Exploring Public Boat Docks: Availability And Accessibility

There are public boat docks available, but they are few and far between. In the US, Portland Parks & Recreation manages several public docks and two boat ramps in the City of Portland. In New York, there are publicly available boat launches or ramps by county. In Virginia, there are public boating access sites, although some may be closed due to storm damage. In Lake Como, there are a couple of public docks, but these are only for dropping off or picking up people.

Public boat docks in Virginia

Virginia offers over 3,000 miles of coastline, with countless views and breathtaking sites along the many inlets and coves that flow into the Chesapeake Bay. The state holds a great deal of nautical history, which dates back to the founding of the United States. The Potomac River leads boaters from the Bay up to Washington DC, and the Delmarva Peninsula, the most eastern point of the state, offers beautiful waterways and attracts boaters of all kinds with its many fishing ports and harbors.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (VDWR) maintains a public boating access database, which includes a list of boat ramps suitable for motorized vessels located within 10 kilometers of the shoreline or the region's major estuaries (Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay, and Long Island Sound). The VDWR also provides a mapping tool to help users find additional boat ramps located further inland and soft launch sites suitable for non-motorized boats.

Due to recent flood events, some DWR boating access sites may be closed or inaccessible. Water levels and flow rates are extremely high in rivers throughout Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) Regions 2, 3, and 4. Staff is currently working to evaluate sites and restore access as conditions allow.

• Mint Springs Valley Park
• Elkhorn Lake Recreation Area
• Sherando Lake Recreation Area
• Smith Mountain Lake State Park
• Elizabeth River Park
• Beer Creek Lake State Park
• Cranesnest Launch Ramp
• Cape Charles Landing
• Shenandoah Riverside
• Sandy River Reservoir
• Leesylvania State Park
• Ancarrow’s Landing
• Hungry Mother State Park
• General Vaughn Bridge
• Whitetop Laurel Creek
• Chandler’s Mill Pond

Boat docks in New York

New York City has plenty of locations to dock your boat. DockNYC manages NYC's berthing availability and streamlines the permitting and licensing process, making it simple to find the perfect berth for your vessel. DockNYC sites provide direct access to countless destinations in the city, whether you're interested in world-class Midtown restaurants, West Side galleries, historic Downtown architecture, or Brooklyn's waterfront neighbourhoods.

There are more than 180 marinas across New York, and pricing starts at just $1.50/foot for dockage and $2/ft for moorings.

• West 79th Street Boat Basin: Located in Riverside Park at West 79th Street and the Hudson River.
• Inwood Hill Park: At the west end of Dyckman Street and the Hudson River.
• Brooklyn Bridge Park Community Eco Dock: Located in Brooklyn Bridge Park, this dock offers free walk-up public kayaking.
• Gantry Plaza State Park Community Eco Dock: A low-freeboard floating dock in a small cove, open to human-powered boating through Alliance Partner boathouses under a permit.
• Bay Ridge Community Eco Dock: Currently closed for gangway repairs, this dock serves as a community access point for historic and educational ships, human-powered boats, and hands-on educational activities.
• American Veterans Memorial Pier: Also known as the 69th Street Pier, this dock in Brooklyn serves as a community access point for historic and educational ships, human-powered boats, and hands-on educational activities.
• Chelsea Piers: One of the best-located marinas in NYC, from where you can visit the driving range, bowling lane, and the nearby waterfront restaurant The Frying Pan.

Boat docks in Lake Como

Lake Como, situated at the base of the Italian Alps, is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Surrounded by majestic villas and awe-inspiring mountains, it has been a popular vacation retreat since Roman times. With its crystal-clear, blue-green waters, Lake Como is the perfect destination for boating enthusiasts.

There are several options for docking your boat on Lake Como. Almost every village on the lake has its own historical small harbour. These public harbours, administered by local authorities, offer cheap berths, but they can be challenging to obtain. Additionally, there are a few marinas available, but they tend to be more expensive. One marina user noted that there are pleasure boat docks right in front of the centre of Como, but they may be costly for larger boats.

