Florida Boat Ramps; Fish & Wildl. Cons. Comm.

Boat Ramps by Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Regions
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FRESHWATER BOAT RAMPS

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Table of Contents
Boat Ramp Introduction
Sportfish Restoration Program
Boat Ramp Project Information
Boat Ramp Map
Boat Launching Suggestions
Boating Safety Course
Boating Safety Tips
Boating Under the Influence
Rules of the Road
Link To Law Enforcement Boating Safety
Link to FWC Boating Statistics
Florida Boating Improvement Program Grants
Trailering Tips

Introduction

The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission is pleased to provide you with this web guide to Commission boat ramps. Florida is blessed with wonderful freshwater fishing and boating opportunities. Besides being home to the Florida largemouth bass and numerous other game fish, we have over 3 million acres of lakes and 12,000 miles of rivers and streams. As of 1 July, 2003, the boating and fishing access program is collocated with boating safety in the Office of Water Ways Management, within the Division of Law Enforcement.

The Commission is responsible for management of our state's freshwater fisheries resources. Fishermen and boaters help fund management of these valuable resources through their purchase of state fishing licenses. These state-generated dollars are then matched with federal dollars generated by the Federal Sport Fish Restoration Act. A portion of these monies has been used by the Commission to build over 200 boat ramps, install 56 fish attractors on 32 water bodies and manage 79 fish management lakes which includes 19 urban ponds throughout the state.

FWC Ramp On these web pages, you will find listings and directions to all current Commission boat ramp facilities. Boating safety and general launching suggestions are also provided. Awareness and education for all of Florida's boaters -- residents and nonresidents -- will make our waters safer and more enjoyable.

THE FEDERAL AID TO SPORT FISH RESTORATION PROGRAM

The Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Program (Formerly known as the Dingell-Johnson (D-J) or Wallop-Breaux) is a "user-pays, user benefits" program seeking to improve sport fishing and boating opportunities. Federal funds are collected from taxes on fishing tackle and motor fuels, and import duties on tackle and yachts. The money is returned to appropriate State Agencies for research, management and development activities that deal with sport fish. For every $4.00 the state spends, these funds repay $3.00.

Federal law requires 12.5% of these funds must go to building and repairing boat ramps. Another part of the fund is used for stocking fish, providing Urban Fisheries Programs and placing fish attractors. In addition, 15 major freshwater Fisheries Projects within the Division of Freshwater Fisheries depend on these funds to continually improve the quality of fishing you enjoy. Also, some of the money is used to fund an "Aquatic Resource Education Program" to inform youths, anglers and resource managers about important concepts of habitat, fisheries preservation/enhancement, ethics and fishing skills.

The Sport Fish Restoration logo now appears on fishing tackle and many other items, the purchase of which supports the program. You will also see the logo on boat ramp signs, brochures and other products produced for you with these funds. This user-pays, user-benefits program has been one of the most highly acclaimed of Federal/State cooperative ventures since its inception in 1950 and has greatly expanded in the past decade to benefit anglers and boaters.

BOAT RAMP PROJECT INFORMATION

Since the mid-1950's, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has built boat ramps in the State that are available to the boating public free of charge. Most sites are open 24 hours a day.

The Commission currently maintains approximately 200 access sites which represents approximately 25% of all the State's freshwater ramps. Due to the public need for access, the Commission staffs a full-time crew to handle construction and repair.

Power loading has caused many of the State's ramps to age prematurely. Early ramps were not built to handle the prop wash caused by power loading. Many ramps have been undermined by prop wash and collapsed. Also a sediment berm or delta is formed waterward of the ramp by power loaders and can block boater access to adjacent waters during low water periods. New ramp designs are utilized by the Commission to reduce damage caused by power loading. However, it is preferable not to race your engine while loading.

Current site designs call for upgrading facilities to provide universal accessibility for the disabled. This entails constructing upland parking and paths for the physically impaired. At many sites, floating dock systems will be placed for better access as monies become available. Project staff are working with county and city personnel to ensure all work at these sites is universally accessible. Universal accessibility for the disabled not only guarantees that a facility is accessible to everyone, but also provides a safer and easier facility for all users.

