Ames Farm Inn Boat Ramps

marsat · 07-17-2013, 06:35 AM

Looking for someone who has recently used the Ames Farm Inn boat ramps. I understand they are for guests only. Would like to stay there and launch a 26 foot cruiser. They tell me they have two deep water ramps and my boat would be no problem. Can anyone who has recently used these ramps comment on their condition and accessiblity. Are they concrete ramps? How far out do they go? Drop off? dock alongside? I cant find pictures of the ramps and they dont show up on google maps.
thanks.

Wolfeboro_Baja · 07-17-2013, 11:45 AM

I haven't launched there since they were closed to the public but before they were closed, I launched there exclusively.

They are visible on Google Maps (in satellite view) or Google Earth, it's just tough to see the submerged ends in the water to get an idea of how long they are.

As measured on Google Earth, the ramps are about 60' apart (center to center) or about 45' measured between the inside edges of the two ramps. They are standard concrete ramps (not concrete planks) but I couldn't tell you how long they are. There is one aluminum dock (about 32' in length) located between the ramps for launching/retrieving tie-ups. The shot below is from Google Earth. The ramps are in the center of the pic; the tie-up ramp is on land between the ramps. The satellite pic is dated April 14, 2011.

The last time I used them, they were in decent condition. There may have been a bit of drop-off beyond the edge of the ramps (maybe due to bass boat power-loading in years past) but I never had a problem (I launch a 25' Baja).

As for accessibility, I watched a 40'+ Fountain or Cigarette launch and retrieve with no difficulty. They had no problem maneuvering that truck/trailer combo in the space seen in the photo. I can say there was a rock straight off the end from one of the ramps (sorry, I don't remember which one) but that was only an issue in the fall with very low lake water levels; I only touched it with my skeg one time.

Hope this is of some help to you!

XCR-700 · 07-17-2013, 12:23 PM

I would have to say exactly as W-B just posted, his assessment is spot on.

For many years they were my preferred location to launch for day trips,,,

This is still such a ridiculous situation,,,

dippasan · 07-17-2013, 01:34 PM

I've launched there many times in the past and they may be the best ramps on the lake. One caution though...they both drop off on the right and left sides (no walls or railings on the sides) so when you're backing you can't tell where the ramp is. Just get yourself lined up right.

SIKSUKR · 07-17-2013, 01:36 PM

It looks like my measurement on GE puts the north ramp at 30 feet into the water and the south ramp 25 feet.

gillygirl · 07-17-2013, 03:19 PM

They are the best ramps we've used on the lake, but that was as of 4 years ago. I will actually back the boat down the ramp after my husband lines it up. Would never do that anywhere else. Maybe because there isn't a crowd there anymore, so there's not much of an audience. Actually parked the trailer, too.

I can update the info after we launch on Saturday.

gillygirl · 07-21-2013, 06:22 AM

Launched our boat yesterday, and the north ramp is still in excellent condition. Our boat isn't as long as yours, so you might have to back further down the ramp than we did, but there was plenty of ramp out past the end of our boat (~15 feet). The north ramp is newer, so it's in better condition than the south ramp.

DayDreamer · 07-29-2013, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gillygirl

Launched our boat yesterday, and the north ramp is still in excellent condition. Our boat isn't as long as yours, so you might have to back further down the ramp than we did, but there was plenty of ramp out past the end of our boat (~15 feet). The north ramp is newer, so it's in better condition than the south ramp.

GG,

I am heading up to Winni on Friday and I would like to use the boat ramp at Ames Farm. Is the ramp open to the public now or did you stay there and this is why you could launch there? If it is reopen to the public what is the launch and parking fees?

Thanks!

DD

gillygirl · 07-30-2013, 06:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DayDreamer

GG,

I am heading up to Winni on Friday and I would like to use the boat ramp at Ames Farm. Is the ramp open to the public now or did you stay there and this is why you could launch there? If it is reopen to the public what is the launch and parking fees?

Thanks!

