Closest Boat launch to Sauvies?

Nak · Fri Jun 20, 08 12:09 pm **Closest Boat launch to Sauvies?**

I was wondering if anyone knew if there is a boat launch at that moorage you pass a mile or so before you get to kite beach? If not, where is the nearest place to launch a Waverunner? Thanks!

scottman · Since 08 Jun 2007 150 Posts hillsboro Stoked

Thats a private launch. I think it is Portland yacht club or something? St Helens has a launch. There is also a launch NW of teh kite spot but it takes about 30min of jetski time to get to the kite beach.

http://wikimapia.org/#lat=45.7927837&lon=-122.7983308&z=15&l=0&m=a&v=2

Bettyboarder · Fri Jun 20, 08 12:19 pm

He's right that's a private launch... Nak are you in the couve? I know Rico launches their ski from a place over there by Vancouver Lake sometimes.

From the oregon side the best ramp I have found is on Sauvies. When you come off the bridge stay on that road past the little store and follow till it curves. Dont turn at the curve stay stright you will see a firestation, turn left follow the road there is a public ramp. Pretty nice and it's free.

Plan on about 15- 20 min ride to get to kitebeach. If you are going out all day bring it other wise it's kind of a hassel

Mark · Fri Jun 20, 08 12:25 pm **watercraft dolly**

I know where there is a watercraft dolly with tandem axles similar to the pic. Wants $200. Maybe you could launch it down near the nudie end of the beach.

Diggy · Since 25 Nov 2006 342 Posts Gorge to Coast Obsessed

Drive past the kitebeach and turn left about 1/2 down the road, I think it is less than a mile to the launch but a bit furthur on the water getting back to the kitebeach, maybe 20 minutes around the island to the kite beach.

Bettyboarder · Fri Jun 20, 08 12:30 pm

Here is the one I have used a bunch. I tried the on Diggy is talking about too that one works too. Mark that thing is sweet

splaterwin · Since 17 Nov 2005 165 Posts Vancouver Stoked

One on Vancouver side past Frenchmens Bar, about ½ mile past house boats. Washington State Fish & Wildlife launch. Fishing/parking permit required. I’m guessing 2 mile putt down river to Sauvies.

Nak · Fri Jun 20, 08 11:49 pm

Thanks everybody! I know about the WA launch, but I was hoping for something close to Kite beach by both car and 'ski... I wonder how hard it would be to get permission to use the private launch? How hard, and how expensive, is it to join whatever club owns it?

Mark, pretty cool launch vehicle! The Beach upriver would work for that I think, but last year it was gated and closed to vehicular traffic.

Mainly, I'm looking for a spot to help Joanne with her riding. Sauvies is ideally located because of her work...

Spike · Since 13 May 2007 1414 Posts Alameda Spelling Expert

A friend of mine used to ride his jet ski at Sauvie Island. He would haul it across the beach by the nudists. He said it was pretty heavy carrying it, but with one of those 4-wheeled dollies it should be cake.

Nak · Sat Jun 21, 08 9:27 am

How do you get the 'ski from the trailer to the dolly? 800 lbs with gas...

boarderchick · Since 10 Aug 2007 196 Posts Wherever there's wind:-) Stoked

Nak,

WOW! You have Joanne up and riding? Did she take lessons, or have you been teaching her? That is so awesome that she is up on the board and kiting. Go Joanne.

I'm wondering if you would have to take a trailer on one vehicle and the dolly on another vehicle, and then transfer the ski from one to the other at the water. You know take it off the trailer, ski around, and then load it on the dolly? Not sure haven't seen that dolly before, but it looks sick. If you are able to ride a vehicle and that dolly on the beach that would seem to be the best bet to be close to kitebeach.

Nak · Sun Jun 22, 08 12:30 am

No she's not riding yet... That's the next step though. I'm going to follow her with the waverunner while she works on getting up. That way she can spend more time working on riding rather than walking upwind. Very Happy

She had her kite control down pretty good in Cancun. She can relaunch pretty comfortably; the main thing we've skipped so far is self rescue. That won't be a problem because she won't be out without waverunner backup yet. Once she's up and riding we'll work on the self rescue...

I know husbands aren't supposed to teach their wife, but it's actually been a lot of fun and has worked out pretty well for both of us. Very Happy