Kristian Ferrell
Florida has a lot of boat ramps and launches, and most of them are open to the public free of charge. However, it's always a good idea to check with local authorities before you go, as some may be closed for repairs, special events, or weather conditions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Boat Launches in Florida | Weller Avenue 2898, Escambia County, Sanders Beach Complex, Charls E. Cessna Landing, Harbor Island Ferry Terminal, Pretty Bayou Boat Ramp, East Niceville Rocky Bayou Boat Ramp, Dolphin Drive 3710, Upper Grand Lagoon, Highland View Boat Ramp, T.H. Stone Memorial St Joseph Peninsula State Park Eagle Harbor, Harris Boulevard 90, Okaloosa County, 21st Street Northwest 3098, Winter Haven, 3rd Street Northwest 887 899, Winter Haven, 5th Street East 369 399, Ellenton, 65 D Access Road 570, Lorida, 7th Street Southwest 1849, Winter Haven, Abrams Avenue 17200, Montverde, Cocohatchee River Park, American Legion Drive 2288, Arcadia, Delnor Wiggins Pass State Park, Henry Abercrombie, Jr Boat Landing Road Franklin County, 8104 8198 Arbuckle Creek Rd, Florida, Avenue B Northwest 287, Winter Haven, Avenue U Northwest 3775 3999, Winter Haven, South Lake Boulevard, Avon Park, Bald Point Road 673, Panacea, Bayview Drive 1920, Fort Myers Beach, Beach Boulevard 9540, Jacksonville, Ben Hicks Street 420, Avon Park, Bill Johnson Road 2378, Hilliard, Southwest Jahue Landing Road, Blountstown, John Redd East Road Calhoun County, Blue Cypress Road 7400, Vero Beach, Blue Dolphin Drive 48, Crawfordville, Bonfire Drive 3130, Milton, Canaveral National Seashore Turtle Mound, Playalinda Rd Brevard County, Bridges Road 320, Polk City, The Honorable Dale G. Bennett Memorial Boat Ramp, Burhans Road 37953, Eustis, Cabrillo Avenue 3204 3216, Saint Pete Beach, Hadley Ferry Road 154, Cairo, Lakeview Drive, Canal Point, Cavalier Drive 3884, Chipley, Cedar Hill Road 467, Tallahassee, Cedar Point Road 9099, Jacksonville, Cedora Terrace 3041, Sebring, Center Avenue 852, Brandon, Picower Boundless Park, Thomas Road, Chipley, Washington Boulevard, Chipley, Herbert Hoover Dike, Clewiston, Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail (Lost), Clewiston, Publivc Access Road, Clewiston, Pollak Park Boat Ramp, Commerce Drive 6701, Sebring, Commercial Avenue 1120, New Smyrna Beach, John Jorgensen's Landing, Coral Ridge Drive 11, Coral Springs, Four Mile Creek Landing, County Road 115a 10339, Oxford, Lake Deaton Park Public Boat Ramp, County Road 2 2731, Baker, Lake Jem Park And Boat Ramp, County Road 450 14341 14467, Umatilla, County Road 760 3162, Arcadia, Live Oak Church Road, Crestview, Crump Road 2764 3664, Winter Haven, Lake Eloise Drive, Cypress Gardens, Indian River Drive 1294, Sebastian, Lake Park Road, De Leon Springs, Dead River Road 2207 2299, Ponce De Leon, Northwest 11th Street, Delray Beach, Battery Park City Marina, Doc Lindsey Road 2215 2837, Fort Meade, Doctor Martin Luther King Junior Street South St. Petersburg, Dunn Avenue Terrace 6800, Jacksonville, West Eagle Avenue, Eagle Lake, Patton Drive 326, Franklin County, East Church Street 105, Avon Park, Alligator Alley, Plant City, East Eagle Avenue 942, Eagle Lake, East Fowler Avenue 8000, Tampa, East Gobbler Drive 10852, Floral City, Fl 300 Franklin County, Bianca Drive Northeast Palm Bay, East Memorial Boulevard 1800, Lakeland, Alligator Point Public Boat Launch, East North