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View Full Version : Echo Gets New Launch Ramp


Echo Lodge
09-06-2011, 02:36 PM
This just in.... New launch ramp will be finished in 2 weeks!

Sent via Android!

NicPaus
09-06-2011, 02:44 PM
The big question is will it be 2 wheel drive friendly. Saw the CAT when I left. This is the pic I just got sent from the neighbor. No more driving to Rockhouse for some I hope:thumbsup

NicPaus
09-06-2011, 02:50 PM
I would of thought they would do it in winter when the water level is lowered for dock and ramp repairs. That way they can slope it out further so not the huge incline.

coz
09-06-2011, 03:36 PM
I would of thought they would do it in winter when the water level is lowered for dock and ramp repairs. That way they can slope it out further so not the huge incline.

If they do it like they did ours up river, they'll form it up on dry land slide/crane the form into place and pump the concrete while it's under water.

linus3
09-06-2011, 03:44 PM
This is the kind of shit that can get out of hand Eric. A new ramp at Echo, come on.....who dumped all the dirt blocking the ramp, clearly photo-shopped. Im not falling for your sick jokes anymore...... :D

Chris231g
09-06-2011, 04:45 PM
That is GREAT news....

Marko
09-06-2011, 05:02 PM
Got a couple calls about this this weekend and one was from Laura so its true!!! :thumbsup

Echo Lodge
09-06-2011, 05:27 PM
What's the over under for the rent increase next year? $20? $40?

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Riverjunkie42
09-06-2011, 05:30 PM
I would love a real launch ramp at our park but its so close to the rockhouse that it probably doesn't matter. Houses are also in the way and Emerald Cove has one as well but I would never use that one.

SLOPOKE
09-06-2011, 06:28 PM
I would call Photo Chop too If I haddent seen it with my own eves.

vee-driven
09-06-2011, 06:46 PM
It's true, i was oficially the last person to use the old launch ramp this morning, they started ripping it up when i was pulling out.

linus3
09-06-2011, 07:37 PM
What's the over under for the rent increase next year? $20? $40?

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I was thinking the same thing. Maybe we should grab one of those old cement bags they dropped in years ago and mount it in Paradise. :D

500bbc
09-07-2011, 01:19 PM
I was thinking the same thing. Maybe we should grab one of those old cement bags they dropped in years ago and mount it in Paradise. :D

:hmm:eek: Wouldn't you get an indecent exposure for that?

rlemn8r
09-09-2011, 07:42 PM
Thats great news. Wonder if they are going to extend it farther into the water also???

linus3
09-12-2011, 11:22 AM
Eric to the red phone, any update pics. Wondering if it is going to be 2WD Tahoe friendly.

BKinSoCal
09-13-2011, 10:13 AM
I think the only way they can truly make that happen is if they stop the sand from swirling around from the beach and getting washed onto the ramp. That would mean extending the wall on the downriver side, which I would guess isn't going to happen.

Plus, for your boat, I would think you would need the ramp to be extended out about 6'. I know my trailer wheels go right to the edge when I launch at Echo and your boat has 5' on mine.

River Express
09-13-2011, 10:19 AM
The way people haul ass around that bend.... I shudder to think about the possibility of boat t-bone at that section. Boats loitering waiting for the ramp or someone launching and backing down into the path of a go fast.

linus3
09-13-2011, 11:14 AM
Like the accident Fathers Day. Rock House it will be then. Water is warmer down there anyway.:cool:

BKinSoCal
09-14-2011, 03:58 PM
The water is warmer? What, 1/2 a degree? Let me get you some Vagisil

linus3
09-14-2011, 08:59 PM
Little birdie told me part of the wall fell down due to digging......:cool:

linus3
09-14-2011, 08:59 PM
FYI, little guy trip for Bobs B-Day Sept 30, Oct 1& 2 if you locals can make it. Im sure we can find something to do.

Riverjunkie42
09-14-2011, 10:30 PM
The way people haul ass around that bend.... I shudder to think about the possibility of boat t-bone at that section. Boats loitering waiting for the ramp or someone launching and backing down into the path of a go fast.

