Public Boat Ramp in Washington D.C. - The Hull Truth

openwater · 07-01-2005, 06:10 PM

I know this is probably a stupid question but Does anyone know where there is a public boat ramp in D.C. to put in for the fourth to watch the fire works?? I know, I know I'm crazy to think that I want to be around all that boat traffic, but Its something different for a change, I should probably stay home and watch it on TV, but thats what boats are about, adventure.

Thanks Everybody

yachtjim · 07-01-2005, 06:37 PM

There is one across the river from DC. If I knew the names of the area better I could tell you exactly where it is, but let's put it this way, it is right at the end of the upstream side of the runway of national airport. The planes literally go right over your head. So find a chart, find the runway and find the upstream end of it - that's where your best ramp is.

grreatdog · 07-01-2005, 10:58 PM

That is Gravelly Point and it will be absolutely mobbed for the fireworks. People will start staking out their areas early in the morning so you might have to get out there early in order to park. Personally, I wouldn't launch there on a bet for the fireworks. The normally miserable security stuff in the river will likely be increased to insane levels for this event.

ReelWork · 07-01-2005, 11:08 PM

Yeah, I am not from that area, but I have been there and I can only imagine what a nightmare trying to launch a boat on a major holiday event with fireworks and stuff would be in D.C. .. I think I would rather subject myself to fingernails screeching down a chalkboard!

One thought though, I would expect that if you could get the boat in the water EARLY (like dawn) and plan on spending the night or retrieving very late (after midnight)- that would be the only option for me. Otherwise, get the chalkboard!

Thankfully I have access to our military ramp here in Hampton Roads - you know that's where I will be launching..

First Light · 07-02-2005, 07:37 AM

I've used the Gravelly Point ramp a couple times and agree with ReelWork - ir you plan on using it, get there at (what else

) "first light," and don't plan on leaving until midnight or later.

----

Hey ReelWork, what's the name of the Navy housing area - I think it's just down river from the airport? As I remember they have a marina and ramp on the river.

rwidman · 07-02-2005, 08:49 AM

Quote:

grreatdog - 7/1/2005 10:58 PM

That is Gravelly Point .........

That's the place and it will be a mess. There's a marina just north of Gravelly point that's a National Park Service concession and I believe they have a ramp for public use (there is a fee). I've never used it and now I've left the area.

http://www.columbiaisland.com/

BTW: As exciting as it will be watching the fireworks from your boat on the river, it can't possibly compare with the excitement of a couple hundred boaters trying to recover their boats at the same ramp at the same time in the dark. And more than a few will have consumed adult beverages while watching the show. If you can find a safe place to anchor and spend the night on the hook you might be OK, otherwise, I know I wouldn't try it. ;)

Surfhunter · 07-02-2005, 06:07 PM

The first placed mentioned is called Airport Park, there is another ramp off the parkway south of Oldtown., near Bellhaven. You may aslo want to consider going farther South to Pohick Bay, there is a relativly large facility there.

All will be a mad house, especially after the fireworks.

Happy 4th

kingair · 07-02-2005, 07:37 PM

There is an Army base ( Fort Belvoir) that has a ramp. It is of US1. Also further down the road are some parks that have a ramp.

sea_slueth · 07-02-2005, 08:08 PM

Ft Smallwood on the Md side.....

bigring · 07-03-2005, 04:15 PM

Unless you plan on spending the night "safely" anchored out of harms way. I would not recommend it. It is a cluster trying to head home after the fireworks......lots of go fast boats who have been drinking. BTW...in addition to Pohick bay there is Hope Springs a little further south.