Boulevard 700, Leesburg, East Southport Road 2001, Kissimmee, East Spruce Drive 4863, Dunnellon, East Victoria Lane 2470, Avon Park, Big Bend Scenic Byway Forest Trail, Eastpoint, Ochlockonee Bay Boat Ramp, Ochlockonee River State Park, Edwards Road 468, Yulee, Enterprise Osteen Road 1295, Deltona, Everglades Parkway 3500, Fort Lauderdale, Fairground Road 6599, Molino, St Marks National Wildlife Refuge Aucilla River, Econfina River State Park, George's Lake Boat Ramp, Florida 19 16101 16119, Groveland, Florida 19 27200, Tavares, Florida 46 4512 4564, Mims, Florida 46 5900, Mims, Big Bend Wildlife Management Area Hagen's Cove, Florida 520 8190, Cocoa, Florida 520 8199, Cocoa, Florida 60 26000, Lake Wales, Florida 70 1970, Lake Placid, Florida 70 24501, Okeechobee, Florida 78 14296, Okeechobee, Florida Avenue 12826, Astatula, Flossie Road 1766, Century, Fort Hamer Road 1600, Parrish, 2nd, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 25, Fort Lauderdale, L 38w Trail, Fort Lauderdale, Fox Lake Road 4400, Titusville, Shipyard Road, Freeport, Front Street 701, Welaka, Livingston Lake Road, Frostproof, Gap Boulevard 1950, Chipley, Granada Street 648 998, Lakeland, Lower Suwannee National Wildlife Refuge South Entrance, Land Store Road, Grand Ridge, Grand Rondo East 600, Crescent City, Allen Park Road 1999, Levy County, Griffin Road 676, Wauchula, Ozello Park Boat Ramp, Hatbill Road 201, Christmas, County Road 12b, Hawthorne, Hidden Harbour Street 2973, Fort Lauderdale, Highlands By The Lake Way 3184, Lakeland, Highway 100 14331, Bunnell, Highway 17 1973, Green Cove Springs, Lake Monroe Wayside Boat Ramp, Highway 20 13496, Altha, Highway 2302 7322, Southport, Highway 33 9939, Polk City, Highway 44 1025, Inverness, Highway 44 6411 6533, Lake Panasoffkee, Highway 47 22430, Fort White, Highway 51 2291, Mayo, Fort Island Trail Boat Ramp, Blue Lake Earl Gilbert Landing, Trader's Hill Boat Ramp, Holiday Beach Drive 3040, Avon Park, Ingraham Highway, Homestead, Hood Landing Road 12903, Jacksonville, Howalt Court North 6865, Jacksonville, Palatlakaha River Park, Park Lake Terrace, Inverness, Jackson Moody Place 1306, Tallahassee, County Road 249, Jasper, Keyser Landing Road, Jay, Sandy Landing Road, Jay, Webb Landing Road, Jay, Williams Lake Road, Jay, Lake Carrie Boat Ramp, Keen Road 506, Frostproof, Ken Knight Drive North 4663, Jacksonville, Kenwood Drive 7344, North Port, Florida's Turnpike, Kissimmee, Lions Park, Lake Alfred, Lake Bonny Drive East 101 199, Lakeland, Lake Boulevard 13636 13788, Winter Garden, Lake Boulevard 2000, Lorida, Lake Buckeye Road 1394 1584, Winter Haven, 3301 Lake Cypress Rd, Kenansville, Fl 34739, Lake Eustis Drive 473 517, Eustis, Lake Gentry Road 5424, Saint Cloud, Lake Jessamine Drive 5405, Orlando, Lake Lena Boulevard 400 498, Auburndale, County Road 413, Lake Panasoffkee, Lake June Clubhouse Road, Lake Placid, Lake Roy Drive 165, Winter Haven, Lake Sears Drive 102, Winter Haven, Lake Shipp Drive 1605 1699, Winter Haven, Lake Tohopekaliga Road 3698, Saint Cloud, Lake Underhill Road 4257 4299, Orlando, Boat Landing Road, Lake Wales, Park Drive Polk County, Lake Washington Road 6000, Melbourne, Allegro Road, Lake Worth, Lake Yale Boat Ramp Road 39550, Umatilla, Tenoroc Mine Road, Lakeland, Braddock Road Polk County, Lakesedge Drive 623, Lake Placid, 799 Lakeside Blvd, Kenansville, Fl 34739, Lakeside Drive 910, Seffner, Lakeview