Boat Launches Opening: When To Expect Access

Boat launches and ramps are an essential part of boating, providing access to a variety of waterways. While some boat launches are open year-round, others may have specific opening and closing times, or may be restricted to certain types of boats. For example, in Maine, there are numerous public boat ramps that offer access to ocean coves, inland lakes, and rivers. On the other hand, a user on a boating subreddit noted that many boat ramps in Lake Norman, NC, close at or around dusk, which could be due to safety concerns or to prevent gatherings that might disturb local residents.

Boat launch sites in Maine

Maine is home to hundreds of boat ramps, providing access to ocean coves, inland and mountain lakes, and rivers. Here is a list of some of the boat launch sites in Maine:

Mount Blue State Park / Webb Beach

Located at 299 Center Hill Rd, Weld, ME, this site offers fresh-water swimming and boating on Webb Lake. It has a boat launch and boat rentals available. Contact: 207-585-2347.

Range Pond State Park

Address: Plains Road and Maine Street, Poland Spring, ME, 04274. This park offers fresh water swimming and a boat launch that accommodates boats with motors up to 10 horsepower. Contact: 207-998-4104.

Colonial Pemaquid State Historic Site (Fort William Henry)

Address: 2 Colonial Pemaquid Drive, New Harbor, ME, 04554. This historic site from the early 1700s features an ancient fort, a museum, and a gift shop. Visitors can enjoy paddling, motor boating, fishing, and sea kayaking on the Pemaquid River. There is a trailered boat launch available. Contact: 207-677-2423.

Casco Bay (South Portland)

Address: Preble Street, South Portland, ME. This site offers trailer parking but no restrooms. It is managed by the City of Portland. For information, contact the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands at 207-287-4952.

Moosehead Lake, Lily Bay

Address: Dunn Point Road, Lily Bay State Park, Greenville, ME. This site offers trailered boat access and restrooms.

Kennebec River (Augusta)

Address: Arsenal Street, Augusta, ME. This site is a landing facility only, with no launching facilities or restrooms. It is managed by the Town of Augusta. For information, contact the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands at 207-287-4952.

Farm Coast Community Forest Water Access

Address: Grand Lake Stream Road, Princeton, ME. Phone: 207-796-2100. The Community Forest protects 71 miles of lakeshore and watershed. Boat landings are accessible by hand-carry or light trailer boat access, not suitable for heavy or deep-draft boats on trailers.

These are just a few examples of the many boat launch sites available in Maine. For a comprehensive list, please visit the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry website or contact the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands at 207-287-4952.

Texas boat safety laws

Boat launches may close at night due to safety concerns, a lack of lighting, and to prevent parties from taking place. However, it is important to note that boat launch operating hours can vary by location.

Now, here is an overview of Texas boat safety laws:

Texas has specific safety requirements for boats operating within its waters. These requirements vary depending on the type of boat, such as sailboats, kayaks, canoes, motorboats, and personal watercraft. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) outlines the mandatory safety equipment and regulations for boating in the state.

For non-motorized boats, such as sailboats, kayaks, canoes, rowboats, rubber rafts, and other boats without motors, Texas requires the following safety equipment:

• Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs): One for each person on board. Children under 13 years of age must wear a PFD while the vessel is underway, which means not anchored, made fast to the shore, or aground.
• Lights: A bright light must be displayed from sunset to sunrise to ensure visibility.

For motorized boats, the following safety equipment is required:

• Life Jackets: Personal flotation devices for each person on board. Children under 13 years of age must wear a Type I, II, or III PFD while the vessel is underway.
• Lights: US Coast Guard-approved red and green side lights and a white all-around light for visibility between sunset and sunrise.
• Sound-Producing Device: A whistle, bell, or horn capable of signalling intentions and position in periods of reduced visibility.
• Fire Extinguisher: A US Coast Guard-approved type B-1 marine-grade fire extinguisher is mandatory, except for outboard motorboats less than 26 feet long that meet specific criteria.
• Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is required for vessels using volatile liquid fuel to prevent the accumulation of explosive gases.
• Backfire Flame Arrestor: This is necessary for gasoline engines to prevent fire hazards.
• Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS): Motorboats operating at greater than headway speed must have an engine cut-off switch lanyard or wireless device attached to the operator.

In addition to the state requirements, federal regulations mandate additional safety equipment for coastal waters, including visual distress signals, alternative means of propulsion (such as paddles or oars), an anchor and anchor line, and a dewatering device.

It is important to note that operating a vessel without the required safety equipment is prohibited in Texas. TPWD and marine safety enforcement officers are authorised to perform vessel safety checks to ensure compliance and the safety of boat owners and passengers.

