cattle point launch

[coopsie]

Hey guys i wanted to try oakbay for hali never launched from cattle point whats it like on a low tide i know its not very deep around there from what i hear.

 

[firelight]

its a good launch, there are two ramps also, I use the smaller one to the north.

 

[Dave S]

Hey guys i wanted to try oakbay for hali never launched from cattle point whats it like on a low tide i know its not very deep around there from what i hear.

It's not a fun launch for bigger boats or if the wind is on it. Nothing to tie off to.

 

[scott craven]

The main launch is manageable on a low tide, but if it's less than a 1ft.low you will drop off the concrete into a hole, just be careful.
the second launch has a shorter concrete ramp and flattens right out making it unusable on low tides.
as mentioned, not much to tie off to, better with 2 guys.

 

[NautiGirl]

If your boat is larger than about 18 ft or your tires don't grip to wet seaweed very well don't bother trying at dead low tide, as your trailer will drop down about 10inches off the bottom of the ramp into a patch of boulders. When the wind is blowing from the SW or W be careful for the rock on the E side of the ramp or you get blown into it unless your motor fires instantly and you can power straight out from the ramp. When the wind is blowing 15 from the S or SE it drives the waves straight into the stern of your boat and tosses you around some on the ramp and can hop the boat oddly on the trailer and crash waves into the stern when blowin hard. I always take a partner, have a long bowline and never put key fobs or cellphones in pants pockets because when the wind picks up I often need to jump in to make sure the boat get on the trailer straight. Obviously some trailer guides are on my list for loading on my own there. It's not locals only, but it can be frustrating and funny watching the newbies.

 

[NautiGirl]

I forgot to mention that I suspect there are some kayakers who regularly throw boulders onto the smaller north ramp down in the water, making it a pain in the butt for anyone trying to use it unless you are just dropping a kayak or dinghy there. Sometimes at low tide people clear up the boulders.

 

[firelight]

I guess I'm used to the ramps on Saltspring, or should say the beach, those Cattle point launches seemed like a cadillac to me, lol.

 

[NautiGirl]

When the weather turns and the summer-only boaters arrive to cattle point it can be a full on **** show, with wait times up to 45 minutes on weekends around dinner time, with boats stuck on the rocks, and people trying to load their boats but avoid getting their feet wet. Save a beer and watch the show while you wait, or avoid peak times.

 

[coopsie]

Ya thanks guys iv launched at island view beach lots not fun in the wind thanks for the info.