Boat Ramp/Time Suggestion For Beginner

[tatsu]

I recently purchase a 21' Proline Sport and plan to keep her trailered.  I've driven boats out of marinas many times; however, never launched a boat from a trailer at a ramp before.

I've been preparing myself by reading and watching every help/tutorial/tips/what-NOT-to-do article and video I could find and practicing my ability to control the trailer/vessel in a parking lot.  However, I still want to err on the side of caution.

Would anyone be able to recommend a good ramp site in Central Jersey (Keyport down to Belmar works) and a good time where I won't have the added pressure of crowds/lines?

Thanks in advance!

[BigAl13]

Keyport ramp is pretty easy to launch from especially for a smaller boat. Be weary of low tide as there sometimes is inadequate water, Weekends are pretty crowded and theres always spectators. the fee is $20 and you can buy a season pass for $180. And the parking lot for trailers can be pretty tight. Pluses are it is close to SH and your in the RB. also two bars across the street, and three gas docks down the creek.

Atlantic highlands ramp is more expensive and is also crowded on the weekends. Its a steep ramp so if you dont have a truck bigger than your boat and or good breaks and tires you may wind up in the drink. Benefits of here are there is usually plenty of parking and your seconds away from SH there are lots of charter boats here. and usual lots of people.

Those are the two I have launched from so I hope I helped

[Salty Dog]

Early ,week day mornings .I have a 16' boat on a trailer and I have an 8' carry all trailer ,I can manuver the 16' trailer better than the smaller one ,cause you can see it better and it'll start to do what you want it to in a more gradual way ,over the short hard to see trailer .It just takes practice ( several ) lauches ,and you'll get the hang of it .Just take your time .Do all your prelaunch prep work ie.loading boat w/cooler ,tackle and whatever else you haven't put on the boat ,off the ramp until your ready to actually launch .Good Luck & tight lines .

[Reckless]

Since it wasn't that long ago that I first launched a boat. This is how I did it. I always had someone with me. I would take my tie downs off except for the winch line at the bow before backing down the ramp. Bow and stern line to the person on the dock. Back down till stern is over the water then release winch line. Back in till boat floats. After that it is on your helper. Pull trailer out and park it. Probably took less than 2 minutes once on the ramp. Never launched on my own so can't give any advice with that. 

[IrishAyes]

 

If at all possible have someone with experience with you for your first several launches. You can read and look at videos all day long but until you actually do it yourself it can get brutal. Especially if you launch where there is a strong current.

[fellinger]

Find a good ramp! Not too steep. Not too shallow. If you want to go down to Manasquan I really like the one at the Manasquan River Club. Not much current, angled very nicely and has docks on each side which are very long just in case she floats from you a little.

Leave the safety chain on and winch brake engaged until you in the water! I used to go to marinas to watch people drop their boats. It happens all the time.

Good luck wherever you go!

[Andys Delight]

Keyport Muni Ramp.  If you have someone with you, get in the boat and have that person back you down.  Once you're in the water drop your engine and start it, have your buddy undo the bow hook and if you're not already floating off, have the driver back up 5 more feet and hit the brake hard.  If you're alone-tie 2 very long ropes firmly to both the bow and stern cleats.  Back the boat down to the water and then walk the stern line over and down to the dock and tie it onto a cleat.  Keep the bow line off to the side where you can get to it easily.  Back the boat in, undo the bow hook, give it a good brake tap and get the boat off the trailer.  hop out the vehicle (parking brake on!!!) and grab the bow line, walk it over to the dock and pull the boat to you using each line as direction.  Been doing it this way with a 23' boat with relative ease.  

[sealife]

I would avoid Belmar.  The municipal ramp is still closed and may not open until June 1.  Most likely this is going to make a mob scene at the other two ramps.  I have not been to the ramp in Shark River Hills in a long time so can not comment on it.  The one at Bry's can have considerable current and last week only one of the floating docks was in.  I do see a lot of people with two wheel drive vehicles having trouble getting up the this ramp on low tide.

[intili61]

Leonardo state marina off RT 36 before highlands bridge, been launching there for 9 years and love it! If you have a roller trailer its no problem even at low tide, just dont go past the stop signs at ramps end.

[Fishin Dude]

Since you are a self proclaimed launching novice, STAY AWAY from Atlantic Highlands ,you will loose your truck.

 Leonardo is a good ramp and great location,reasonable on the fees, and open all hours.

Keyport for all reasons mentioned already by others.

