Windsor Launch Ramp.. Need to know stuff...

[t&y]

School me on the Windsor Launch ramp.

We'll be staying at a place right next to it in a few weeks. Figured we are so close, may as well use it instead of driving onto the island. What are the "need to know", "do's and don'ts" of the ramp. Other than traffic, any times that are best to launch/retrieve considering normal Havzoo wind/weather issues? Is there a real difference in the north versus the south ramps other than location?

Thank you in advance.

 

[TCHB]

I prefer the south side ramp.

Saturday is your busy day and it tapers off quickly on Sundays.

The ramp is very wide and can handle 4 trucks with ease.


The only real problem is people! They prep their boats on the ramp, clog up the loading area trying to show their boats.

You will find it no big deal if you can back up your boat.

Oh if it is a holiday weekend it can get crazy.

 

[t&y]

I prefer the south side ramp.

Saturday is your busy day and it tapers off quickly on Sundays.

The ramp is very wide and can handle 4 trucks with ease.


The only real problem is people! They prep their boats on the ramp, clog up the loading area trying to show their boats.

You will find it no big deal if you can back up your boat.

Oh if it is a holiday weekend it can get crazy.

June 30th through July 2nd. Hopefully the mid week boating that week isn't too bad. I don't frequent the channel anyways, but wanted to find some beach time for the kids without messing with crowds.

 

[Shortdeck]

South ramp also have has more dock area. It's easiest to launch and retrieve if you are by yourself or waiting to pick someone up.

 

[TCHB]

June 30th through July 2nd. Hopefully the mid week boating that week isn't too bad. I don't frequent the channel anyways, but wanted to find some beach time for the kids without messing with crowds.

Windsor is pretty empty during the week. You will have the place to yourself.

The south side of the channel over by the newer condos is nice and you will have it to yourself during the week. From that area you can walk up to In and Out for a burger.

 

[SJP]

Winsor ramp boater here.

* North ramp is more crowded because the South before upgrades use to be too short for larger boats. Trailer would drop off back of ramp and fold fenders. So I think people gravitate towards out of habit and they do not realize it has been fixed. I have trained wife on North ramp so I am hesitant to modify program.

* Honetly we shoot it at any time. They have upgraded parking and with lot 4 you do not get sellout days any more.

* This may be obvious to you and the rest of the readers on this site but I need to say it. When launching or retrieving and waiting for your driver please clear out past the buoy line. Guys / gals are literally stacked and making it difficult for others. I assure you the boat trailer will not get into the lane quicker if you are 50 yards out.

They have upgraded the park over the past 10 years and it is a lot nicer than it was. :thumbup:

Enjoy!

 

[Paul65k]

No more than 4 people in the car (if possible) when launching or they'll charge you an extra fee per person......all the other advice is spot on especially using the south ramp if available.

 

[allrightnow]

Actually it's no more than 4 adults per car, kids are free..

 

[Paul65k]

Actually it's no more than 4 adults per car, kids are free..

Absolutely you are correct.......sorry we don't have any kids..

 

[Danger Dave]

Ramp surfaces clean at Windsor? I mean not covered in algae making 4X4 a necessity?

 

[phuggit]

Dont get off the sidewalk. The bullthorns are all over the place and they'll go right thru a flip flop.

 

[TCHB]

Ramp surfaces clean at Windsor? I mean not covered in algae making 4X4 a necessity?

Some trucks slip a little but most two wheel drives trucks or vans have pull the boats out. The ramp is pretty nice.

 

[Rickybobby]

Windsor ramp boater here.


* This may be obvious to you and the rest of the readers on this site but I need to say it. When launching or retrieving and waiting for your driver please clear out past the buoy line. Guys / gals are literally stacked and making it difficult for others. I assure you the boat trailer will not get into the lane quicker if you are 50 yards out.

Have to agree... On saturday we tried to wait out the storm in the channel and let all the crazies load but ended up waiting in line a little bit, no big deal it gave the wind a chance to die down. Everyone seemed to be on their best behavior, no yelling or screaming and Motherf'ing, just guys getting busy getting their gear out, except for the one rental boat driver who had no clue wth he was doing and thought he had to do circles around and around in front of the ramp waiting for his trailereek:eek

I tend to like the south ramp but my friends always launch at the north, both are unprotected from the wind so beware if you are the least bit sketchy in a crosswind.

ps
There were park rangers ?? there Saturday morning and in the afternoon directing traffic, shitty job and I would like to buy them a beer if anyone knows who they are??? May have had something to do with everyone playing nice ???

 

[plaster dave]

Windsor south ramp boater here.
I love Windsor launch ramp never an issue at this ramp unless the rental boats are there. The Rangers do a great job moving things along as others have said.
You might want to get a season pass if your launching more then 5 days there. The busy time getting off is 5-7 I think. Longest I have waited to get off the ramp was 1:20 over memorial weekend.

