Boat Ramp Geometry

[stevos]

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[PinHead]

Hi Steve,
The geometry of the ramp is important but i also believe that what is at the end of the ramp , in some instances, have been overlooked. This is in relation to the erosion that is caused by the tidal surges around the end of the ramp. This has led to some big holes that can catch out unwary users of the ramps. Ramp design should include the total package regarding the ramp itself as well as what is at the end of the ramp and also the sides of the ramp.

[Ocean_Spirit]

PinHead, you are dead right - this is a very relevant issue surrounding some of Brisbane's boat ramps.

West of the CBD and around the western and southern suburbs, there is really a desperate shortage of ramps in general, and the ramps that do exist are quite unsafe. Even Breakfast Creek Ramp isn't all that suitable for a big boat, plus there is no turn-around area for the trailer or parking.

The Grand Boatramp at Labrador on the Gold Coast is one of the best designed in terms of gradient, safety, etc. in my opinion, but is also one of the busiest.

[stevos]

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[Angla]

Steve, Can you have a look at this victorian ramp that is set in the bay area of Geelong. Some of these in the Moreton bay area would be expensive but great for us boaties. Maybe even the deception bay area would be a good place to start with the expansion of Brisbane through Mango hill and the surrounding area.

Chris

[skipalong]

yeah mate very true

[stevos]

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[trueblue]

Floating pontoons would be fantastic. Like the ones in Vivtoria as mentioned, but we also have them at Colmslie etc.

One thing that really is a pain is having to always get a second person to come out with you in the boat, just because you need assistance to launch and retrieve it without damage on the current ramps.

A floating pontoon allows even the largest boats to be launched and retrieved single handedly.

As mentioned there can be a bottle neck if not properly designed. However, if we have a 4 lane boat ramp, the provision of just one floating pontoon on one side would be brilliant for those who need it, and those who don't can use the other lanes available.

We appreciate the opportunity to be able to provide the boaties perspective.

One other thing - if floating pontoons are not possible in a particular location, a small sandy beach adjacent to the ramp (eg spinnaker sound ramp) allows you to beach the boat on soft sand while getting the car and trailer.
cheers

Mick

[Murks]

If your involved in the specification of concrete send me a pm or I can post my recommendation here...I have supplied product to stop corrosion of reinforcement steel in wharf/marine environments in over 30,000m3 of concrete in QLD alone
Cheers
Brett

[Fish Guts]

what about a 'bumper lane' like at bowling. just send it down the chute and hope for the best.

[Tracker]

the club ramp at Raby Bay is a top setup.
a floating pontoon to board safely,sand next to the ramp if you prefer,and a good angle to load/unload.

[Ocean_Spirit]

The angle at Runaway Bay boat ramp is very steep but seems very effective when driving on and off. My experience here is that for some reason, the boat always comes on dead on centre everytime.

[whichway]

Hi

I think the problem is that a ramp needs to be steep so that you don't hit the boat on the ramp when you launch and retrieve it, but if its too steep it can be slippery. The modern ramps that have the vee grooves in them are a massive improvement over the older smooth ramps that were very slippery and dangerous. I also think that a well used ramp is good, because the trailer tyres rub off the slime, whereas a little used ramp becomes very slippery.

If you drive your boat onto the trailer, you are always paranoid about the skeg of the motor hitting the ramp, which usually breaks off the skeg. So your design boat needs to have the motor factored into the geometry, which is difficult because the angle of the motor relative to the transom is variable with a power trim arrangement.

I personally think that the Scarborough ramp is at too shallow an angle, but the ones at Manly and the Coast are pretty good, but that could just be a question of perception - I hit the skeg at Scarborough once.

Pontoons are good, but they won't make up for a ramp at the wrong angle. It is good to have somewhere to tie up the boat when you are parking the trailer. A nice sandy beach next to the ramp is unbeatable.

Thoughts of an amateur.

Whichway

[stevos]

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[seatime]

Steve,
If you want to compare gradients of 2 ramps in close proximity - have a look at the 2 Manly Boat Harbour public ramps. The Northern ramp alongside the MBTBC has an ideal gradient, the Southern ramp alongside RQYS has insufficient gradient, lots of skegs removed from larger boats there!
2.5t, 8m boats would generally be driven on/off their trailers, small gradient, shallow angle ramps are known to large craft owners and avoided.
The Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club (MBTBC) ramp handles plenty of 8m average craft without incident.
Other ramps to investigate are those alongside the Volunteer Rescue Groups like Scarborough, Weinam Ck, Victoria Pt, etc. Their large rescue boats are launched from the public ramps, so they could be another source.

regards

Steve