Seaton's Grove Boat Launch

[blufin loui]

Hello All, I went to the Seatons Grove Boat launch below the Gran Coulee Dam this Past week. The water level was normal so no unloading/loading issues. My question is for those who use the launch at high and low water levels, are there any unusual issues to be aware of. When the water level is low, how much of a hassel is it to launch and load. Also how is it in the winter (COLD) weather with snow and Ice. I know it will be slick with freezing temps, but with the segmented concrete, is it any more difficult than a solid concrete slab with ice on it, and is the area maintained as in snow plowed?
Sorry for the many questions, but it would be nice to have input from those who use the launch year round.

Thanks for any advice, it is appreciated.

[Bodofish]

I've used it many times in the dead of winter. When the water is low be very careful of rocks, it's very shallow a good twenty five yards out from the launch. Many very big ones just below the surface. If you go straight off the launch, spin 180 and follow the channel you should be fine. Four wheel drive and good tires a must. The ramp is not steep so I wouldn't worry about the plowing. Be careful to make sure you can steer your boat before sliding off the trailer. If there's a chance you have water in your cooling system make sure the lower unit is in the water for twenty or thirty minutes before starting the engine. Rufus loves water pumps! On one trip I had to run the cabin heat for thirty minutes before I had steering. Every time I've been there, there have been others waiting to see what happens when you launch. Warn them you won't hurry and it may take a half hour. I had a bunch come down and tell me to hurry up, I told them they had plenty of time to launch before I got there. I would wear waders to walk out a bit if you have to.
There is an unimproved launch just down stream from the upper pens. It's very flat and close to the water. I could launch my jetboat there but anything with more of a V, I wouldn't.

[wolverine]

Seatons Grove works fine in the winter. Even though the launch is segmented concrete it would be wise to have a shovel along so you can throw some dirt for a little more traction. Once in the water you can warm the engine up to the left of the launch before going out into the river. Just stay away from the bank a bit and its 6 to 10 feet of water. If you have an electric motor also you can use it to hold position while the main warms up.
The reason water pumps/impellers fail in the winter is due to residual water freezing in the housing. The easiest solution is to run the leg in an antifreeze solution at home after every trip. The water/antifreeze that doesn't completely drain will keep the impeller from sticking to the housing. On I/O's that don't have complete antifreeze protected cooling should open the petcocks on the manifolds and block after fishing so residual water doesn't freeze. A little extra work but is a good tradeoff opposed to a cracked block, manifolds, or water pump.
The rough launch between the upper pens works fine for smaller, lighter aluminum boats. We had a tough time getting an 18' outboard pumped sled on a bunk trailer. We had the truck far enough out that water was right below the door sills before we could get the ends of the bunks wet. No problem launching the 14' lund as we could wrestle it up on the trailer. Its also a good spot for launching and retrieving toons and yaks. If you launch toons or yaks there don't go down stream to the lower pen when the current is ripping (don't ask how I know this). Go to the upper pen and if the current gets ripping its an easy ride back down to the launch. The bankies below the lower pen really give you the stink eye when you have to land where they are fishing so you can get your toon out.

[Bodofish]

On either side of the launch out in the deeper water are several refrigerator sized rocks. stay very close to either side of the launch. In the summer they're about four feet under. In the winter about a foot.

[saltyseadog]

that would turn a good day bad real quick

[blufin loui]

Thanks guys, that's the kind of info I was looking for. I had noticed the small unimproved launch between the two upper pens, and now I know to leave it be. We cary a bag (large one) of fine gravel with us in the winter along with the shovel, and it has come in handy several times at the chief Joe launch when it was Ice covered. Our power unit has drain petcocks (5 of them) from different areas of the motor, so we drain the engine every trip in the winter. and lower the out drive when out of the water to drain the lower unit housing. Just as long as I remember to raise the lower unit before "hitting the road" everything is fine. LOL. As wolverine says, "It's A little extra work but is a good tradeoff opposed to a cracked block, manifolds, or water pump". Thanks for the heads up on the rocks during lower water levels. Will probably use the bow mount until I get the hazards mapped out. Those "hidden" rocks can sure " turn a good day bad real quick" as saltyseadog mentioned. It gives me the shivers to think about those "refrigerator sized rocks", Bodo, so we will keep an eye out for them.
I really appreciate you guys taking the time to share your experience and ideas on the launch, and it will be helpful as we plan to hit this area more often.
Stay well and enjoy the upcoming holiday seasons.

[Bodofish]

It's a hour drive to save a couple hour run and the pounding going up the lake. I much prefer to launch at the upper end. It's true the launch is not as swish as the Chief Joe launch but there's always those trade offs.

[blufin loui]

So true BodoFish, but a tradeoff I will gladly take. there are times when the wind will be nasty on some stretches of the trip that make one wish to be elsewhere. And hey, what's life without a little excitement. Nothing like ice on the launce to provide some entertainment value. All I need to do now is get me a pair of waders for those low water conditions. tenners and icy water is not as exciting as it used to be.

[Bodofish]

If it's cold, wet or on a river I pretty much just put the waders on to start with. Warm and dry is where it's at!