Cedar Point

I just booked a slip at the Cedar Point Marina for the Christmas in July weekend (July 22-25). We decided to just get slips (3 of us) on Piers 21-24 rather than Pier 11 due to cost. Are we making a big mistake? We we will be going to the park friday but don't mind the walk or being away from the "action" since we'll be having our own little gathering. Any reason why we would be disappointed over there? Its half the price and considering we'll all be towing up from Cincinnati (and I'll be renting a truck) cost is a factor. Its going to be a pricey weekend regardless! But can't wait!!
 
Those slips aren't hateful at all. It's just a bit longer of a walk to the Marina or park entrance. When you consider how much you'll be walking around the park anyway, it doesn't matter.

When you go to the park, use the Marina entrance. It get's you about half-way deep into the park. Also, there is a pool you can use since you are a guest of CP.
 
Great news! I can certainly use the exercise anyway so looks like we are booked! $50 deposit made. Now, need to look into the wide load permit . . .. Not willing to risk being impounded for this trip.
 
Trying to remember where I launched my 260 bowrider a couple years ago. I'm thinking it was East Harbor State Park. Any suggestions?

East Harbor State park Ramp, which is actually in West Harbor is where I launch. It is a single lane ramp and not much traffic. I've never had to wait. Don't pay the $7 dollars either. No one ever checks and the last time i tried the girl looked at me like i was an alien. The only thing i can think of negative there is it is skinny. My 260 is pretty snug. Oh and also there is this metal grate that is attached by chain that goes in to the water that i am not quite sure what it does. Everytime I go on it it fear those chains holding it are going to snap.

There is another ramp that will get you about three miles closer to Cedar Point. It is called Mazurik. If you search it look for fishing access.

http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/website/watercraft/watercraftfacilities2/attrib_files/620107.htm

A much busier ramp but more lanes and with your size boat you have a little more wiggle room. Everyone is pretty accomidating when they see larger cruisers being launched there, and will let you use both center lanes. DO NOT use the outer lanes as they is pretty shallow. We will be around that weekend so if you need any help my marina is right around hte corner and i would be more than happy to come give you a hand launching. Just shoot me a PM with your number, or if you have any other questions.

This is a huge weekend for the islands so if you are planning a trip out there don't be shocked when you don't find any dockage. Your Chances at Put In Bay are slim to none. Middle bass is a better shot.
 
We decided to just get slips (3 of us) on Piers 21-24 rather than Pier 11 due to cost. Are we making a big mistake?

Nope. That's why I qualified in my first reply, "if you're traveling alone..." You have two things in your favor: peak season, so the docks are less likely to have been taken over by seagulls, and you're a group. It's much more likely that you'll all be together in the transient basin, so I think you'll be happy over there.

Note though, CPM doesn't have a Christmans in July celebration - that's only a PIB thing.
 
Note though, CPM doesn't have a Christmans in July celebration - that's only a PIB thing.


I should be more clear in stating that if you are planning on going to the Islands during your trip to Cedar Point be aware that it is a "Holiday" Weekend. This extends to Kelleys and Middle Bass as well as PIB
 
Thanks all. Alex, I may take you up on that. Otherwise it would be good to have a cold one with others. We are doing family friendly stuff with kids Thursday and Friday at the park. Then the kids go of with the grandfolks and we'll head to PIB friday late afternoon. Been there for this weekend before so not expecting any dockage. Will try to find a spot at Middle Bass or simply sleep on the hook. We did that with my bowrider by the monument and that went well. Camper top etc. Any reason why (other than weather) that I'd want to reconsider that?
 
Thanks all. Alex, I may take you up on that. Otherwise it would be good to have a cold one with others. We are doing family friendly stuff with kids Thursday and Friday at the park. Then the kids go of with the grandfolks and we'll head to PIB friday late afternoon. Been there for this weekend before so not expecting any dockage. Will try to find a spot at Middle Bass or simply sleep on the hook. We did that with my bowrider by the monument and that went well. Camper top etc. Any reason why (other than weather) that I'd want to reconsider that?


Middle Bass is your best bet and taking the Sonny-S over. I am PM'ing you a little secret on dockage. Not trying ot be that way but i don't want to let everyone in the Great Lakes know about it. For those wondering what that is you can PM me.
I do not like the hook idea as it is 50-50 getting your hook to set well in front of hte monument. It is all rock on the bottom there and you take the chance of getting excellent hold and never getting your hook back, or getting a crappy hold and worrying about never getting your boat back...
 
