Boat Ramps: County Access Open Or Closed?

Boat ramps are usually open to the public, but closures can occur due to repairs, weather conditions, or special events. Before visiting a boat ramp, it is advisable to check its status with local authorities to avoid any inconvenience. Some boat ramps may also have specific operating hours or require permits or fees for usage. It is important to be aware of any potential closures or restrictions before planning a trip that involves using a boat ramp.

Boat ramp locations

Alsdorf Park Boat Ramp (AKA 14th Street Ramp): Offers a single wide launching lane, parking for about 108 vehicles with trailers, and restrooms.

Colohatchee Park and Boat Ramp: Features a single-lane boat ramp, courtesy dock, 7 boat trailer parking spaces, and restrooms. The park also has a dog park, picnic pavilion, and an elevated walkway through a Mangrove preserve.

Cooley's Landing Park Boat Ramp: Located on 3 acres, offering 3 separate ramps, courtesy docks, 22 marked spots for trailer parking, and restrooms. Parking fees are payable via a kiosk system.

Cox's Landing 15th Street Boat Ramp: Southeast 15th Street boat ramp area in Fort Lauderdale offers 4 launching lanes, 63 spaces, courtesy docks, picnic tables, a fish-cleaning station, and restrooms.

George English Park Boat Ramp: George English Park boat ramp sits on 19.7 acres along a Middle River alcove. It offers an easy access point to the Intracoastal Waterway and a 2-lane launching ramp, courtesy docks, 68 boat trailer parking spaces, picnic tables, a playground, pavilion, sport fields, and restrooms.

Griffin Marine Park Boat Ramp: This boat ramp, operated by The City of Dania Beach, offers 2 launching lanes, courtesy docks, and paved parking for 10 boat trailers. There are no restrooms at this location.

Harbor Town Marina: Features 4 separate launching lanes, courtesy docks, 67 trailer parking spaces, rinsing showers, a fish-cleaning table, fuel dock, bait, and restrooms.

Holland Park Boat Ramp: Usually opens at 6:00 AM on weekends and holidays, offering 3 launching lanes, 30+ trailer parking spaces, courtesy docks, a picnic pavilion, grill, and restrooms. A parking fee is payable at the kiosk.

Hollywood Marina Boat Ramp: The Hollywood Marina boat ramp offers 4 launching lanes, about 38 boat trailer parking spaces, courtesy docks, fuel during normal business hours, and restrooms. A parking fee is charged at the lot across the street.

Island City Park Preserve: Located along the North Fork of the Middle River, Island City Preserve offers a hand launch, fishing pier along the shore, 3 pavilions, a playground, and restrooms.

John U. Lloyd State Park Boat Ramp: Features a 2-lane launching ramp, courtesy docks, about 100 boat trailer parking spaces, 300 individual picnic tables, 7 pavilions, rinsing showers, a playground, and restrooms. Other activities include beach access, swimming, sunbathing, snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, and wildlife viewing.

Oakland Park Boat Ramp: This boat ramp is convenient to Lazy Lake, Oakland Park, and Fort Lauderdale. It offers a single launching lane ramp with a courtesy dock along the North Fork of the Middle River. The park has a couple of picnic tables, but no restrooms, and parking is limited.

Pioneer Park and Boat Ramp: The Pioneer Park boat ramp along the Hillsboro Canal offers 3 launching lanes, courtesy docks, 21 boat trailer parking spaces, a playground, and restrooms. Parking fees apply at this park, and there is also a fishing dock on site.

Richardson Historic Park & Nature Preserve: This park sits on 5.4 acres and offers a river boardwalk, boat dock, hand launch area, observation pier, pavilion area, nature trails, and restrooms.

Riverland Woods Park Boat Ramp: Riverland Woods Park offers a single-lane ramp, courtesy docks, 8 paved boat trailer spaces, and a playground.

Rotary Park Boat Ramp: This boat ramp is for small boats only, mainly due to bridge clearances. It offers a single launching lane, courtesy dock, and about 5 parking spaces. There are no restrooms at this facility.

Snook Creek Boat Ramp: The Snook Creek boat ramp offers a single launching lane, courtesy dock, small covered pavilion, and very limited parking. No restrooms are available at this location.

Boat ramp status

Florida:

In Florida, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's Boat Ramp Finder provides descriptive information, maps, and photographs for hundreds of public boat ramps across the state. Most sites are open 24 hours a day, and some may charge parking fees. Here are some specific locations:

• Broward County: Boat ramps are available in various cities, including Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, and Deerfield Beach.
• Duval County: Jacksonville, Florida, offers several boat ramps with various amenities, such as launching lanes, docks, parking spots, and restrooms.

