FOLLOWUP: Don Armeni Boat Ramp float work finally getting into high gear

(WSB photo)

After reader tips, we headed to Don Armeni Boat Ramp at noontime and found work crews finally doing major work on the float replacements. We checked with Seattle Parks, whose spokesperson Karen O’Connor confirmed to WSB, “Bellingham Marine has mobilized at the site and is beginning repairs to the float system. We anticipate the work to be completed by the first week in May. SPR requested the fabricator open one side first, so at least we can restore partial service in April.”

(Seattle Parks photo)

Don Armeni has been without extended dock floats for almost half a year, since the then-newly-installed floats had to be removed because of “abnormal wear.” Parks has since elaborated on the problem as “the hinges between the floats (were) failing and the concrete on the floats (was) spalling and cracking.”

3 Replies to "FOLLOWUP: Don Armeni Boat Ramp float work finally getting into high gear"

  • Boater April 16, 2025 (6:06 pm)

    Happy to see that!!!

  • wetone April 17, 2025 (10:45 am)

    Sure will be nice to have ramp floats operational again as project has been behind schedule from start. I’m curious to who’s responsible for added cost for project repairs of ramps failure with-in months of installation, also future repair cost or redesign if needed ?  Should not be taxpayers. This type of float structure was a poor design for the water conditions where installed (no breakwater). I really hope they last, but don’t see good outcome. 

    • 22blades April 19, 2025 (6:00 am)

      Agree. That design looks poor with it asking too much for those hinge points to take the load of weather. I predict this will be a recurring problem. As for the concrete failure, that may be who actually made the piers. I sure seem to read about more modern concrete engineering failures.

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