Trying to remember where I launched my 260 bowrider a couple years ago. I'm thinking it was East Harbor State Park. Any suggestions?

Cincy,

Here are a few other launch sites that you may want to consider.

West Harbor Public Boat Launch
1955 NE Catawba Road
Catawba Island OH

Located on St Rt 53 between Midway Mariana and Winke's. Plenty of room for parking. Well lit. We have left our truck and trailer there overnight when staying at the islands. The many times that we have been there it has never really been busy. Located in West Harbor, opposite and slightly south of the East Harbor marina launch site.


Catawba Island State Park
4049 E Mooresdock Road
Catawba Island, OH

Located on the west side of the peninsula, adjacent to CIC (Catawba Island Club). This would be the closest launch to Put in Bay. Direct access to Lake Erie. Usually one of the busiest ramps in the area.


Sandusky Public Launch - Shelby Street Boat Launch
101 Shelby Street
Sandusky, OH

Located on the south side of Sandusky Bay. Easy ride to Cedar Point - just across the bay. Plenty of well lit parking.



We have used all of the above mentioned launch sites without any problems.
 
Cincy,

Here are a few other launch sites that you may want to consider.

West Harbor Public Boat Launch
1955 NE Catawba Road
Catawba Island OH

Located on St Rt 53 between Midway Mariana and Winke's. Plenty of room for parking. Well lit. We have left our truck and trailer there overnight when staying at the islands. The many times that we have been there it has never really been busy. Located in West Harbor, opposite and slightly south of the East Harbor marina launch site.


.


Do not use this ramp for a boat your size. It is a short steep ramp and your trailer will be 3/4 of the way in the water while your truck is sitting on top of hte ramp. Your boat will float off the trailer getting the bow caught on the winch stand or worse the back of you truck. Don't ask how i know this. It is a great ramp for Cuddies, bowriders and fishing boat wit a much smaller freeboard. I have not used the other ramps therefore cannot comment on them
 
Do not use this ramp for a boat your size. It is a short steep ramp and your trailer will be 3/4 of the way in the water while your truck is sitting on top of hte ramp. Your boat will float off the trailer getting the bow caught on the winch stand or worse the back of you truck. Don't ask how i know this. It is a great ramp for Cuddies, bowriders and fishing boat wit a much smaller freeboard. I have not used the other ramps therefore cannot comment on them

I will agree that this ramp is steep. I did not take into consideration the size of your boat.

Since Zorba obviously has some experience at this ramp with a larger boat, I will defer to his expertise.

The other two ramps that I mentioned in a previous post have a more gradual slope and shouldn't pose any problems.
 
I should be more clear in stating that if you are planning on going to the Islands during your trip to Cedar Point be aware that it is a "Holiday" Weekend. This extends to Kelleys and Middle Bass as well as PIB

One more clarification: Holiday doesn't necessarily mean Christmas. Kelleys Island has "Island Fest", but wearing a Santa Suit is not recommended!
 
Cincy,
If you are looking for closest ramp use the shelby st. ramp in downtown sandusy. There is plenty of water there that is where I launch in spring. Also if you know you will be at PIB Friday and Sat. try to make a reservation somewhere the city docks usually fill up by thurs night for X-mas in July. Cedar Point beach is really nice if you want to stop and clean or just swim. You can get in pretty close to shore but they dont like you to go on the beach from the water(sometimes not a big deal though) Any other questions feel free to email me.
 
Firewater- thanks for the tip on the ramp. I'll look that one up as well. I think we plan to get a slip at Middle Bass saturday and sunday night. Prefer to be away from the mayhem I guess. We definitely want to hit some beach area.
 
Anyone know what the discounted tickets for guests at CP marina are for the park?
 
NOt sure on the discounted rates but there is something. Still an Arm and a leg though. I may be able to get into the park an hour early as well.

As for beaches Buckeye boater is dead on. Depending on what the algae bloom is doing this weekend and whether you like the sensation of swimming though pulpy orange juice you may have to do some searching t ofind a good spot. The beach on the north side of Kelley's is also a nice option
 

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