Welcome aboard the Escambia County Marine Resources Division “Boat Ramps and Access” webpage. This webpage is intended to provide information regarding boat ramps and waterways access sites available to the residents and visitors of Escambia county.

Everyone has heard the old saying: "There's no such thing as a free lunch". This is also true with boat ramps. There's no such thing as a free launch! Waterfront property is very expensive- and getting more expensive by the day. Docks, parking, and restrooms (mostly we use "porta-potties") are other amenities that must be paid for.

Of the annual Vessel Registration Fees boat owners pay to the state each year, only a small portion (for example, $2.85 for a 15 foot boat) comes to Escambia County Marine Resources Division. See Florida Statutes (328.72) for the statutory information. Each year, less than $100,000 is available for boat ramp maintenance, no wake zone signage, artificial reefs and other boating-related projects. Trying to save the balance of those funds each year to purchase waterfront property is an impossible task. Waterfront property prices increase faster than the fund balance!

A Bill in the Florida Senate seeks to increase Vessel Registration Fees to fund more boat ramps throughout the state.

Capt. Robert Turpin

Escambia County Marine Resources Division is actively seeking new sites for additional public boat ramps. Please email Robert Turpin (robert_turpin@co.escambia.fl.us) if you have any information regarding suitable waterfront property that may be available for acquisition.

Also, Escambia County Marine Resources Division is collecting usage data for existing boat ramps. Please use the data sheet (Boat Ramp Usage Data Sheet) provided here (Instructions are included). This data is vital for obtaining grant funds to purchase waterfront property and build additional boat ramps. Completed data sheets sent to Escambia County Marine Resources Division are a powerful way to show public support for additional public boat ramps!

To see a listing of Boat Ramp sites and discriptions please use the following link. Boat Ramp Sites

Overview of Escambia County Boat Ramp Locations.

Escambia County Marine Resources Division is pleased to provide you with Boat Launching Suggestions.
All data in this report was compiled by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission.

INTRODUCTION

Backing a trailer, launching a boat and trailering it are perhaps the most intimidating aspects of boating to many newcomers. Done properly, it can become quite easy.

New boat owners often need instruction in proper launching and loading methods.

All boaters need to practice common courtesy at the ramp! Poor ramp etiquette is a common problem in some parks. Park officers spend much time at the ramp directing traffic and cooling tempers. Proper ramp etiquette can be the start or finish of a pleasant boat outing.

Below are some tips and procedures to keep your outing successful and pleasant.

PREPARING FOR LAUNCH

Before backing your boat and trailer to the ramp, prepare the boat for launch.

Find a quiet spot in the parking lot away from the launch lane traffic. Some ramps provide lanes to "prep" the boat for the water ("make ready" area).

Remove all tie-downs except the winch hook attached to the bow eye of the boat.

Remove any outboard or stern-drive tie-downs or supports. Anything that can be detached from the trailer should be placed inside the tow vehicle.

Stow needed gear and required equipment in the boat (Personal flotation devices, fire extinguisher, signaling devices, etc.). Make a thorough pre-launch check of accessories (engine compartment blower, bilge pump, lights, battery switches, etc.) to ensure they are working.

Place any maneuvering aides equipment (boat hooks, paddles, fenders, anchors, etc.) within easy reach. Store lines where they are handy. It is a good idea to secure at least one mooring line to a bow cleat.

Turn on the blower (if equipped).

Check the boat over carefully one more time. THE BOW EYE WINCH LINE SHOULD STILL BE SECURED and the engine raised, though ready to be lowered. The blower is running and must run a minimum of 4 minutes before starting the engine.

Everything else is ready to launch.

AT THE RAMP

Wait patiently in line at the launch ramp. When it is your turn, stay in a single lane! Pull your rig onto the ramp and back the trailer until the wheels are at the water's edge. Be slow and deliberate. This boating activity requires a degree of precision developed only with practice. (Practice during low use times in a parking lot or other large area.)

