Where is the best place in Marco Island to launch a 38 ft boat drafting about 3 ft? Would also need trailer storage for a week. Thanks in advance for any help

The only suitable ramp is on Collier Blvd ( SR 951 ) about a mile before you get to the bridge onto Marco. Make a left turn at the lights at Capris Blvd into the ramp area when heading west towards Marco. I launch my 50 Nor Tech there at 3/4 to high tide. You should be fine at mid tide or higher with a 38' boat. When loading try and catch slack high tide when the water is not moving much. Gets to be a challenge if the tide is ripping in or out. After launching you will have a 1 mile idle to reach the Marco River. As for trailer storage there is no where on the island. I keep a trailer at NBC RV Storage out on US 41 about 4 miles south of 41 and Collier Blvd on left side. Call Bruno at 239-213-8029 to make arrangements and get directions. It is about 25 minutes from the ramp.

Good luck,

Bob

Bob,

Could he launch at Walkers in Goodland and keep the trailer there?

Walkers do not have a ramp at their Goodland marina ( travellift only ) but Caloosa Isle Marina does and they do have secure trailer storage. That might be a better option than taking the trailer down US 41. Just need to avoid that area at low tide as not a lot of depth. Here is a link - http://www.calusaislandmarina.com/

Bob

I have used Calusa several times to launch and store the trailer for our 37' Active Thunder without problems. Just need to know the area really well, several, several shallow areas.

Just as Bob suggested, the ramp on 951 is the best bet. When I brought my Fountain down I was in a pinch for time (it was low tide) to meet the company to set up my lift and paid thru the nose to have Rose Marina use the travel lift to splash my boat.

Bob and everyone thank you. Can anyone recommend some places, bars, restaurants, beaches to go to by boat in Marco Island or up the coast towards Fort Myers or maybe even a little north of there?

CJ's in Marco Island
The Dock in Naples
Salty Sams - Ft Myers Beach
Boat House Tiki Bar in Cape Coral


I am sure Bob can add to the list. This was our first year in the area with the boat, so we have not hit too many.

Question for you guys about the Collier boat ramp. Hows the parking situation? Looking at google earth, the spots don't look very big, but theres a ton of them. What do you guys with big trailers do? Just park sideways across a bunch of spots?

I am not sure what size boat you are planning on launching, but the parking spots accommodate the "normal" size trailers. I would suggest having a buddy go park the truck and trailer at another location or plan on double parking, which on weekends gets pretty busy.