Updated 2021: Huge Delta boating season ahead…returning to pre-pandemic water gatherings. Some will return to the to the lakes, however, for convenience, many will choose the San Joaquin Delta this summer. Boating season normally starts on Memorial Day weekend and ends on Labor Day weekend, weather and boating-itch permitting.
Neighboring Stockton, California on it's west side is a beautiful natural estuary. Drive to the west end of any major Stockton I-5 exit, you will find a Delta view or access. This short video clip features Buckley Cove Public Launch Facility at the west end of March Lane.
One year before getting into boating, my wife an I enjoyed taking our lawn chairs and watching all the excitement at the Buckley Cove launch ramp.
Launching Tips for Buckley Cove/Ladd's Launch Ramp:
Prep:
At the ramp you will see 4 entry and 2 exit lanes. Trailers line up to the right side(east curb next to signage) to prep. If you have guests in solo cars without trailers, tell them park against the iron gate. Ladd's Marina is on the other side of the bushes for any necessities like ice, drinks, sunblock and snacks. Find the passthrough in the bushes. Get kids into their life jackets or PFD's. (Personal Floatation Devices) Fire Station #10 on March Lane offers a Life Jacket Loan program. Always boat responsibly. Listen and help out your captain prep the boat. Ensure the drain plug is on tight, tie downs removed, bumpers and dock lines ready.
Standby/Launch:
Line-up: Standby line is toward the east end at the sign. Line yourself ready as the other empty trailer prepares to exit.
Make a big left u-turn to back-up trailer: Drive forward to ramp and make a wide left u-turn to back-up your trailer toward the water. Reverse takes practice, so if you are a newbie, go to the launch ramp EARLY when it's less busy. Yes, you should've got up earlier. If you are a pro just watching these newbies, help a fellow boater out. Grab a dock line. Guide them in. Teach "Bottom of the steering is back of the trailer". Be glad you can help, because now you can finally drop-in.
Do not block the launch lane. Pull your vessel to end of dock and tie so others can launch too. Trim down(i/o), startup and you are on your way. No wake zone, 5 mph till you get to main channel. Fuel/pumpout is available at RiverPoint Landing.
Take-Out/Exit:
Two exit lanes: Upon your return, (light 39 on main channel) two exit lanes are on the left as indicated by the signs. Right two lanes from the water approach. Please be courteous to the rowing club and long sculls on the lower waterline ramp.
“Drop and Go”: When approaching dock, use the "drop and go" method. Drop-off your trailer driver on the dock and move your boat away for other boaters to exit and wait till your trailer is in the water. Do not block the lanes. Watch the Bass boaters do it with ease!
Attach bow line and crank-in.
Raise up your motor (inboard/outboard). In other words, “Trim Up”
Balance boat so it will be even and centered on your trailer bunks
Unlock your brakes and drive off ramp carefully
Again, help a fellow boater out when needed. Grinding a boat skeg on the concrete ramp will get everyones attention.
Wipe-Down Tie-Down:
For wipe-downs park at the right curb against the bushes, past the dumpster. If busy, drive to the parking lot to the right to find some shade or find an empty stall. At this point in the day, everyone is hot and tired. This is where every guest should offer some help. Boats run on gas not "thanks". Well, at least show your thanks by helping with the wipe down(inside and out), put water toys away, wind ropes, unload supplies, collect bottles/cans, empty the cooler, take trash to dumpster, tie anything down that could fly out, etc. Bathrooms are toward the guard station at the park. Bring your own soap and wear flip-flops. Tie-down, make your electrical connection and you're out. Blast the air conditioner then everyone crashes out except the captain(or responsible sober driver).
Have a safe Boating Season. Hope to see you on the water.
The nearby launch ramps to Stockton (2021 fees):
Morelli Park Launch Ramp (4 lanes) off Weber St.(Under the I-5 Overpass) open 24 hours. Parking area has safety issues with neighboring homeless population across street. Park at your own risk.
$13 launch / $385 annual pass through Westrec Marina Mgt. (209)462-4200. Free launch, once Louis Park Launch Ramp goes under construction.
Louis Park Launch Ramp (2 lanes) off Monte Diablo (Dad's Point) open 24 hours
$FREE, check ramp for conditions. Trailer area has safety issues. Park at your own risk.
Buckley Cove Launch Ramp (6 lanes) off March Lane
$13 M-Th, $15 Fri-Sun / $180 annual pass / Senior or Disabled $121 annual pass
Paradise Point Marina (Two Lanes - One long dock) off Eight Mile Road off Rio Blanco Rd., open 24 hours. steep launch, angled entry/exit, slippery w/algae @ low tide. Trailer scraper at top of levee.
$15 M-Th, $15 Fri-Sun / $225 annual pass / $10 Kayak Launch
King Island Resort/Marina off W, Eight Mile Road before 2nd bridge. 11530 W Eight Mile Rd, open 24 hours. one lane, angled entry/exit. slippery w/algae @ low tide.
$15 self-pay launch
MORE at Buckley Cove Public Launch Facility:
RiverPoint Landing Marina-Resort: RV Campground, Fuel Dock, Pumpout, Dry Storage, wet slips.
Stockton Rowing Club: Recreational and competitive rowing for ages 13 and up. The Club teaches rowing, sculling and coxswain skills. Check out their schedule.
Stockton Sailing Club: Find out about their Learn to Sail Program Ages 9-18
RECOMMENDED: My wife and I took a boating safety course a year before we started boating. We highly encourage it for the entire family. We learned and prepared ourselves for all boating situations. $30-$50/student through US Coast Guard Auxiliary: Boating Law, Safety Equipment, Navigation, Boating Problems, Trailering/Storing Protecting your boat, etc. An added plus of competing a boating safety course is that it can lower your boat insurance premium!!! Have a safe Boating Season!
