So, I'm thinking of leaving my boat at my parents over the winter and was wondering if there are any decent launches around Cape Coral, Ft. Myers, Sanibel and even Naples. Is there anywhere in Naples to pull the boat off the beach? Thanks.

The only authorized public launch area is at the U.S 41 bridge going into North Ft. Myers.

You could contact Edison Sailing Center and see if they have mast up storage available, but I doubt it.

http://www.edisonsailingcenter.org/

There's gotta be more than that... Even day launches?? I know there is a ramp by the Sanibel causeway bridge and I also have seen windsurfers launch off one of the islands on the causeway. Are both of these no good? I've only seen them from the water and never looked at them with the thought of launching my boat. Public access is really becoming a sad state of affairs in this country.

You can try the ramp at Sanibel. Launching trailered boats from the Causeway is illegal. Anti PWC rules.

The big problem is parking your trailer.

There is all kinds of private access. You just have to have the patience to seek it out. I don't.

I believe the rule on Sanibel causeway is you can't park trailers on the causeway, I know, I know, same difference sort of. You can still launch, just don't leave the trailer.

However as you approach the toll booth on the causeway turn left right before it and there is a small beach on a small cove that you can launch at and leave your trailer parked for the day. The water is-can be shallow so be careful until your out a ways.

A friend of mine uses this spot sometimes and has had no problem. Enough room for about 9 cats.

Last time I looked, that spot was fenced off due to construction of the new bridge. Still, it might be worth a look.

For a time, the bridge tender would call the police if he saw a boat launching off the causeway. Maybe things have changed.

That may the case. Not sure when the last time he was down there. I doubt the bridge was under construction last time he was there. He only goes down there when visiting his mother in law. He dosen't like doing that to much. <img src="http://www.catsailor.com/forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />