As explained in an email from Susan Topping, Park District Supervisor, the new 42-foot 9-inch-long slab will accommodate boats ranging in size from 26 to 29 feet, or nearly double the size of craft the original setup could handle. (Don't know about the rest of you, but I can't help wondering how that increased length compares to the ramp at Munden Point Park. If anyone knows the answer, would you mind sharing with me?)
I'm also assured that the 24-7 hours of operation will continue, and everything still will be free to the public.
Those who have lived around here a while undoubtedly are more than a little familiar with the wind tides we have. We know the disastrous effects a strong northerly wind, especially a prolonged one, can have on the water level. With this new, longer ramp, however, accessibility should be enhanced dramatically. The way I see it, this is the biggest benefit of all.
As I was duly reminded, though, there are some concerns beyond the new ramp at Pungo Ferry that are worthy of everyone's consideration. For example, trash, including glass, is routinely strewn around the ramp and parking areas, especially during the summer months. Thus, there is the possibility of someone damaging your trailer by carelessness or downright intent. It also was revealed that the Virginia Beach PD regularly drives through the Pungo Ferry parking lot, issuing tickets for such things as no current trailer inspection, etc.
Another matter you need to be mindful of is the stretch of water you have to navigate once you leave the ramp area and make that hard left turn, leading to the North Landing. There are shallow spots in that stretch, along with some underwater obstructions. My partner and I found one of those obstructions during Day 1 of our Classic tournament this past October. It only amounted to a minor bump, but I made a mental note of its location: near the middle of the channel.
One final thing I was reminded of that I want to share in this setting is that a hole appears to have been created where the Munden Point ramp ends underwater as a result of anglers powering their boats onto drive-on trailers. The only time this hole ever seems to come into play is during extremely low-water conditions, when a few single-axle trailers have been known to back off the end of the ramp. Getting them back on the ramp proves to be a major chore. Twin-axle trailers, on the other hand, never seem to have a problem launching. However, it's in everyone's best interests to understand that, just because you get your boat off the trailer with no problem, you're not necessarily home free. Extremely low-water conditions can result in a bass boat grounding in the Munden Point channel leading out to the North Landing. I'm personally aware of two anglers who have suffered that fate and only overcame their situation, thanks to their trolling motors.
The smart boater is an informed boater, which is the reason I'm passing this info along. Be careful out there, and get back safe and sound.
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