Drive 22926, Panama City Beach, Lakeview Drive 4270, Sebring, Marathon Public Boat Ramp, Lemon Bluff Boat Ramp, Herbert Hoover Dike Palm Beach County, Little River Road 3998, Chipley, County Road 250, Live Oak, Longview Drive South 14688, Jacksonville, L 7 Palm Beach County, Saint Marys Cove Road, Macclenny, Big Talbot Island State Park, Madison Highway 6461, Valdosta, Magnolia Avenue 138, East Palatka, Main Street 3772, Middleburg, Rock Island Road, Margate, Ezell Landing Boat Ramp, West Palm Vally Landing, Mcqueen Park Lane 630, Orlando, Lake Santa Fe Boat Ramp, Fl A1a St. Augustine, Tamiami Trail, Miami, L 67a Trail, Florida, L 29 Miami Dade County, Tamiami Trail, Florida, Puggy Road Alachua County, High Bluff Landing Road, Midway, Miller Landing Road 2735, Tallahassee, Eglin Air Force Base, Milton, Log Lake Road, Milton, Cotton Lake Road, Molino, Monte Carlo Trail 2000, Orlando, Florida 78, Moore Haven, Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail, Moore Haven, State Highway A1a Flagler Beach, Moss Park Road 11632 11672, Orlando, Mullet Lake Boat Ramp, Munson Highway 401 599, Milton, Munson Highway 5302, Milton, Museum Circle 901, Jacksonville, Mystic Springs Road 591, Mcdavid, Stan Blum Memorial Park, Nautilus Drive 2712, Avon Park, Nimitz Road 5201, Milton, North 1st Street 101, Palatka, North Combee Road 2701 3305, Lakeland, Goldendale Boat Ramp, North Lake Damon Road 2534 2540, Avon Park, North Lake Reedy Boulevard 1103, Frostproof, North Lakeshore Boulevard 769, Lake Wales, North Lakeshore Drive 101 173, Ocoee, North Lakeview Avenue 799, Winter Garden, North Orange Blossom Trail 4503, Orlando, North Rochelle Drive 500 560, Lake Alfred, North Snapper Creek Drive 9746 9788, Miami, North Socrum Loop Road 4920, Lakeland, Juno Road 2097, Palm Beach County, Northeast 132 Avenue 1488, Old Town, Northeast 134th Place 17800, Waldo, Northeast 140th Street 20740, Fort Mccoy, Colohatchee Boat Ramp, Northeast 245th Street Road 14526, Fort Mccoy, Northeast 453 Avenue 694, Old Town, Northeast Ivanhoe Boulevard 224 362, Orlando, Northeast River Park Road 1307, Lee, Northwest 130th Street 11670, Chiefland, Northwest 2nd Avenue 265, Lake Butler, Northwest 6th Street 7616, Bell, Northwest 8th Street 4281, Coconut Creek, Northwest Joe Red Shuler Road 7040, Bristol, Northwest Shore Drive 2100 2170, Avon Park, Oak Street 2582, Kissimmee, Oil Plant Road 5228 5234, Jay, Dyess Ditch Ramp Road, Okeechobee, Boat Ramp Okeechobee, Herbert Hoover Dike, Okeechobee, Indian Prairie, Okeechobee, Burt Reynolds Park West, Old County Road 78 363, Labelle, Old Ferry Road 2231, Green Cove Springs, Old Geneva Road 5502, Sanford, Ortega Farms Boulevard 4555, Jacksonville, Rodman Dam Road, Palatka, Palmo Fish Camp Road 8698, Saint Augustine, Peacock Bridge Road 5207 5229, Marianna, Dark Island Road, Perry, Pico Road 127, East Palatka, Dolores Drive, Pine Hills, Boat Launch And Park, Lake Placid, Marma, Port Saint Lucie, Portland Park Boat Ramp, Robert J. Strickland Memorial Park, Rodman Dam Road Putnam County, Quayside Circle 206, Maitland, Ramp Road 540, Cocoa Beach, Harborview Boat Ramp, Ridgeway Drive 2550 2598, Kissimmee, River Road 3458, Sneads, River Road 885, Zolfo Springs, Riverview Drive 216, Wewahitchka, Safety Harbor Marina, Roco County Road 16900, Tallahassee, Russell Harber Road 6080 6398, Milton, Morse Street, Safety Harbor, Dorm Drive, Saint Petersburg, San