For low use ramps, a less expensive method (Push Method) is to form and pour the ramp on a thin layer of sand or crusher run, allow to cure, then push it into the water with a track machine. The diversity narrows on methods of constructing piers, and is mostly limited to how the pilings are installed. If cleats are still desirable, they can be placed on top of a curb to reduce the possibility of someone tripping over them. It needs to be secured well enough (or be wide enough) to not be tippy. Please be aware that the information on this chart is current only at the time of survey and may not be relied on for accuracy at any time after this date. Choosing a design that will suit several boaters or the general public is more difficult. Hydromet, Pacific Northwest Region, Bureau of Reclamation - Managing water and power in the West Obviously choosing a site and designing a launching ramp for a canoe or car-top boat in shallow water will differ greatly from choosing a site and designing a ramp for launching larger trailered boats in tidal water. Dredging and maintenance dredging to obtain deep water is expensive, can adversely impact the environment, and is often complicated since suitable sites must be located for placement of the dredged material. Our general rule of thumb is that one launching lane should have about 30-35 car-trailer parking spaces. Remember that a design that uses standard lengths of lumber will be more economical. Rubrails might be needed to prevent boats from catching under the pier. Copyright © 2010-2013 Matthew B. Marsh. Re: Boat lift- water depth needed. If no more than 80 launches per day are anticipated, one launching lane is adequate. The slope should be directed away from the ramp if possible to prevent gravel, sand, etc. Ice damage must be considered on all ramps in Virginia. Piers can be either floating or fixed. Water depth should be no less than three feet at the end of the ramp during mean low water, though four feet deep is more desirable. These sites are often areas of active deposition, where silt or sand might cover your ramp. Also, a ramp placed at an angle usually accumulates less silt after a period of high water. The paved part of the ramp should always extend at least 2 m (6') onto the flat region, even if everything else is unpaved. A local building permit is also required in some localities. If dredging can be avoided, do so! This article presents a number of items for your consideration should you be thinking of building a boat ramp, but is not intended to be a guide on how to build a boat ramp. This is NOT a properly designed ramp if a sailboat is to ever use it. One-way traffic in the parking area and staging area is desirable to reduce congestion. Wood that will receive saltwater splash should have a retention of 1.5 pcf. More than 80 launches justify additional launching lanes and parking spaces. The safety of the boaters must be considered in the pier design. For ramps where larger boats (over 20 feet) or heavy equipment might be launched, thicker concrete, larger steel and/or stronger concrete might be in order. The following recommendations can serve as a guide for specifying proper materials. Located along the Northwest River the Shingle Landing ramp offers; Single launching lane, courtesy docks and about 35 boat trailer parking spaces. My boat is a 5 1/2 metre glass boat, reasonably heavy and on a long tandem trailer. CCA wood that will be in constant contact with saltwater should be treated to a level of 2.5 pounds of retention per cubic foot (pcf) of wood. Re: Minimum water depth for boat at dock Post by Table Rockin » Wed Apr 10, 2019 2:25 pm Big Block Power wrote: ↑ Tue Apr 09, 2019 11:26 pm I'm … All bolt heads and nails that might come in contact with boats should be recessed. This allows individuals entering and exiting a boat to feel safe and secure when leaving a stable surface. It will reduce the draw of the boat, by quite a bit. The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly. A good side dock should float (or be adjusted) up and down with the water level. If a pier is needed to assist with launching and retrieving boats, paying close attention to the small details of pier design can save a lot of headaches and maintenance costs. All bolts and nails should be hot dipped galvanized. Some of those things are site criteria, permits, design, construction methods and materials, and the type and size of boats to be launched. If you would like to quote more than a paragraph or two, or if you would like to use images from this site, please contact me for permission before doing so. Care should be taken to see there are no “lips” on the pier where a boat could drift underneath and be caught if the water rises. Boating. Historically CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate) treated wood has been the treatment of choice for the construction of our piers.