fragmeister Posted November 21, 2014 Share Posted November 21, 2014 Hi Raiders, Anyone familiar with the Silverwater Bridge boat ramp? I have seen comments that it is not suitable for any boats larger than about 4.5M but I don't know whether that was before or after the upgrade. Its actually closer to my place than the Wharf Road ramp I always use and not many people use it... perhaps because there is a problem... I don't know. Cheers Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oz_brett Posted November 21, 2014 Share Posted November 21, 2014 last I seen of it it was very shallow & ramp drops away very early, I was about to try it NYE 3 years back and decided to let marine rescue go first & they couldn't launch there inflatable there it ended up stuck for about 20 mins before they got it back out again. Brett Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluebottle18 Posted November 21, 2014 Share Posted November 21, 2014 I have heard of issues about cars being broken into due to its quietness and location. It has in the past had some issues at low tide but I believe that has been sorted out. I used it several years ago and had no issues. But yes things have changed since then. I have a friend that uses it and he has had no problems. But his boat is around 4.5mtr He has not had any issues about break-ins either. He travels from Penrith. Just remember to be aware of the wash from the hydrofoyle. It will pick up your boat and bounce it quite alarmingly. Enjoy the scenery on your trip down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffb5.8 Posted November 21, 2014 Share Posted November 21, 2014 I have a mate who launched his 5.3mtr bowriders there without issue as long as the river cat doesn't come past. Beware he also had his newish trailer stolen and replaced with really rusted arse one after going out over night for a fish on a friday night. But that can happen at most ramps overnight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fragmeister Posted November 21, 2014 Author Share Posted November 21, 2014 Thanks all, I am going to give it a go today so at least I be able to give advice to the guy who asks. I'll probably be back right on dead low tide so this will be a good test. based on the advice and some older posts I'll put the trailer away from the fixed height wharf and time it in between river cats. Cheers Jim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest no one Posted November 21, 2014 Share Posted November 21, 2014 They stole his trailer and replaced it for an old one??? Man those thieves atleast have a heart and didn't leave him without something to put the boat on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffb5.8 Posted November 21, 2014 Share Posted November 21, 2014 Yep we think they brought there boat in and decided to swap trailers. Not sure if he had any locks just the D shackle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fragmeister Posted November 22, 2014 Author Share Posted November 22, 2014 (edited) Well, for me at least, the verdict is in. Launched the boat ( Quintrex Lazeabout 570 with a 150 4 Stroke Yamaha) from the silverwater bridge ramp this morning about 1 hour after the high tide. No real problems but recovering it at the end of the day was a complete disaster. The tide was dead low and the fixed wharf make it difficult to get off and secure the boat as the best section of the wharf to alight had been underwater and was very slimy. The low tide did however give me a better look at the ramp. The ramp ended only about half a meter below the low water mark and was replaced by mud. There was no drop off just soft mud. I waded out almost 10 meters and the water didn't get over my knees.... until I sunk in the mud. I reversed the car as far down the ramp without the car falling off into the mud but the boat trailer was not even in enough water to drive the boat on. My son and I pulled the boat up to the trailer and winched it on. As soon as boat was on one side sunk into the mud down to the axle. I jumped in the and tried to pull the boat & trailer out but my car ( Holden Captiva) simply slipped on the steep ramp trip trying to pull the trailer wheels out of the mud. We put her back in the water again but when we did the motor could not be lowered all the way as it it hit bottom when it was nearly off the trailer. That was almost at the end of the wharf! My son then had to take the boat back down stream to the Wharf Road ramp while I drove the car around. If anyone intended coming back on the low tide with a boat over say 4.0 meters and alone with a 4WD I would suggest they launch elsewhere and save themselves the trouble. This upgraded ramp and wharf is very poor indeed. I believe the ramp needs to be 10 meters longer and the wharf needs a floating pontoon exytended out another 10 meters. Cheers Jim Edited November 22, 2014 by fragmeister Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest no one Posted November 22, 2014 Share Posted November 22, 2014 Not good bro. Sound like they need to somehow deepen it too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fragmeister Posted November 22, 2014 Author Share Posted November 22, 2014 Not good bro. Sound like they need to somehow deepen it too Yes... probably the worst ramp I have encountered. When I arrived there at around 10am there were no other boat trailers in the car park. When I returned there was just nine and one other. There would have been at least 30 at Wharf Road... that probably says it all. My plan was to try it out when I had my son with me. That was a good move. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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