New sites are being added to our program each year. To qualify, each site must be at least two acres in size and have at least 90 feet of water frontage. The owner of the land must be willing to deed the property or grant a permanent easement for the site to the FWC. A Cooperator Agreement or Memorandum of Understanding is entered into between the Commission and a local governing body for upland maintenance of the facility.

This project is funded in part by Sport Fish Restoration monies made available by the Department of the Interior and the State Game and Fish Trust Fund. Sport Fish Restoration funds are generated by a tax on sporting equipment and motorboat fuels.

BOAT LAUNCHING SUGGESTIONS

INTRODUCTION

GFC Ramp Backing a trailer, launching a boat and trailering it are perhaps the most intimidating aspects of boating to many newcomers. Done properly, it can become quite easy. New boat owners often need instruction in proper launching and loading methods.

All boaters need to practice common courtesy at the ramp! Poor ramp etiquette is a common problem in some parks. Park officers spend much time at the ramp directing traffic and cooling tempers. Proper ramp etiquette can be the start or finish of a pleasant boat outing.

Below are some tips and procedures to keep your outing successful and pleasant.

PREPARING FOR LAUNCH

Before backing your boat and trailer to the ramp, prepare the boat for launch.

Find a quiet spot in the parking lot away from the launch lane traffic. Some ramps provide lanes to "prep" the boat for the water ("make ready" area).

Remove all tie-downs except the winch hook attached to the bow eye of the boat. Remove any outboard or stern-drive tie-downs or supports. Anything that can be detached from the trailer should be placed inside the tow vehicle.

Stow needed gear and required equipment in the boat (Personal flotation devices, fire extinguisher, signaling devices, etc.). Make a thorough pre-launch check of accessories (engine compartment blower, bilge pump, lights, battery switches, etc.) to ensure they are working.

Place any maneuvering aides equipment (boat hooks, paddles, fenders, anchors, etc.) within easy reach. Store lines where they are handy. It is a good idea to secure at least one mooring line to a bow cleat.

Turn on the blower (if equipped).

Check the boat over carefully one more time. THE BOW EYE WINCH LINE SHOULD STILL BE SECURED and the engine raised, though ready to be lowered. The blower is running and must run a minimum of 4 minutes before starting the engine. Everything else is ready to launch.

AT THE RAMP

Wait patiently in line at the launch ramp. When it is your turn, stay in a single lane! Pull your rig onto the ramp and back the trailer until the wheels are at the water's edge. Be slow and deliberate. This boating activity requires a degree of precision developed only with practice. (Practice during low use times in a parking lot or other large area.)

The launch procedure can be accomplished solo, but it is much easier with two people. The second person signals the tow vehicle driver when the boat and trailer are in position. Place the tow vehicle in GEAR or PARK. Put the emergency brake on.

The second person can board the boat and lower the outboard or stern-drive unit to its normal operating position. Be sure the lowered unit is not touching the ramp.

The exhaust blower, on stern driven boats, must run for four minutes to clear any combustible fumes from bilge spaces. (Do this while the boat is being prepared for launch.) Sniff the engine compartment as an added precaution. If you smell gasoline fumes, DO NOT start the engine.

When given the signal, the vehicle driver backs slowly to a position where the engine's cooling water intakes are submerged. This assures the engine will receive adequate cooling water during warm-up, so no internal damage occurs.

Start the engine. Let it warm up. This prevents the engine from stalling at critical times when leaving the trailer.

Once the boat engine is running, check to see everything is operating properly. Ease the engine into and out of reverse a couple of times. If it doesn't stall, you are ready for the big step -- backing off the trailer.

Unhook the bow winch hook. If using a fixed bunk or adjustable trailer, have the tow vehicle driver back the trailer into the water until the boat begins to float free of the bunks or bolsters. This may mean backing the tow vehicle's rear wheels into the water. It should now be possible to shift the boat into reverse and slowly back off the trailer. If not, your helper might have to push back at the bow. If this effort does not help, have the boat driver sit in the stern of the boat while someone pushes the boat back. If none of these procedures work, the trailer and boat may need some adjustment.

