It’s that time of year again and we are quickly approaching Boat Week 2007 and the Emerald Coast Poker Run. We had a fun time on the water yesterday collecting up a few more pictures for our Poker Run map available at EarthNC. The map includes this year’s stops, the new Poker-Run related no-wake zones, and photos of local bridges and ramps. Look for us to be out photographing on the 18th in our Regal 2760 ‘Southern Comfort’ and check back for our photo gallery to see if we photographed your boat.

The Navarre Beach launch ramp is located on the south end of the Navarre Beach bridge about 15 miles west of downtown Fort Walton Beach. This launch facility was built by Santa Rosa county and was significantly improved after hurricanes Ivan and Dennis. Featuring 3 launch lanes and parking for over 100 trailers and tow vehicles, it easily the largest in the area. (more…)

Cinco Bayou Ramp offers a 2 lane ramp suitable for most trailerable boats. Both lanes feature good pavement that extends easily 40 - 50 ft into the water. The westernmost ramp is perhaps one of the best ramps in the area for launching large cruisers as it has an even, gradual slope to the water and then a steaper dropoff beyond. This allows for walking larger boats on & off to reduce the chance for damage. Depth is a solid 4-5ft or more to the channel.
The principle disadvantages at Cinco is tight manuevering space in the parking lot and a general lack of available parking. The ramp is owned by the city of Cinco Bayou, non-city residents are required to ‘purchase’ a $5.00 pass per day (there are annual pass options) to use the ramp and park their vehicle.
(more…)

Liza Jackson offers a 2 lane ramp suitable for most trailerable boats. I have seen MarineMax and others launch large express cruisers here, although care should be taken with draft when heading south from the ramp to the main ICW channel.

Parking at Liza Jackson is limited and does require backing into a spot. It fills up quickly on weekends.

(more…)