Docks

[SCHAAKATTACK]

Anyone know if there is a specified date that they normally put docks back in at a public access? I am sure it is going to vary but with the unusually warm weather will they roll them out sooner or is it a fairly set schedule. I know it's still early but it would be fun to get out and panfish or even just putts around in the boat.

[20lbSloughShark]

Launch the boat, docks are just a luxury.

[Esox_Magnum]

Launch the boat, docks are just a luxury.

Ditto

[lakevet]

Launch the boat, docks are just a luxury.

True for most but some have limited mobility and dock helps entry/exit from boat with less chance of falling and injuring themselves. Still this can be solved if someone is willing to go with to help. Hopefully when I hit that stage the kids or nieces/nephews will load me up and take me with!

lakevet

[kg25]

Would anyone care to offer tips on launching solo at ramps without docks for those that are inexperienced at it? I am curious about getting in the boat, pushing off, etc after the boat is in the water.

Thanks,

[SpecialK]

I leave the front of the boat connected to the trailer, back in until the back is floating. Hook up a rope, disconnect from the trailer and push the boat off then pull the boat around the trailer and beach it / tie it off to a tree. Park the truck, walk back and push off from shore and hop in.

[SpecialK]

And to answer the OP, I don't think there is a set date. It is the area CO's job to put the docks in so when he gets a chance he does it. I am pretty sure that they put them in based on lake popularity and I do believe they all have to be in by Memorial day.

[Capt. Quicksteel]

Agree with SpecialK. In Minnesota there are lots of landings where there may NEVER be a dock, such as river landings or small back country lakes. You want to fish in those great places, you need to be able to launch and load without a dock, or in very shallow water or without being able to power load. And if you're a crabby old guy like me you have to be able to do it by yourself!

[Ebiz]

In the spring and fall hip boots are your best friend

[timjones]

It varies a lot depending on who's responsible for the access. On the lake I am on one access is run by the city, one by the DNR, and the other by the county. Typically it seems like the county one usually goes in first because I think the Osakis Sportmans club puts it in for them.

[kg25]

I leave the front of the boat connected to the trailer, back in until the back is floating. Hook up a rope, disconnect from the trailer and push the boat off then pull the boat around the trailer and beach it / tie it off to a tree. Park the truck, walk back and push off from shore and hop in.

Hopefully the OP doesn't mind me kind of hijacking the thread, but this seemed like a good spot to ask this without starting a new thread.

Can you give more detail on the pushing off/hopping in part and starting the engine? (Climb over the bow, side? Push off (sideways, push from bow?) and jump in try to start engine real fast? I am afraid of not being able to get in or get pushed off or not get the motor started in time before drifting back to shore (if it is windy). I am ok with getting a little wet. My case would involve a 14' older Lund with a 9.9hp tiller.

I know people do it all the time, but for newer boaters with little experience it's a bit nerve racking.

Thanks!

[SpecialK]

Hopefully the OP doesn't mind me kind of hijacking the thread, but this seemed like a good spot to ask this without starting a new thread.

Can you give more detail on the pushing off/hopping in part and starting the engine? (Climb over the bow, side? Push off (sideways, push from bow?) and jump in try to start engine real fast? I am afraid of not being able to get in or get pushed off or not get the motor started in time before drifting back to shore (if it is windy). I am ok with getting a little wet. My case would involve a 14' older Lund with a 9.9hp tiller.

I know people do it all the time, but for newer boaters with little experience it's a bit nerve racking.

Thanks!

I usually push the bow and my boat is a 14' Alumacraft so it's similar to yours. Yes you get wet but it's not terrible. I usually take off my shoes and socks and roll up my pants and let the warm sun dry them. All bets are off if it's cold and rainy. Hip waders work well also.

Depending on how deep the water is you can climb in before pushing off and start the motor then shut it off that way you know when you get in the motor will start quickly.

[lovebigbluegills]

Hopefully the OP doesn't mind me kind of hijacking the thread, but this seemed like a good spot to ask this without starting a new thread.

Can you give more detail on the pushing off/hopping in part and starting the engine? (Climb over the bow, side? Push off (sideways, push from bow?) and jump in try to start engine real fast? I am afraid of not being able to get in or get pushed off or not get the motor started in time before drifting back to shore (if it is windy). I am ok with getting a little wet. My case would involve a 14' older Lund with a 9.9hp tiller.

I know people do it all the time, but for newer boaters with little experience it's a bit nerve racking.

Thanks!

[lovebigbluegills]

I should add that I leave my motor idling while I park so it gets its warm-up time (trimmed up so it's not in the mud). That way when I get it pushed off and in the boat I can go put it in reverse and away I go.

As mentioned, I use my oar a fair amount if there's a wind that wants to push the boat back on shore, or worse a side-wind that wants to push it into shallower water.

If you're nervous about being able to do it on your own, practice all you can when the ramp isn't busy (lousy weather, mid-week, etc) until you get a good feel for it and are comfortable.

[kg25]

Thanks for the tips! I guess I just need to try it and learn thru practice. I am comfortable launching/retrieving solo, but have only done it with a dock.

[SpecialK]

Thanks for the tips! I guess I just need to try it and learn thru practice. I am comfortable launching/retrieving solo, but have only done it with a dock.

Even when the docks are in I have had to use the shore line at busy launches when people are lined up to use the boat ramp.