Tampa Bay Boaters-QUESTION. Is it a good idea to take my boat out to watch fireworks

[FredGarvin]

in downtown Tampa?

My nightmare scenario...

10pm, been on the water since 3 pm, kids are tired, wife is tired, fireworks show just ended. We are making our way out the shipping channel to the ramp on Davis Islands. The whole thing is backed up like crazy, and it takes three hours to take my boat out.

Has anyone (who trailers) put in at Davis Islands (or maybe the ramp on Hillsborough River near Lowry Park) for July 4th before, and can tell me if it's a good idea?

 

[kfa4303]

Re: Tampa Bay Boaters-QUESTION. Is it a good idea to take my boat out to watch firewo

I try to stay off the water on big holidays. It's amateur hour all the way. You'd be fine, but 80% of the folks around you will be clueless and more focused on their beer than their boat. I'd try to find a spot on the beach to watch the fireworks, or be willing to head in much later around 11:00-12:00 in the hopes that the ramp is well clear.

 

[RubberFrog]

Re: Tampa Bay Boaters-QUESTION. Is it a good idea to take my boat out to watch firewo

I go on the water every year for fireworks (I live near DC). The trick is to plan on staying anchored for 45 minutes or so after the show ends- let all the drunks and speed demons get off the water first. Your kids and wife will be so excited with what they just saw that they will all want to talk about/relive it for a bit. During this time we look at the pictures we took that day and get all of our "stuff" packed back up.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Tampa Bay Boaters-QUESTION. Is it a good idea to take my boat out to watch firewo

There's gotta be a better, safer way to watch the fireworks than that!....50%+ of boaters out there may be BWI, or at least had several beers.....wife and kids!....find a beach....Good Luck!

 

[FredGarvin]

Re: Tampa Bay Boaters-QUESTION. Is it a good idea to take my boat out to watch firewo

Hmmmm....well....

I may do this even though everyone here says not to. For those familiar with the area, I am going to put in at Rick's on the River. If I need to, I can leave my boat there overnight and pull it out the next day.

Maybe I'll report back on the madness...lol....

 

[Scott Danforth]

Re: Tampa Bay Boaters-QUESTION. Is it a good idea to take my boat out to watch firewo

I put in on the Manatee right at 64, or in Kingfish on Anna Marie, not sure of the area north of the Skyway. however it will be a full moon so you will have plenty of light. my recommendation would be to stop by the boat ramp today, talk to a few people at the ramp, however boating at night in unfamiliar waters, especially in tampa bay area would not be a good idea. there are two kinds of boaters in the ICW, those that have run aground, and those that will run aground.

 

[FredGarvin]

Re: Tampa Bay Boaters-QUESTION. Is it a good idea to take my boat out to watch firewo

So I did the 4th of July thing....no prob at all, really. Put in at Ricks on the River ($10 ramp fee). Wasn't crowded at all (put in at 4 pm). Tooled around the river and the channels downtown. Later on, anchored up off Harbour Island and watch the fireworks with about 50 other boats. A blast!

The only downer was, at about 530, a mini-hurricane hit. Luckily, we were saw it coming and tied up at Rick's, and got inside just as it started coming down. It was violent...wow...but we got some dinner and waited it out, and then it was actually cool and clear.

Pulled it out of the water at around 10-1030. Small wait for the ramp but not a big deal.

Will do again next year.