FL Boat Ramps.

[topdsm0138]

I just got a contract to do the Engineering on the rennovation and replacement of three public boat ramps, for the County. So I humbly ask you guys, what do you look for in a public boat ramp and dock? A certain number of cleats, posts, bumpers, scoring/crosshatching on the ramp, etc?

Sent from undisclosed location. -Tiller Mafia

[D.W. Verts]

Protection from wind.

Dale

[Larry Francis]

There are so many that are too level in the water. Because the lakes are so shallow they make them very flat. The Summit lake ramp I have to walk into the water to get the boat to float off every time. Crooked lake is even worse.

Other things that are nice but not necessary are : Docks that float up and down with the rising and falling water.
                                                                                Rock and cement or Rip Rap not on the bank where we try and beach the boat.

[Capt. BassinLou]

Very cool!! Thank you for asking for our input! Can you disclose the locations? Are they Everglades ramps?? They need a lot of work!!

As far as suggestions:
- Aluminum docks if possible!! Wood docks rot over time
- Floating docks to adjust for fluctuating water levels
- Depending on the ramps location and position on the water, ample cleats will be helpful
- The actual ramp itself, concrete with ample grip, and a lip where the ramp ends to avoid trailer tires from over backing.
- Keep the back end of the ramp clear of any deep submerged boulders/rocks. Take note of seasonal fluctuating water levels! 
- Avoid using concrete blocks for the ramp, they wash away or become dislodged when power loading.
- If possible, a beaching area would be cool. Removing the limestone boulders and rocks will be really helpful
- Garbage cans in close of proximity of the ramp, line disposal containers would be a plus!! 
- Be mindful of the ramp's slope. A gradual slope is nice, sharp slope not so much.

That's it for for now, anything else comes to mind I will check back in.

Thanks again for giving us the chance to provide feedback!! 

[J.W.]

Either a pretty long courtesy dock or a clean bank to beach the boat.
Good grip on the ramp, not too steep, not too flat.
Lighting is nice, or at least some reflectors to know where the edges of the ramp are in the dark.
I don't know if you have any say on the parking area, but lighting helps keep thieves away, and trash cans and a restroom are nice to have around.

[topdsm0138]

Can't really tell you the locations until after work has started but the freshwater one is an old one that I have been using since I was a little kid with my Dad. It's on the Northeast end of Lake Okeechobee.

Sent from undisclosed location. -Tiller Mafia

[big g]

Smooth concrete on ramps is a definite reason for certain injury.  It slims over and is like standing on ice.  If your back wheels get into  the water, you have no traction.  Ribs in the concrete helps prevent this.  I know people that have fallen on slippery ramps including me.  One of our members broke a leg at The Holey Lands.

[D.W. Verts]

Formed up at the end with a good, sharp drop, 15"-18" tall. I can't tell you why, but it's important.

Dale

[Capt. BassinLou]

Can't really tell you the locations until after work has started but the freshwater one is an old one that I have been using since I was a little kid with my Dad. It's on the Northeast end of Lake Okeechobee.

Sent from undisclosed location. -Tiller Mafia

Figured you couldn't tell us, but it was worth a shot.  If you guys had a contract for the ramps along alligator alley you guys would be busy for awhile!! Those ramps are in dire need of repairs! 

[BassmanRudy]

Thanks for asking!! Added some pics but I can't draw worth a crap so hopefully you understand it. Lighting like mentioned is a Must for safety and ability to see while dark! Also a covered pavilion is great and some sort of bathroom facility.

[topdsm0138]

Thanks. The task I got was the ramp and dock itself. From my recon, the existing ramp consists of a single ramp and one wooden dock about 4.5' out of the water. The ramp is comprised of this rip-rap "sheeting" (about 8-10" thick and 3/4 rock (#57 stone) to fill the gaps/voids. They would like to make it a Double Lane and single, center dock. It currently has a "bird bath" going on in the center of the ramp, but it has been there since before my time. From the looks of it, the sheet didn't extend out that far and we all know that will cause undermining at the end of it. The tricky part is trying to figure out what aspects are going to require a permit and from who. Because it's a "Shared" property between the County, FWC, S FL Water Management District AND the USACE (Army Corps). So while one group may not require a permit, the other may say "We do".

Sent from undisclosed location. -Tiller Mafia

[Larry Francis]

Because it's a "Shared" property between the County, FWC, S FL Water Management District AND the USACE (Army Corps). So while one group may not require a permit, the other may say "We do".

Sent from undisclosed location. -Tiller Mafia

THIS SOUNDS LIKE A HOT MESS! Good Luck.

[FD]

Boat bumpers that go down to with in a few inches of the water.  We have a lot of new floating dock here and the bumpers are too high.  My boat will slip under them and my rub rail and wrap are chewed up because of it.

Sent from the very edge of civilization...where I belong

[Capt. BassinLou]

Boat bumpers that go down to with in a few inches of the water.  We have a lot of new floating dock here and the bumpers are too high.  My boat will slip under them and my rub rail and wrap are chewed up because of it.

Sent from the very edge of civilization...where I belong

That's a good point!