The largest Boat Ramp on Lake Texoma.
- 4 Lane Paved Boat Ramp.
- Plenty of Parking.
- Lighted and Open 24 Hours a Day.
- Courtesy Load/Unload Pier.
- $5.00 Per Day of Use.
- $150.00 annual passes available.
Launching in the least amount of time possible keeps everyone happy, and gets things underway quickly. We have all been in line and have experienced those who wait until the last minute to take the straps off, unhook the bow, put the plug in, or just simply can't back a boat in a forty acre field.
All the previous actions can be done while waiting in line. Of course there's nothing wrong with leaving the bow tied down on a steep ramp, but the others should be done while waiting. Speaking of steep ramps, most don't realize that once you're on the downgrade of the ramp, you can take your vehicle out of reverse and into drive to keep from sliding when you touch your brakes. The boat will pull the tow vehicle back, and only minimum braking is necessary, this prevents most of the slipping and sliding.
Also remember that there is absolutely no need for headlights when backing up. The person waiting to launch, or launching at the same time, can't see a thing when headlights are hitting him straight in the face. For those few that don't know, the daytime lights on most newer tow vehicles can be turned off by simply clicking the emergency brake one time or the override button of the driving lights on the dash.
The following tips will help expedite your launch and help keep tempers from flaring.
Launching Your Boat
- Before backing your boat and trailer to the ramp, prepare the boat for launch.
- Find a quiet spot in the parking lot away from the launch lane traffic. Some ramps provide lanes to "prep" the boat for the water ("make ready" area).
- Remove all tie-downs except the winch hook attached to the bow eye of the boat. Remove any outboard or stern-drive tie-downs or supports. Anything that can be detached from the trailer should be placed inside the tow vehicle.
- Stow needed gear and required equipment in the boat (Personal flotation devices, fire extinguisher, signaling devices, etc.). Make a thorough pre-launch check of accessories (engine compartment blower, bilge pump, lights, battery switches, etc.) to ensure they are working.
- Place any maneuvering aides equipment (boat hooks, paddles, fenders, anchors, etc.) within easy reach. Store lines where they are handy. It is a good idea to secure at least one mooring line to a bow cleat.
- Turn on the blower (if equipped).
- Check the boat over carefully one more time. THE BOW EYE WINCH LINE SHOULD STILL BE SECURED and the engine raised, though ready to be lowered. The blower is running and must run a minimum of 4 minutes before starting the engine. Everything else is ready to launch.
Retrieving Your Boat
- For boats with additional operators, drop off a person who is experienced in trailering to pick up the vehicle and trailer while the boat and occupants wait offshore. Do not block a ramp with an unattended boat or vehicle.
- The line is formed by cars and trucks with trailers, not by boats already in the water waiting to be retrieved. Please wait your turn in line.
- When first in line, back the trailer into the launch lane. The boat operator can slowly drive onto the trailer. Secure the winch hook to the bow eye. Winch the boat up to the stop and secure the winch. Be sure the boat is centered on the trailer and the lower unit is raised before pulling out
- Proceed to an uncongested area of the parking lot to further secure the boat. Use additional tie downs and support for the motors lower unit. Remove the plug to drain out any water in the boat. Do not replace the plug if the boat is to be left out of the weather.