Gulf of Mexico Intracoastal Waterway

[Patrick Gilbert]

I am about a month away from a four to six week cruise along the Gulf Coast Intracoastal Waterway. I am looking for any suggestions for a launch facility with secure parking for my truck and trailer in the Galveston through Port Arthur, Texas area, or Lake Charles, Louisiana. It is a concern to leave your tow vehicle for such a long duration at a unknown facility for that much time. If anyone has suggestions I would appreciate your response.
I purchased the Southern 2015 edition of WATERWAY GUIDE but it is vague in details regarding launch facilities in Texas and Louisiana. I hope to cruise east as far as Pensacola, Florida and back.
Thanks for any ideas.

Patrick Gilbert
"Tropico" (99MacX)
Canyon Country, CA

[Chinook]

Not sure about specific facilities, but I'd suggest you focus on finding a conveniently located boatyard or marina which offers both a launch ramp or sling launch as well as long term parking in an area where people are active. Another option would be to find an RV storage facility in proximity to a good launch ramp. We've used both options on several occasions for extended cruises, with no problems other than a broken tail light once, from someone carelessly backing into the trailer.

[mrron_tx]

Patrick... There many marinas , yacht clubs etc etc through that stretch.... but I can't speak to how secure they are for parking... You might use google earth find them , then zoom in to see if they enough as well as fenced in parking....then call and check with the people. If all else fails... I live about 3hrs from Baytown , Kemah and a little more for Port Arther and I have plenty of secure parking here on My farm..... The worst part would be the shuffling. Good luck. Ron

[Newell]

Pat,

Can't speak for Texas, but Pontchartrain Landing in New Orleans on the Industrial Canal & ICW, Lake Pont. could give you secure parking, launch ramp and launch by forklift next door. I'm in Gulf Shores, AL, boat slipped at Homeport Marina on ICW, RV in park, trailer in storage after having some work done. Public launch ramps and parking aren't similiar to what we enjoy out west, will cost you but doable. Staying here for most of March then moving back to NOLA. Give me a call when you get closer.

Just motored the ICW to Mobile Bay to check out how far to open water for sailing.

Mostly, the sailing crowd around here, still thinks it's Winter, plenty of secluded, untrammeled water.

[mdeane]

Pat,

Try looking at ActiveCaptain.com. I think you will find it very helpful, and it's free.

Marc

[Tomfoolery]

Try looking at ActiveCaptain.com. I think you will find it very helpful, and it's free.

Ditto. Very handy, especially for local knowledge.

Speaking of which, I've added some local knowledge to Erie Canal locations on AC, so if you come up here, take what you read with a grain of salt.

[Patrick Gilbert]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I am thrilled with activecaptain.com. What a great website. It has a wealth of information. It will be nice to explore new cruising areas where I haven't gone before. I will post my travel exploits with pictures as I go.

Newell, I will e-mail you as my departure approaches so I know where you are.

Best wishes to all.

Patrick Gilbert
"Tropico" (99MacX)
Canyon Country, CA