Juan Avenue 5434, Jacksonville, Sanchez Avenue 329, Ormond Beach, Ocean Pond Boat Ramp, Boat Ramp Road, Santa Rosa Beach, Miracle Strip Parkway Okaloosa County, Myakka State Park Road, Sarasota, Capewell Court, Sebastian, Lake Seminole Park, Seminole, Severn Avenue 801 1399, Tampa, Coffee Pot Bayou Park, Nfs 579 D, Silver Springs, Sneads Drive 96, Greenville, Lakeview Trail Jackson County, South 14th Street 1686, Leesburg, Florida Avenue, South Bay, South Binion Road 3002, Apopka, Cr 21b 3496, Bradford County, South Ferncreek Avenue 4892 5004, Orlando, South Lake Avenue 1085, Saint Cloud, South Lake Howard Drive 101, Winter Haven, South Lakemont Avenue 2088 2098, Winter Park, South Lakeshore Boulevard 109, Howey In The Hills, South Mason Creek Road 6875, Homosassa, South Riverhills Drive 329, Tampa, South Sanford Avenue 5999, Sanford, South Williams Street 12196, Dunnellon, Lake Rousseau Boat Ramp (Se 116th Ave), Southeast 16 Avenue 11813, Gainesville, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Historic Park Boat Ramp/Dock, Southeast 230 Avenue 119, Old Town, Southeast 5 Avenue 8060, Inglis, Southeast 95th Court 16298, Summerfield, Southeast 995th Street 29, Old Town, Southeast Boat Ramp Glen 120, Lake City, Southeast Creek 490 2312, Branford, Southeast Evergreen Drive 358, Lake City, Southeast Hawthorne Road 5906, Gainesville, Southeast River Street 15929, Blountstown, Southeast Veterans Memorial Parkway 2200, Port Saint Lucie, Hampton Lake Boat Ramp, Southwest 70th Street 8529, Trenton, Southwest 75th Avenue 14218, Starke, Southwest 7th Court 1509, Cape Coral, Southwest 80th Avenue 1039, Bell, Southwest 8th Street 29701, Miami, 39025 Sw 8th St, Florida, Southwest 90th Avenue 4301 4349, Bell, Southwest Baya Drive 578, Lake City, Southwest Citrus Boulevard 21479, Indiantown, Southwest Fishermans Wharf Drive 8863, Stuart, Southwest Reese Street 8644, Arcadia, Southwest Riverside Drive 8645, Arcadia, Southwest South River Drive 504, Stuart, Impact Road Clay County, State Highway 77a 4401 4523, Panama City, New River Greenway, Sunrise, Southeast County Road 349, Suwannee, Turtle Beach Public Boat Ramp, Taft Street 3108 3124, Hollywood, Memorial Blue Star Highway, Tallahassee, Teal Court 129, Royal Palm Beach, Thomas Boat Landing Road 39820, Umatilla, Thonotosassa Road 12090 12160, Thonotosassa, Townsend House Road 18620, Dade City |
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| Boat Ramp Finder | Florida Boat Ramp Finder provides descriptive information, maps, and photographs for hundreds of public boat ramps throughout Florida. |
What You'll Learn
Boat ramp locations in Florida
Florida has hundreds of public boat ramps, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has been building and improving access to boat ramps since the 1950s. Here is a list of some of the boat ramp locations in Florida:
Duval County, Jacksonville
- Alamacani Boat Ramp: Sand and soft ramp suitable for small boats, kayaks, jet skis and jon boats. No docks or fixed structures.
- Arlington Lions Club Park Boat Ramp: Access to the St. Johns River. Amenities include 2 boat ramps, 2 boat docks, 60 boat trailer parking spots, hand launch, parking for 40 cars, picnic tables, grills, benches, a children's playground and toilets.
- Arlington Road Boat Ramp: 2 launching lanes, courtesy docks, 13 boat trailer parking spots, security lighting, and trash barrel.
