Texas City Dike - There are two good launch ramps on the dike, one with two ramps is approximately 3.5 miles out on the dike, facing north. Parking is next to the ramp and along the road, which is wider near the ramp. A stretch of beach used by catamaran sailors begins here. This ramp is not as popular as the next site.
The second site is almost at the end of the dike, with three ramps and it also faces north. There's more parking space and pier space for tying up. It's more sheltered from the wave action created by ships churning up and down the Houston Ship Channel, which you can see on the horizon. This ramp has very little lighting, so have some light sources with you. The entrance has a flashing red light to help locating the ramp at night when returning from a late sail.
There are several other smaller ramps not as far out on the dike, but the water is shallower at these ramps. There're bait shops at the beginning of the dike where you can get ice and snacks. You can sail north into Galveston Bay or along the Bolivar Peninsula or go out to the end of the Galveston Ship Channel in the Gulf. A new island has been constructed from ship channel dredgings called Bird Island. It is about one and a half hour's sail NE from the end of the dike. It is also possible to sail around Pelican Island and see the Galveston water front from the back. There is a bridge connecting Pelican Island and Galveston Island at the west end of the Galveston Channel. At high tide there is about 25 feet of clearance, enough for a Potter15. Another possible cruise is to sail to the end of the Galveston Jetties. When the wind is blowing from the S/SE, which is normal, you can cover the distance from the tip of the Texas City Dike and back in about 6 hours. On the return trip you'll have the wind behind you. There is plenty to see in the Bolivar Roads: workboats headed for an offshore drilling platform, tankers, container ships, tugs and assorted pleasure cruisers.
San Leon Marina - This marina is reached by taking exiting IH 45 onto Texas 646 toward Bacliff (with motels and restaurants). The marina is in a small town and has some facilities for boat storage and repair. The photo above shows the launch ramp, which you can use for a $4 fee. The two gentlemen in the Compac 16 are Jim Travis and Randy Devening, the owner of San Leon Marina. Randy is a sailor and was very helpful. There are some empty slips for sailboats. Next to the marina is the Buccaneer, where you can get good food and something to drink. Redfish Island is only a mile to the east. This island has been rebuilt by the Corps of Engineers. It is near the Houston Ship Channel. Before storms washed it away it was a popular anchorage for local yachters. The parking area for the marina is small. From the marina you can sail across to Smith Point and continue up the west side of the bay toward Double Bayou (see below). We all rated this as a very good facility. There are showers and restrooms.
Pirate's Cove - This is a good facility with one ramp. It is next to Galveston Island State Park. The marina is small and sheltered but has room for Potters. There's also a very nice restaurant at the marina. There's a golf course near by and the marina area has many condos. The water near the marina is shallow and leaving the marina can be tricky. Once out on the water it's easy to find the marina because the restaurant has a big red roof.
Clear Lake - There's a large public ramp near the Hilton, off NASA Road 1. This is the closest from Houston. Under Texas 146 there are two launch areas on either side of the Kemah Ship Channel. On the Kemah side it's like a new Disney Land, and the ramps are too shallow to launch my Potter15. The launch area on the Seabrook side (⇒) has two nice ramps that are steep enough. This ramp is far less congested, and if you think ahead about where the sun will be, you can position your car under the overpass so it will be in the shade for a while. From this launch ramp you can turn right into Clear Lake, or left into Upper Galveston Bay. Just before you make your turn there are two small restaurants where you can tie up your boat. The Kemah Channel entrance can be very rough going, especially on a weekend. The chop is harsher than further out on the bay. One Saturday while eating lunch with my first mate I watched the large pleasure boats sail out of the entrance. The only boat that wasn't tossed around like a cork on the water was a very large tour boat. On a hot summer day with 10 kts winds conditions can be good.
Double Bayou - This is a popular get-away place on Trinity Bay. There is a light at the entrance to the bayou, but the water is shallow, so be careful. Shallow water is marked with white stakes, unless someone has run over the stakes. Two places for food and refreshment are a short distance down the bayou, and one has shower facilities for weary sailors. You can get something to eat and drink before heading further up the bayou to spend the night, where you must find a tree to tie up. The usual place is about 1.7 miles up the bayou's east fork (to the right as you leave the launch ramp). The launch ramp is at the end of Texas 563 (exit from I-10) at Oak Island. There are several signs to direct you, but take notes since there are no signs to lead you back to I-10. Note the power line over the ramps. A Potter15 can pass under the line, but boats with taller masts may have to rig next to the ramp. Weekends can fill up the parking lot. This picture was taken at low tide on a weekday morning. Bring insect repellent.