dunsborough boat ramps
Hi all,
I am Bunbury based an usually launch at eithet Bunbury or port Geographe marina in wokalup.
I would like to access the waters around dunsborough but not keen to travel allt he way on sea from port Goeographe.
I have previously put in at the old dunsborough ramp but that was with a smaller and lighter boat ( quinnie fishabout, 4.5metre) and even hten with a side - on swell and the shallow rocks it was a challenge to retrieve.
I now have a 20 foot boat, weighs about 1.6 tonne and the trailer axles are wider than my vehicle which makes beach launching much less fun - even with a 4x4!.
I have never seent he quindalup boat ramp but from the research that I have done onthis site (" WA boating facilities") and elsewhere it seems that it does involve some sand driving and the entry is rather shallow? However the Busselton shire did issue a not eof intent to upgrade this launch facility as well as the Abbey boat ramp - never saeen that one either!
I am hoping for comments regarding the better ramps to access the cape and also any specific comments on the quindalup and abbey ramps as these are a closer drive for me than say Gracetown.
Thanks!
jayce
Posts: 564
Date Joined: 10/12/11
I used quindalup last time i
I used quindalup last time i was there and it was easy as. that was launchin a 6.4m using a hilux.
unhurry
Posts: 236
Date Joined: 23/10/12
thanks
Thanks for the comment Jayce, that +1 for Quindalup.
Any others happy to comment?
Bruce
Posts: 527
Date Joined: 11/04/12
LOL!
Abbey/Newtons Boat ramp just this week, somehow managed to get bogged even with the 4x4! Even I had a laugh at that one! Only had a jetski too. The next time we used it later on in the week the sand was reduced so the concrete blocks were visible. You should be fine, there were some big boats going in for Australia Day.
unhurry
Posts: 236
Date Joined: 23/10/12
concrete
Ah Bruce - been there done that - good to be able to laugh about it.
So there is concrete under all the dumped (soft) sand?
Bruce
Posts: 527
Date Joined: 11/04/12
Yeah mate thats why I wasnt
Yeah mate thats why I wasnt too worried, got covered in sand as the wheel spun when we were trying to push it out. Good fun with the cousin and grandad.
Feral
Posts: 1508
Date Joined: 01/11/06
Quindalup Will be fine for
Quindalup Will be fine for that size boat .. yes it can get shallow so just go slow .. I always hand winch back on
unhurry
Posts: 236
Date Joined: 23/10/12
Thanks
Thanks for the tip Feral; if you are launching / retirieving the 7.5 metre westerberg at the quindalup ramp that gives me a lot of confidence. Being a shallow entrance do you find that you need an extendable trailer neck to avoid gettign the rear car wheels in the water ( would prefer to keep the rims dry)?
Butters29
Posts: 53
Date Joined: 28/03/13
If you fish weekends then the
If you fish weekends then the Quin ramp should be cleaned Fridays by the city of busso. It's supposed to be kept clean to make it easier for the sea rescue lads. Saying that it is only done to the water mark on the day by the loader driver. There are a lot of big boats that use the ramp, with a 4x4 you should be right. Although you will get your wheels and feet wet!!!
Old Duns is better than it was with the new jetty, however it is still shallow in spots with the odd rock closer into the beach.
unhurry
Posts: 236
Date Joined: 23/10/12
All
All helpful info, thanks Butters29 and others.
Not too keen on getting the rims wet - don't want the car looking old before its' time. I guess we are spoilt with choice and good rampms here in the SW.
Thanks guys
MattMiller
Posts: 4171
Date Joined: 15/06/09
Lol
The only ramp in the bay you won't get the rims wet is Port Geo.
Feral
Posts: 1508
Date Joined: 01/11/06
I might get the rubber wet
I might get the rubber wet but I dont get my rims or diff centre wet .. a extension arm would be useful at times but I dont have one .. never had an issue there except for a bit of soft sand but there is concrete under it
unhurry
Posts: 236
Date Joined: 23/10/12
agree
Agree Feral, no trouble with gettign the rubber wet, just not wanting rusted rims - not on the family wagon atleast.
If I had an older tow car - sure!
Lamby
Posts: 3145
Date Joined: 04/08/09
We have a second sand bank in
We have a second sand bank in at the moment about 6 - 7m in which needs clearing, you are going to get more than the rims wet on a low tide & a family wagon might not be a good idea
unhurry
Posts: 236
Date Joined: 23/10/12
thanks
for the tip there Lamby - I reckon I need to borrow my FIL car for this launch!