Echo Lodge has some of the worst RIVER LICE around. Plus the whole park is on a curve along the river, so its always interesting going through there on weekends.

linus3
09-15-2011, 08:31 AM
I concur, had a close call with a mom and her small child cut in front of me doing 40 ish. Damn near clipped them. :thumbsdown

Echo Lodge
09-15-2011, 04:21 PM
FYI, little guy trip for Bobs B-Day Sept 30, Oct 1& 2 if you locals can make it. Im sure we can find something to do.

I might be able to swing it!

vee-driven
09-15-2011, 04:42 PM
Anyone gonna post up some current pics of the construction?

Echo Lodge
09-15-2011, 05:53 PM
Tell luscious to send us some pics!

linus3
09-16-2011, 06:57 AM
:thumbsupI might be able to swing it!

NicPaus
09-16-2011, 09:00 AM
unloading the cart now. Will go get some updated pics.

NicPaus
09-16-2011, 10:14 AM
So I went down to check it out. Some of the shoddiest work I have ever seen. I could of done a better job in 2 weeks with my little CAT. They have some big equipment for how slow they are going. Looks like they ran out of rebar. There mesh is in the dirt and they have a small army that could easily do this right. Very disappointing. As far as extending further looks like they cut it back to me. They are pouring some side walk type deal on side maybe to dock to? I will get more pics later they started to get mad when I was taking pics and making comments.

NicPaus
09-16-2011, 10:19 AM
I did a little asking. The ramp will be better than before and 2 wheel drive should be no problem. The work quality is not the best but its not from a Contractor. Its the parks crew doing the work. What to be expected in Parker. They have tried for years to get it replaced and it will be better than before. Lots of traction to say the least

linus3
09-16-2011, 04:26 PM
Thanks for the pics. So is it safe to say that the years of hearing that the Army Corp of Engineering and BLM holding up the project was BS. :p

Echo Lodge
09-16-2011, 04:42 PM
Thanks for the update!

NicPaus
09-16-2011, 05:14 PM
Thanks for the pics. So is it safe to say that the years of hearing that the Army Corp of Engineering and BLM holding up the project was BS. :p

From what he told me it was there main holdup for almost 15 years now. All the big equipment is theres he said except cement truck and pump. I thought it was a concrete company so I was very skeptical on there work. Turns out it is the parks crew feel bad bashing there concrete skills after talking with the boss. Glad they are trying to make it work for 2 wheel drive owners in the park:thumbsup

linus3
09-16-2011, 07:32 PM
The pitch looks good. How far out into the water does it go. Does it look far enough for longer stuff. :thumbsup

NicPaus
09-16-2011, 08:25 PM
The pitch looks good. How far out into the water does it go. Does it look far enough for longer stuff. :thumbsup

Does not look as far out as before but they brought it way in to keep from launching right into current. Pitch is sloped out good. The storm gave them problems tuesday and they said they plan on pouring more further out. Wish they new about cold joints when it comes to concrete. Either way you wont have to go to rock house anymore if you have 2 wd.:thumbsup I will get more pics tomorrow. They said ramp should be done yomorrow just have to finish wall that got knocked over on down river side after that.

Rivergirlz
09-17-2011, 08:42 PM
Progress was slowed for awhile when they learned a water main went through the ramp wall (they broke it digging). Water was out in park for a whole day. Cement is very wavy and uneven but big grippy divets anout 2" deep in it should help you two wheel drive guys. I don't know if I will be able to use new ramp since the river is less than 3 feet deep behind the ramp. Looks way better than before either way.

linus3
09-18-2011, 09:50 AM
Great, another good looking ramp that I cant use.......:D

Rivergirlz
09-18-2011, 11:49 AM
Too Muddy, can't get pics under water or report on how deep the new ramp goes

linus3
09-18-2011, 01:17 PM
thanks for the pics. :thumbsup

Echo Lodge
09-19-2011, 05:51 AM
Progress was slowed for awhile when they learned a water main went through the ramp wall (they broke it digging). Water was out in park for a whole day. Cement is very wavy and uneven but big grippy divets anout 2" deep in it should help you two wheel drive guys. I don't know if I will be able to use new ramp since the river is less than 3 feet deep behind the ramp. Looks way better than before either way.

So good luck launching in the winter time or low water Thursdays?

