Launch at Fortescue River mouth or Gnoorea
Submitted by Roughas on Mon, 2019-01-28 11:38
I'm thinking of heading to the Montes in May and would like to launch at Fortescue river. I'm a bit concerned about the references to second vehicles being needed for recovery as we will probably going solo (vehicle is a diesel Pajero). I'd appreciate comment on this issue based on personal experience or observation. In addition, what is the situation launching further north at Gnoorea as an alternative? We'll be taking a 21 foot Penguin with a extra fuel, water and other supplies, so weight will be a bit of an issue, particularly with launching. Thanks, John
daze out
Posts: 75
Date Joined: 07/09/11
Fortescue river is fine
Hi John,
The ramp at Fortescue river is fine, just not at low tide... It is a natural boat ramp with river rock under your car so you can slide a bit when launching your boat. Never had an issue above half tide though. It takes a large tide to flood the river crossing so you can get in on most tides.
Gnoorea is a beach launch with only half of it concrete. There is a large drop off at the end of the ramp which can hurt if you drop your trailer off the end. If the wind is from the wrong direction it can be pretty hairy getting the boat off and on too...
I would much prefer to launch at Fortescue, that way if the wind is up you are relatively protected in the river. Just launch around the top of the tide and take it easy, less momentum in reversing the better.
Feral
Posts: 1508
Date Joined: 01/11/06
As stated above. Fortesque
As stated above. Fortesque river is the only real option if you don't want to launch from dampier..
Fortesque has some good plate Rock and plenty of grip for the top half and it's fairly flat where your car would be . The ramp will start dropping quite quick and is made up of rocks once after half way But not a problem if your trailer is on it.. In saying thatI've seen a fewpeopleretrieve at full low tide with 18-19 foot glass boats with minimal wheel spin . Not my idea of fun tho as I worry about getting stuck . 40 mile is not really an option as you only want to launch there in full high tide to avoid the outer reef. It's OK for small Ally boats but not recommended for a monties run when you might not be able to get the tides exactly right. Dampier is obviously easier but an extra 20 mile each way puts a strain on most people's fuel
Roughas
Posts: 60
Date Joined: 24/08/17
Thanks fellas. I really
Thanks fellas. I really appreciate the advice, and yeah- it's all about the fuel.
Feral
Posts: 1508
Date Joined: 01/11/06
Next time I'm in the area
Next time I'm in the area down there I'll try remember to get a few photos as this topic comes up a fair bit these days
Tank
Posts: 358
Date Joined: 12/05/12
Put in at Onslow?
What about launching at Onslow
ranmar850
Posts: 2702
Date Joined: 12/08/12
Bloody long way,
At least 80 nm. Further than Dampier. Fuel has to be the biggest consideration for these runs, unless you can magically conjure some out there.