my take..
Either they dont know the rules or they dont care. The solution is informing them of the rules as Quag said...
You dont have to be rude about it. just a "hey guys this is a public dock and other need to use it so can you hurry up a bit"
If the same people hear it from the same guy all the time then that guy is an A$$hole, but if the same people hear it from a bunch of people then they might figure out that they are the minority and follow the rules (others may stay longer just to piss people off, those are the real a$$holes).
I think the biggest problem is only a few people want to open their mouth and tell someone IN PERSON that what they are doing is not correct. It doesnt have to be confrontational and if it does then walk away.
Thats why this site exists to inform the less informed. So anyone reading this should open their mouths and inform others of the rules. I know i do, but im an A$$hole i guess..lol
**perhaps boatpittsburgh need tshirts that we can hand out at South Side with docking rules on the back, lol**
Agreed. It is most likely 80% ignorance of norms and 20% people just being jerks. And the dock is too small to handle the traffic.
I say things here and there, but it usually comes of as sounding like an a$$ when I really I just trying to help. A sign or T-shirt would break that barrier. I am surrounded by graphic designers where I work. I wonder if the city would let me post a sign. Maybe even a boatpittsbrgh sign.
Unfortunately, there are people out there who are just plain rude and bad boaters. Luckily, there are more helpful boaters than rude ones. I have heard many stories about the south side launch and how it is a zoo. There is a pay launch at Newport Marina on the Ohio river if you don't want to deal with south side. I know it is $10 there, not sure of other launches other than these two. Hopefully you will have better experiences in the future.
I hear it isn't bad. You have to lock through to get to town. A couple at my marina left due to the wakes. They get the crowd that is glad to be out of the lock and racing up river. I know Silky's has a few slips for smaller boats along with Milvale. Not sure about the rest.
A Vent about Courtesy and Helping Each Other
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2007 Rinker 246 cc
Originally Posted by captaindan
