Locating boat launches

[fiker]

When trying to find a launch on a lake you've never been to before, how do you do it?

I don't have a great way.  What would be nice is to just put an address into my auto's GPS.  I can't find a site that lists addresses though.

The best I've come up with is to search on Google Earth, put the cursor over the entrance to the ramp, and copy down the lat/long.  This I can put into my GPS. 

But there's got to be a better way I haven't found yet. 

Any body out there got a better technique?

[Bender]

I think that the launches show up on the map if you have the Navionics chip. But you better check them out on Google Earth or something first. I have had it lead me to small, brush covered openings that might have been suitable for launching a canoe.

[djkimmel]

For MDNR ramps anyway, try this website - http://www.mcgi.state.mi.us/MRBIS/

You can search a number of ways.

When you click on the name of the access site you get coordinates such as Coordinates: Lat:45.221369, Lon:-85.018093 for Boyne City.

You can also get a small lake map that you can zoom in and out of. Not only do you get contours on the lake but it shows you on the same map the roads and where the access site is in relation.

Hard to get actual street addresses for public access site but they are out there. Can't remember how I do it at the moment. Bed time now but that should get you in a happier place.

[fiker]

Thanks Dan.  With my auto GPS, I can plug in the lat long and find it.

[dartag]

Google Earth

[t-bone]

There is a good IPhone application called "Boat Ramps" that will show you all the boat ramps in the area.

[Skulley]

There is a good IPhone application called "Boat Ramps" that will show you all the boat ramps in the area.

I have the "Boat Ramps" App on my iPhone. It's great. It had ramps on the mile roads as well as the Grosse Pointes that I didn't even know were there. If you have an iPhone, I highly recommend the "Boat Ramps" App.

BD.                           

[Redbone]

I just downloaded this app on my android.  There are alot of launches for bigger bodies of water.  I'm thinking this app will definetly come in handy on a few trips.  For a free app everyone should have this one!

[Firefighter Jeff]

I also have the boat launch app for my Iphone.  Be careful, I have noticed some of the written directions to the launches have errors.   

[Bender]

I downloaded the app also. It only shows 3 of 11 boat ramps in my area that I can think of off the top of my head. In Michigan it seems a little better but some of the ramps that it shows are not suitable for bass boats and are in the wrong locations. If you find a ramp using it then I suggest using Google or Bing with satellite overlay to look at it before driving there expecting to put your boat in.

In the end I think the best way is to do a little research online, then stop at a local tackle shop and buy something and ask them. 

[fiker]

I don't have a smart phone so the apps thing is out for me.

I've just spent the morning using the site DK suggested.  On my auto GPS I can enter lat/long (after I changed the format) and then save under a category that I made on the GPS called launches.  It appears to be working correctly. 

I guess I'll know for sure when I show up to launch my boat, either in the lake or somebody's drive way. 

[mikesmiph]

If you end up in someones driveway, stop and ask them where the boat launch is. LOL

[Firefighter Jeff]

If you end up in someones driveway, stop and ask them where the boat launch is. LOL

Now THAT was a good one Mike !!!   

[djkimmel]

Yup. Great advice! I've done it!

[capt charlie's charters]

STAY AWAY FROM THOMPSON LAKE, CITY OF HOWELL LAUNCH, THEY'LL STICK IT TO YOU.

CAPT