Ramp characteristics

 

 

 

 

Chart #1 Projected Water Levels      

 

 

 

 

As you can determine from the chart, at spring water levels we have at least 11' of depth at the end of the ramp. The challenge is HOW TO GET THERE.

When the water level starts to deteriorate from the high level achieved in the spring, all boat owners must keep an eye on the water level shown on the ramp to ensure that the water level does not reach the critical point where they cannot retrieve their precious boat. The critical water levels are unique to each boat and the trailer called upon to retrieve their craft.

Sometimes it is difficult to get your boat out of the bay when the water dops dramatically.

In this instance, the water level at the dock was sufficient to float the boat but the water level in the bay behind the boat dictated that the boat had to be heeled over in order to bring the boat to deeper water.

Most seasoned WSC members know when the water level on the ramp reaches the critical point  where further delay means a frustrating and challenging retrieval for their particular boat and trailer.

A suggested list starts here. Please feel free to add your craft to this list in order to inform newer members.

Boat                      retrieve when ramp water level reaches ?? feet
Matilda 20             65'




Chart #2 Actual measured water levels

And you can also see that you can not find 6' of water except at the end of the ramp but once again HOW DO YOU GET THERE.

 

Other factors to consider when coping with the ramp are

 

#1 When you run off the end of the ramp, you are entering upon a muddy surface. If you add the weight of a keel boat to the trailer, then you are likely to be stuck in soft sticky mud.

 

#2 If you happen to run off the edge of the ramp, you could be facing a 10" drop, also into wet sticky mud.

 If you are unfortunate to have a heavy keel boat on the trailer, you might be in a real predicament as the frame could be stuck on the ramp. Good luck getting anywhere.

 

#3 And if the previous challenges were not enough, you could have problems with the large rock, about 20' out from the end of the ramp.

 

This rock is approximately the same height below the level of the water as the end of the ramp, so remember to pull up your centerboard when retrieving your centerboard boat at low water levels.

 

 

#4 Finally, the deciding factor that can override all of the above - WIND.

If the wind direction is from the North or the South and if the wind strength is brisk at all (above 10 kilometers/hour), then all your preparations may have been in vain.

It is extremely frustrating to have all retrieval preparations in order but because the boat gets blown off course and you cannot see the trailer in 6 feet of water, you may be facing a formidable task trying to manouver a boat onto a trailer you cannot see.

Would be much better to arrange your retrieval for early in the morning or late evening if the winds are going to be brisk.