NicPaus
09-19-2011, 09:07 AM
So good luck launching in the winter time or low water Thursdays?

From what Denny told me they were going to pour more yet further out. The storm last tuesday increased water flow from 1600-2200 and raised river so they could not pour it further out. my main concern is all the cold joints with no steel to tie them together. The ramp also starts in the middle of the road so backing in large boats wont be easy. Looks like a 24' boat and truck would not be able to pull in turn out and back down. Will have to turn down ramp from road then use turn out once boat trailer is on ramp.

Rivergirlz
09-19-2011, 03:02 PM
Today's progress...looks like they are wrapping up....maybe

They poured about 4-6" on top of the old ramp so now big boats (like ours) will have less water to launch in. Seems to end where the old ramp ended. Wonder if we get more ramp on dock repair week? Hope so or it's still Rock House for us. Will be great for smaller boats and jet skis.

Beautiful day at the river today. 110 and all sun.

Rivergirlz
09-20-2011, 10:50 PM
Here's our new wall and I'm standing with my heels at the end of the concrete(soft mud left over from temp. dam after that).

linus3
09-21-2011, 06:59 AM
Please tell me your not standing at the end of the ramp. :D

cjbuilder1
09-21-2011, 07:59 AM
"A" for effort but it appears that there will be a loss of depth without going off the "end" IMHO

Rivergirlz
09-21-2011, 08:54 AM
I was actually very sad about it. I was excited about being able to use a ramp at Echo. I hate driving to Rock House. There is a part of the ramp about 10 feet out that is a foot deeper, then at the end it gets more shallow. Concrete ended there. Too mucky to be able to tell if there is anything beyond that. Where I am standing is where they stopped pouring. Then it's very soft mud. This was taken at about 4PM so the water is up pretty good too.

Echo Lodge
09-21-2011, 10:49 AM
Too bad..... I hope they do an additional pour and take the ramp out another 10 feet.

BKinSoCal
09-21-2011, 10:54 AM
Based on Shirl's last picture, the only thing that will be able to be launched there will be flatties and SeaDoos/WaveRunners.

Looks like it was a nice effort, but a poor execution. I hope they make it right when the water level goes down so the ramp will be useable for more than I listed above.

NicPaus
09-21-2011, 11:05 AM
If your still out there. Go ask Jeff or Denny if they are finished? From what I was told they had planned to pour further out. Water level rose from rain and they released more than planned from dam. Had to pull out 4 boats Sunday from beach and it was easier than are old ramp. Extend this one and say bye bye to launching at Rockhouse for all with 2wd. Wait maybe thats a bad idea I have never had to wait to launch at Echo:D

Echo Lodge
09-21-2011, 12:11 PM
I just got my yearly bill for my space rent and the price......... Did not go up!

linus3
09-21-2011, 03:17 PM
SHUT THE FRONT DOOR........:thumbsup Ill be up this weekend and if everything goes to plan........Ill have cold beer also. :D

BKinSoCal
09-22-2011, 11:41 AM
I'm heading out tomorrow morning for a quick guys trip. I'll see if I can work some beer in with you as well.

linus3
09-22-2011, 01:26 PM
:thumbsup

MattWolfy6
09-22-2011, 10:23 PM
:thumbsup

Echo Lodge
09-24-2011, 10:13 AM
Ramp report.... Were you able to launch Brian. Alsop said his buddy was there last weekend and was not able to launch his I/O.
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Echo Lodge
09-24-2011, 12:23 PM
Brian just texted me that they watched an 18 foot boat try to launch and could not. He said non of us will be able to launch at Echo. He will post pics on Monday. I sure hope they are not done pouring. Its sad that we have waited so long for a ramp only to find that it is not useable in its current state.

Sent via Android!

vee-driven
09-24-2011, 02:33 PM
it the ramp does not work, atleast i have a 4x4 and they have a nice beach area.

NicPaus
09-24-2011, 02:51 PM
Headed out next weekend will ask Denny or Jeff whats up. If they are done all you 2wd guys pay for the mud and I will form it and finish it when the water drops for dock repairs.:thumbsup

Echo Lodge
09-25-2011, 08:51 PM
it the ramp does not work, atleast i have a 4x4 and they have a nice beach area.