Maryland:

Anne Arundel County in Maryland has three paved boat ramp sites intended for use by trailer-mounted boats:

• Discovery Village
• Fort Smallwood Park
• Solleys Cove Park

Other Considerations:

When checking boat ramp status, it is important to be aware of potential temporary closures due to special events, weather conditions, or needed repairs. Additionally, some boat ramps may have specific restrictions or requirements, such as only allowing small boats due to bridge clearances. It is always advisable to check the latest information before planning a trip to a boat ramp.

Boat ramp suitability for different boat types

When selecting a boat ramp, it is important to consider the type and size of your boat. A ramp designed for a canoe or car-top boat in shallow water will be very different from one designed for launching larger trailered boats in tidal waters.

For instance, the slope of the ramp is an important factor. It should be steep enough to lower boats into the water without the boat trailer touching the water, but not so steep that the towing vehicle risks slipping into the water. A good guideline to follow is a slope of 12-15%. The width of the ramp should also allow for a boat trailer and a vehicle to fit on it simultaneously, with a few extra feet of space on each side for maximum manoeuvrability.

The material of the ramp is another consideration. Concrete ramps are the most common type and offer a smooth and sturdy surface. However, regular concrete is not suitable for constant exposure to water, and concrete ramps must be regularly resealed to avoid water intrusion. Wood is a relatively inexpensive and easy-to-work-with option, but it is vulnerable to rot and decay and requires regular maintenance. Steel is resilient and abrasion-resistant but can be challenging to install and must be galvanised or treated to prevent corrosion. Gravel is a less expensive option, but it can shift and create an unstable surface. For their strength and durability, aluminium ramps are becoming increasingly popular, although the cost is often considered a significant drawback.

In addition to the design and materials of the ramp, other factors to consider when selecting a boat ramp include location, accessibility, size and capacity, amenities, fees, and regulations.

Amenities at boat ramps

• Parking: Some ramps offer dedicated parking spaces for vehicles and trailers, while others may have more limited parking options.
• Ramps: The number and type of ramps can vary. Some locations have a single lane, while others offer multiple lanes for faster launching during peak times.
• Docks: Many boat ramps provide courtesy docks to assist with launching and retrieval.
• Restrooms: Not all boat ramps have restrooms, so it's worth checking in advance if this is an important amenity for you.
• Cleaning facilities: A few boat ramps offer cleaning stations or fish-cleaning tables, which can be useful if you plan on fishing.
• Bait and tackle shops: A small number of boat ramps have on-site bait and tackle shops, but these are not common.
• Fuel: At a few locations, fuel is available during normal business hours, and some also offer a fuel dock.
• Picnic areas: Some boat ramps provide picnic tables, pavilions, and grills, making them great spots for a meal with a view.
• Playgrounds: A few boat ramps cater to families with children by offering playgrounds and other recreational facilities.
• Other amenities: Depending on the location, you might also find hiking trails, fishing piers, sports fields, or even a dog park.

In addition to these on-site amenities, some boat ramps may also provide online resources, such as real-time availability updates and reservation systems. It's always a good idea to check the amenities offered by a boat ramp before your visit, especially if you require specific facilities or services.

Boat ramp maintenance and repairs

Regular Maintenance

• Monitoring and maintenance: Regularly inspect boat ramps for any signs of damage, wear and tear, or safety hazards. This can be done by trained staff or volunteers who can identify potential issues and ensure the ramp is in good condition.
• Preventative measures: Implement measures to prevent damage caused by power loading, such as signs and information campaigns to educate boaters about the hazards of power loading. Power loading can create hazardous conditions and lead to expensive and time-consuming repairs.
• Cleanliness and invasive species control: Encourage boaters to clean, drain, and dry their boats when transporting them between lakes or waterways. This helps prevent the spread of invasive species and reduces the risk of environmental damage.

Repairs and Renovations

• Planning and timing: Boat ramp repairs or renovations should be planned to minimise disruption to boaters. This may include choosing off-peak seasons or coordinating with local authorities to avoid conflicts with special events or weather conditions.
• Safe and dry work environment: Creating a dry work environment is crucial for efficient and safe boat ramp repairs or installations. This can be achieved using temporary water-inflated barriers or cofferdams to de-water the work site.
• Professional assistance: For major repairs or renovations, engage experienced professionals who have the necessary equipment and expertise. This may include the use of barges, excavators, concrete saws, and hydraulic hammers for efficient and effective removal and installation of ramp sections.
• Funding and grants: In some cases, funding may be available through government grants or user-pays programs to support boat ramp repairs and improvements. For example, the Sport Fish Restoration - Boat Access Program in Florida uses taxes on fishing tackle and motor fuels to fund boat ramp construction and repairs.

By following these practices and working closely with local authorities, boating communities, and professionals, boat ramp maintenance and repairs can be effectively managed, ensuring safe and enjoyable boating experiences for all users.

Frequently asked questions