07-13-2019, 02:32 PM
[#0000FF]The row of posts is only a few feet above the water line. Most are about 4 ft. apart but there is a larger gap in the middle that is PROBABLY wide enough to accommodate MOST boat trailers. I meant to take a measurement before I left but forgot. Sorry. I'm guessing maybe a bit over 8'.
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[#0000FF]The bottom beyond the waterline is fairly firm sand and gravel mix, with no large rocks. And the slope is enough that it should not require backing your vehicle very far into the water. I'm guessing that it would be suitable for boat launching right now. But once the water level starts dropping the slope is so gradual it would be risky to try launching boats any longer.[/#0000FF]
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[#0000FF]I know there have been a lot of smaller boats launched off that beach in the past...before they put in the barrier posts. But I also know there have been cars and trucks getting stuck and requiring tow trucks. As always, it requires individual study to determine if your boat and vehicle can safely handle the prevailing conditions...and common sense.[/#0000FF]
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[#0000FF]The big thing that makes the Charleston launch so enticing is that there is no booth or gate. It is open to launching at all hours...even for wacky walleye fans. But if you do not display your annual pass and AIS certificate YOU WILL get cited. They DO check.
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[#0000FF]Bummer that they are now keeping the gates closed until 6 am at the island ramp. Used to be open 24/7. But then again, Willard used to be open around the clock too. Fees keep going up and services to the public keep going down. Sounds like a true gummint operation.
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[#0000FF]The bottom beyond the waterline is fairly firm sand and gravel mix, with no large rocks. And the slope is enough that it should not require backing your vehicle very far into the water. I'm guessing that it would be suitable for boat launching right now. But once the water level starts dropping the slope is so gradual it would be risky to try launching boats any longer.[/#0000FF]
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[#0000FF]I know there have been a lot of smaller boats launched off that beach in the past...before they put in the barrier posts. But I also know there have been cars and trucks getting stuck and requiring tow trucks. As always, it requires individual study to determine if your boat and vehicle can safely handle the prevailing conditions...and common sense.[/#0000FF]
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[#0000FF]The big thing that makes the Charleston launch so enticing is that there is no booth or gate. It is open to launching at all hours...even for wacky walleye fans. But if you do not display your annual pass and AIS certificate YOU WILL get cited. They DO check.
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[#0000FF]Bummer that they are now keeping the gates closed until 6 am at the island ramp. Used to be open 24/7. But then again, Willard used to be open around the clock too. Fees keep going up and services to the public keep going down. Sounds like a true gummint operation.
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