Unioin Bay Launch ??

[Islandgirl]

This is now the closest ramp to my boat's new home.
Just wondering if there are any tides that would make the ramp unusable?
I would imagine an extreme low for sure, but how low would that have to be?

I really don't want to have to dunk the truck, the old thing has enought rust.

Any contact info about who or where to buy a launch pass from?

I did a search on the forum and didn't come up with anything.

 

[eaglemaniac]

Any tide below 5ft. can be tricky, depending on your boat size. The only drawback to that ramp is you are launching or landing from the tide flats rather then a cement ramp. Not the greatest for your vehicles undercarriage. There is a small cement ramp when the tides are higher but generally your launching from the flats. Launch fees are $30.00 per season starting in March or April and stickers can be purchased at the Union Bay store. eman

 

[eaglemaniac]

I should have mentioned that there is quite a deep drop-off that runs parallel to the breakwater that makes launching a lot easier. It is dredged when required. eman

 

[Islandgirl]

Thanks LP and EM

Kinda what I thought. Need 5 + feet to be safe for off and on.

The dredged channel that you were mentioning EM, when would it be best to use that?

 

[Cuba Libre]

Caroline, even though its beach ramp I like it. I can launch my Alumaweld at a 3 ft tide, a person just has to know "where" The dredged channel runs down beside the breakwater. At most tides, except the very high tides, ignore the concrete ramp. Back your boat down on the gravel and then swing the boat hard to the right (south) into the water. Its a fairly steep drop off and you do not have to get your tires wet. On a lower tide, do NOT try to launch at the end of the gravel. Its a shallow slope and you will have to drown your truck to get the boat in deep enough to float off the trailer.

Once you have watched a couple of launches, it will become clear on the best angle to approach the ramp. Any questions, just drop me a line.
Cheers
Bryan

 

[Fish Assassin]

I agree with Cuba Libre's post 100%.

One just needs to know how to launch a boat....Maybe someone needs to offer a vallet lauching service to help people like Lorne launch thier boats....

 

[Islandgirl]

Caroline, even though its beach ramp I like it. I can launch my Alumaweld at a 3 ft tide, a person just has to know "where" The dredged channel runs down beside the breakwater. At most tides, except the very high tides, ignore the concrete ramp. Back your boat down on the gravel and then swing the boat hard to the right (south) into the water. Its a fairly steep drop off and you do not have to get your tires wet. On a lower tide, do NOT try to launch at the end of the gravel. Its a shallow slope and you will have to drown your truck to get the boat in deep enough to float off the trailer.

Once you have watched a couple of launches, it will become clear on the best angle to approach the ramp. Any questions, just drop me a line.
Cheers
Bryan

Thanks Bryan,

I need to get there at low tide and see the channel, I undertand what you mean about dropping the boat off the side.

 

[lorneparker1]

I'n pretty sure I know how to launch a boat pal! I had no clue there was dredge along the breakwall. I've always went straight off the gravel. Maybe you can show me how to launch my boat off the gravel in a low tide since you are so good? However, now knowing there is a dredged out section, I'm sure its easy! Lorne

 

[Fish Assassin]

Sure I can show you Lorne... It's not rocket science.

I will only go in as far as your front bumper.

 

[eaglemaniac]

Hey Caroline: Your next good opportunity to check out the ramp at a lower tide during daylight hours will be Feb. 11th to the 14th. from 2.30 to 5.30 app. If I can help, let me know. eman

 

[Islandgirl]

Thanks EM and CL for the tips. It was high tides today but the concrete was very, very slippery.
Maybe signs of a winter that has stayed too long?

I elected to launch south and into the trench. The trench worked great.
Thanks Guys . ..without this forum and members that share info I would never had known!