I have 18ft legend that looks about the same size as your boat.
I have used the ferry launch about 4 times now this year. Dont even think about trying to put your boat in the water alone. Its at least a 2 person job! The launch it self is steep with a steel grate bottom. If you have 4 wheel drive then use it.
This is what I do to launch.
first park out of the way and make sure everything is ready to go. plug is in. all my gear is loaded and such.
then when ready I line the boat up with the launch ramp and them I jump into the boat while its on the trailer. with only the safety chain attached to the bow I have my partner start to back me into the water. keep the boat on the trailer have make sure you let your partner know that you dont want the boat to leave the bunks. start the boat and make sure its running well.
Then un hook the boat from the trailer and drive it off the trailer.
Thats the easy part... Now you have to bring the boat back into the dock that is higher then most boats. what untill your partner is standing at the dock before you attempt to move to the dock. then just before you touch the dock shift into a hard reverse and your off.
Returning back to the launch is the hardest. Now the wind and waves are going to push you hard into the ramp. you need to take your time and I keep shifting my 115 in and out of gear just keep my speed down. you may even need to use reverse. You want to time it so that your partner can jump onto the dock and your back into reverse and out of the way away. Then have your partner put the truck into 4x4 high or low and back into the water all the way untill the bunks are wet then come out to the point that you will beach the boat onto the trailer. its better to use the wench then hitt anything. I like to keep a pair of rubber boats in the truck if needed. You may need them to hook the boat onto the trailer. then while you remain in the boat have your partner slowly pull you out. MAKE SURE YOUR RAISE THE MOTOR! its easy to forget.
Some days this lauch is great as it does have a peir blocking it from east winds. But most days the winds are west and they really pound the ramp!
Just take your time and use common sense. Id like to see something done with the dock there. maybe tire placed there would be all thats needed?
Parking is not bad. I've also seen people park alone the side road that is there NOT HWY 33. the ferry hands are great too. I have talked to them in the past about parking. They do maintain the ramp also. It can get very weedy at times. I've seen the ramp coverd in 2' of weeds. With the colder weather here. I would think 4 wheel drive is a must for any large boat.
I bet someone could almost make a living valet launching boats at that place. Id pay for the service to have someone already waiting with my truck backed into the ramp.
Login
Register
FAQ
Search
