Miami Opens Boat Ramps and Public Marinas

Miami Mayor Carlos Gimenez and a task force hosted a town hall meeting on Monday to announce a plan to reopen marinas. Ramps will be open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and there are new rules in place. Only one boat is allowed to launch at a time and boats must remain 50’ (15.24 m) apart. This is a big step in the right direction for an area that has more recreational boats per capita than anywhere else in the country. Now the boaters must do their part and abide by the rules.

More Rules in Force

When boaters are on the water, rafting up is not permitted and more than 10 people are not allowed on a boat at once. Boats that are 25’ (7.62 m) or less can only have four adults aboard, while vessels from 25’ to 36’ (7.62 m to 10.97 m) can have six adults on board. Boats longer than 37’ (11.28 m) can have eight adults and two children. As we have seen around the country, it’s recommended that boaters head out only with members of their immediate families and/or households.

Personal watercraft can only have a single rider regardless of the size of the machine. Kayaking, canoeing and paddle-boarding are allowed, but also with only one person on board.