Author: Boat Accessories Australia Date Posted: 30 October 2025
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Summer’s nearly here, and you can already hear the sound of outboards firing up around the country. It’s that glorious time when weekends mean sunshine, mates, and open water.
But it’s also when Australia’s boat ramps turn into their annual circus — queues, shouting matches, the odd jack-knifed trailer, and a few too many people doing their 'prep' while everyone else waits.
Before you hook up the trailer this season, take five minutes to refresh your boating and ramp etiquette. A little bit of awareness can save you (and everyone else) a heap of frustration.
With more boats on the water and more first-timers joining in each summer, the number of ramp mishaps and on-water conflicts is on the rise.
NSW maritime authorities recently noted that thousands of new boaters mean ramps are becoming hot spots for friction. We’ve all seen it — someone blocking the lane, someone else losing their cool. It doesn’t have to be that way.
Good etiquette keeps things moving smoothly and helps everyone enjoy their day — safely, calmly, and without a single raised voice.
The issue: Arriving at the ramp, reversing in, then unpacking gear, removing tie-downs, checking bungs, chatting… while five other boats wait.
Why it’s a problem: It’s the number-one cause of ramp rage.
Do this instead:
The issue: You’ve launched your boat, but linger on the ramp while sorting out parking or gear.
Why it’s a problem: You’re holding up the next person and creating a backlog.
Do this instead:
The issue: Jack-knifed trailers, double-lane domination, nerves of steel (or lack thereof).
Why it’s a problem: It’s unsafe and frustrating for everyone.
Do this instead:
The issue: You finally launch, then roar past anchored boats or paddle boards like you’re in a race.
Why it’s a problem: It’s unsafe and inconsiderate.
Do this instead:
The issue: Dead battery, missing bung, broken trailer lights — all discovered at the ramp.
Why it’s a problem: Delays, safety risks, and plenty of eye-rolling from other boaters.
Do this instead:
✅ Prep and load your gear before you reach the ramp
✅ Remove tie-downs, insert bungs and check lights early
✅ Launch and move off quickly — no hanging around
✅ Park away from the ramp before sorting your gear
✅ Keep your speed and wake down near others
✅ Be patient — everyone’s here for the same reason
Boating’s meant to be fun. The more courteous we are at the ramp and on the water, the better experience we all have.
You’ll spend more time fishing, exploring and relaxing — and less time waiting, arguing or apologising for 'that bloke'.
Let’s make this summer one of smooth launches, calm waters and zero ramp rage.
If you’re checking your gear and realise something’s looking tired or broken, we’ve got you covered. From trailer parts and anchors + mooring gear to deck hardware, lighting and steering systems, we stock everything you need to keep your boating season running smoothly.
Bloody great advise
By: Keith on 5 November 2025It is an eternal problem particularly with new boaties who have little or no idea. also add ,Check your bung is in check your scuppers are closed ,have a long enough bow-stern painter to control boat launch-retrieve.do NOT stand around talking to others get your car /boat in & out .Keep an eye out for slow learners who will ride a push bike at the back of a reversing boat - trailer look out for pedestrians who think they can walk behind boats.. Do not try to push in on returning to ramp ,as toy ay end up in disputation with others who are waiting
Good reminders
By: Joe Sekeres on 5 November 2025Thanks for the good reminders. I see it often, more with those who don’t get out often as they get out of practise and switch off to others
I’ve helped many at the ramp. Once a guy launched to deep and his boat floated to the rocks while still on the strap. I helped him get it back to the trailer undo the strap and secure it to the jetty.
Another old bloke forgot to put his bung in.
But he had launched. Helped him too.
It’s not hard, who wants agro when your doing something too relax
Thanks for your story it’s good for us all
Tying your boat correctly at wharf
By: Denis Gnaden on 5 November 2025If you are only tying up a temporaly unattended boat at one piont, do it at the middle of the boat. If you only tie it at the front or back, it can drift out into the path of boats coming in or off the ramp. Just recently, at Altona ramp two poorly tied unattended boats partialy blocked the centre ramp, while their owners were presumedly retrieving their trailers. This created an obstacle course and I had to nudge one of the boats to improve my approach. In getting past them you were then misaligned to drive onto the trailor
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