View Full Version : In Michigan, is it true.....
Bob G.
03-26-2000, 08:51 AM
that power loading your trailer is illegal? At BDN last year, someone mentioned that powerloading your boat back onto your trailer is not legal within the state of Michigan. Is this true?
MS(MI)
03-26-2000, 11:30 AM
I've never heard such a law. I've have seen it posted not to powerload on certain lauch ramps. I try to know all the laws and have never seen this one. But perhaps I missed this one.
Airwave
03-26-2000, 12:32 PM
Yes it is true. The DNR does not allow it for fear of washing away habitat at the ramps, or something to that nature.... LOL
Wish I was kidding!!!!
It may be true a friend of mine was ticketed in the U.P. last year for power loading. I don't know if it's a DNR regulation everywhere or only at certain areas. You may want check with Mich. DNR
legend
03-26-2000, 06:18 PM
Powerloading is illegal in Kichigan. Propwash causes the gravel between the concrete planks to wash out, ultimately resulting in damage to the ramp. Most boat ramps are supported with Michigan tax dollars, thus the regulation.
If boaters would idle onto their trailers, there probably would not be a problem. I have seen some folks really try to force it though.
I recently read the funding people in Lansing are coming up with some emergency dollars to extend ramps on Lake Michigan wich are faced with very low lake levels.
Even if it's not illegal, it's really poor manners.
--
"There is nothing; absolutely nothing; half so much worth doing,
as simply messing about in boats." :-)
cisco
03-27-2000, 10:35 AM
Be careful at some ramps in Wisconsin, too. I know of one guy who was ticketed at Lake Geneva for driving onto his "drive-on" trailer. Which leads me to ask, anyone have any experience with the teflon pads they sell for drive on bunks? I need to push pretty good just to get halfway on at some low-incline ramps. The teflon pads seem like a good idea, but on the other hand I don't want the boat to slide off as I back in.
The teflon pads or "slicks" work great for me.Easier to load and unload.Also keeps the boat from freezing to the carpet on the bunks.Does scratch the boat somewhat, but not seriously.Mine is aluminum; don't know what it does to glass.
The "powerloading"; wish more people would follow the rules.
Airwave
03-28-2000, 06:07 AM
Do not unhook your boat until the back end is over the water. Basic rule!!!