Bonnie Vale boat ramp Port Hacking

[dogbox]

Hi Guys

Can anyone tell me if I could lunch my boat 6.5m bar crusher off the beach ramp at Bonnie Vale. is the water deep enough. I have a 4wd

Dogbox

[stormy]

No and no. There is currently no boat ramp at Bonnievale. It is only a proposal to construct one there, to my knowledge. The water is not deep.

[dogbox]

So is there still no boat ramp on the southern side of port hacking ?

[stormy]

Correct

[fragmeister]

No and no. There is currently no boat ramp at Bonnievale. It is only a proposal to construct one there, to my knowledge. The water is not deep.

I camp at Bonnievale half a dozen times a year and I have never taken my boat because the ramp and water levels look so sus.

Reversing the boat trailer down that approach track would be a test in itself. The sand is soft and there is a left turn followed by an almost immediate right turn before you head down to the water from memory.

The sand on the beach is shelly and quite compact but as Stormy mentioned the water is not deep.

Many of the locals oppose this proposed new ramp (not those with boats). Its been on the agenda for 15 years to my knowledge.

Cheers

Jim

[W4z]

The ramp looks like it's an art to master, shallow, sandy, narrow with rocks on one side and it's got a big kink in it. I've spoken to locals about it and the recommend only boats smaller than 4.5m if you are not used to it.

If you were asking about a 3m tinnie of say have a go but now way would I try a 6.5m

[dogbox]

Thanks for your comments guys

maybe ill load the camping gear in the boat put in at greys point: leave the boat in the water in front of the camp grounds

do recon I can do that?

Dogbox

[Jc2230]

You could launch though would be restricted by tide.

Possible you'd have to drop tyre pressure to pull your boat back out, depending on the state of the sand on the day.

It can be a bit exposed up the spit, depending on wind/swell etc. Possible to anchor there while you camped but it wouldn't be possible to keep an eye on your boat from the campsite. If you're anything like me you'd be walking over the dune every hour to check on the boat.

I launch my 4.5 through all tides and by myself. Mates over the years have run bigger boats, 6m+ yellowfin that could always be launched, but usually around the high and you'd need at least two people, especially when recovering the boat to the trailer.

It is a tricky launch and a boat the size and weight of yours would be at the upper most limit of what is able to be launched there, but it is possible, good luck.

JC.

[dogbox]

do you think is there any restrictions on putting up a two man tent on the sand spit, then I can still use the facilities of the camp ground

Dogbox

[Jc2230]

You could try I suppose, though if a ranger saw you there at the very least they would move you on.

Boat your size you could grab a public mooring at Jibbon or SWA and sleep onboard, anchor up at Bonnie Vale you can still use the facilities during the day.

JC

[fragmeister]

do you think is there any restrictions on putting up a two man tent on the sand spit, then I can still use the facilities of the camp ground

Dogbox

Been camping there for 20 years and it really depends on which Rangers are on duty.

Pitch the tent at night and you would be unlucky to be caught.

The other factor is the local teenage ratbags. If they see your tent on the beach they are likely to steal what they can so you would need to secure the boat and your gear.

Cheers

Jim

[dogbox]

thanks guys for your comments

Dogbox

[dogbox]

while on the water yesterday I went and had a look a the Bonnie Vale ramp it is not accessible there is a boat exclusion zone for about 300 meter for swimmers only includes the ramp

Dogbox

[AI fella]

That's how the ramp is mate.....they won't upgrade for us locals as the do Gooders don't want more traffic......