Manasquan River Club has a channel that can be very tough at low water , you need to trim up to blow through the mud, they also have restricted hours.

Don't be afraid, just think about what you are doing, remember the plug,and you can always ask another boater at the ramp for help if you need it. We all have been new at it at some point in our lives,and have a few launching stories to tell as well.

[Luna Sea 5]

atlantic highlands ramp is very good.  During the week is always better, less crowds.

How I do it is very simple.  I take all my straps off except my bow/trailer line.  I have someone back down the ramp with myself in the boat.  They do down until I can lower my engines and get them running.  Then, all the driver has to do is unhook and I drive the boat right off the trailer and pick him up at the dock.

Pulling out is just as easy.  Many people make a huge project out of it.  I have a friend get my truck with trailer on it.  As he is backing down the ramp, I am in the boat ready to drive on. Once I drive on, I lift my engines while my friend hooks the boat up, then he drives the boat to the side where I strap it down. 

In and out, under 3 minutes when your used to it.  Many times while sitting at the ramp with a beer, i watch all the guys with their own techniques.. Many people make it much more difficult then it really is. 

[tatsu]

Wow, thanks for all of the tips and advice!

Based on this information I believe I'll be launching from either Keyport Muni or Leonardo.  Never been to the latter so hopefully I'll get a chance to drive by and check it out.  Going to aim for an early weekday to avoid the crowds.

Planning on the first few launches with three people to be safe.  One in the truck (GMC Sierra), one in the boat and one on the dock with bow/stern lines.

Side question.  What typically happens to the guys that end up dropping their boats?  What's the recovery to get it back on the trailer/out of the way?  If that happens to me, I promise I will take a picture and make it my avatar on these forums for a year.   

Thanks everyone!

[pilot2550]

Side question.  What typically happens to the guys that end up dropping their boats?  What's the recovery to get it back on the trailer/out of the way?  If that happens to me, I promise I will take a picture and make it my avatar on these forums for a year.   

Thanks everyone!

Hysterical!  Hope it never happens but that would make a great Avatar 

Best of luck, you'll be fine

[Hunter 2]

Don't ruin your truck and get anything but the rear tires wet.  Keyport municipal is not steep enough and you will have to wet the muffler and gas tank at lower tides. 

[wb]

   That ramp sux in my opinion

also at least one truck a year goes into the drink at Atl. Hlds. Quite a sight to see unless it is YOU.

USE WHEEL CHOCKS and/or ensure someone is in the tow vehicle w/ the hydraulic brakes on @ all times

[Andys Delight]

Side question.  What typically happens to the guys that end up dropping their boats?  What's the recovery to get it back on the trailer/out of the way?  If that happens to me, I promise I will take a picture and make it my avatar on these forums for a year.    

I try the force first.  If that doesn't work then I summon the SCHWARTZ!  

In all seriousness, a coordinated effort of one person retrieving the boat with the winch, while another slowly backs the trailer in coordination with him.  The idea is to try and keep the boat exactly where it is while scooping the trailer back underneath it.  Best option is to not drop the boat!

[Andys Delight]

Don't ruin your truck and get anything but the rear tires wet.  Keyport municipal is not steep enough and you will have to wet the muffler and gas tank at lower tides. 

Hmm, I never had any low tide issues there to be honest Eddie.  I have a roll on trailer though, so I guess that helps me a little. 

[IKAT]

Don't ruin your truck and get anything but the rear tires wet.  Keyport municipal is not steep enough and you will have to wet the muffler and gas tank at lower tides. 
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Hmm, I never had any low tide issues there to be honest Eddie.  I have a roll on trailer though, so I guess that helps me a little. 

good point--Bunk trailers will usually have to go in farther then roll ons 

[Hunter 2]

Wherever you launch, make sure you rinse your truck and trailer thoroughly when your done. Changing rear  brakes, rotors, calipers and rear differential  cover is not cheap. Alternate ramps in Keyport are Keyport Marine Basin, Wagners marina, Browns marina
Good luck, you will get the hang of it.

[Andys Delight]

Wherever you launch, make sure you rinse your truck and trailer thoroughly when your done. Changing rear  brakes, rotors, calipers and read differential  cover is not cheap. Alternate ramps in Keyport are Keyport Marine Basin, Wagners marina, Browns marina
Good luck, you will get the hang of it.

Just so you know, Browns is a high tide only ramp.  At low tide the end of the ramp is completely visible.  There is a large 6x6 at the end.  If your tires go over that it's approximately a 4 foot drop beyond it.