I have access to one and will be doing the same!

linus3
09-25-2011, 09:35 PM
Eric, I was with Brian and Matt watching these guys back down the ramp. Lets just say that if the driver opened the door to that Durango, it would have filled up. From our angle on the water, there was about 8 feet of water from the bottom of the ramp to the front of his car. Thats how far out he was. The kicker was the top of the fender on his single axel trailer were still dry that far out. This guy was hammering the throttle trying to drive it off the trailer while his buddies pushed. We were laughing our asses off. Another boater was filming it as well. Without dropping names we had heard they are catching crap from campers. I will say, the sand next to the ramp is getting a lot of usage. :D

NicPaus
09-25-2011, 09:43 PM
To much slope. Did there trailer tires go off into the mud or was concrete still under just shallow? Long tow to bring my CAT and breaker:D

Echo Lodge
09-26-2011, 06:38 AM
That is really sad. If the park had contracted with a legitimate company they would be able to take legal action to fix the problem. I fear now that we will be left with a non useable ramp for the foreseeable future.

linus3
09-26-2011, 08:31 AM
Did not look like the trailer went off the end but he was darn close. I honestly think this new ramp might have even taken out usage for smaller boats as well. :thumbsdown

Echo Lodge
09-26-2011, 09:19 AM
If there is not enough slope then adding length to the end will do us no good unless you have a Wired For Sound lifted PU. So the options are to tear out all the new cement or start a new one on the other side of the seawall. My guess neither will be done.

NicPaus
09-26-2011, 09:59 AM
If there is not enough slope then adding length to the end will do us no good unless you have a Wired For Sound lifted PU. So the options are to tear out all the new cement or start a new one on the other side of the seawall. My guess neither will be done.

Adams truck is only 2wd he has to push the truck out with the boat. I can launch you guy's just come by and ask did 4 boats last trip so neighbors did not have to go to rockhouse. We had planned on leaving an old 4x4 there for launching I should of jumped on the one with 44" s for 2K. Honda gets 30mpgs compared to 17 on my truck.


As fsr as redoing it I think they way over spent and would not spend twice to do it right. The concrete is 10" thick some place atleast it will break up easy with no steel in it. This could of been done right for a lot less had they had some guidance or hired someone licensed. Hell I would of volunteered my time. As far as pouring further out looks like wont do any good.

MattWolfy6
09-26-2011, 11:19 AM
I walked down the launch ramp this past weekend and it's worse than before. I could put our Nautique in with 4WD on the old one, but now I'd be surprised if the wheel wells even get submerged. Once the ramp reaches the water it flattens out so most cars will have the rear and front wheels in the water. By that point trailers will be falling off the end of the ramp. We also noticed that sand was beginning to pile up at the water line. The only chance people will have at launching on this thing will be if the water level is very high so they actually have a slope to launch down.

However, it will provide some great entertainment for all those who live nearby.

linus3
09-26-2011, 11:37 AM
Yes, I do believe it will provide our own little Site 6 come Sundays. :D

500bbc
09-26-2011, 12:37 PM
Think they'll close it completely once someone rolls their trailer off the end and sues the park for damages?

What kind of idiot let 'em put it in like that anyway?:hmm

NicPaus
09-26-2011, 01:15 PM
Think they'll close it completely once someone rolls their trailer off the end and sues the park for damages?

What kind of idiot let 'em put it in like that anyway?:hmm

That happens alot at Big Bend. Trailer tires get stuck behind concrete at end of ramp. Even in 4wd most cant get out once it happens.


The managers of Echo had there crews do it to save money. Watching them work was a joke. Seen some homeowners concrete jobs turn out better. Go look how uneven it is its a trip falll liability I would think.

Echo Lodge
09-26-2011, 02:27 PM
4 x 4 in the sand south of the new wall sounds like the ticket. Thank God for "Big Blue" (Old School Ford). Thanks for the heads up about big bend. I have not launched there in 15 or more years and was going to use it as option "B".


