Mine got dropped on a ramp with me in it when my buddy drove the truck.

That's why I feel the need. I'll attached the strap every time.

A Gambler will sure come off the bunks if you're not careful. There's just not that much boat on the bunks.

Many years ago, on my first trip to Rayburn in that Gambler, I was launching at Caney, very slight slope to the ramp. I got out and and undid the tie downs, left about 3' of strap loose and started to back in. There was a guy coming out in a Ranger in the next lane. As I was backing in next to him, I could see him and his boat in my side view mirror. I looked at him and his eyes were as big as saucers, I stopped, looking in my rearview and all I saw was black hull. I nearly went into shock, jumped out and the boat was teetering on the back of the bunks, nose up at a steep angle, and the transom was about 2" from the concrete, strap held tight. I winched the nose of the boat back down, unloaded the boat, then had to check my shorts.

It was raining the whole trip there, so I'm guessing just that amount of moisture on the bunks was enough to let it slide.

Probably should have used the word "tip" instead of "etiquette" in your post title.

Etiquette infers the customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group.

Your use of the word etiquette therefore infers that those who choose to hook up their winch strap are not following a recognized protocol and that's B.S.!

actually I got a better title and wording that I'm saving til these two threads run their course...stay tuned...

Wise Ancient Saying... "Do nothing out of contentiousness or out of egotism but with humility consider others superior to you. Look out not only for your own interests but also for the interests of others."

I had a guy almost dump my boat on the ramp once.

Instead of getting up and attaching the strap, I just don't fish with idiots anymore

A) I fish solo 99% of the time and do not have someone to stay on the gas as I start to pull it out. Additionally I jump right past the winch as I jump out,
B) I've seen boats slide off the trailer at the ramp....even during a tournament
c) It ain't hurting you to wait a few extra seconds to ensure the safety of my rig and to prevent catastrophe by dropping a boat on the ramp and shutting it down for a few hours.

P. S.: When I lived in South Florida I saw several bass boats go off the trailer, and it wasn't due to ice. A boat not FIRMLY against the front roller can rock or bounce over rough road, beating up the bow eye, cracking fiberglass. I've seen that happen also.

Instructional tutorial on "loading and unloading at boat ramps"

www.redrangergoatservices.com

Keeping the rubber on the ramp one boat at a time.....

Fishing is starting to get pretty snow flakey... I suggest everyone hook your boat up before pulling it out of the water instead of possibly dropping your boat or having it float off because your truck moving backwards when you put it in gear. Or dont , youll be swimming in a lake in the middle of winter because your boat floated off and got stuck on a sandbar. Trust me ive been there. Had to swim out 50-75 yards in 40 degree temps dead of the winter , middle of the day when no one was at the lake during a weekday.

There isn't a boat on the water worth stripping down and going swimming in 40 degree water. You are literally gambling with your life. Call someone, drive or walk until you see a boat parked at someone's house and knock on their door. Do whatever it takes but never swim for your boat regardless of the water temps. Call the same number to retrieve your boat that you would report a drowning to, they would much rather come out and get your boat than drag for a body.

I am thankful I don't fish north Texas lakes. Some of you guys need to get a life and learn to ENJOY the outdoors.

I totally agree! Some of these threads get so ridiculous with the complaints and the whining.