When docking in Lake Como, it is essential to have all the necessary paperwork for your boat. The locals are known to be friendly and welcoming, but they can also be strict about the rules. It is forbidden to park boats on public piers in Bellagio, Menaggio, and other towns for safety reasons. However, you can dock at restaurants with private piers for lunch and at the public pier on Comacina Island.

If you're looking for a unique experience, companies like Varenna Rent a Boat offer boat rentals on Lake Como. You don't need a boat license to operate their boats, and they provide maps and recommended routes. They also allow pets on board and offer sun protection with a Bimini top.

Boat docks in Portland

Portland, Oregon, is home to several public boat docks and ramps, managed by the Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) department. Here is a list of boat docks and relevant information in Portland, Oregon:

Willamette Park Boat Ramp and Dock

This boat ramp and dock is open from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and requires payment for parking. It allows active boat loading and unloading only, with a one-hour maximum on wings. No overnight parking or moorage is permitted.

Cathedral Park Boat Ramp and Dock

The boat ramp and dock at Cathedral Park are open from 5:00 a.m. to midnight. Similar to Willamette Park, this location only permits active boat loading and unloading with a one-hour limit, and no overnight parking or moorage.

Sellwood Riverfront Dock & Hand Watercraft Launch

The Sellwood Riverfront Dock is open from 5:00 a.m. to midnight and allows a maximum moorage of two hours. No overnight parking or moorage is allowed at this location.

Gov Tom McCall Waterfront Park North and South Breakwater Docks

These docks are open from 5:00 a.m. to midnight and require payment for usage. There is no on-site parking available. Overnight moorage can be arranged with proper payment or a permit. To reserve dock space for large vessels, contact PP&R Customer Service.

Holman Dock & Hand Watercraft Launch

This dock, located south of the Hawthorne Bridge on the Eastbank Esplanade, is for non-motorized watercraft only. It is open from 5:00 a.m. to midnight and only permits active loading and unloading. No overnight moorage is allowed.

Kevin Duckworth Dock at Eastbank Esplanade

The Kevin Duckworth Dock is open from 5:00 a.m. to midnight and allows a maximum moorage of eight hours. No overnight moorage is permitted, and active loading and unloading are only allowed in designated areas. The dock may also be used for swim access.

In addition to the above options, there are several other locations in Portland that offer boat docking facilities. These include:

Riverplace Marina

Riverplace Marina is a premier downtown marina located on the Willamette River. It offers convenient docking options and proximity to waterfront events. They provide a range of amenities, including paddleboard and kayak storage, electronic security gates, 24-hour security patrol, restrooms, and showers on the docks.

M. James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp

The M. James Gleason Memorial Boat Ramp is a public launch on the Columbia River, just minutes from downtown Portland.

Chinook Landing Marine Park

Chinook Landing, located on the Columbia River, features six launching lanes, making it one of Oregon's largest public boating facilities.

Transient Docks at River Place Marina

Located on the west side upstream of the Hawthorne Bridge, these transient docks offer a convenient place to tie up and access nearby restaurants.

East Bank Esplanade

The East Bank Esplanade, between the Burnside and Steel Bridges, provides a place to tie up boats.

Boat dock costs

The cost of building a boat dock also depends on the type of waterbody and the local climate. For example, waterbodies that freeze in winter require a removable dock installation, which can be more expensive. Additionally, the depth of the water and the condition of the bottom surface can impact the cost. Shallow water allows for easier installation of a permanent dock, while deep water and frequently changing water levels may require a floating dock. Firm sand or rocky conditions can also affect the installation process and overall cost.

Other factors that can influence the cost of a boat dock include the size of the dock, the type of materials used, and any additional features or accessories such as boat lifts, ramps, bumpers, and ladders. Boat dock repairs can also add to the overall cost, with minor to moderate damage repairs ranging from $100 to $2,000.

When considering the cost of a boat dock, it is important to keep in mind that labour costs can account for nearly half of the total expense. Electricians may charge $50 to $130 per hour to run electrical wires for lighting or mooring mechanisms. Additionally, permits from local, state, or federal agencies may be required, incurring additional costs.

Overall, the cost of a boat dock can vary significantly depending on various factors, and it is always a good idea to get multiple estimates from professional boat dock builders before making a decision.

Frequently asked questions