Usually take a 18 ft ski boat out but now own a 24ft CC and need advice on where to put in. Used live oak last year with smaller boat and in at high tide was easy but out at low tide was a task. We will probably try to go out the South Edisto once to otter and then may try the north side once as well for a change. Thanks in advance for all the help!
Your only other option will be under the big bridge. Tide isn’t bad and can easily drop a 24’. Plus you can roll north or south from that spot.
2004 Scout 187 Sportfish
115 Yamaha
How easy is the marina? Again no problem with 18 footer just not sure and whats easiest tide there to give her a try? Thanks again!
Steamboat is another option for North.
Good ramp, better if you stay away from low tide simply because of the mud that accumulates on the ramp.
Limited parking, but quicker access to the bigger water and easier to navigate. If you put in at the bridge and head out to the ocean, be cautious especially at lower tides. Follow the markers and you’ll be fine.
I put in at Steamboat for the first time over the 4th of July and liked the ramp but would suggest trying to get there early if possible. Very small area to navigate or turn your vehicle around to load when at capacity. It didn’t help to have people fishing from the dock with their lines out across the ramp either.
The marina is not bad if you have decent backing skills. That being said, I have sat there for 1/2 hr while 1 guy was trying and 3 more lined up to go before me. I left. If they would invest in a tractor with a drawbar and have someone spot boats and trailers there it would be fantastic. It can really get jammed up in there. I have no issues with a 4 door truck and 22’ boat.
State park is not real bad. I unloaded at a negative tide once and did not have a problem. The ramp does drop off quick and the tide moves good through there and could push you into the dock.
Steamboat is my go to landing. The ramp closest to the fishing pier is about worthless to bigger boats. It’s heavily stilted and you can really see it at low tide. You will probably have to run some crabbers off the floating dock. I have not had a confrontation there yet over it, but its possible. It’s hit-miss for good parking and the sides of the road for overflow parking can be soft so if you don’t have 4wd, look it over real well.
Hydra-Sports 22 Bay Sport
225 Rude
If i,m going to be in the South Edisto area I put in at the marina and Steamboat for the north. The current is pretty rough on a large boat at Live Oak.
GW 222 Fisherman
Marina is closed due to tournament , steamboat is a no go or a 27 at low tide even with my f350 4x4. The big bridge is really nice ramp and parking.
X2 on Marina. It is by far my favorite. I have a 22’ with a 2 door Tahoe and backing it in is no problem.
Steamboat or the big bridge would be my next choices. Steamboat can get hairy with the mud at low tide.
My last resort would be Live Oak. The rates are ridiculous; the state park workers unfriendly, and at the change of tides, the ramp can suffer from serious current. I have to want to get in the water real bad to use Live Oak again. Heck, I would probably try a beach launch before going back to Live Oak.
I have seen boats and trailers get messed up at Live Oak. The last time we were there a guy and his buddy were pulling their kids on ski’s straight through the no wake zone in front of the ramp. When I told him it was a no wake his reply was “Not Here!”. Of course he was saying that as he was passing the sign.
Live Oak is not bad if you take things slow and easy in the current. I always say if you can trailer your boat there you can do it anywhere. I have a friend who’s 14 yr old daughter drives the boat on the trailer while her Dad gets the truck. Its all about the technique. I’m proud to say I taught her how to do it
2000 SeaPro 180CC w/ Yammy 115 2 stroke
1966 13’ Boston Whaler w/ Merc 25 4 stroke “Flatty”
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Under the big bridge is my favorite in the area.
Avoid trying to pull out at low tide if possible.
Con’s
-The ramp gets pretty muddy
-if you have a larger boat at a super low tide you might roll off the ramp.
-watch the channel markers in the dawhoo river, or you will regret it
Pro’s
-Always plenty of parking
-Only had to wait in line once, because an idiot couldn’t get his sailboat out.
-People don’t steal parts off my trailer. (big plus out in the country)
Key West 2300cc Mercury 225 optimax “Fish Tale”