Launch from the beach?

[TBarCYa]

So far, I've only ever launched from paved ramps all of which close around 830pm. Tomorrow, I want to be on the boat for the fireworks so I need to be out later and the only local place that doesn't close is a beach that people use for launching. I walked on it yesterday and it felt firm and it's stones and not sand. My concern is that I won't be able to get the boat out because of a lack of traction even tho my Ram has 4wd.

I've seen people launch jetskis there but I'm a bit skeptical about trying to retrieve my boat there. Any suggestions?

 

[Kev144]

Re: Launch from the beach?

I can't see a problem with a smaller boat. If you were in like the 22ft + area, maybe. If its stones, you shouldn't have as hard of a time if it were sand. I've launced a boat in sand with a 2000 S10 xtreme. Which is a small 2wd, lowered and only has a 4.3L V6 on sand. But the boat is only a small 18ft Charger that weights nothing!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Launch from the beach?

unless it is a steep drop off. it sounds like bottom damage to me. in our area, the launches are closed to anyone not launching or retrieving. we can use the launch anytime. but lolly gaggers must leave.

 

[TBarCYa]

Re: Launch from the beach?

Kev, this is an 18 footer but with an i/o and weighs in about 2000lbs without the trailer. I'm thinking that I might go out and try driving the Ram on it today to see how it is before attempting a launch. Yesterday I just walked it because there's a huge puddle at the entrance and I didn't want to take a chance.

TD, I will check on the drop but you're right, launching onto a stony bottom is asking for damage not to mention that it's not going to be easy to get people onboard either. I spoke with a police officer about it yesterday and it's basically a public area so I can launch, park and retrieve or even just loiter if I want. This makes me a little more uneasy about it because you never know who will be using the area while my truck and trailer are parked there.

I just called the recreation department that covers the big ramp I normally use and they are keeping it open until 11pm so I should be in good shape for the fireworks. I may also take a drive down there just in case I want to use it in the future.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Launch from the beach?

you boat drafts a lot of water in the stern, when the boat is at rest. i think you will be sitting high and dry, once off the trailer, or up the the doors in water, or the tow vehicle.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Launch from the beach?

This is common for the launches I use, river or lake, the launch just a place you can actually get close to the water.

Just try it, in my area there are frequently people with 2wd trucks that get stuck slightly and need to be pulled out, but rarely a 4wd. I haven't seen your spot, but if others use it there should be someone to help you if you run into a problem on a busy day like this.

During the day back it in and out a couple of times to see if you will be comfortable doing later in the evening.

 

[QC]

Re: Launch from the beach?

I have launched I/Os similar to yours from the beach before. Yes, long shallow ramps and/or beaches are both a problem. Definitely do NOT try it with people in the boat as that will require a deeper launch and retrieve . . .

 

[TBarCYa]

Re: Launch from the beach?

I think I'm going to launch from the concrete ramp tomorrow since it's staying open late and I'll try to watch people at the 'beach' and see what kind of boats go in and out there.

Thanks.

 

[RyanSS]

Re: Launch from the beach?

are there lights at this beach? Loading up in the dark can be a different animal than at a lit dock/ramp.

 

[reelfishin]

Re: Launch from the beach?

Think of it this way, if it don't work, you have to worry about damage to both the boat and truck, not to mention the impending tide if you get stuck.
I'd go to the nearest ramp and use it rather than chancing damage to either boat or truck.

 

[TBarCYa]

Re: Launch from the beach?

No, there are no lights at the beach but I've got a couple auxilliary lights on the tow rig that would help. I've never retrieved at nite so it definitely could be an issue.

Reelfishin, that's exactly my concern. If it was the Jeep, it wouldn't be a big deal since I built it to get stuck and/or wet but the Ram is a completely different story. I spend more time in that truck than in my house so I can't afford to have anything happen to it.

Fortunately, they're keeping the ramp open late so I won't be launching from the beach.