DD

No, the boat ramps are not open to the public, only guests can launch there.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

RLW · 07-30-2013, 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marsat

Looking for someone who has recently used the Ames Farm Inn boat ramps. I understand they are for guests only. Would like to stay there and launch a 26 foot cruiser. They tell me they have two deep water ramps and my boat would be no problem. Can anyone who has recently used these ramps comment on their condition and accessiblity. Are they concrete ramps? How far out do they go? Drop off? dock alongside? I cant find pictures of the ramps and they dont show up on google maps.
thanks.

marsat, I just noticed that you are fairly new to posting on the forum and glad you have joined us. Have fun and enjoy the Winni Forum while making many new friends.

DayDreamer · 07-31-2013, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gillygirl

No, the boat ramps are not open to the public, only guests can launch there.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

Thanks GG, that is kind of what I thought but I just wanted to double check. No worries... I have another place to go to put my boat in the big lake. ;-)

bigdog · 08-18-2013, 06:49 PM

So what's the story about the Ame's Farm boat ramps?

Why did they have to close the ramp to the public?
Saw a sign at the property 'Boat Launch Closed - Per Order Town of Gilford''.
Too bad b/c this launch and docks are situatuated in a perfect part of the lake.

I heard there's a law-suit pending or legal action taking place between the two parties.....

Wha's the scoop ?

Slickcraft · 08-18-2013, 08:07 PM

Long story, several prior threads such as
http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...ight=ames+farm

The short version is that they got done in by a rich neighbor who used Attny Nix to appeal a planning board decision that would have allowed boat launching. The ZBA, which Nix is now a member of, reversed the PB decision thus shutting down public boat launching. I read the minutes of the hearing some time ago and found it hard to believe that the vote was to shut them down.

RailroadJoe · 08-18-2013, 09:15 PM

I wonder if the nice big new house, garage and docks just south of Ames is the one owned by the problem making attorney?

gillygirl · 08-19-2013, 04:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RailroadJoe

I wonder if the nice big new house, garage and docks just south of Ames is the one owned by the problem making attorney?

Wrong direction.

Orion · 08-19-2013, 07:56 AM

The Ames Farm facility was a real treasure to many many boaters. Now the state, at taxpayer expense, is trying to build boat access ramps around the lake. Some state study indicated that there should be 41 public access facilities on a lake the size of Winni. Not sure what that's based on, but they'll be lucky to replace Ames with a handful of ramps over the next 50 years.....again, at taxpayer expense.

Showem · 11-21-2013, 05:48 PM

Hello I'm new on this forum. Ames Farm was the best for launching a boat I just wish they could resolve this so everyone could benefit. I traded in my 06 Seadoo Sporster boat on a Stingray 225 Cr cuddy. Most of our boating is ocean but we go up to the lake a few times,we have friends that have a place on cow island

RLW · 11-21-2013, 06:15 PM

Showem, I just noticed that you are fairly new to posting on the forum and glad you have joined us. Have fun and enjoy the Winni Forum while making many new friends.

I haven't heard any action regarding Ames Farm for quite a while now. Hopefully more members will log in and give some additional info.

upthesaukee · 11-21-2013, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Showem

Hello I'm new on this forum. Ames Farm was the best for launching a boat I just wish they could resolve this so everyone could benefit. I traded in my 06 Seadoo Sporster boat on a Stingray 225 Cr cuddy. Most of our boating is ocean but we go up to the lake a few times,we have friends that have a place on cow island

You can launch in Alton at either the town docks side, or at Downing's Landing owned by the NH F&G.

Also, maybe someone can chime in on what is available for a boat your size on the North side of the lake, Melvin Village, Tuftonboro etc.

Welcome to the Forum.

Showem · 11-21-2013, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

You can launch in Alton at either the town docks side, or at Downing's Landing owned by the NH F&G.

Also, maybe someone can chime in on what is available for a boat your size on the North side of the lake, Melvin Village, Tuftonboro etc.

Welcome to the Forum.

At the Alton town dock where would you park the trailer?

upthesaukee · 11-21-2013, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Showem

At the Alton town dock where would you park the trailer?

...and to get there, you leave the town docks heading east on Rte 11. You go past Parker Marine and around the curve on Rte 11, go by the little park (Levey Park), over a little rise in the road, past Barr Farm stand and then take the Letter S road (on the right just before the hill up to the "uptown" area of Alton. The Highway dept is about a half mile down on the left, you park across from it on the right side of the road.