Several of us posting on this thread will be up next weekend and maybe we can get some concrete (pun intended) answers. Really disappointing to say the least. We all have been waiting for years for a new ramp and this is the worse outcome. We have completely loss the use of our ramp. We pay a premium price to have places at Echo and deserve better!:cry:

Chris231g
09-26-2011, 02:44 PM
I also have my new yearly bill and having a hard time sending in the money with this SHIT going on!! Like you said Eric we pay a premium for a place at Echo and to thave this happen is very dissapointing

Echo Lodge
09-26-2011, 04:05 PM
You going to drive out with me this Thursday Chris? I was thinking for Tom's guys trip we could use the launch ramp for our Bag Tournament seeing how it seems a shame to have all that concrete go to waste!

Post your ideas for alternative uses for our new un usable launch ramp here!

Chris231g
09-26-2011, 04:10 PM
nope...remember we are having that get together at our house sat

BKinSoCal
09-26-2011, 04:35 PM
Like Matt and Tom said, we were out this past weekend. We watched the Durango "launch" the 18' runabout (pictures below) on Friday afternoon when the water was up and then Matt and I walked out on the ramp yesterday morning when the water hadn't come up a whole lot yet and the water was ankle deep from the water line to the end of the ramp. I figure from where the water was, when the water is up, it's 12-18 inches different. Like I said before, SeaDoo's, WaveRunners and flatties are the only things that have a shot to be launched from this ramp when the water is up, and that will still take some muscle to get it off and on.

This ramp was a waste of time and money because we now have a 100% unusable boat launch. I know Eric seemed happy his annual bill hadn't gone up, but it in fact should have gone down because we will now have to leave the park to put our boats in the water...unless we all utilize the beach as our launch ramps, which is a strong possibility. They need to rectify this come winter when the water is down.

In the second picture, you can see that the driver is throttling to get off the trailer. It was pretty comical and sad at the same time.

Echo Lodge
09-26-2011, 04:45 PM
Wow.... That is bad!

TPC
09-26-2011, 05:11 PM
Like the dock at the Del Rio Bar and Grill,, everything CRA does construction-wise is a fuckstory.

Marko
09-26-2011, 05:43 PM
Gee, who would have thought that they would fuck that up? LOL!!!

I was asking Jeff about the angle a couple of weeks ago and he was explaining to me how they were lowering the top of the ramp to make it easier. I was trying to explain how that wouldnt work because it wouldnt have enough angle but oh well. I've launched from the beach before. Thats way too funny!!!! :lmao:fsakes

hallett21
09-26-2011, 07:22 PM
Could you pour more concrete at the top to steepen it? Seems pretty crappy that there just going to let it sit there

Echo Lodge
09-26-2011, 08:39 PM
Could you pour more concrete at the top to steepen it? Seems pretty crappy that there just going to let it sit there

No that would not help as the ramp at and below the water line has no slope. We do not know what the game plan is for CRA. Based on their track record we just expect the worst. Maybe they will surprise us and start over using a real contractor who has launch ramp experience.

linus3
09-26-2011, 08:53 PM
I say we round everyone up this weekend, bring the ice chest, chairs, bags, beach towels, stereo and umbrellas. Have ourselves a little ramp party. Get our monies worth and click off a few pics. :D:champagne:

Echo Lodge
09-27-2011, 06:13 AM
I say we round everyone up this weekend, bring the ice chest, chairs, bags, beach towels, stereo and umbrellas. Have ourselves a little ramp party. Get our monies worth and click off a few pics. :D:champagne:

Great idea.... since the launch ramp now has no slope and a pool type beach entry:champagne:

Rivergirlz
09-27-2011, 08:41 AM
Coming up Saturday to crash your all boys ramp party- Eric can you hit the AC when you get there for us?

BadPoor313
09-27-2011, 01:11 PM
I say we round everyone up this weekend, bring the ice chest, chairs, bags, beach towels, stereo and umbrellas. Have ourselves a little ramp party. Get our monies worth and click off a few pics. :D:champagne:

Sounds like a plan. If I make it up this weekend I'll stop by.

Echo Lodge
09-27-2011, 01:27 PM
Coming up Saturday to crash your all boys ramp party- Eric can you hit the AC when you get there for us?

Yes dear!

Sent via Android!

Skippy
09-28-2011, 11:15 AM
I took video of his launch. I will try to post it

Echo Lodge
09-28-2011, 04:08 PM
I took video of his launch. I will try to post it

Classic. Can't wait!

