Boat launching/retrieving at Awoonga

[snodger 08]

Hi all,
on my last trip to Awoonga a couple of years ago it blew a gale most days directly onto the boat ramp, and I found launching and retrieving very difficult with all the rocks around the ramp. I had a tinny then and managed to put a small dent into it. I now have a 4.8 Gale force fiberglass which I would love to take up there but am a bit gunshy considering the conditions we had last time.

There will be 2 of us myself and my wife who cant back a trailer to save herself. Believe me I have tried to teach her. I have even thought about getting lessons for her.
She is also a bit panicky driving the boat in good conditions, and downright terrified driving it when its rough.

I have a couple of questions someone may be able to help me with:
Is there a second accessable boat ramp up there? I know there is one behind the kiosk, but I think that is for private use only.
and can anyone come up with any sugestions as to how I could retrieve the boat in rough conditions without damaging the hull?

Cheers

Steve

[BigChiefBarra]

Mate, no other ramp. Weather is only a problem when blowing a NW direct onto the ramp. In my 7 years in Gladstone only had three occassions that have been tricky. One of those I decided it was safer to go home. You'd have to be very unlucky to have it blowing a NW at present.

[snodger 08]

Thanks mate. We have decided that the Mrs will have some trailer reversing lessons, as I am not the best instructor apparently. We were thinking of going up at xmas and giving it a go, but the boss wants to go to Hervey Bay instead and chase pelagics. May do a day trip to Monduran while we are up that way to get my barra fix.
So the NW is unusual in summer up that way as well?

Steve