- Beach Boulevard Ramp: Only for small boats due to limited clearance. Amenities include boat ramp, 13 boat trailer parking spots, 3 car parking spots, and trash receptacles.
- Bert Maxwell Boat Ramp: On the banks of the Trout River. Amenities include 2 boat ramps, 3 boat docks, restrooms, 45 boat trailer parking spaces, 17 car parking spaces, pavilion, grills, picnic tables and benches.
- Big Talbot Island: Single wide launching lane, courtesy docks, paved parking for 30 and restrooms. There is a small fee to launch here.
- Browns Creek Hand Launch: No amenities. Be aware of high tides and parking issues.
- County Dock Road Boat Ramp: Not suitable for power boats. Hand launching of kayaks and canoes is allowed. Fishing pier on site.
- Curtis Lee Johnson Marina Park Boat Ramp: Single lane ramp, courtesy docks, parking for 16 boat trailers, small waterside picnic pavilion, trash receptacles and restrooms.
- Dinsmore Boat Ramp: 2 launching lanes, courtesy dock and parking for about 16 boat trailers. No restrooms.
- Fulton Road Landing Boat Ramp
- Harborview Public Boat Ramp
- Haulover Creek Hand Launch: No amenities.
- Hood Landing Public Boat Ramp: No amenities. Be careful where you park to avoid ticketing or towing.
- Intracoastal Boat Ramp: 2 wide launching lanes, courtesy dock, 37 trailer spots, 7 car spots, a couple of shaded tables near the water, and portable restrooms.
- Jim King Park Boat Ramp: 2 large boat ramps, 94 boat trailer parking spaces, 360 vehicles parking, wash down faucets for boats, loading and unloading docks, security lighting, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, trash barrels, fishing pier, playground, and kayak/canoe launching.
- Joe Carlucci Park Boat Ramp: Boat ramp, 24 boat trailer parking spaces, 5 picnic pavilions, picnic tables, grills, benches, drinking fountain, 50 car parking spots, trash receptacles and restrooms.
- John T. Lowe Boat Ramp: 4 boat ramps, courtesy docks, 43 boat trailer parking spaces, picnic pavilions and restrooms.
- Lonnie Wurn Boat Ramp: Boat ramp, 9 boat trailer parking spaces, picnic pavilion, picnic tables, benches, playground and trash receptacles.
- Mandarin Park Boat Ramp: Boat ramp, 45 boat trailer parking spaces, loading and unloading docks, hand launch for canoes/kayaks, restrooms, 3 pavilions, picnic tables, grills, trash receptacles, 17 benches, playground, shoreline fishing, fishing pier, 35 car parking spaces and restrooms.
- Mayport Boat Ramp: Great ocean access. 75 trailer parking spots. Picnic area, restrooms, 4 floating docks, 6 ramps, ADA accessible, open 24/7, swift currents and wakes from large ocean-going vessels.
- Oak Harbor Boat Ramp
- Palms Fish Camp Public Boat Ramp: Wide single lane ramp, courtesy dock, parking for 50+ boat trailers, easy St Johns River access and Port-O-Let.
- Ribault Club Hand Launch
- Simpson Creek Hand Launch
- Sisters Creek Hand Launch
- St John's River Marina Boat Ramp: 2 launching lanes, courtesy docks, restrooms, 15 trailer parking spaces, a pedestrian dock, nearby museums and planetarium. Be aware of shoaling, a steep drop-off, and currents.
- Timucuan Preserve Cedar Point Boat Ramp: Single launching lane, courtesy dock, parking for about 20 boat trailers, picnic table and restrooms. Be aware of a
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Boat ramp suitability for different boat types
Boat ramp suitability depends on several factors, including the type and size of the boat, site accessibility, water depth, and available amenities. Here are some considerations for different boat types:
Small Boats and Jet Skis
The Alamacani Boat Ramp in Jacksonville, Florida, is suitable for launching small boats, kayaks, and jet skis. It offers an unimproved soft sand ramp with no docks or fixed structures. However, there are no fees, and it provides access to the Fort George River.
