Tue. Oct.16

[BIGSHOW]

Arrrrr, this totally stinks. Went to the launch at elizebeth park and the gate goin in was closed. So I went in the exit gate to investigate. The launch was taped off. A lady came out and told me it was closed due to low water. She told me I could go at my own risk. It seemed ok to me. She said it was past the end of the dock yesterday with the high wind. I decided not to go just in case the wind picked up enough to drop the water down and leave me stranded. After I went and got my boat out of storage, uncovered it and took an hour off early from work. Time and a half. Not a good day...PS, she said erie,wyandotte and Trenton was closed also

[FOB]

Bummer, but it is that time of year.  St. Clair Launch's will be shutting down soon as well.  You could try Sterling and come back up.  Best to call ahead.

[LennyB]

I launched at Erie Metro last week and could barley get out to the channel. I was OK until about half way out and then had to use the trolling motor. The water was only 12" in the marked channel.

[BIGSHOW]

The lady showed me skid marks all over the launch where people had a heck of a time getting out. I have a 4x4 so I wasn't to worried. I was just concerned of hitting an obstacle/rock that isn't usually there.

[djkimmel]

So is this just the wind or has the water dropped that much lower this year than normal? Or both?

[BIGSHOW]

I would say both, I went out yesterday and it was still low. Only two of the ramps were open at Elizebeth park. And they were tricky cause they were so low. It drops off after the cement runs out

[LennyB]

So is this just the wind or has the water dropped that much lower this year than normal? Or both?

The actual level is as low as it's been in many years, probably since the 60's. If we get a hard West wind you may not be able to launch on the lower Detroit River.  

[djkimmel]

Maybe it's time to introduce Southern reservoir ramp building techniques to Northern entities? As important as boating access is to Michigan and the rest of the Great Lakes.

[BIGSHOW]

Whats the southern ramp thing all about? I bet my axel was on the cement the other day in eliz park. Im probably done for the year. Im afraid of going out and the wind picking up and getting stuck without a way out

[djkimmel]

They extend their ramp cement way out for a larger variation in water levels. It has been done a few times to a lesser degree in Michigan. They dyked off the Upper Grand River ramp here in Lansing when they rebuilt it. Pumped out the water and extended it further out with an extra 6 feet of apron so they could launch the river queen boat.

It also meant you can powerload, as many of our trailers are designed for, without damaging the end of the ramp for other boats. I still don't because I don't want to get in the habit and don't want to hear about it from any 'zealots.'

They can powerload all over a lot of the country because they have solid cement ramps that extend way out into the lake. They cost more to build that way but they don't have to be repaired every few years eithers. On my life todo list to lobby our Northern states to start thinking about building (and rebuilding) ramps right the first time rather than keep fighting modern boat design, peoples' habits and ramp repair they can't afford.

I've seen 40-footers powerload at Harley but those flashy bass boats seem to attract most of the attention of everyone who wants to point a finger of blame.

[BIGSHOW]

Seems like a good long term cost savings. Especially like elizebeth park where you have 8 orso launches and lose money when they have to turn people away. Especially when they may drive a good distance,take time off work etc

[djkimmel]

I've always thought building them right the first time was a smarter in the long term when you think long term about repairs and usability. Just haven't convinced enough people up here to go along yet.

[BIGSHOW]

I think things like this are the last thing on wayne countys list of improvements. Although the city of Trenton runs it now. I'm really not sure who owns it or would pay for it.