Boat Launch Recommendations Please

[gadsden]

Need advice on if I should install a boat launch and if it will be worth it.  I recently inherited a 5 acres property with a beautiful house sitting on over 250 feet of river front off of the Coosa River in Alabama.  Here's the problem, the city boat launch is about 20 minutes away from the house by road, and the banks to the river are extremely steep rising 10 to 15 feet above the river.  Is it worth the money to install a ramp or some sort of winch system for a boat (Bass Boat or Pontoon Boat) for the convenience of not having to always drive down to the city launch?  Would it help the resell of the property to a fishing enthusiast if it is installed?  What kind of system should I be looking at if I did install it?  It's hard to tell how steep the bank is from the picture, but hoping you all would have some insights and recommendations.  Thanks in advance and happy fishing.

[Redlinerobert]

How cool is that.  I'd install a dock with a lift. 

[Sam]

Yes, and safer than parking your vehicle and trailer at a public boat ramp.

 

Safer than launching your watercraft at a public ramp.

 

Also more convenient. When you are finished on the water you can tie up the boat and walk home.

 

And you can always keep an eye on your boat and equipment at your house.

 

I have no idea if it will increase the value of your property but I would think it would. You have to maintain the ramp to keep its value on the high side.

[jbw252]

I agree with Sam.  Having your own launch would be so convenient.  I think you would regret not doing it, especially having to tow 20 minutes away when the lake is in your backyard. I'm sure it would increase the value of your new property.  I'm not sure what restrictions or regulations the town has about this proposed launch.  You're going to have to do some research.  Good luck.

[slonezp]

A fully paved ramp is not the only option. A friend had property on a steep bank on KY Lake. To keep costs low, he had a paved ramp put in during low water and it was only paved where it would be functional during low to high water. it was gravel from the driveway down to the ramp

[Scott F]

Assuming your property could handle a boat ramp, you'd probably have to check with local authorities because you are on a river and not a lake. Does the deed to your property include the river bottom? It shouldn't. Rivers in the US are supposed to be held in public domain and you may not have the right to improve the shoreline below the high water line. 

[lonnie g]

I agree, dock with lift. push button your fishing! how great is that. double  advantage , a place to sit and just watch the world go by

[Darren.]

Wow! Great view, awesome spot!

 

If I had the wherewithal, I'd certainly

put in a dock, launch. And assuming 

it is permissible.

 

And welcome aboard!

[2tall79]

I'd drive the 20 minutes.  To do it right would cost bunches.  You'd have to secure a Hydraulic Permit, and I'm assuming being that it is a river, you'd be dealing with fluctuating water levels and flooding from time to time.

You would gain a lot of new "friends" though.

[Al Wolbach]

Check with authorities. I live on Douglas lake in East Tennessee and a permit is required to throw a rock in the lake, lol. I own the lake bottom but must have a permit to do about anything, even the land I own. A dock permit here is $500, not sure about a ramp. A floating aluminum dock for a pontoon boat runs about $30K without a lift so be prepared to spend some money and you will need someones permission, and at a cost.