River Bend

[Murdock]

I am planning on taking my pontoon boat to Riverbend on Friday evening. Does anyone have a recommendation as to the best ramp to use to put in and get out late at night? Considerations would be traffic, drunks, and distance. Any help would be apprecieated.

 

[Liveliner]

Any of the ramps up river in Chickamauga. You will need to lock through. The ramp at the Riverpark is reserved for official vehickle parking only. You can put in there but you have to park about a half mile away and walk.

 

[flip1up]

You could put in at Suck Creek ramp.

 

[Guest]

I don't know much about it but what about the ramp up by the dam.

Cheez

 

[Liveliner]

cheez - 6/11/2007 2:41 PM

I don't know much about it but what about the ramp up by the dam.

Cheez

That ramp is steep, narrow and has no dock to step out on. Also if they are generating, the current makes it very difficult to hit. If the water is low then the ramp is extremely slick. If you are pulling with a strong 4X4 and you are pulling a lightweight boat then you may at times find that ramp useful.

 

[Guest]

Well I don't like the looks of that ramp either but maybe it can be used if like you said the guy has a 4 X 4

Cheez

 

[MadBomber]

The ramp past the swimming area above the Dam is probably your best bet.  Besides, locking through is a fun adventure.

 

[Guest]

Sorry about your question, Cheez.  I clicked on "quote" and it put my response in your post!!  Never saw that before!</p>



MB</p>

 

[BaitBucket]

Locking through is an all-night affair during Riverbend and pontoons are mighty small fish in a giant sea of cruisers. Be careful and make sure you're ready to sit in traffic.

 

[MadBomber]

Baitbucket is probably right about the traffic, especially after the show.  Might want to check out the Suck Creek ramp.  Turn left at the foot of Signal Mtn from Signal Mtn Blvd.  It's a few miles down the road.</p>

The process is pretty simple.   I haven't locked through in many years but I doubt the process has changed much.</p>

There is a chain or cable in the ladder well near the end of the wing wall to pull to let the Lockmaster know you want to come through.  If the water level has to be changed to let you in, that's about a 15-20 minute wait.  Once you get in the lock, tie up to a FLOATING tieoff.  DO NOT TIE OFF TO A STATIONARY POST.   I would say it's a 30-60 minute trip during normal times.</p>

 

[rsimms]

I like the old ramp immediately below the Dam. And I'm glad nobody else does. emoBigsmile

 

[Triton4Bass]

I put in at Riverpark saturday night and didnt have any trouble (same place as RSimms), good luck!

 

[Murdock]

Is there a ramp at Brown's Ferry that I could use?

 

[flip1up]

There is one at Racoon Mtn. But thats a pretty long ride to downtown. Suck Creek is the closest, besides right below the dam. Theres one on the opposite side of the river from the riverpark, but I'm pretty sure it closes at dark.

 

[Murdock]

Anyone know how safe the parking lot at Suck Creek is for theifs and vandals?

 

[flip1up]

I live 2.5 miles from the ramp. When I first moved here about 3 1/2 years ago I was warned to be careful about that ramp. I have fished at night several times over the past few years after launching from there. I have been the only vehicle left in the lot when getting back. I havnt had anything messed with or seen any broken glass in the parking lot, or any other sign of vandalism. Could happen anywhere, anytime though. I would imagine there will be several folks launching from there going up to downtown, but it wont be real crowded. The only problem is there is not a pier to tie off to.

 

[Murdock]

I'll have a couple of friends with me so I shouldn't have any trouble. Everyone, thanks so much for the help and advice. This is a great site and great people. Keep up the good work.

 

[fishnboy]

I locked though sat night in a pontoon and it took 2 1/2 hrs to get back though.If you decide to lock though BRING PLENTY OF BUMPERS!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Gator]

Murdock,
Our friend Gary is in the coast guard and has locked them thru the locks after Riverbend and it's usually after 4am before he's done. He tells me the BIG boats get preferrential treatment and the smaller boats are placed along the walls surrounding the bigger boats when possible. Anyway it'll take a WHILE to get back thru the locks if you go that route. He says he's seen quite some sites with people jumping out of their boats inside the locks, some drunks don't know how to stay in the boat.

 

[xroadsbasser]

That Suck Creek parking lot will fill up fast on Riverbend nights. But that should help deter any vandalism with lots of folks in and out of the ramp. The TVA ramp at Racoon is a good place too. It is a long ride back but not a dangerous run!