Boat ramps provide convenience, safety, and time-saving. Whether in a commercial, industrial, or residential area. Materials for the launch ramp vary depending on our clients' specific needs.
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Our boat ramp installation experts will discuss with you your needs and preferences before we start. This is to ensure you end up with a finished product that functions well and complements your property. More on the boat landing design and installation process below.

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Boat Ramp Design

Before beginning the project, we will discuss the following project requirements:

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• Site criteria

• Ramp design

• Construction methods

• Materials needed

• Permits, and

• Type and size of boats that will be launched from your ramp.

 

Building a Private Boat Ramp vs. a Commercial Boat Ramp

The process of building a private boat ramp looks different than the construction of a larger commercial boat ramp. Overall, the finished design of your boat ramp will depend on the size and type of boats you plan on launching.
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For example, if you need a private boat ramp on your residential property to launch kayaks, choosing a boat ramp design will be an easier process. However, if you require a commercial boat landing for multiple types of boats, choosing the design will be more involved.

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The Boat Ramp Installation Process

Radtke Boat Ramp Construction Methods

Step 1

To start the boat ramp installation process, our contractors will work with you to select the site of the boat landing.

• As a rule of thumb, the area surrounding the proposed ramp must be large enough for both the vehicle and the trailer to be relatively flat, with also an area for the ramp that will slope into the water.

• At the base of the ramp, the water will need to be sufficiently deep (of at least around four feet of water).

Step 2

Now it’s time for the site preparation.

• We recommend installing your boat ramp during the summer, during a time when the water is low. This allows for easier access to more of the ramp site.

• Note that the ramp area should be graded to a slope of 12 to 15%.

• The ramp should be one grade.

• Also, the bed for the concrete plank should be at approximately 6 feet wider than the ramp planks.

Step 3

Next, our contractors will begin constructing the boat ramp.

• To place the concrete planks, you will need heavy equipment. We will start from the top of the boat ramp and place the planks each down and into the water.

• Our contractors will ensure that there is plenty of planking to accommodate for where the boat will launch.

 

Boat Ramp FAQs

How deep should a boat ramp be?

The depth of your boat ramp is determined by the size of your boat(s). Typically, a depth of 4 feet is considered sufficient for your boat ramp. Please note that as a boat owner you should be careful of water levels during droughts or periods of heavy rain.

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How steep should a boat ramp be?

The ideal slope of your boat ramp should be graded between 12% to 15%. This is equivalent to (7° to 8.5°). If your ramp is shallower than 12%, a standard car will have its rear axle submerged in the water at the point your boat is backed in far enough to be pushed out into the water. If on the other hand, the ramp is steeper than 15%, people will likely sleep and fall. In addition, it is hard for some vehicles to gain the traction on a steep, wet boat ramp. As a result, your boat ramp should always be sloped between 12 and 15%.

 

How wide are boat ramps?

Typically, your boat ramp width for a single lane should be around 16-20 feet. 8-10 feet make up the primary width, with 4 to 5 feet on either side. Too narrow of a boat ramp width will make it harder for people to handle a trailer in reverse. Learn about etiquette for launching and retrieving boats.

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What is a slipway?

A slipway is another term for a boat ramp. It is the ramp on the shore where ships, boats, kayaks, canoes, and other watercraft may be moved to and from the water. The marine slipway earned its name by the way a ship’s hull is thoroughly greased, moved over the ramp (usually by a crane or fork), followed by the ship slipping safely off the ramp and into the water, thanks to the grease applied to the hull.

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What are other names for a boat ramp?

The boat ramp is also known as a slipway, boat launch, or boat deployer. A boat ramp can also be called a way or a skid. These names all refer to a ramp on the shore by which boats or ships can be launched and retrieved from the water.

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Our Boat Ramp Contractors 

Since Radtke Contractors’ founding in 1965, our dedicated team of boat ramp contractors have focused on three things: discipline, responsibility, and family. Our contractors always deliver on innovation, honest work, superior quality, and exemplary service. We are proud to serve the Winneconne, WI community and beyond.

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Need a boat ramp installation? Simply reach out to our boat ramp contractors at (920) 582-4114 and we will be happy to provide a quote.

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