Nothing lasts forever and that includes boat ramps, too. Through years of use, a boat ramp can deteriorate or break apart and become dangerous, making it unsafe to use. [bctt tweet=”When the structure of your boat ramp is compromised, it’s time for a renovation. ” username=”HSIServicesInc”]
Renovating a Boat Ramp
Whether the boat ramp is for private or public boating access, it is imperative there is a safe ramp that can handle different types and sizes of boats. During the renovation process, it is important to make sure to take certain guidelines into consideration. Here is a quick guide to help you on your next boat ramp renovation.
Boat Ramp Site Considerations
Before you begin your renovation process, you need to take into consideration what the ramp is being used for, site accessibility, the water depth, and siltation rates. Make sure to analyze the impact of aquatic plants, as well as the fish and wildlife. Make sure you have correct permits in place before you begin as well.
Construction Specifications
A proper site plan needs to coordinated so you don’t run into issues of the boat landing being too small, not enough turning radius, or the parking area being too small. Once you have your site plan, it is important to create a ramp design. The size of your ramp is an important factor and needs to accommodate boats and trailers of all sizes. Make sure to figure the slope and width, and take into consideration the area around the ramp, too. Ramps around rivers or angled may have silt issues if stabilized ditches are not placed along the sides of the ramp to catch runoff after heavy rains.
Dewatering Process
To accurately perform a boat ramp renovation, dewatering the area is a top priority. There are a few dewatering methods, but an inflatable dam is a safe and environmentally friendly method that is safe and cost-effective. Cofferdams come in a variety of sizes and can work in water up to six feet deep. An Aqua Barrier® Inflatable Water Dam works well in rocky surfaces and gives you the edge on competitors.
Ramp Construction
Once you have dewatered the area of renovation, it is time to remove the old boat ramp and begin your new ramp construction. There are multiple ways to construct a concrete boat ramp, so decide which method will work best for your project. Make sure to choose good quality materials and construction methods, following specifications on the site plan.
Boat Ramp Renovation
The design of your site, the boat ramp plan, and the materials and tools you use will all impact your construction and maintenance costs. By careful planning and using environmentally friendly tools, like the inflatable water dam, your boat renovation project will be completed without any issues.
To learn more about how you can perform a successful boat ramp renovation, Contact Us.