For boaters, the journey often begins and ends at the boat ramp.  This essential infrastructure provides the bridge between land and water, allowing you to launch and retrieve your vessel.  But not all boat ramps are created equal. This comprehensive guide explores the different types of boat ramps, their advantages and disadvantages, and how to choose the best option for your boating needs.

The Classic Concrete Ramp

The most common type of boat ramp is the concrete ramp, typically a long, sloped slab of concrete extending into the water. These ramps are found at public boat launches, marinas, and private lakes.

Concrete ramps are generally sturdy, offering a reliable launching and retrieval surface for a variety of boat sizes and types. Their solid construction allows for easy maneuvering of trailers and provides a stable platform for securing your boat before launch. Many concrete ramps also have designated parking areas for trailers and courtesy docks for easier boarding and disembarking.

One of the disadvantages of concrete ramps is that they can become slippery when wet, so be cautious when walking or maneuvering your boat on the ramp surface. Also when it’s low tide, some concrete ramps might not offer enough water depth for launching larger boats. Another downside of using concrete ramps is that concrete ramps can be crowded during peak boating seasons, requiring patience and awareness of other boaters.

The Adjustable Floating Ramps

Floating ramps, as the name suggests, are platforms that float on the water's surface, typically made of aluminium or wood. They are connected to the shore by a walkway or bridge and rise and fall with the water level.

Floating ramps offer a significant advantage in areas with fluctuating water levels. They ensure consistent launching and retrieval depths regardless of the tide. Floating ramps can also be ideal for launching smaller boats, especially in areas with shallow water near the shore.

However versatile they can be, they have still some shortcomings. One is that they might not be as sturdy as concrete ramps, which is not ideal for handling larger or heavier boats. They can also bob slightly with wave action, requiring extra caution when maneuvering your boat. Floating ramps might have limited availability compared to concrete ramps, especially in remote locations.

The Gravel Ramps

Gravel ramps are less common but can be found in some public boat launches or on private shorelines. They consist of a sloped path made of compacted gravel extending into the water.

Gravel ramps can be a more natural and environmentally friendly option compared to concrete ramps. They are also often the most readily available option in remote locations where constructing a concrete ramp might not be feasible. Gravel ramps can be suitable for launching small aluminium boats or kayaks.

One downside of gravel ramps is that they can be uneven or challenging to navigate with trailers, especially if the gravel is loose or wet. They might also require four-wheel drive vehicles for safe trailer maneuvering on the loose gravel surface. Launching and retrieving larger boats on gravel ramps can be more difficult due to the uneven surface.

If you want to explore Lake Wellington, one of the largest of Gippsland Lakes, you can launch your boat at Marlay Point Ramp (adjacent to the Lake Wellington Yacht Club) which provides direct access to Lake Wellington.

Located on the northeastern edge of Lake Wellington, Marlay Point is a great place for families to enjoy the water. This spot is well-protected, making it perfect for children to play and swim safely. Every year in March, the Marlay Point Overnight Race is held during the Victorian Labour Day. This race is a popular event for portable yachts and has been attracting excited crowds to the region since 1969. Beginning at sunset, competitors sail across Lake Wellington, through the McLennan Straits, and into Lake Victoria for the final leg of the race, which ends in Paynesville.

The 2 single-lane concrete boat ramp can easily be accessed by boaters with small to large vessels with no risks or hazards to boats and boaters. And they are free to use. And if you’re planning on bringing home fish that you’ve caught, the boat ramp has fish cleaning facilities to rinse your catch.

Regardless if you’re a rookie boater or a seasoned one, you can easily launch your boat here. Other Amenities provided at Marlay Point include picnic tables, a pavilion, public toilets, ample parking space for vehicles and boat trailers, and a jetty.

If you need any outdoor or boating equipment, Gippsland Boat Supplies is the perfect place to visit. This boat dealer in Victoria is located at Princes Hwy, Traralgon which is an hour's drive from Marlay Point. Their extensive boatyard features an unbelievable range of boats from all the biggest and best manufacturers, including Haines Hunter, Quintrex, Caribbean, Polycraft and Yellowfin as well as some personal watercraft from SeaDoo. Their showroom carries a huge range of Boating Equipment and Accessories with everything you need for boat-related activities!