FOLLOWUP: Removing Don Armeni Boat Ramp’s new-but-damaged floats

2:35 PM: On Wednesday, we reported that Don Armeni Boat Ramp‘s new floats had to be removed because they needed repairs, just months after installation, in a project that had been planned for more than six years. This morning, our videographer was there as the removal by contractor Bellingham Marine Industries began. Seattle Parks explained in an update last night that “The boat ramp opened in March 2024 and over the past 8 months the hinges between the floats have been failing and the concrete on the floats is spalling and cracking. … BMI will work with Seattle Parks and Recreation on a retrofit design and anticipates the floats will be replaced in early 2025. During this time, the final two floats on the south side dock will also be installed.” The ramp will remain open for launching, but without floats to tie up to.

3:25 PM: Thanks to Stewart L. (above) and Doug Eglington (below) for the later views from Don Armeni showing the removed floats, which Parks plans to store in the parking lot.

Marty November 7, 2024 (3:32 pm)

This doesn’t sound good! Those floats are continually in motion and failure after such a short time indicates design issues. Let’s hope Seattle Parks has a strong contract and this will be resolved without waiting another six years!

wetone November 8, 2024 (12:06 pm)

My first thought when I saw new floats being installed was “I’ll be surprised if they last through the winter” guess I was wrong :( Most anyone familiar with this ramp knows area is impacted by extreme wave/rough, water along with big wakes from marine traffic more days than not. Seen many boats get swamped from the wave action. Hopefully whoever engineers and designs the fixes, looks at current and past designs that work for the water conditions at this boat launch. I also hope taxpayers aren’t responsible for the mistakes made.

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