Pontoon Boat/ Raft Launch Etiquette

[Burtbords149]

Last fall I made a frame raft and floated a few times during the high water in the Upper Delaware. During this time congestion at the launch or takeout wasn't much of an issue. The problem is now that there are a number of boats putting in and taking out at the same time what does one do if they have a boat like a pontoon or raft that requires assembly and disassembly.

In launch areas with a lot of room beside the ramp I can easily pull my raft off to the side and bring my truck to come pick it up. In ramps that only have enough room for the vehicle taking out their boat onto a trailer what does someone do.

I.e. if I took out at Buckingham, that doesn't have any parking right alongside the banks. It takes me maybe 10 minutes to disassembly the boat and put the parts in my truck. The other boats waiting in line do not want to wait 10 minutes for me to put my stuff away, and nor should they.

Any thoughts on this one? If the raft didn't weigh so much I suppose I could carry it up to my vehicle, but unfortunately it weighs well over 100 lbs. I'm sure it's a common issue with pontooners who have to disassemble their boat after every outing. Thanks.

 

[WBDluver]

Well I use a pontoon but it is not heavy like yours. We usually carry them to our trucks and leave the ramp open for those that really need it. One suggestion, can you put the boat on the bed of the truck, drive it up to the parking area and disassemble it there?

 

[skipper3245]

if you are floating alone..dont do that float, bring someone with you so they can stay with the boat and hold it on the side

 

[LyNcH]

Have you considered an inexpensive flatbed trailer? With a little modification, a 4'x8' or 5'x9' seems to be an ideal setup as they are relatively light and you can travel and launch quickly. I am in the process of modifying my trailer for my pontoon raft that I don't yet have. If the trailer ends up still being too small, I will have too look for a boat trailer to make some modifications to.

 

[Joe D]

Easy question,

As someone already suggested, get a trailer. Or, drag your raft off to the side and do your thing out of the way, or wait to be last.
See: Drift Boat Etiquette

 

[McRiffle]

Make something like this you can keep with you. I don't have one for my pontoon but for the situation you describe it might be an easy solution.

accessories3

Also in Maine last year I saw guys with boat dolly's that would walk their boats miles above locked gates to get to remote lakes. It's a chore but it proves it works. Making a simple boat dolly wouldn't be too hard I'd think.

 

[AKSkim]

Have you considered a Ka-Bar ?

Might be the best thing for everyone.

 

[LyNcH]

See: Drift Boat Etiquette

What a simple and great article. I might have to post this up on SC as it seems no-one that floats the salmon river seems to abide be these simple rules, almost every rule I read is violated all the time up their, and not only by the occasional floater, but the daily guides.

 

[Joe D]

Make something like this you can keep with you. I don't have one for my pontoon but for the situation you describe it might be an easy solution.

accessories3

Also in Maine last year I saw guys with boat dolly's that would walk their boats miles above locked gates to get to remote lakes. It's a chore but it proves it works. Making a simple boat dolly wouldn't be too hard I'd think.

I have one similar to that I use to schlep canoes & kayaks into more remote duck hunting spots. It works like a dream.

 

[McRiffle]

Most definitely late but hopefully better than never.

This might be an inexpensive way to get your boat away from the ramp quickly.

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