The launch procedure can be accomplished solo, but it is much easier with two people. The second person signals the tow vehicle driver when the boat and trailer are in position. Place the tow vehicle in GEAR or PARK. Put the emergency brake on.

The second person can board the boat and lower the outboard or stern-drive unit to its normal operating position. Be sure the lowered unit is not touching the ramp.

The exhaust blower, on stern driven boats, must run for four minutes to clear any combustible fumes from bilge spaces. (Do this while the boat is being prepared for launch.) Sniff the engine compartment as an added precaution. If you smell gasoline fumes, DO NOT start the engine.

When given the signal, the vehicle driver backs slowly to a position where the engine's cooling water intakes are submerged. This assures the engine will receive adequate cooling water during warm-up, so no internal damage occurs.

Start the engine. Let it warm up. This prevents the engine from stalling at critical times when leaving the trailer.

Once the boat engine is running, check to see everything is operating properly. Ease the engine into and out of reverse a couple of times. If it doesn't stall, you are ready for the big step -- backing off the trailer.

Unhook the bow winch hook. If using a fixed bunk or adjustable trailer, have the tow vehicle driver back the trailer into the water until the boat begins to float free of the bunks or bolsters. This may mean backing the tow vehicle's rear wheels into the water. It should now be possible to shift the boat into reverse and slowly back off the trailer. If not, your helper might have to push back at the bow. If this effort does not help, have the boat driver sit in the stern of the boat while someone pushes the boat back. If none of these procedures work, the trailer and boat may need some adjustment.

A multiple-roller trailer differs somewhat in that as soon as the bow hook is released, the boat should roll off with very little effort. You need not back this type of trailer in nearly as deep as a bunk trailer. Use caution. The drive unit or outboard must remain in a slightly upright position so it will not hit the ramp as the boat rolls off the trailer.

Control the launch of a roller trailer with the boat's forward and reverse throttle.

Once off, lower the drive unit.

ON THE WATER

Please ... don't abuse the courtesy dock areas! Courtesy docks at ramps are for loading or unloading people. Do not tie to these docks! Do not block the ramp from others who are waiting in line. Instead, quickly load additional people into the boat, then back the boat away from the ramp to await the return of the tow vehicle driver.

When they return, ease to the end of the ramp dock to pick them up.

If you boat alone, pull into temporary areas away from the ramp before proceeding to park the vehicle and trailer.

RETRIEVING YOUR BOAT

For boats with additional operators, drop off a person who is experienced in trailering to pick up the vehicle and trailer while the boat and occupants wait offshore. Do not block a ramp with an unattended boat or vehicle.

The line is formed by cars and trucks with trailers, not by boats already in the water waiting to be retrieved. Please wait your turn in line.

When first in line, back the trailer into the launch lane. The boat operator can slowly drive onto the trailer. Secure the winch hook to the bow eye. Winch the boat up to the stop and secure the winch. Be sure the boat is centered on the trailer and the lower unit is raised before pulling out.

Proceed to an uncongested area of the parking lot to further secure the boat. Use additional tie downs and support for the motors lower unit. Remove the plug to drain out any water in the boat. Do not replace the plug if the boat is to be left out in the weather.

ADDITIONAL BOATING TIPS

• Beware of slippery conditions at launch areas.

• Take time to help others if they are by themselves or having trouble.

• Please, use common courtesy when launching and retrieving. Wait your turn, stay in one lane, and keep the water lanes clear of your waiting boat until your trailer is in the water.

• Check the local weather forecast before going out.

• Be careful about leaving children unattended in vehicles on ramps while launching.

• Reminder -- trailer plates expire on the owner's birthday, consider buying a Florida Bass Specialty Plate for your trailer and helping support fish and wildlife conservation.

• Dispose of trash properly. Remember what you take out, you should bring back. Recycle plastic, aluminum and fishing line whenever possible.