Hey HRPA Guys...... 4th of July
 

A few of us Potomac River boaters were thinking about coming down to for a long weekend on our boats for the 4th. Been to DC a few times and we're looking for somthing new. Thinking about staying at Salt Ponds. Looks like a pretty nice place for transient slips but I didn't see a ramp listed there.

We would probably be towing down via I95 to I64. Where is a good ramp in the area? The biggest boat in our group is a 38 Sonic which needs a good long ramp and some deep water. Also, we would be leaving our tow rigs there so we need a nicer neighborhood.

We all did the Jammin on the James a few years ago and went to Lynnhaven on Sunday for lunch. Where are some other places to cruise to? Any "must sees"? Where is a good place to see fireworks?

If you're planning to be as far south as Norfolk Harbor, it'll be a huge party. It's going to be different this 4th of July. Typically, Norfolk's Harborfest is the 1st full weekend in June, but this year it's the 4th of July weekend.

So most marinas and ramps will be crowded. You'll want to make sure you've got reservations. If you want to see some good fireworks, there's not a bad seat in the house if you're anchored in the harbor. Lots of good places to go and things to do.

Where is Norfolk Harbor?

4th of JUly
 

It has been years since I used the ramps in the Norfolk area. Maybe the guys from down there can tell you more about the area. There was a nice ramp at the James River Bridge in Newport News and Portsmouth City park but I don't know how safe your rigs will be over night. Good Luck

Have you thought about doing a ride down the Potomac, then down the bay? About 110 miles from the 301 bridge. Jammin is 92 miles

I'd recommend launching on the Chickahominy River near Lanexa, VA. It's a hop and a skip down to Hampton Roads from there. The River is FRESH water, and just a nice place to be. ActiveShack here on OSO can tell you which ramps are go/no go for the 38 Sonic.

Joey, if you run down the Potomac and the bay stop in at Smith Point and see us. Plenty of room on the pier to overnight. Pig will be cooking on the 4th!!:ernaehrung004:

I second spending the night in Norfolk for Harborfest. It's been in June for many years and we've always spent the night on the hook in the Harbor.....rafted with 20+ other boats but hte harbor could have 200-300 or more. Fireworks there have been the best I've ever seen.

Look like this??:ernaehrung004:

I'm at the other end of that raft-up.....2nd or 3rd boat from that end. I don't think I ever made it to your end of the group that whole day!!!!

Were you there about 8:00 pm......girls dancing topless on the brass pole boat!!!! :)

There is a public ramp next to Bluewater Yacht in Hampton, not sure on the parking accomodations or size of ramp, you could call Bluewater to check on it. No way I would leave anything at the ramp next to the James River Bridge in Newport News.

There is a relatively large lot at the Blue Water Yacht. Portsmouth City Ramp is decent with real good parking.

I would check because at the end of last summer my wife and I were heading to Salt Ponds, and the restauraunt, bar, pool etc.... had closed and wasn't going to be reopened.

If you are going to Salt Ponds you could also drop in where I do - every weekend - this ramp that is at the mouth of the York River. Lots of parking, very small town with fairly regular police patrol, nicest ramps I have ever been to and everyone would be fine as long as it isn't a dead low tide. Would have you getting off the interstate at Ft. Eustis, exit 250B off I64.

Several Years back I would go to Harborfest with a neighbor on his Sea Ray and dock at the Marina - the fire works show was always AWESOME; unless it has changed I doubt you'll beat it.

Update - Did a little geographic research for you. It is essentially equal distance from the ramp I launch at, the Portsmouth City park, and Newport News Huntington Park - all about 17.5-18 miles after you put in.

Blue Water Yacht would be much closer by boat - about 7-8 miles after you drop in.

Personally - I would not feel safe leaving my rig at NN Hunting Park.

See if this map helps....

We had to depart right before it got dark, I had a 277 Islander that day so, no cabin to sleep in.

WILL:ernaehrung004:

There is a public ramp on Jones Creek, Which is off the Pagan River. I have used that ramp a couple of times, once for a long weekend. No problems for us.

boat ramps
 

Hey Shah, There Are 2 Ramps That Work Real Well For All Boats 1 Is In Back River Wallace Boat Ramp Large Parking Lot Lighted At Night. The Other Is In Portsmouth City Park This Is Close To Harborfest Area On The Western Branch Of The Elizabeth River You Can Look Both Up On Map Quest Do Not Know Of Problems At Ether Ramp.
Scotty Mckay
42 Fountain
46 Sea Ray Sundancer