Hi all -

I'm looking for some suggestions for ramps in my area that are in good shape and deep enough to launch my boat.

I have a 26' Donzi ZX on a dual-axle Fastload (bunk) trailer. I usually pull the trailer with a rear-wheel drive Silverado 1500, although I also have a 4-wheel drive Tahoe to use (when the wife lets me ;-) .

I live outside of Annapolis MD but have a home in Colonial Beach VA also. The public ramps in Colonial Beach are questionably deep enough, but the docks do not extend far enough into Monroe Bay for easy launching / loading. The ramp at the Colonial Beach Yacht Club is deep enough, but the concrete is in such bad shape I'm almost afraid I'll break one of the trailer axles.

Any information on ramps anywhere near Colonial Beach (or even Cobb Island on the MD side of the Potomac) would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

-Steve454

at cobb island use shymansky's, right across from capt johns.

If you can get on base, the ramp at Dahlgren is pretty decent.

offshoredrillin and DaveM, thanks very much for the replies. Much appreciated!

Does Aqualand have a decent ramp? I have not been there in a few years.

The camp ground in Monroe bay is good and always deep enough at any tide. The problem is parking the trailer there. They charge $10 a day. You may be able to cut a season pass. Our ramp is new and great, located acroos Monroe from Dockside. You have to be a member of the neighborhood association to use it though.

Its very steep , would work for most boats under 30 feet
the down side is there hours , opening around 6am and closing at 9pm , there gates are locked thruout the night

but they do have fuel , also can be an interesting adventure waiting for the fuel dock on a busy weekend

Shymanskys is a good ramp. We launch a 45 Sonic from there with no problems, plus they have fuel and supplies if needed

Aqualand, never used it. Chuckels has so he might be able to answer that

Its a piece of crap. Don't use it. Cost me 1000 to get props fixed. Nails sticking out of pier. If the wind picks up your screwed. Only used it cause I was running late to radar run.

Thanks everyone for the feedback. It's much appreciated.

I'm familiar with the Monroe Bay campground, although I've never launched from there. Easy enough for me to look into.

And Shymansky's definitely should not be a problem for me (26' boat) since you launch a 45' (Sonic. btw....nice)

If any of you see a white (with black and red trim) 20-something foot Donzi ZX running around the Potomac near Colonial Beach / Cobb Island....it might be me!

Thanks again everyone.