LEIGHTON PARK Ramp.....VERY SHALLOW CHANNEL TO MAIN CHANNEL.

Dream Reality

After many months of not boating due to building a new house and settling into the new house, I finally put in at Leighton Park in Palm City to do some exploring of the UNFAMILIAR waters.

The channel leading to the main channel from the ramp, is shallow at 2-3 feet between the 2 sets of markers. I was right smack in the middle of the channel when the depth went from 8 ft to like 2 ft within moments! To the north of the markers there are visible rocks out the water. To the right of markers looks like a huge sandbar. My skeg hit the mushy bottom while drifting with my outdrive higher than I'm comfortable with ( scared to hit bottom) heading toward main channel.

Whats the normal route to get to the main channel from this ramp?

Thanks!!

reef raida

I think that ramp is more of a no motor zone for canoes and kayaks, maybe john boats, best to use the other ramps. I thought there were signs there at one time.

Dream Reality

Definetly not just a kayak ramp. Ramp is large, deep, and long. Kayaks don't need a long, deep ramp. Seems to me, the channel needs some dredging. There are similar size and a bit larger boats going out through there.

Went again today and hugged the south side of the channel until the main channel. 2.8 feet was the lowest I saw it today but I brought up the outdrive a bit higher and drifted as mush as possible. I would like to see this channel dredged to allow for the safe operation of our boats. Leighton is the closest ramp to home at at 10 miles.

reef raida

My bad, I was thinking about Pendaras park off of Map rd. I had a brain fart. I have noticed the tide has been really low when I crossed the bridge.