Not sure how you can get around the parking of the trailer and tow vehicle, unless you don't mind the walk back to the docks.

Showem · 11-22-2013, 07:15 AM

Thanks for the info. I'm a little familiar with that area I stayed at Cozy cottages during bike week for many years.

upthesaukee · 11-22-2013, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Showem

Thanks for the info. I'm a little familiar with that area I stayed at Cozy cottages during bike week for many years.

Talk to John and Elaine, and see if you can leave your truck at their house, and park the trailer on the Letter S road. Shorter walk!!!!

They still live in the same house close to Cozy Cottages.

Showem · 11-22-2013, 08:54 AM

Good idea! HA HA! How far down the S road?

Dave R · 11-22-2013, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Showem

At the Alton town dock where would you park the trailer?

You can park at Downings too.

07-17-2013, 06:35 AM	#1
marsat Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 1 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Ames Farm Inn Boat Ramps Looking for someone who has recently used the Ames Farm Inn boat ramps. I understand they are for guests only. Would like to stay there and launch a 26 foot cruiser. They tell me they have two deep water ramps and my boat would be no problem. Can anyone who has recently used these ramps comment on their condition and accessiblity. Are they concrete ramps? How far out do they go? Drop off? dock alongside? I cant find pictures of the ramps and they dont show up on google maps. thanks.

07-17-2013, 11:45 AM	#2
Wolfeboro_Baja Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Hopkinton NH Posts: 395 Thanks: 88 Thanked 80 Times in 46 Posts	I haven't launched there since they were closed to the public but before they were closed, I launched there exclusively. They are visible on Google Maps (in satellite view) or Google Earth, it's just tough to see the submerged ends in the water to get an idea of how long they are. As measured on Google Earth, the ramps are about 60' apart (center to center) or about 45' measured between the inside edges of the two ramps. They are standard concrete ramps (not concrete planks) but I couldn't tell you how long they are. There is one aluminum dock (about 32' in length) located between the ramps for launching/retrieving tie-ups. The shot below is from Google Earth. The ramps are in the center of the pic; the tie-up ramp is on land between the ramps. The satellite pic is dated April 14, 2011. The last time I used them, they were in decent condition. There may have been a bit of drop-off beyond the edge of the ramps (maybe due to bass boat power-loading in years past) but I never had a problem (I launch a 25' Baja). As for accessibility, I watched a 40'+ Fountain or Cigarette launch and retrieve with no difficulty. They had no problem maneuvering that truck/trailer combo in the space seen in the photo. I can say there was a rock straight off the end from one of the ramps (sorry, I don't remember which one) but that was only an issue in the fall with very low lake water levels; I only touched it with my skeg one time. Hope this is of some help to you! Attached Images __________________ Cancer SUCKS!

07-17-2013, 01:34 PM	#4
dippasan Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Hooksett NH and Sleepers Isl Posts: 383 Thanks: 275 Thanked 180 Times in 76 Posts	I've launched there many times in the past and they may be the best ramps on the lake. One caution though...they both drop off on the right and left sides (no walls or railings on the sides) so when you're backing you can't tell where the ramp is. Just get yourself lined up right. __________________ Luck is when preparedness meets opportunity

07-17-2013, 01:36 PM	#5
SIKSUKR Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 5,075 Thanks: 215 Thanked 903 Times in 509 Posts	It looks like my measurement on GE puts the north ramp at 30 feet into the water and the south ramp 25 feet. __________________ SIKSUKR

07-17-2013, 03:19 PM	#6
gillygirl Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 735 Thanks: 750 Thanked 300 Times in 199 Posts	Best we've used They are the best ramps we've used on the lake, but that was as of 4 years ago. I will actually back the boat down the ramp after my husband lines it up. Would never do that anywhere else. Maybe because there isn't a crowd there anymore, so there's not much of an audience. Actually parked the trailer, too. I can update the info after we launch on Saturday. __________________ GG Last edited by gillygirl; 07-17-2013 at 03:20 PM. Reason: Added last sentence

