Free ramps?

[Capt. Debbie]

Most don't have wash down hoses or fish cleaning tables around RB. Maybe Zubacks sans cleaning table

I've also been boating for over 40 years nearly exclusively in northern NJ. And been towing boats into all the RB ramps for the past 17 years. Where are all these free RB ramps you been using with hoses and tables?

Even the $100 per year ramps, most all don't have wash down hoses and fish cleaning tables. In fact most towns do not want the marina to have one and have you haul your cleaned carcass and not dump it in for legal/health reasons( sign posted)

The good old days are great to dwell on. In fact they get even better with fading memories. Mine do. Especially fish stories and women.

Originally Posted by Blind Archer

Been launching for 41 years. All of the RB ramps are out of their minds with the use fees.Keyport was $25 on a weekday. No washdown or cleaning tables... so what am I paying for.

[Blind Archer]

I didn't say the free ramps had water or tables. Nothing paid nothing offered. A $25 + ramp fee is 14 gal. A days worth of fuel for me. To imply that we are willing to forego the extra fuel use is the very reason they jack the prices up. The free ramps before your time were, ISan Juan hiill (keyport), Waykaack creek,(Keansburg), Union Avenue ramp (Union Beach) Morgan Creek (Lawrence Harbour) to name a few.

[irishc]

There are 2 free public access launch's in Point Pleasant. One is at the south end of the canal and the other is about a 1/4 mile up to the north. Neither place has first class amenities but both are FREE.

[njstew2]

Yo Doug...it's Stew. Happy Birthday!!

[Capt. Debbie]

I think the nail got hit on the head here.

Why would should maintain a ramp for free use? Even emptying the trash cans from boater's trash cost the owner money. Trailer guys leave when done... so why should someone maintain a ramp again?

Perhaps that's why the list does not exist any longer- free don't help much.

Originally Posted by Blind Archer

I didn't say the free ramps had water or tables. Nothing paid nothing offered. A $25 + ramp fee is 14 gal. A days worth of fuel for me. To imply that we are willing to forego the extra fuel use is the very reason they jack the prices up. The free ramps before your time were, ISan Juan hiill (keyport), Waykaack creek,(Keansburg), Union Avenue ramp (Union Beach) Morgan Creek (Lawrence Harbour) to name a few.

[Blind Archer]

All of the other fore mentioned states offer well maintained beautiful ramps. So it is done. Out wonderful state one of the few that don't

[bulletbob]

Originally Posted by Blind Archer

All of the other fore mentioned states offer well maintained beautiful ramps. So it is done. Out wonderful state one of the few that don't

The ramps here in upstate NY are meticulous. Beautifully maintained for the most part. They are free from Labor Day to Memorial Day, and the rest of the year are pretty reasonable.. I have yet to see any ramp here in upstate NY over $10.. I just paid $25 to use the crumbling, slimy ramp at Leonardo..
NJ certainly could learn from other states.. Of course they need to be maintained now and then, and of course a reasonable fee is perfectly justified, but in my opinion NJ is no bargain when it comes to launching a small boat... bob

[Fish on]

I launch out of Keyport as well not free either and not the public one. They have a terrible setup limted parking, no tackle shop and no place to clean fish and when the tide is anywhere near low it;s almost impossible to get the boat to the trailer because the water is so low. The one I launch at in Keyport is located at 340 west front street, plenty of parking, tackle shop and a place to clean fish. I know this is not the answer you wanted to hear (FREE) but I hope this helped you out. FISH ON

[Solemate]

Just add a fishing partner to pay the launch fee and then go to his house to clean the fish and boat. Sound familiar?

[Capt Sal]

Originally Posted by Blind Archer

All of the other fore mentioned states offer well maintained beautiful ramps. So it is done. Out wonderful state one of the few that don't

I fished NJ for 50 plus years. I paid to launch when i was younger.Then i always had a slip.I retired in Florida and trailer now. The ramps are top notch with cleaning stations,rest rooms and running water.They are spotless and the best part is they are FREE!The reson they are free is because we have a fresh water and salt water license and the funds are used for things like free ramps.You don't mind paying if you see your $$$$ at work and not being squandered!Florida knows fishermen spend money and we are valuable to the economy.