Boat launch timings in North Carolina

However, there are also boat launches in North Carolina that operate within specific hours or seasons. For example, the Poplar Boat Launch, which provides access to the Nolichucky River, is typically open from mid-May through the end of October but closes between the hours of 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM. The Long Point Boat Launch is open year-round, offering a shallow launch for boating and fishing, although it lacks amenities.

It is worth noting that some boat ramps in North Carolina tend to close around dusk or after dark. This timing may vary with the season, as one resident near Lake Norman, NC, observed that public boat ramps in the area seemed to close at or around dusk. The closing time of boat launches can also be influenced by factors such as lighting, safety concerns, and the potential for disturbances to nearby residents.

To obtain the most up-to-date and accurate information about boat launch timings in North Carolina, it is recommended to refer to official sources such as the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) or local government websites. These sources can provide details on specific boat launch locations, their operating hours, and any relevant regulations or restrictions. Additionally, boaters can utilise resources like the interactive Boating Access Area Map developed by the NCWRC to find public, free, and 24-hour boating access areas across the state.

Boat ramp closures at night

There are several other reasons why boat ramps may close at night. For instance, boat ramps that are not well-lit may pose a danger to visitors. Additionally, boat ramps may close at night to prevent gatherings and parties, which could potentially cause disturbances and attract crowds that are difficult for the police to patrol.

In some cases, boat ramps may remain open at night for specific groups, such as fishermen. However, closures may still occur to avoid disrupting local residents. It is important to check the specific rules and regulations for each boat ramp, as they can vary depending on the location and the managing authority.

Boat launch sites in Horry County, SC

Horry County, in South Carolina, offers a wide range of boat launch sites for visitors and residents alike. With a focus on providing a high quality of life for its citizens and visitors, Horry County maintains several boat landings and is also part of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) network, which provides additional boat ramp access points.

Horry County Boat Landings

Horry County's official website lists numerous boat landings across the region. These sites are scattered throughout the county, providing convenient access to various bodies of water. Here is a list of some of the boat landings in Horry County:

• Billy Witherspoon Landing (Savannah Bluff Landing): With two addresses, one on Waccamaw Drive and the other on Landing Road, both in Conway, this landing offers multiple access points to the water.
• Chris Anderson Landing: Located on Highway 9 in Longs, this landing provides a convenient entry point for boaters in the area.
• Danny Knight Landing (Red Bluff Landing): Found on Highway 31 in Longs, this landing is easily accessible for those in the vicinity.
• Intracoastal Waterway: This waterway offers multiple access points, including landings in Myrtle Beach and Conway.
• Galivants Ferry Landing: Serving the Galivants Ferry area, this landing is situated on Highway 501 West.
• Gunters Lake Landing: Boaters can access Gunters Lake through this landing on Gunters Lake Road in Galivants Ferry.
• Johnny Causey Landing: North Myrtle Beach residents and visitors can launch their boats from Little River Neck Road.
• Pee Dee River / Jordan Lake: With two separate addresses, one on River Road and the other on Pitch Landing Road, both in Conway, this landing provides diverse access to the Pee Dee River and Jordan Lake.
• Socastee Landing and Park: This landing, situated in Myrtle Beach on Peachtree Road, combines a boat launch site with a park, offering additional recreational opportunities.
• T. Craig Campbell Landing: Found on Morgan Avenue in Little River, this landing is part of the Intracoastal Waterway access points.

SCDNR Boat Ramps

In addition to the landings maintained by Horry County, the SCDNR provides a comprehensive list of boat ramps across South Carolina. Here are some of the ramps listed under Horry County:

• Billy Witherspoon Landing: Part of the Richard B Russell Lake reservoir, this landing is also recognised by the SCDNR as a boat ramp.
• Little Pee Dee River: The SCDNR lists multiple boat ramps along the Little Pee Dee River, which flows through Horry County.
• Intracoastal Waterway: The SCDNR also acknowledges the importance of the Intracoastal Waterway, listing several boat ramps along this route.
• Johnny Causey Boating Facility: The SCDNR lists this facility as a boat ramp on the Intracoastal Waterway, providing further access options for boaters.
• Jonesville Reservoir: With a boat ramp listed by the SCDNR, the Jonesville Reservoir offers another launching opportunity within Horry County.

Whether utilising the boat landings maintained by Horry County or taking advantage of the broader network of boat ramps listed by the SCDNR, residents and visitors of Horry County have a multitude of options for launching their boats and exploring the region's waterways.

Frequently asked questions