Ramp and Rigging Procedures

Ramp use for Power Boats

For those members who use the boat ramp for power boat use there are some basic rules we would like you to follow. As a club, we are part of the local community, and we are mindful of maintaining good relations with local residents. So those of you who use power boats at various times of the day and night in your fishing and recreational pursuits, are requested to adhere to the following procedures. Failure to follow these procedures may lead to loss of your boat ramp access.

1. If using the ramp late at night or early in the morning, keep noise level to a minimum. Consider surrounding residents at all times.
2. Be aware of pedestrians and cyclists before backing into the ramp.
3. Be sure to lock the gate and close the boom after the use of the ramp. This includes when you go out on the water on your boat.
4. No cars are to be parked on the grass areas left and right sides of the ramp.
5. Trailers maybe parked on the grass on the north side of the ramp. Cars are not to be left here or stay attached to trailers while you are out in your boat.
6. No cars with trailers are to be parked on the residential side of The Strand.
7. Ensure all taps and hoses are turned off after use on the ramp.
8. Dispose of your rubbish after use on the ramp in the bins provided or take it home.
9. Do not throw fish guts and skeletons into the slipway or boat ramp area. Please dispose of them down the jetty so they do not accumulate under the decking area and cause smell and rubbish problems, and attract vermin.
10. Do not drive your boat up onto your trailer, use your winch instead. (This prevents eroding the ramp substrate causing trailer wheels to get stuck).
11. Failure to abide by these rules may lead to loss of your ramp access.

Rigging, launching, and retrieval of trailable yachts

Rigging of yachts is either done on the river side of the Strand or in the grassed rigging area between the toilet block and boat ramp. If you are rigging on the Strand do it on the river side only and always look up for power lines and live. Off-the-beach trailers can be left on the grassed area outside the gates

If you park your trailer and rig it on the grassed area, qualified club members will assist you by using our 4WD to launch your boat down the ramp. Just ask these members for assistance.

If you are unsure as to how to go about launching your boat, please ask a club member for assistance. Remember:

• never drive off from the club with your mast raised
• don’t be pressured into leaving the ramp before completing your safety checks
• be sure you boat/yacht is secure and safe before moving to a parking area.

Launching

1. On arrival, rig your boat along The Strand or on the grassed area, and wait until the ramp is free.
2. Launch as quickly as possible.
3. Make sure your mooring lines are secured to your yacht.
4. Secure your yacht to the jetty.
5. Park trailers on grass area or drive to a car park.
6. Manoeuvre your yacht to one of the jetties and secure to a bollard.
7. Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. There is usually someone around who will be willing to help.

Retrieval

1. De-mast on water if possible, queue with trailer and retrieve as quickly as possible after de-masting.
2. When your boat is safe and secure on your trailer move off the ramp.
3. Please keep club area free for other boats to move about.

Remember

• Rescue boats and OTBs have right of way on the boat ramp at the end of the race.
• Don’t de-rig near the ramp.
• Don’t obstruct ramp.
• Don’t obstruct the floating ramps used by the OTB boats.
• Don’t obstruct parked cars and private drive ways.
• Power lines are deadly. ‘Look up and live’ when raising or lowering your mast.

Launching and retrieval of the Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs)

See procedures for how to launch and retrieve the Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs). These have been compiled to ensure the personal safety of those directly engaged with launch/retrieval, as well as bystanders, during activities involving movement of vehicles. They also provide personnel who assist with the launch and retrieval of Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs), instructions to avoid damage to boats.