Keaton Ramp Closed

Post by **CSMarine** » September 22nd, 2003, 11:05 am

I've been informed that the Keaton Beach public boat ramp will be closed untill mid November. Paving the parking lot, making a picnic area, etc. Might want keep it in mind if your going to Keaton.

dstockwell · Post by **dstockwell** » September 22nd, 2003, 11:55 am

Improvements good. Closed.

chugbug · Post by **chugbug** » September 22nd, 2003, 11:04 pm

That means KBM will be even more of a mad house.

Post by **CSMarine** » September 23rd, 2003, 7:37 am

My point exactly chugbug.

Post by **JimR** » September 24th, 2003, 8:46 am

Dang, I was thinking of going this weekend. How's the crowd been since scallop season been closed ? Is the ramp closed already ?

Post by **CSMarine** » September 24th, 2003, 10:39 am

The ramp is closed already. The crowds have fallen way off, but now the fishermen are moving back in, so the time of the hour wait at the lift is coming fast.

dstockwell · Post by **dstockwell** » September 24th, 2003, 10:50 am

Do they not also have a small single ramp to launch from.

Post by **CSMarine** » September 24th, 2003, 11:47 am

They do. It's a pain in the butt to use though. Short, steep, and very narrow. Plus, there is no dock space after you launch.

dewyafish · Post by **dewyafish** » September 24th, 2003, 12:16 pm

I've used the KBM ramp with my 15' john and CapeHorn 17 with no problems, but there was not a minus tide for the CH launch.

There is a long floating dock, but it is a short walk from the ramp.

It's not perfect but I've used worse ramps.

(I do have 4WD and that's a plus for recovery there.)

Post by **CSMarine** » September 24th, 2003, 12:52 pm

I launch a good bit of the time by myself. That ramp is not self friendly at all.

Post by **Steve Hendley** » September 24th, 2003, 2:56 pm

I use the little ramp at KBM quite often. Its not great but much faster than the lift
and a lot less channel to navigate. There is a dock to right of the ramp
but one of those long crab boats is always docked along it.
When I get down to the lift if there are more than a couple boats ahead of me I just stop go inside pay my $5.00 and use the little ramp.
It would not be a good ramp for large boats.
SH

Post by **CSMarine** » September 24th, 2003, 3:03 pm

I can live with the lift in the morning. I'm usually the first or second boat there. It's lifting out in the afternoon. 10 boats floating around in a little cove waiting thier turn at the lift. little dock space to hold onto while you wait your turn. If you don't have a trolling motor, it sucks.

Might need to get used to it though. All the private building planned for the canal next to the Public ramp is going to make it crowded to get in and out of the canal.

dewyafish · Post by **dewyafish** » September 24th, 2003, 3:58 pm

Only launched and recovered once there by myself.
You have a point CSM.

dstockwell · Post by **dstockwell** » September 25th, 2003, 6:43 am

Guess I just fish somewhere else till the ramp is back open.

Post by **CSMarine** » September 25th, 2003, 7:52 am

I fought that lift at the marina for a lot of years before they opened the public ramp. (Which has only been a couple seasons now.) I don't see any reason to drive anywhere else. The lift at the marina is 5 minutes from my camper.
They do have a tendency to tear stuff up on your boat lifting it.