Sent via Android!

Echo Lodge
10-02-2011, 12:17 PM
Here is my first hand experience trying to launch at the new ramp this past weekend. I was using a F250 4 x 4 for the attempt. Because the ramp goes level once you get to the water line my trailer's prop guard bottomed out. I then drove over to the sand on the up river side of the ramp and launched from there. For those of you with direct drives or v drives you will need to make sure you have clearance at your prop guard or you will be out of luck like I was. I did not have a drop hitch to use to make a second attempt.

You will need to have a vehicle with some height to launch as you must drive out on the flat portion of the ramp to get to the end of the concrete. At the end the sand does slope down. The park took a couple of scoops of sand out to give it some slope but the hole was already filling in. You are better off sticking close to the block wall as this is where the slope is at the end of the cement.

If you do not have a lifted car your best bet is to launch early morning when the water is down. Be careful of the chunk of concrete that is in the middle of the ramp about half way down.

My buddy asked Jeff about the ramp and he said they are still working on it. Not sure what their plan is. Maybe to dig deeper at the end of the ramp and then pour more cement.

rlemn8r
10-02-2011, 09:10 PM
I was there this weekend also and they sure did screw it up. I was able to launch on the right side up against the seawall. Good thing the truck is lifted or it probably wouldn't work. It also worked for me because i have a jet, so my trailer didn't get caught on anything.. My son in laws brother was able to launch his 25 carrera on the same side as me but his truck is also lifted. We had water about 4 inches from the bottom of our doors...

linus3
10-03-2011, 07:43 AM
But wait........they are not done yet. :hmm:D

SLOPOKE
10-05-2011, 08:58 PM
As seen it took three tries to launch my Flatbottom. Whoever the waterhead windowlicking engineer that thought putting a flat shelf 12" below the waterline was needs his nuts put in a vice. We went from one of the worst ramps to what everybody else has said "Unuseable". I admit from the waterline up it is way better and aside from being a little uneven would work fine. It aint fixable without a jackhammer. Ditch the shelf and we are good to go. Dont even need a blueprint just go to the Rock House and look at how it should be done.

Echo Lodge
10-06-2011, 05:48 PM
I will be using it this weekend (attempt 2). I have a drop hitch now and will use the same F250 4 x 4. My goal is to try the ramp first and if that doesn't work use the beach again!

BKinSoCal
10-07-2011, 10:14 AM
So what was your outcome Eric? Did you still need to use the beach?

linus3
10-07-2011, 11:00 AM
He's busy digging. ;)

Echo Lodge
10-09-2011, 05:03 PM
So what was your outcome Eric? Did you still need to use the beach?

Just got home. I put a drop hitch on and tried the ramp again today to pull my Nautique out. I had my buddy Jeff P from b row back Big Blue down the ramp and used the seawall side. The ramp is so uneven where it finally gets deep enough that I had trouble centering the boat on the trailer. Then when driving out the trailer drag both at the prob guard and in the front near the bow. Just crap.... I will go back to using the beach until they fix the ramp. Well, if they fix it.

It was entertaining watching people all weekend trying to figure out how to use the ramp.:grumble:

linus3
10-09-2011, 06:26 PM
Ford is deep and the fenders on the lice trailer are still showing. What a joke. :thumbsdown

drew_built
10-09-2011, 07:04 PM
I was there this past weekend took a look at the ramp and there was no way I was even going to try and launch I ended up at rock house

rlemn8r
10-10-2011, 06:35 AM
If you get closer to the seawall, thats where it seems to be better. Anybody with a ski or direct drive boat might have to try the left side, we were able to get my SIL boat in on that side, but with a little scraping. But you need something lifted, or water will be above the bottom of your door. But they sure did F it up thats for sure...

Echo Lodge
10-18-2011, 03:06 PM
I called the store today and was told that "phase 1" is complete and they will be starting "phase 2" when they finish another project at Rio.... I just hope "phase 2" means taking out the flat portion they poured on top of the old ramp so the grade can be continued at the water line.

BajaMike
10-18-2011, 03:24 PM
They need to hire a rocket scientist to splain to them that a "launch ramp" is not normally FLAT!