Kayaks and Canoes
The County Dock Road Boat Ramp in Jacksonville is suitable for hand-launching kayaks and canoes. It has a fishing pier, but it is not suitable for powerboats due to limited amenities and parking.
Medium-Sized Boats
The Beach Boulevard Ramp, also known as Pottsburg Creek Boat Ramp, caters to small boats due to the limited clearance at the Beach Boulevard bridge. It offers a boat ramp, trailer and car parking spots, and trash receptacles.
Large Trailered Boats
When considering a ramp for larger trailered boats, factors such as water depth and ramp slope become crucial. The water depth at the end of the ramp should be at least three feet during mean low water, with four feet being more desirable. The slope of the ramp should be sharp enough to lower the boat without the trailer touching the water, typically in the range of 12% to 15%.
High-Capacity Marinas
High-capacity marinas often feature multi-lane ramps to facilitate faster launching and retrieval during peak hours. An example of a busy location is the Michael Scanlon Boat Ramp in Mayport, Florida, which has 75 trailer parking spots and is close to open water.
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Boat ramp amenities and facilities
Florida has a wide range of boat ramps with varying amenities and facilities. Here is a description of some of the boat ramps in Florida:
Alimicani Boat Ramp – This boat ramp in Duval County provides access to the Fort George River and has an unimproved soft sand ramp suitable for launching kayaks, jet skis, and jon boats. It is not ADA accessible, and there are no fees or fixed structures at the launching area. Strong currents and shifting shoals are common in this area.
Arlington Lions Club Boat Ramp – This boat ramp, also in Duval County, offers access to the St. Johns River. Amenities include two boat ramps, two boat docks, 60 boat trailer parking spots, a hand launch, parking for 40 cars, three picnic shelters, grills, picnic tables, benches, a children's playground, and toilets located up a small road before reaching the boat ramp. There is also a fishing pier on-site.
Beach Boulevard Boat Ramp – This boat ramp, located on .5 acres along Big Pottsburg Creek, offers a boat ramp, 13 boat trailer parking spots, three car parking spots, and trash receptacles. Due to limited clearance at the Beach Boulevard bridge, this ramp is only suitable for small boats.
Bert Maxwell Boat Ramp – Situated on the banks of the Trout River, this boat ramp features two boat ramps, three boat docks, restrooms, 45 boat trailer parking spaces, 17 car parking spaces, a pavilion, grills, picnic tables, and benches. There is also a fishing pier on-site.
Big Talbot Island Boat Ramp – The Sawpit Creek boat ramp on Big Talbot Island offers a single wide launching lane, courtesy docks, paved parking for 30 vehicles, and restrooms. There is a small fee to launch at this location.
Mandarin Park Boat Ramp – Comprising almost 37 acres, Mandarin Park offers a boat ramp, 45 boat trailer parking spaces, loading and unloading docks, a hand launch for canoes and kayaks, restrooms, three pavilions (reservable), picnic tables, grills, trash receptacles, 17 benches, a playground, shoreline fishing, a fishing pier, and 35 car parking spaces.
Waterway Park – This park in Jupiter, Florida, offers three concrete boat ramps, four 40' long floating staging docks, restrooms, a fishing pier, and a yacht basin with 170' linear feet of floating staging docks. Other amenities include canoe/kayak access and fishing pier.
Bert Winters Park – This small community park in Juno Beach, Florida, is located along the Intracoastal Waterway and offers two boat-launching ramps with docks, restroom facilities, a playground, tennis courts, baseball fields, and picnic areas. Water skiing and canoe/kayaking access are also available.
Burt Reynolds Park – Conveniently located just south of the Jupiter Inlet, Burt Reynolds Park's boat ramps are open 24/7. The park has two areas for launching boats: the "West" side for larger boats and the East side with ramps requiring clearance of the US1 bridge in either direction. Amenities include horseshoe pits, picnic areas with grills, shelters/pavilions, a playground, restrooms, a sand volleyball court, and a non-motorized vessel launching beach. The park is also home to the River Center.
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Boat ramp safety considerations
Boat ramp safety is paramount to ensure a smooth and accident-free experience for all involved. Here are some essential safety considerations to keep in mind when using a boat ramp:
Preparation
Before heading to the ramp, ensure your boat is ready for launch. This includes checking that you have enough fuel, all your equipment and safety gear are on board, and the boat is in good working condition. This preparation saves time and provides a smoother experience for everyone.