 

[Havasteve]

Steer clear of the resident LEO's they are a special class of asshole. They live up to their reputation. Believe me I know. You asked so................

Otherwise a great place to launch. I prefer to use the south side. The docks are better on that side. The lake is super high right now so it's hard to find a beach.

 

[ONE-A-DAY]

Windsor ramp is used by rental companies to launch and retrieve their rental boats. Typically they use big 16 passenger vans as launch vehicles, stay clear, the boat drivers usually have no clue.

 

[Jonas Grumby]

North ramp user here for a lot of years, from this thread, I learned the south ramp is better, now I will have to give it a try, was to short and loads of grass over there.

One thing to be warned, bare feet on those aluminum docks is farking HOT!!!!!!.

 

[FreeBird236]

So. ramp user here. The grass is a little of a problem from time to time, it's okay right now, as is the algae on the ramps. I have an electronic type of limited slip 2 wheel drive, never had a problem. As has already been stated the place shouldn't be crowded on week days, have fun...

 

[asa400ex]

A couple of issues I have run into lately.

1. People stopping on the ramp after they back their boat in to load people. Maybe dad wants to back in so mom does have to back up. This makes it difficult for the guy next to you pulling out. If there are no boats in the lanes waiting to back up no problem, but if big boats in the lanes that turn can be interesting.

2. Pull all the way to the end of the wipe down area. I always see people stop short. Me I just stop long enough to get the people off the boat. I do the wipe down at home.

3. A lot of people like to hover around the tip of the north dock. This area is typically used for people jumping on/off boats. I see people try to tie their boat off in this area or hold onto the dock and wait for the rest of their party.

Most of these issues are common sense for us RDP's.

 

[Danzo]

We used to always use the North ramp prior to staying at The Islander. Alot of great tips. What we have always done is the wife launches me then proceeds to lot 4 and parks the truck/trailer. I park in the Channel just north of the new condos and my wife meets me in the channel. There is AMPLE parking in lot 4 and my wife ONCE clipped another trailer so that was our operation for the longest time. There is hardly anyone in lot 4. I get to sit out past the buoey line, warm up the boat to operation temps, set up towels, stereo, etc.... as she is heading to lot 4. I usually am there a couple minutes before she heads down. I will say that if there is a wind either ramp is tough. At least for my Hallett. If you plan to start using this ramp buy the annual pass. This pass is also good for Cattail and Cattail Cove. (no daily fee).

 

[Groper]

Windsor user here, I really don't see much of a difference between the two sides other than weeds in late July into August (s.side), I launch and retrieve solo, I have everyone get out at the prep (when i put ropes & fenders out) and have them go to the dock, then splash it and tie it up and pull the trailer out and park it faster than most that have help.
When retrieving I look at both sides coming in and determine which side to use based on which side has less traffic. It's not that bad, it's just the time of day that matters.

 

[SOCALCRICKETT]

South ramp user. Just be aware the lane furthest west has a sandbar that protrudes 4' in the lane and can cause the trailer to sit severely uneven.

 

[t&y]

We only tried the north ramp. It was alright, but man is that a steep angle from driving area to the actual ramp. Heard the suspension on my trailer and others creaking and cracking going over the lip. Traffic moved in and out pretty good, but we did have issue with some tire spin. I had to put the boat in drive and give it a little gas to help push the truck and trailer up over the lip. There was a guy in a 28ft. Conquest that had to do the same thing so I don't feel too bad about it. That being said, my boat isn't really a light one, and on and off the trailer we had 3-4 adults and 3-4 kids with a shit tone of gear at all times, so that may have been an issue.

The wind picked up one of the days and it was a bit hairy pulling up to the trailer but not too bad once you get close. I have no idea if the south ramp is a bit more protected but either way it worked out. Parking wasn't an issue at all and we ran into ZERO LEO's... can't stand those guys

 

[FreeBird236]

We only tried the north ramp. It was alright, but man is that a steep angle from driving area to the actual ramp. Heard the suspension on my trailer and others creaking and cracking going over the lip. Traffic moved in and out pretty good, but we did have issue with some tire spin. I had to put the boat in drive and give it a little gas to help push the truck and trailer up over the lip. There was a guy in a 28ft. Conquest that had to do the same thing so I don't feel too bad about it. That being said, my boat isn't really a light one, and on and off the trailer we had 3-4 adults and 3-4 kids with a shit tone of gear at all times, so that may have been an issue.

The wind picked up one of the days and it was a bit hairy pulling up to the trailer but not too bad once you get close. I have no idea if the south ramp is a bit more protected but either way it worked out. Parking wasn't an issue at all and we ran into ZERO LEO's... can't stand those guys

One of those guys, 8 to 2 South ramp recommendations and you use the North.D

 

[t&y]

One of those guys, 8 to 2 South ramp recommendations and you use the North.D

Lol I know... We had a person on the boat that swore by the north ramp so that's were we ended up.