Boat Ramps In New Jersey: Open Or Closed?

New Jersey has a plethora of boat ramps available for public use. These ramps are spread across the state, with some being privately owned. The city of Ocean City, for example, maintains a public boat ramp at the end of Tennessee Avenue, with concrete ramps providing adequate depth at low tide. The city also offers parking and seasonal passes for the ramp. Other boat ramps in New Jersey include the Edison Boat Basin, the Hackensack River Public Boat Launch, and the Corbin City Boat Ramp.

Ocean City Municipal Ramp

The Ocean City Municipal Ramp is a public boat ramp located at the end of Tennessee Avenue in Ocean City, New Jersey. The ramp is concrete and provides adequate depth at low tide. There is also a parking lot adjacent to the ramp.

The Ocean City Municipal Ramp offers both daily and seasonal passes. In 2022, the seasonal pass cost $120 for the year, with a second pass costing $65 and a commercial pass costing $350. A weekly pass without reserved parking cost $70.

The office for the boat ramp is located at 2600 Bay Avenue, and this is also where boats on trailers can be parked overnight. Parking is limited to two weeks, and no commercial vehicles are permitted.

Concrete ramps for boats at low tide

Concrete boat ramps are used to launch small craft using trailers and tow vehicles. They require a sloping paved surface that goes from the level of the land at the top to a point below low tide that provides sufficient depth for the boat to be floated off the submerged trailer. The sloping surface is typically constructed using a mix of concrete elements, with in-situ concrete ground slabs used above the tidal levels, and precast slabs used in the wet portion.

Concrete boat ramps can be one of the most difficult marine concrete structures to construct. Except in very sheltered waters, the effects of waves and tidal variations must be considered. Where conditions permit, it may be possible to construct the boat ramp behind a cofferdam, but it is more common for construction to take place in the wet.

The construction of concrete boat ramps requires careful consideration of the following factors:

• Site selection: The type and size of boats to be launched, water depth, proximity to roads and other ramps, and siltation rates should all be considered when selecting a site for a concrete boat ramp.
• Permits: Various permits may be required, depending on the location and scope of the project.
• Design: The design of the site, ramp, and pier will impact construction and maintenance costs, as well as the usability of the facilities. It is important to ensure that the ramp, pier, turning radius, and parking area are adequate for the intended use.
• Construction methods: There are several methods for constructing concrete boat ramps, including casting-in-place, push method, and lifting and setting pre-cast concrete slabs. The choice of method depends on factors such as cost, ease of construction, and environmental impact.
• Materials: The quality of materials used is crucial for the durability of the boat ramp. Concrete strength, reinforcement, and proper workmanship are important considerations.

Boat Ramp Pass and fees

The City of Ocean City in New Jersey maintains a public boat ramp at the end of Tennessee Avenue. The boat ramp provides concrete ramps with adequate depth at low tide and an adjacent lot for parking. The boat ramp is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

The fees for the 2022 season, effective from June 1, 2022, are as follows:

• Weekly pass (without reserved parking): $70
• Yearly (season) pass: $120
• Second pass (season): $65
• Commercial (season) pass: $350

The boat ramp office is located at Tennessee Avenue Boat Ramp, Ocean City, NJ 08226. The operating hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through June 30, 2022.

To obtain a boat ramp pass, you need to complete the seasonal boat ramp application form and submit it with payment at the boat ramp office during operating hours.

In addition to the boat ramp pass, Ocean City also offers overnight parking for boats on trailers at the Ocean City Municipal Airport (2600 Bay Avenue). Stays are limited to two weeks, and no commercial vehicles are permitted. To obtain a parking permit, you need to complete the Parking Permit Form and return it to the provided email addresses.

It is always recommended to check ahead to find out if the boat ramps are open to the public or for private use only. This information can usually be found on the websites of the respective municipalities or boat ramp operators.

Boat Ramp office hours

Boat ramp offices in New Jersey have varying hours of operation, and these may change seasonally. It is always best to check ahead of time to confirm the hours of the specific boat ramp office you plan to visit.

For example, the Tennessee Avenue Boat Ramp office in Ocean City, New Jersey, was open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through June 30, 2022. This office also provided information on seasonal pass fees, including weekly, yearly, second pass, and commercial options.

Boat ramp passes and parking permits are often required for boat ramps in New Jersey, and these can typically be obtained during the listed office hours. In some cases, there may be an adjacent lot that provides parking for a fee.

Additionally, some boat ramp locations in New Jersey offer overnight parking for boats on trailers. For instance, the Ocean City Municipal Airport in Ocean City provides limited parking for boats on trailers, with stays restricted to a maximum of two weeks and no commercial vehicles permitted.

It is worth noting that boat ramp offices may also provide information on nearby launch locations, including public and private ramps, marinas, and other boating access points. These resources can be invaluable for boaters, ensuring they are aware of potential emergency locations should their boat need to be removed from the water unexpectedly.

Overnight parking for boats on trailers

Boat ramps in New Jersey are open to the public, but overnight parking for boats on trailers is a separate issue.

The Ocean City Municipal Airport in New Jersey provides limited parking for boats on trailers. Parking is restricted to two weeks, and no commercial vehicles are permitted at any time. To apply for a parking permit, you must complete the Parking Permit Form and return it to [email protected] and [email protected].

Regulations for Boat Parking

Regulations for boat parking vary from town to town, and it's important to check with local authorities before leaving your boat parked overnight. Some towns may allow boat trailers to be parked on the street for a certain number of hours, while others may prohibit overnight street parking for recreational vehicles altogether.

In the case of Sea Isle City, boat trailers can be parked legally as long as they are attached to their cars. However, in nearby Galloway Township, overnight street parking is not allowed for any recreational vehicles. It's important to be aware of the specific regulations in your area to avoid any fines or penalties.

Alternatives to Overnight Parking on Trailers

If you're looking for long-term storage for your boat, you may need to consider other options besides street parking. Public or municipal parking lots near marinas may offer loading and unloading facilities, but for long-term storage, you will likely need to pay for a designated space.

Another option is to keep your boat in your driveway or on your property, but this may be subject to the rules of your homeowners' association or local ordinances. Some towns may require you to keep your boat out of sight of neighbours or passersby, so it's important to check local regulations before leaving your boat in your driveway.

Frequently asked questions