A multiple-roller trailer differs somewhat in that as soon as the bow hook is released, the boat should roll off with very little effort. You need not back this type of trailer in nearly as deep as a bunk trailer. Use caution. The drive unit or outboard must remain in a slightly upright position so it will not hit the ramp as the boat rolls off the trailer.

Control the launch of a roller trailer with the boat's forward and reverse throttle. Once off, lower the drive unit.

ON THE WATER

Please ... don't abuse the courtesy dock areas! Courtesy docks at ramps are for loading or unloading people. Do not tie to these docks! Do not block the ramp from others who are waiting in line. Instead, quickly load additional people into the boat, then back the boat away from the ramp to await the return of the tow vehicle driver. When they return, ease to the end of the ramp dock to pick them up.

If you boat alone, pull into temporary areas away from the ramp before proceeding to park the vehicle and trailer.

RETRIEVING YOUR BOAT

For boats with additional operators, drop off a person who is experienced in trailering to pick up the vehicle and trailer while the boat and occupants wait offshore. Do not block a ramp with an unattended boat or vehicle.

The line is formed by cars and trucks with trailers, not by boats already in the water waiting to be retrieved. Please wait your turn in line.

When first in line, back the trailer into the launch lane. The boat operator can slowly drive onto the trailer. Secure the winch hook to the bow eye. Winch the boat up to the stop and secure the winch. Be sure the boat is centered on the trailer and the lower unit is raised before pulling out.

Proceed to an uncongested area of the parking lot to further secure the boat. Use additional tie downs and support for the motors lower unit. Remove the plug to drain out any water in the boat. Do not replace the plug if the boat is to be left out in the weather.

ADDITIONAL BOAT TIPS

o Beware of slippery conditions at launch areas.

o Check the local weather forecast before going out.

o Take time to help others if they are by themselves or having trouble.

o Be careful about leaving children unattended in vehicles on ramps while launching.

o Reminder -- trailer plates expire on the owner's birthday, consider buying a Florida Bass Specialty Plate for your trailer and helping support fish and wildlife conservation.

o Please, use common courtesy when launching and retrieving. Wait your turn, stay in one lane, keep the water lanes clear of your waiting boat until your trailer is in the water.

o Dispose of trash properly. Remember what you take out, you should bring back. Recycle plastic, aluminum and fishing line whenever possible.

BOATING SAFETY COURSE

Florida has long been considered one of the nation's greatest boating capitals. A navigable waterway is within easy reach with 8,000 miles of tidal coastline; 12,000 miles of rivers and streams; and 3 million acres of lakes and impoundments.

According to statistics provided by the Department of Environmental Protection there are 720,000 registered boats in the state utilizing our waterways. Of these, approximately 70% are being operated on our freshwater lakes and rivers.

As more boats cruise Florida's waterways, safe boating becomes increasingly important in the prevention of accidents, injuries, and death. Historically, Florida leads the nation in boating fatalities.

No person born after September 30, 1980, may operate a vessel powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or greater unless he or she has in their possession a photographic identification and a boater safety identification card issued for successful completion of a NASBLA-approved boating safety course. This law will be progressively phased in each year to include a larger segment of the boating population until October 1, 2001, when all persons 21 years of age or younger will be subject to this law. In addition, most insurance companies will give a discount to boat owners who successfully complete the course.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is attempting to make our waterways safer by offering a free boating safety course entitled "How to Boat Smart," which meets the requirements of the boater education law. This course is taught by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Wildlife Reserve Officers and other volunteers who generously give of their time and services. You can also take a NASBLA-approved boating safety course online.

ABOUT THE COURSE

The course is 8 hours long and covers such topics as:
All about boats
Legal requirements
Navigation rules
Getting underway
Accidents
Other special topics

Upon successful completion of this course, students will receive an 8-1/2" X 11" wall certificate suitable for framing and will be eligible to receive their boater safety identification card.

