Boat Launch Docks: County Launches And Their Features

There are many boat launches across the United States that have docks. For example, in New York, there are boat launches in Putnam County that have docks. In New York, there are also boat launches with docks in Oswego County and Clinton County. In Connecticut, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection operates 117 boat launches, many of which have floating docks. In Door County, Wisconsin, there are several county parks with boat launches and docks, including George K. Pinney Park, Robert M. Carmody Park, and Lily Bay Boat Launch.

County permits for boat launches

County permits are required for boat launches at certain parks and locations. For instance, in Door County, a county permit is necessary for boat launches at George K. Pinney Park, Robert M. Carmody Park, Chaudoir's Dock Park, Forestville Dam Park, Frank E. Murphy Park, Lily Bay Boat Launch, and Sugar Creek Park. These permits are obtainable from the county parks department. It is important to note that marina boat launches do not typically require county permits, but fees may be applicable.

In Putnam County, New York, permits are required for boat launches at Clarence Fahnestock State Park, Foundry Dock Park, and Dockside Park within Hudson Highlands State Park. These permits can be obtained from the park manager.

Additionally, specific counties like Washington County, Pennsylvania, offer boat launch permits for its residents and non-residents. The permits can be obtained by contacting the Washington County Department of Parks and Recreation.

In Seattle, Washington, permits are required for anyone using a ramp lane at the seven motorized boat launches managed by Seattle Parks and Recreation. Single-day, overnight, and annual launch permits are available for purchase, with varying fees.

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania also offers launch permits for unpowered boats such as kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards. These permits can be purchased online or in person at authorised locations.

Dock installation and removal schedule

The installation and removal of docks at boat launches depend on various factors, including the location, weather conditions, and maintenance requirements. Below is an overview of the typical schedule for dock installation and removal, along with some specific examples from different counties:

Typical Schedule

The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) in New York typically installs docks at boat launches by late May and removes them in the fall after Columbus Day. However, this schedule can vary depending on water levels, weather, and ice conditions. Boaters are advised to contact the DEC's Regional Operations Offices for the most up-to-date information.

Connecticut

In Connecticut, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection makes a concerted effort to remove docks no earlier than November 15 and install them at sites by April 15. Similar to New York, these schedules are subject to change based on water levels, weather, and ice conditions. Most sites remain open for public use even if the dock is not installed.

Door County

Door County, Wisconsin, maintains a list of public boat launches, docks, and ramps. A county permit is required for boat launches at specific county parks, such as George K. Pinney Park, Robert M. Carmody Park, and Lily Bay Boat Launch. The county provides contact information for each location, including phone numbers, emails, and addresses, to facilitate easy access to the docks.

Putnam County, New York

Putnam County, New York, provides information on boat launch sites within the county. While it does not explicitly mention dock installation and removal schedules, it does indicate the presence of "accessible boarding docks" at some locations. Boaters can refer to the provided contact information to inquire about specific schedules.

Clinton County, New York

Clinton County, New York, offers a comprehensive list of boat launch sites, including information on invasive species present at each location. While the county does not specify a dock installation and removal schedule, it provides detailed directions and contact information for each site, allowing boaters to inquire about specific dock-related details.

Oswego County, New York

Oswego County, New York, provides a list of boat launch sites with details about invasive species and parking capacities. Similar to Clinton County, it does not explicitly mention a dock installation and removal schedule but offers contact information for each site, enabling boaters to obtain up-to-date information on dock availability.

Boat launch types

Boat launches are sites that allow visitors to launch their boats into a lake, river, or ocean. They are typically found in counties with large water bodies and provide access to the water for boats of various sizes. There are different types of boat launches, each with its own unique features and requirements.

One type of boat launch is a "hard surface launch", which is a float-off and float-on launching site for most trailered boats. These sites have a hard surface, such as concrete, steel, or stone, that forms a ramp from the land into the water. This allows boats to be easily moved between the land and the water. Hard surface launches are commonly found in marinas and are suitable for a wide range of boats.

Another type is the "unimproved trailer launch". These launches do not have float-off or float-on capabilities for trailered boats. Instead, they accommodate the approach to the water's edge of small and light trailered boats, which can then be pushed on or off the trailer. Unimproved trailer launches are usually found in shallow areas and may have natural surfaces such as gravel or sand.

A third type of boat launch is the "hand launch". As the name suggests, these launches do not have trailer capacity, and boats must be hand-carried to the water. Hand launches are typically found in more remote or rugged areas where it is not feasible to construct a ramp or improved launch site.

In addition to these, there are also "accessible launches" that are designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities. These launches have features such as accessible parking, bathrooms, and informational kiosks. Some accessible launches may also have boarding docks that can be reached by individuals using wheelchairs or other assistive devices.

Each type of boat launch has its own set of requirements and permits that must be obtained before use. It is important for boaters to familiarise themselves with the regulations and restrictions of each launch type to ensure safe and legal access to the water.

Boat launch permits and fees

Permits and fees are required for boat launches in many places. The requirements and costs of these permits vary depending on the location and type of launch.

In Seattle, for example, Seattle Parks and Recreation manages seven motorized boat launches, and a permit is required for anyone using a ramp lane, regardless of parking location. Single-day launch permits are available for $12, and annual permits cost $150. In addition, there is an option to purchase an overnight permit for $12 per night, for up to four nights.

In New York, boat launch permits are required for certain parks in Putnam County, such as Clarence Fahnestock State Park and Foundry Dock Park. These permits can be obtained from the park manager.

Similarly, in Door County, a county permit is necessary for boat launches at specific county parks, including George K. Pinney Park, Robert M. Carmody Park, and Lily Bay Boat Launch. On the other hand, marina boat launches in Door County do not require a county permit, but fees may still apply.

The Chickasaw National Recreation Area in Oklahoma also offers annual boat launch permits for $30, which are valid for unlimited launches at all Lake of the Arbuckle boat ramps for a calendar year. Senior citizens and Access Pass cardholders are eligible for a half-price discount on these permits.

Boat launch sites in New York

New York has more than 5 million acres, 7,000 lakes and streams, and 52,000 miles of rivers and streams to explore by boat. The New York State Boat Launching Sites directory provides a comprehensive list of boating ramps and launches across the state, including driving directions and parking capacity for each site.

In Putnam County, for example, there are several boat launch sites available. These include Clarence Fahnestock State Park, which allows only electric motors and requires a permit from the park manager; Foundry Dock Park, which has a 20 hp limit and requires a permit for trailer launching; and Dockside Park within Hudson Highlands State Park, which has no horsepower limit listed but also requires a permit for trailer launching.

The DEC also provides information on the installation and removal schedule for boarding docks at boat launch sites. Typically, docks are installed by late May and removed in the fall after Columbus Day, but this schedule can change depending on water levels, weather, and ice conditions.

Frequently asked questions