Marina Boat Ramp Launch Repair

The City of Oak Harbor Marina closed the boat launch ramp on April 4, 2022, because of float and pile damage. News of the closure was shared on the City’s website and Facebook/Instagram pages for the Oak Harbor and Marina.

The closure of the launch ramp is due to damage from a windstorm. A large boat was tied to it, causing too much pressure and extensive damage to the float and pile. The Marina and Public Works staff cleaned up the debris.

Project Update

The repair work started in February with the goal of completing it in Spring 2023. This will allow the work to occur after the fish window and requirements from the Washington State Fish and Wildlife. 

Updates on the project include:

• Public Works Department removed the floats from the water.
• Marina staff is working with insurance companies to process the claim.
• The City contracted with Moffat Nichol for engineering services to complete the repairs and American Construction to complete the construction of the repairs.
• Worked with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to identify acceptable repair materials. 
• Received the necessary permits from State and Federal agencies.
• The Oak Harbor Marina has started to receive some of the larger construction supplies such as plastic beams and the pile structure. 

City staff expects American Construction to begin reconstruction in the coming months. 

Boat Launch Ramp versus Boat Launch Float 

Locally, we have heard many terms for this project and the repairs. The City is referring to it as a boat ramp launch repair. However, we have heard the terms boat ramp launch float too. We understand that it is confusing because the boat ramp launch is working. It is the float that was damaged and requires repairs.

Definitions for boat ramps and launches or floats are available on the Washington State Legislature website.