Launch Ramp Barricaded by DNR

[Roland of Macatawa]

Michigan's DNR has a six-lane launch ramp onto Lake Macatawa, near Holland State Park, which also provides access to Lake Michigan through the Holland Channel. Sadly, about the end of July, they closed it due to the hazards of high water. They pulled their three launch skid ramps and used them as barricades across the launch ramp.

This has been my primary launch ramp. Other launch ramps on Lake Macatawa are not suitable for my sailboat's use due to: 1) overhanging tree limbs between the staging area and the launch area, or 2) insufficient ramp slope to accommodate my sailboat's shoal keel.

Since then I have once launched onto Muskegon Lake, near Muskegon State Park, which also provides access to Lake Michigan through the Muskegon Channel. Ironically, that is also a DNR launch ramp but it is not closed. Unfortunately, trailering to the Muskegon launch takes an additional hour each way.

[crazycarl]

It wasn't too long ago the great lakes lost more water than they took in and the levels were low.

[Jim in TC]

Hey Roland, I seem to vaguely remember a ramp at Port Sheldon. Is that still there, open and appropriate for a Sun? WAY back in the day a few of us "camp-sailed" there from Holland, on a little Pearson Ensign, and I recall a snug little harbor...

[Roland of Macatawa]

Jim in TC,

Yes, Jim. There is a launch ramp at Port Sheldon on the Pigeon River. It is 4 launch lanes wide.
It is located alongside of Lakeshore Dr, just downstream of its bridge, and is very popular with power boaters.
Usually the parking lot for trailers is full over capacity, so that trailers are also parked outside of the lot all up and down the shoulders of Lakeshore Dr.

You need a staging spot within the parking lot and not outside, in order to drive to the launch ramp with the mast up.

I have not tried it, although the ramp itself is probably suitable were it not for the overcrowding.

Regards, Roland