Good launch ramps in upper and far upper Ches Bay?

Chesagansett

Chesagansett

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I'm trying to get a "mental inventory" of what launch ramps are available in the upper and far upper Chesapeake Bay. The ones I have used in the upper Chesapeake include Kent Narrows, Truxton Park / Spa Creek, and Sandy Point. In the far upper Bay, I have used Elk Neck State Park. I have also seen (but not used) one at Hack Point on the Bohemia River.

What other ramps are there in the upper and far upper Ches Bay? Only interested in good ramps that have a dock/pier to tie up alongside. If there isn't a dock, someone has to be in the boat when launched, and the other person (truck/trailer driver) has to wade through the water to get in the boat. So, not interested in ramps without an associated dock/finger pier.

Last time that I saw the Duffy Creek ramp on the Sassafrass, it looked like they were doing some construction or building docks where the ramp was. Is this ramp now gone?

Any other ramp suggestions for the upper and far upper bay?

Thanks!
 
Glenn- I trailered a 23' cuddy for 18 years at the top of the Bay. Here's what I know from experience:

- Elk Neck SP is one of the best, but wave action can be a problem and ramp #4 (to the north) is shallowest.
- Bohemia Vista is very steep and slippery. Lots of parking. I don't remember if there's a launch dock.
- Anchor Marine (Northeast) has a single ramp but it's not bad. Always calm.
- Charlestown town ramp- single lane, shallow but OK for I/O's. It's free to launch, but pay to park at Wellwood across the street. Very small dock.
- Havre de Grace City Yacht basin has 2 ramps, but there's a sharp dropoff past the end of the concrete. Still 5 bucks to launch and park.
- Duffy Creek (Sassafras)- 2 ramps, rather steep grade, not much turning room for trailer, always calm. I don't know about their current status.

FYI- There's a very nice 4 lane ramp located on the eastern shore between the Sassafras and Cabin John Creek. I can't find it on any ramp locator but I've been to it. It's just north of the West View Shores community. I recall someone telling me it was built with state funds. When I was there it was almost deserted- only 2 or 3 trailers in the lot. It's as nice as Elk Neck SP but without the crowd.

That's all I can think of at the moment.

Rob
 
Glenn,

There is a free public ramp at behind Harbor Hospital, located on Route 2 just inside the Baltimore beltway. Two ramps, plenty of parking and a good set of docks.

Mike
 
Thanks Rob. Is "Bohemia Vista" the same one as the one near Hacks Point? I'm talking about the one just up Scotchman Creek on the southwest side of Glebe Rd Bridge, where you have to boat under the little Glebe Rd bridge after you launch to get to the Bohemia.

Also forgot to ask...... which ramps allow late returns after dark? (or overnight) Lots of places "close" at sunset. I'm not sure what they do to you if you return after dark. Tow away your truck/trailer rig? I think some parks close their gates, so I suppose I could get "locked in".

Thanks again.
 
quote:
Originally posted by Chesagansett

Is "Bohemia Vista" the same one as the one near Hacks Point?

Click to expand...


No. Bo Vista is next to Bo Bay on the northern side.

As far as overnight- Every location has their own rules, but I know Elk Neck SP has a sign-in procedure if your trailer is spending the night. I forget the details but they do lock the gate well after dark. HdG yacht basin is available 24/7 for launching and loading (it's my home marina).
 
<<...."No. Bo Vista is next to Bo Bay on the northern side."....>>

Okay. I found it on the chart. I should have seen it before.

Thanks again.
 
Chesapeake City has a ramp as well....we're as far north as you get.
 
The ramp at Harbor Hospital is open 24 hours. However, there is not a lot of lighting.

You can return to Sandy Point State Park at any time. The exits from the park are always open, even with the entrance gates are closed.

Mike
 
psugar -
Are you referring to the tiny ramp at the back of the basin, along the road to the Corps of Engineers compound? That ramp is tight. Our rig is 49' from the front of the truck to back of boat. Or, is there another ramp?

Thanks.
 
Glen,

Tidewater marina in Havre De Grace has a ramp and a floating dock alongside. Easy to launch and retrieve by yourself...I do it all the time. It's $8.00 for the ramp, you can come back anytime...they close the gate to the marina at some point....but once your're inside you just habve to drive up to the gate and it opens. Fuel, clean bathrooms, fully stocked marine store...it's a nice place.

Bob
 
Yes, I'm referring to the tiny ramp. It is tight, but you see people putting in some big rigs, and here in Cecil County you have to figure they're pulling with a diesel dually crew cab.
 
Grand Slam - Good website.

psugar - I'm still a little hesitant about the ramp at the bason, as it it has very little parking. But, it is a great location. Can easily grab a drink at Chesapeake Inn a few hundred yards away.

Thanks all.
 
People park in the grass all the way down the road. If you're there early there seems to be spots. It also depends if you don't mind using 4WD if you have it. I walk the dog past there every morning and evening.

If you get up this far give me a shout..you can PM me for info. Your worst, worst case scenario is putting the trailer behind my house....that is very tight but if you don't have a boat on the trailer it is super easy to just disconnect and swing in.
 
psugar,
Thanks again for the info. The admiral and I will be up terrorizing the northern bay this weekend. We tentatively plan to stop at the basin for lunch (Chesapeake Inn) on Saturday. We might try to meet up with a casual acquaintance of mine at Chesapeake Inn. Being you live in Chesapeake City, you probably know him. His name is "TR" (he runs the website called "BoatingWithTR. com". He is a fixture at Chesapeake Inn. Sort of like Norm or Cliff at Cheers. His boat is a 25' Sea Ray named "Bad Influence", but it is current;y having some repair work done.

Anyway, we have hotel reservations at the Holiday Inn Express in North East for Fri and Sat night, and the H.I. Express at Kent Narrows on Sunday night. On Saturday morning, we planned to launch at either Elk Neck, or at Hacks Point off the Bohemia. (We've never boated on the Bohemia, and have wanted to explore it a little). From either ramp, we'd work our way up toward the basin for lunch. If we get up to the basin early, we might cruise down to Delaware city and back. If you'd like, you can look for our boat at the basin around mid-day or early afternoon. It's a Four Winns 245 Sundowner (cuddy) named "Going Coastal". -- White with fat blue stripe and blue bimini.

Just in case Chesapeake Inn doesn't have room for temp tie-up during lunch, do they have a water taxi that picks up anchored boats in the basin?

Thanks.
 
I'm not positive because on the holiday weekend they might.

If not they will figure out a way for you to get to the restaurant and put the boat someplace. The dockmaster is quite efficient, and has been there for many years.

Especially that size of boat.
 
I've met the dockmaster (Andy), and he does seem very good. Do you know T.R. Colasanto, the semi-permanent customer who hangs out there a lot?

Say hello if you see us there on Saturday. It would be nice to meet some more BoaterEd folks.
 
I do not know T.R. Even though I live a block from the place I have young kids and don't really have time to hang out there. I'm sure the neighbors kids who work there must know him. I will walk down and find you....it will be a nice break from cleaning the basement, repairing the fence, and cutting the lawn which are on my list to do.
 
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