Mind the Line
Boat ramps can be busy, so be mindful of the line of boats waiting their turn. Have your boat ready to launch when it's your turn, and move out of the way as soon as possible after launching. However, don't rush, as this can be dangerous. Efficiency is key to ensuring a positive experience for all boaters.
Communication
Clear communication with your crew or helpers is vital for a smooth launch. Coordinate who does what, including parking the trailer and manoeuvring the boat once it's in the water. Good communication streamlines the process and avoids confusion.
Inspect the Ramp
Before backing your trailer into the water, take a moment to inspect the boat ramp for any hazards or obstacles that could cause issues. Look for rocks, debris, or slippery patches that might pose a problem when launching or retrieving your boat.
Be Aware of Tides and Currents
Understanding tides and currents is crucial for safety, especially in rivers or tidal areas. Check tide tables, current information, and weather details to make informed decisions and protect yourself from additional risks.
Safe Launching Techniques
When backing your trailer into the water, use smooth and controlled movements. Jerky or sudden movements can cause accidents or damage. If you need to correct your trajectory, do it slowly and carefully to maintain control.
Weather Conditions
Keep an eye on the weather as it can significantly impact ramp safety. High winds, rough waters, and heavy rain can make launching a boat more challenging. Check the forecast and adjust your plans if necessary. It's better to change or cancel plans than to launch in unsafe conditions.
Ramp Etiquette
Practising good ramp etiquette is essential for maintaining a safe and pleasant environment for all boaters. Be patient, courteous, and clean up after yourself. Don't block the ramp unnecessarily, and follow any posted rules and regulations. If everyone follows ramp etiquette, the boat ramp will be cleaner and more accessible.
Wildlife Awareness
Boat ramps are often close to natural habitats, so be mindful of the surrounding environment. Avoid disturbing or harming any animals or their habitats. Do not litter or allow any fuel or oil leaks from your boat, as these can damage the natural areas and wildlife.
Remember, safety is the top priority when using a boat ramp. Always follow the rules, wear appropriate safety gear, and avoid unnecessary risks. A safe boat launch is a successful one!
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Boat ramp closures and status updates
Boat ramps in Florida may be closed temporarily due to special events, weather conditions, or repairs. It is recommended to check with local authorities about the status of a boat ramp before visiting. While closures are not reported in real time, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission provides a Boat Ramp Finder with descriptive information, maps, and photographs for hundreds of public boat ramps in the state.
Duval County, Jacksonville:
- Alamacani Boat Ramp: 11080 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32226. GPS: 30° 25'12.72" N 81° 25'12.34" W. Unimproved soft sand ramp suitable for launching kayaks, jet skis, and jon boats. No fees or fixed structures.
- Arlington Lions Club Park Boat Ramp: 4322 Richard D. Gatlin Road, Jacksonville, FL 32277. GPS: 30° 22'41.67" N 81° 37'15.62" W. Amenities include 2 boat ramps, docks, 60 boat trailer parking spots, hand launch, and more.
- Arlington Road Boat Ramp: 5130 Arlington Road, Jacksonville, FL 32211. GPS: 30° 20'01.95" N 81° 36'43.44" W. Offers 2 launching lanes, courtesy docks, 13 boat trailer parking spots, security lighting, and more.
- Beach Boulevard Ramp: AKA Pottsburg Creek Boat Ramp, 8505 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32216. GPS: 30° 17'13.66" N 81° 34'11.02" W. Suitable for small boats due to limited clearance at the Beach Boulevard bridge.
- Bert Maxwell Boat Ramp: 500 Maxwell Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218. GPS: 30° 24'12.63" N 81° 39'49.34" W. Offers
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Frequently asked questions
Boat launches in Florida may be closed due to special events, weather conditions, or repairs. It is best to check with local authorities before visiting an unknown boat ramp.
There are many boat launches in Florida, including in Venice, Jacksonville, and Duval County.
Yes, there are some boat launches with special access for small boats. For example, the Beach Boulevard Ramp in Jacksonville is only for small boats due to limited clearance at the bridge.
