Tampa Launch

tampa85 · 04-28-2009, 04:34 PM

Do any of you guys launch out of the Bay crest boat ramp? There's some news the neighborhood took over the ramp, but i cant find a conformation of that on the net. I live close by

Do any of you guys launch out of Tampa and ski around the Tampa area? I see a ton of posts for launching in the usual places, ft desoto, honeymoon etc. Just wondering if sking in the bay is any fun? Also, do any of you guys launch out of tampa and ski past the skyway over to de soto, or is that too far a ride?

Im a newbie about to get a ski here in the next week or two

mirror · 04-28-2009, 09:27 PM

As far as distance goes it depends on which ski you buy. My wife and I left from Maximo park on the southern tip of St Pete and rode all the way up to Rick's on the river for lunch and back on one tank. I used about 13 gallons of fuel and the ski was beeping when I returned but I can usually go another 30 miles after the warning light. My wifes HO could have gone probably another 50 miles with the fuel that thing holds. If you buy something supercharged than you will be faster but you won't be able to go as far.

I haven't launched from the Tampa area so I can't help you there but there is a good ramp in the Ruskin area south of Apollo beach on 41. E.G. Simmons I think? From there the ride over to Anclote or Ft Desoto isn't that far. You can also hit beer can island or even go as far as up Manatee river.

tampa85 · 04-29-2009, 12:15 AM

Yamaha FZR, Should hold fuel well since its a 2 seater. I'll probably launch from De soto and off Honeymoon a majority of the time, but I was just wondering if sking in the bay is good since I live in westchase and it would be a short drive to the Bay Point area.

Im reading Bay Crest is now private so I may be forced to head to those beaches which isnt a bad thing, but Id like to hit the bay on a lazy sunday. Not interested in dropping off in the Courtney Campbell, I hear there's a lot of morons there

mirror · 04-29-2009, 01:17 PM

The Tampa side of the bridge has a boat ramp that you can use. Some people I know use that ramp and ride the bay. There is also a ramp at Philippe park.

tampa85 · 05-01-2009, 03:15 PM

Ill try that boat ramp this weekend. I bought a RXP-X instead of the FZR. Will break it in sunday. Maybe hit the gulf beaches next weekend

mirror · 05-01-2009, 05:36 PM

If you are looking for a long break in type of ride then check this out for Saturday the 9th http://tampabayjetskiclub.com/smf/index.php?topic=185.0