It is your responsibility as a boater to know and observe the boating laws that were enacted to protect you and your family. So, give the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission an opportunity to increase your boating knowledge and make our waterways a much safer place to enjoy.

TO ENROLL IN A FREE FLORIDA BOATING BASICS COURSE , CONTACT YOUR NEAREST FLORIDA GAME & FRESH WATER FISH COMMISSION REGIONAL OFFICE.

SAFETY TIPS

Always be careful with gasoline. Be sure to keep fuel lines tight and bilges clean at all times and use care when refueling. Whenever possible, motors and detachable gas tanks should be refueled when boat is at a dock or beached.

Do not overload your vessel. Maintain an adequate amount of free-board at all times.

Keep an alert lookout. Watch out for swimmers who may be outside designated areas or a diver down flag.

Watch your wake - it might capsize a small craft or disrupt anglers in the area.

Keep fire extinguisher and lifesaving equipment in good condition and ready at hand.

Obey the rules of the road. They are your water traffic laws.

When children are aboard a vessel, they should wear a life preserver at all times. State law requires children under six years old to wear life jackets at all times while the boat is underway.

If you should capsize, stay with the boat if it continues to float.

ADDITIONAL BOATING TIPS

Do not sit on or compress kapok life preservers.

Watch your footing when on board. Use the correct footwear to avoid slipping.

Watch the weather - be especially on the lookout for sudden storms.

If waves are high, head your boat at an angle toward the waves at a slow speed.

Distribute weight evenly in the boat - from side to side and from bow to stern.

Attend a boating safety class. Free boating safety literature is available at all Commission Regional offices.

Alcohol and boating do not mix.

OPERATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE

Florida has a very strict law on operating a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The law makes it crystal clear that drunken boating is a crime, and the drunken boat operator is a dangerous criminal.

The penalties include fines of up to $2,500, imprisonment of up to one year, non-paid public service work, and mandatory substance abuse counseling. The law provides for mandatory sentencing - the "suspended sentence" is a thing of the past for drunken boat operators. If a drunken operator kills another person, the penalty jumps to five years in a State Prison and a fine of up to $5,000.

Florida also has an "implied consent" law for boat operators. The law says that by operating a vessel, it is implied that you consent to chemical testing of your breath, blood or urine. If you cause death or serious injury, the police may use reasonable force to require you to submit to a blood test.

RULES OF THE ROAD

You hear a lot of talk about The Rules of the Road, but to many boaters these rules are Greek. The following reminders may help to make some sense.

Red lights are always on left (port) side of boat and green lights are on right (starboard) side.
When two boaters meet head on, both should steer to the right (starboard).
When vessels are crossing, the boat on the right (starboard) has the right-of-way.
When passing another vessel, the vessel being passed has the right-of-way.
When boating in a narrow channel, keep to the right (starboard).
Sailing vessels under sail have the right-of-way all the time.
If you find yourself in danger, five short blasts of the horn will signal nearby boaters.
Any action to avoid collision must be made early and be readily apparent to the other vessel.

A good rule of thumb is watch out for the other guy!

TRAILERING TIPS
BY BOATS EXPRESS , CLEARWATER ,FL

When you are pulling a trailer, one thing is undisputed. Trailer towing is a special situation which places demands on your driving skills, and on your tow vehicle. We have included a few basic tips that you should know in order to transport your boat and trailer safely, comfortably and without abusing the towing vehicle.

1. Weight Distribution.
- For optimum handling, the trailer must be properly loaded and balanced.

- Keep the center of gravity (CG) low for best handling.

- Approximately 60% of the boat's weight should be positioned on the front half of the trailer and 40% in the rear (within limits of tongue weight capacity).

- The boat should also be balanced from side to side. If the vessel has side mounted fuel or water tanks and only one side is filled, then this will lend the rig to maneuver poorly. Proper balancing will also prolong the life of your trailers tires.

- The boat should be firmly secured with at lease two ratchet type straps, attached from the trailer to the stern eyes and one ratchet type strap from the trailer (to the rear), to the bow eye to keep the boat from shifting forward. The bow eye should also be attached to the trailer's winch which is mounted forward of the bow.

2. Before Starting.
- Before hooking up to the trailer, make sure your tow vehicle is full of oil and fuel. Remember, it is a lot easier to fuel your tow vehicle at a gas station without a boat and trailer attached. You should also make sure the vehicle has plenty of water in the radiator and fluid in the transmission. Towing a large load can often times heat up a motor and strain a transmission. If you haven't already done so, look into installing a transmission cooler on your tow vehicle.

- Check the tow vehicle's tires for proper inflation. If you have a dual wheeled vehicle make sure there aren't any "hidden" flats.

- Connect the safety chains, and if equipped, attach the safety brake chain.

- Before starting out on a trip, practice turning, stopping and backing up your trailer in an area away from traffic. Make sure your mirrors give you ample vision around both sides of the boat and trailer and if not, look into getting modified mirrors for your tow vehicle.

- Check the trailer's turn signal, running and brake lights.

- Check the trailer's tires and make sure the lug nuts are tightened. A partially flat trailer tire will heat up and eventually disintegrate.
And, losing a wheel can prove to be disastrous, especially if the loose wheel strikes another vehicle.

- Double check that the boat is secured properly to the trailer.

- Check the reservoir on the trailer's surge brakes.

- Check the trailer's connection to the hitch to make sure it is fastened properly and latched. A pin, such as a cotter pin or a bolt
should be placed through the latch itself to prevent it from coming loose or being undone by vandals while the vehicle is parked.

- Check to make sure the trailer ball on your tow vehicle matches the coupler on your trailer. The three major sizes of trailer balls are:
1-7/8", 2", and 2-5/16". Make sure the ball is fastened properly to the tow vehicle and that the mounting will handle the capacity equal to or grater than the weight of the trailer and boat. If you have a receiver type hitch, make sure the insert (the bar the ball attaches to) is secured with a retaining pin and that it has a locking clevis pin on it.

3. Backing.
- Back slowly with someone outside the rear of the trailer to guide you.

-Place one hand at the bottom of the steering wheel and move it in the direction you want the trailer to go.

- Make small steering inputs....slight movements of the steering wheel result in a greater movement at the rear of the trailer.

- Use your mirrors. Always watch both sides of the trailer.

4. Braking.
- Allow considerably more distance for stopping with a boat and trailer attached.

- If you have a manual brake controller, "lead" with the trailer brakes first, if possible. To correct trailer side-sway, touch the manual
trailer brakes with out activating the tow vehicles brakes.

- Be sure to steer as straight as possible when stopping a rig. Turning while making a radical stop can cause the tow vehicles rear end to be pushed forward of the front...this is called "jackknifing".

5. Downgrades and upgrades.
- Downshifting assists braking on downgrades and provides added power at the drive wheels for climbing hills.

6. Parking with a trailer.
- Whenever possible, vehicles with trailers should not park on a grade.
However, if it is necessary, place wheel chocks under the trailer's wheels as follows:

a. Apply the foot service brakes and hold.
b. Have another person place the wheel chocks under the trailer wheels on the downgrade side.
c. Once the wheel chocks are in place, release the foot service brakes, making sure that the chocks are holding the tow vehicle and trailer.
d. Apply the parking brake.
e. Shift the transmission and make sure it is latched there. If your tow vehicle has a manual transmission, put the gearshift lever in reverse.

Note: With 4-wheel drive, make sure the transfer case is not in neutral.
- To start again.

a. Apply the foot service brake and hold.
b. Shift the transmission into park on automatic transmissions and neutral on manual transmissions.
c. Shift the transmission into gear and release the parking brake.
d. Release the foot brakes and move the tow vehicle uphill to free the wheel chocks.
e. Apply the foot service brakes and hold while another person retrieves the chocks.

7. Acceleration and passing.
- The added weight of the trailer can dramatically decrease the acceleration of the towing vehicle. Exercise caution.

- If you must pass a slower vehicle, be sure to allow extra distance.........remember, you also have the added length of the trailer
which must clear the other vehicle before you can pull back into the lane.

