How to Find a Good Launch Ramp While Traveling

P

peterbrownell

New member
Has anyone found a good source (website, cruising guide, etc) which will help us find a suitable launch ramp when we want to visit an area.

We're planning on traveling with our new Tomcat 255 over the the next few years and plan on launching and exploring in several areas (Montreal, Ottawa, Erie Canal, Maryland, Long Island Sound, etc.)

Was just wondering if there was a good cruising guide which listed launch ramps.

Have a happy and safe New Year all!!

Best - Peter & Linda
 
This site gives you a lot of ramps http://www.coastaltravelguide.com/Flori ... tRamps.htm

Florida has a site that list all their ramps but I can't seem to find it at the moment. Active Captain lists some but you have to dig them out they don't have a special icon. When I find the florida listing i'll post it. That might be a good thread to start with those from different parts of the country listing the ramps they are familiar with and maybe local information about parking, security, condition of ramp etc.
 
The state of Maryland has county maintained ramps. They are usually good quality. The challenge to using these ramps is obtaining a county ramp permit as each county issues their own. Permits can be ordered via snail mail from the various counties or purchased at local retail outlets. It is best to research where to purchase permits for each county as the retail outlets are sometimes not on the most well traveled path. The following link will help you find county maintained ramps in Maryland:

http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/boatramps.asp

I have used many of the Maryland County ramps and would be glad to share what I know of them. Also, many marinas in Maryland/ Virginia operate ramps for a daily launch fee. These are more difficult to identify and charge by the day; so a three day trip equates to three launch fees. I've had some success negotiating with owner/operators on the fees. Cruising guides can help you find private marinas with ramps.

Happy Boating in '10
Mike "Levity"
 
I second Bill's Active Captain choice. We have all of Skipper Bob's books, and even though they are now maintained by the Waterway Guide people, they do not list all of the ramps and leave a lot of detail out. The Water Way Guides also have some of the ramps--but again, not all of the information you need.
 
Many Maryland State Parks have launch ramps. Most are well maintained with good parking a are a good place to leave your rig. Just be sure to leave a note in the payment box about your return date. We have never been charged for several days of parking.
 
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