Quote:
Originally Posted by XCR-700
Yes this is always a good backup plan, but its not my first choice as I have two young kids and leaving them and my wife to manage with the boat or hoping I can get dock space on the weekend while I drive down to the town lot and dump the trailer is just not the best way to start a day off.
I was alway happy to pay the folks at Ames for the use of their ramp as the parking was so easy and there was a bunch of open space for the kids to burn off some steam from the long ride up (75+ miles)
Did I say how much I missed being able to use the Ames ramp,,, 
And they were always super nice folks there!
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Nice looking boat, XCR; love the graphics!!
You're not the only person that misses Ames Farm's launch ramps!! We started launching there in 1999 when we bought our first boat and kept going back until the town closed the ramps to the public. We switched to
West Alton Marina in 2009 and for us, they're the next best thing! WAM charges $20 for launch and parking of your rig. As others have said, the people there are the best, friendly, courteous and helpful! Hats off to WAM for running such a nice operation!
Parking can get interesting at times but I've never been turned away. They do occasionally have fishing tourneys running out of there so that's when it gets the most hectic. The key on these days is to be patient and efficient; don't be loading or unloading your boat at the ramp!! You sound experienced so I won't go into details but be aware there's only one ramp at WAM so you have to move quickly if there are others waiting.
If there's a tourney going on, you COULD end up parking your tow rig WAY up by Rt 11. If that happens, they'll follow you in the golf cart and give you a ride back to the ramp. Only problem with that is, if you get back after 5pm, it's a long walk back to your tow rig but that's something I can live with.
The only problem I have with Downing's Landing is they charge more for weekend launch & park than they do on weekdays. That and they do look like they would fill up pretty fast; it's a small lot. Here's their
2011 Ramp and Parking Prices.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Winnisquamguy
Can someone tell me exactly why Ames closed?
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These should answer your questions.
Ames Farm Being Sued
Ames Farm
Ames Farm Inn Access
Ames Farm settles with DES