07-17-2013, 12:23 PM	#3
XCR-700 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: MA Posts: 1,333 Thanks: 744 Thanked 533 Times in 310 Posts	I would have to say exactly as W-B just posted, his assessment is spot on. For many years they were my preferred location to launch for day trips,,, This is still such a ridiculous situation,,,

07-21-2013, 06:22 AM	#7
gillygirl Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2013 Posts: 735 Thanks: 750 Thanked 300 Times in 199 Posts	Excellent condition Launched our boat yesterday, and the north ramp is still in excellent condition. Our boat isn't as long as yours, so you might have to back further down the ramp than we did, but there was plenty of ramp out past the end of our boat (~15 feet). The north ramp is newer, so it's in better condition than the south ramp. __________________ GG

08-18-2013, 06:49 PM	#12
bigdog Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Central MA-Gilford Posts: 1,411 Thanks: 308 Thanked 117 Times in 94 Posts	Ames Farm Inn Boat Ramps So what's the story about the Ame's Farm boat ramps? Why did they have to close the ramp to the public? Saw a sign at the property 'Boat Launch Closed - Per Order Town of Gilford''. Too bad b/c this launch and docks are situatuated in a perfect part of the lake. I heard there's a law-suit pending or legal action taking place between the two parties..... Wha's the scoop ?

08-18-2013, 08:07 PM	#13
Slickcraft Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Welch Island and West Alton Posts: 3,219 Thanks: 1,175 Thanked 2,002 Times in 915 Posts	Long story, several prior threads such as http://www.winnipesaukee.com/forums/...ight=ames+farm The short version is that they got done in by a rich neighbor who used Attny Nix to appeal a planning board decision that would have allowed boat launching. The ZBA, which Nix is now a member of, reversed the PB decision thus shutting down public boat launching. I read the minutes of the hearing some time ago and found it hard to believe that the vote was to shut them down.

08-18-2013, 09:15 PM	#14
RailroadJoe Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 620 Thanks: 259 Thanked 158 Times in 100 Posts	I wonder if the nice big new house, garage and docks just south of Ames is the one owned by the problem making attorney?

The Following User Says Thank You to gillygirl For This Useful Post:
RailroadJoe (08-19-2013)

08-19-2013, 07:56 AM	#16
Orion Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Cow Island Posts: 914 Thanks: 602 Thanked 193 Times in 91 Posts	truly unfortunate The Ames Farm facility was a real treasure to many many boaters. Now the state, at taxpayer expense, is trying to build boat access ramps around the lake. Some state study indicated that there should be 41 public access facilities on a lake the size of Winni. Not sure what that's based on, but they'll be lucky to replace Ames with a handful of ramps over the next 50 years.....again, at taxpayer expense.

The Following User Says Thank You to Orion For This Useful Post:
RANGER CANOE CO (08-20-2013)

11-21-2013, 05:48 PM	#17
Showem Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 34 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Hello I'm new on this forum. Ames Farm was the best for launching a boat I just wish they could resolve this so everyone could benefit. I traded in my 06 Seadoo Sporster boat on a Stingray 225 Cr cuddy. Most of our boating is ocean but we go up to the lake a few times,we have friends that have a place on cow island

11-21-2013, 06:15 PM	#18
RLW Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Alton Bay on the mountain by a lake Posts: 2,023 Thanks: 563 Thanked 444 Times in 311 Posts	Welcome Showem *Showem,* I just noticed that you are fairly new to posting on the forum and glad you have joined us. Have fun and enjoy the Winni Forum while making many new friends. I haven't heard any action regarding Ames Farm for quite a while now. Hopefully more members will log in and give some additional info. __________________ There is nothing better than living on Alton Mountain & our grand kids visits.

11-22-2013, 07:15 AM	#22
Showem Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 34 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Thanks for the info. I'm a little familiar with that area I stayed at Cozy cottages during bike week for many years.

The Following User Says Thank You to Showem For This Useful Post:
upthesaukee (11-22-2013)

11-22-2013, 08:54 AM	#24
Showem Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 34 Thanks: 0 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Good idea! HA HA! How far down the S road?