:D:bowdown::party::drnkfr

Echo Lodge
10-20-2011, 12:32 PM
It is the newest thing in launch ramps.... Called the beach entry!

NicPaus
10-22-2011, 09:44 PM
Phase 2 is complete they just have to let it cure. They poured more cement 20" thick 140 yards Jeff said over the top in the walley portion at bottom of ramp. Now you back out into water 20' and boat trailer will drop so boat floats. Makes my golfcart useless for trying to load a ski. The ski will hit bottom 25' from shore. 2wheel drive will work but you will have to add a extension to breather on your rear differential and make sure not to open door when a boat passes. I have pics but I think the camera cord is at home. Beach works fine with 4wd but the fucking golfcart cant pull ski out gets stuck in the sand. Found a 4x4 Golfcart but to much$$$$

BKinSoCal
10-24-2011, 09:17 AM
Phase 2 is complete they just have to let it cure. They poured more cement 20" thick 140 yards Jeff said over the top in the walley portion at bottom of ramp. Now you back out into water 20' and boat trailer will drop so boat floats. Makes my golfcart useless for trying to load a ski. The ski will hit bottom 25' from shore. 2wheel drive will work but you will have to add a extension to breather on your rear differential and make sure not to open door when a boat passes. I have pics but I think the camera cord is at home. Beach works fine with 4wd but the fucking golfcart cant pull ski out gets stuck in the sand. Found a 4x4 Golfcart but to much$$$$

This is a joke, right? Funny, haha? Did they seriously do what you wrote above? I know most things are done half-assed at Echo, but they couldn't even fix the ramp remotely the right way? They're gong to just keep pushing people out of the park...but maybe that's their goal? Maybe there's going to be a Phase 3 where they do the right thing and cut out the concrete from the waterline out, dredge it and then repour...naw, that would be the right thing to do...

OCMerrill
10-24-2011, 09:28 AM
Wow 14 more trucks of concrete.

Is this thing now a boating hazard at low water levels?


---
I am here: Google Maps
Sent from my high performance threadcraping iPhone.

NicPaus
10-24-2011, 11:02 AM
[QUOTE=OCMerrill;860546]Wow 14 more trucks of concrete.

Is this thing now a boating hazard at low water levels?


No it has a big red wall that sticks out you will hit before you bottom out. If youre running up river wrong direction you would bottom out right before the wall.

NicPaus
10-24-2011, 11:08 AM
This is a joke, right? Funny, haha? Did they seriously do what you wrote above? I know most things are done half-assed at Echo, but they couldn't even fix the ramp remotely the right way? They're gong to just keep pushing people out of the park...but maybe that's their goal? Maybe there's going to be a Phase 3 where they do the right thing and cut out the concrete from the waterline out, dredge it and then repour...naw, that would be the right thing to do...

They doweled the 2nd pour to the first pour its 30" thick. Still would not be hard to tear it out with the big loader they have as I watched them pour the first one and they just left the rebar in the dirt and ran out of rebar last section.

Hard to see in picture but I walked out there. Right before wall ends it drops off now. All 4 wheels will be in the water to launch.

Echo Lodge
10-24-2011, 12:56 PM
So this has done nothing to remedy the fact that the launch ramp goes level at the water line! By adding a "second phase" or more like a second launch ramp you still will need a lifted 4 x 4 to use this thing. As mentioned before... Some of us can not even get out to the flat portion due to our trailers bottoming out. I sure hope they don't give me a hard time for launching from the beach as I have no other options. My next trip is Nov 4 - 6. I will try to take some water level pics! Just when you think CRA can't do anything to surprise you.... They find a way. :thumbsdown

Echo Lodge
10-24-2011, 12:58 PM
Beach works fine with 4wd but the fucking golfcart cant pull ski out gets stuck in the sand. Found a 4x4 Golfcart but to much$$$$

I would let you use the Rhino.... But you know how the park feels about them:smackbum:

NicPaus
10-24-2011, 01:19 PM
So this has done nothing to remedy the fact that the launch ramp goes level at the water line! By adding a "second phase" or more like a second launch ramp you still will need a lifted 4 x 4 to use this thing. As mentioned before... Some of us can not even get out to the flat portion due to our trailers bottoming out. I sure hope they don't give me a hard time for launching from the beach as I have no other options. My next trip is Nov 4 - 6. I will try to take some water level pics! Just when you think CRA can't do anything to surprise you.... They find a way. :thumbsdown

Your trailer wont bottom out no more. It is flat all the way out until the drop at end of wall. Problem is all 4 tires will be in water and most 2wd lose all traction when wet. I walked it out to see and your rear tires will be 20' out in water although its only 12-18" deep there depending on water level and time. The trailer drops off the end pretty sharp and can see issues with trying to pull boat back out with all tires wet. I beach launched right in front of Denny and he did not say anything.

Echo Lodge
10-24-2011, 02:58 PM
Your trailer wont bottom out no more. It is flat all the way out until the drop at end of wall. Problem is all 4 tires will be in water and most 2wd lose all traction when wet. I walked it out to see and your rear tires will be 20' out in water although its only 12-18" deep there depending on water level and time. The trailer drops off the end pretty sharp and can see issues with trying to pull boat back out with all tires wet. I beach launched right in front of Denny and he did not say anything.

My trailer bottoms out before I even make it to the flat area! Both prop guard and keel guard!

NicPaus
10-24-2011, 04:58 PM
My trailer bottoms out before I even make it to the flat area! Both prop guard and keel guard!

I dont know how to draw it and its hard to see in my picture. Imagine the 2' in your diagram and add 20" of concrete on top of it to and make the transition more gradual so it seems flat from top to drop in river in your diagram. Next week someone will be able to attempt to use it and give feedback.

Echo Lodge
10-24-2011, 05:58 PM
Won't be me because I can't even make it into the water. Saulo (sp ?) Better keep the work truck ready to pull out stalled launch vehicles.

Sent via Android!

hulihan
10-24-2011, 06:48 PM
Would one get in trouble for just backing down the beach, that seems the safest and easiest way to get it in and out, if you have 4X4 ? I was told last week by someone at the Office of Echo Lodge, that they were going to fix it once and for all and would be done in the next couple of weeks, but I am not sure what that ment !

Echo Lodge
10-24-2011, 07:12 PM
I don't think there is a "phase 3" which would be to start all over. I guess they could pour another 20" on top of the flat area but I doubt that. The info you heard was done when they poured the portion last week. I am sorry to say that we will be stuck with a pos ramp. I will be launching from the sand.

Sent via Android!

linus3
10-24-2011, 07:22 PM
I for one like this new ramp. :rolleyes:

Echo Lodge
10-25-2011, 06:53 AM
I for one like this new ramp. :rolleyes:

So much you use Rock House!:champagne:

Echo Lodge
10-25-2011, 06:55 AM
I dont know how to draw it and its hard to see in my picture. Imagine the 2' in your diagram and add 20" of concrete on top of it to and make the transition more gradual so it seems flat from top to drop in river in your diagram. Next week someone will be able to attempt to use it and give feedback.

Ok, then maybe I won't bottom out. I thought they just added to the end of "Phase 1". Thanks for clearing it up!

500bbc
10-25-2011, 07:58 AM
Soooooo at this point everyone in the park needs a new lifted 4x4 just to use the ramp?

I see an opportunity here, "Sure I'll launch you, $10.00".:p

LowRiver2
10-25-2011, 08:47 AM
For another choice:

Saw a 3 bed/2 bath mobile at River Shores for $110k, 25X45 garage, space rent around $350, and you don't have to tow sxs's out of the park in daisy chain behind a pickup, just a thought;)

Rock house is a great ramp, sux about that new ramp.

linus3
10-25-2011, 08:48 AM
[QUOTE=Echo Lodge;861593]So much you use Rock House!:champagne:[/QUOT

Thats why I like it. I CANT USE IT.........:D

Echo Lodge
10-25-2011, 09:02 AM
For another choice:

Saw a 3 bed/2 bath mobile at River Shores for $110k, 25X45 garage, space rent around $350, and you don't have to tow sxs's out of the park in daisy chain behind a pickup, just a thought;)

Rock house is a great ramp, sux about that new ramp.

I can't leave Echo... I would be missed too much:drnkfr