- Make your pass on level terrain with plenty of clearance.

- If necessary, downshift for improved acceleration.

8. Driving with and automatic overdrive transmission.

- With certain automatic overdrive transmissions, towing, especially in hilly areas with heavier boats, may result in excessive shifting between overdrive and the next lowest gear.

- If this occurs, it is recommended that the overdrive gear be locked out to eliminate the condition and provide steadier performance.

Note: See the tow vehicle's owner's manual for more information.

- When there is no excessive shifting, use the overdrive gear for optimum fuel economy.

- Overdrive also may be locked out to obtain braking on downgrades.

9. Driving with speed control.

- When driving uphill with a large boat, significant speed drops may occur.

- A speed drop of more than 8 to 14 miles per hour will automatically cancel the speed control device.

- Temporally resume manual control through the vehicle's accelerator pedal until the terrain levels off.

10. On the Road.
- After about 50 miles, stop in a protected area and double check:

a. Trailer hitch attachment.
b. Lights and electrical connections.
c. Trailer wheel lug nuts for tightness.
d. Engine oil.....check regularly throughout the trip.

- If a flat occurs on the tow vehicle, do not use a small "donut" type spare tire as this will drastically reduce the maneuverability of the
rig.

11. Launching the boat.
- Evaluate the pitch and length of the ramp as compared to the length of the boat and trailer.

- Line the boat and tow vehicle up with the ramp in a straight line.

- Prepare a bow and stern line for easy retrieval and make sure any plugs are installed prior to launching.

- Back down the ramp slowly, using someone at the back of the boat to guide you. Make sure the wheels don't drop off the end of the ramp.

- Submerge the trailer only as much as necessary to float the boat or roll it off, depending on which type of trailer you have. Keep in mind that if you have a multiple axle trailer, if you back one or more of the axles over the edge of a drop off, the remaining axles will be supporting the weight of the boat, unless, of course, the boat is supported by its own buoyancy.

- When the boat is clear of the trailer, make sure there is nothing still attached, such as the bow strap or cable, then slowly pull the
trailer from the water.

12. Retrieving the boat.
- Evaluate the pitch and length of the ramp as compared to the length of the boat and trailer

- Line the tow vehicle and trailer up with the ramp and back down the ramp slowly

- Submerge the trailer only as much as necessary to float the or roll the boat on, depending on which type of trailer you have. Keep in mind that if you have a multiple axle trailer, if you back one or more of the axles over the edge of a drop off, the remaining axles will be supporting the weight of the boat, unless, of course, the boat is supported by its own buoyancy.

- Gently drive the boat onto the trailer as recommended by the manufacturer using the trailer's winch as directed by the type of
trailer you own. - Once the boat is straight on the trailer, double check to make sure the bow is latched to the winch and all lines are
free from the undercarriage of the trailer.

- Gently pull the trailered boat forward, making sure not to spin the vehicles tires. Once the tires start spinning traction has been lost and it will be almost impossible to remove the trailer from the ramp. If the wheels start spinning, try to add more weight to the rear of the tow vehicle. Be careful about having people climb onto the bumper of a tow vehicle as this could create an accident.

- If the tires continue to spin, gently apply the parking brake while simultaneously applying power, a little at a time until the wheels grab the ramp surface, and the rig moves forward.

13. Parking the trailered boat.
- Once the trailered boat is ready to be parked, make sure you pick an area which is well lit and free from falling debris, like tree leaves and other things which can clutter up you boat.

- After situating the trailered boat in the spot where you want it, place chocks at the front and rear of all the tires.

- Carefully disconnect the trailer coupling from the hitch, and unplug all connections.

14. Long term maintenance.
- After each use, the trailer's brakes should be flushed with fresh water, regardless of whether you submerged it in fresh or salt water.

- Use a petroleum based solution to wipe the tires and prevent dryrot.

- Periodically grease the axle hubs, making sure not to overfill grease retaining hubs. This could blow out the "o" ring seals and promote premature failure.

Take Me Fishing.org is a great general information site for recreational anglers and boaters.

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