Public Boat Launch

boatlaunch2

Where is the public boat launch?

The boat launch is located on Front Street just past the Eagle's Point Condominiums. It provides a dock area to launch your boat from and a parking lot for your vehicle and trailer.

 

Photograph taken by Jeffrey H. Beltz

Parking:

Due to the limited availability of parking, only vehicles with trailers are allowed to park in the lot. Violators will be towed at owners expense.

Overnight parking is prohibited.  There is no parking at the launch between the hours of 2:00 am and 4:00 am. Violators will be ticketed. Overnight parking is available at the Orange St. lot.

Payment envelope stub or yearly launch permits must be properly displayed.

Launch Fees:

Launch fees are required by the City of Prescott Ordinance #12.16.  There is no longer a boat launch tenant working at the launch.  If someone is trying to collect money for helping launch your boat, you should contact the Prescott Police Department.

Yearly passes are $35 for residents in the Prescott City Limits and $50 for non City residents. They are a colored sticker that goes on the right hand side of the trailer.

Yearly passes are available at City Hall during normal business hours or by mailing a check and boat information to:
 
City of Prescott
800 Borner St.
Prescott, WI  54021
 
You will need to to include the length and make of your boat and the boat registration number.
 
 
Daily passes are available at the launch in the shelter. Fees vary depending on the boat length and whether you are a resident or non-resident.  Non residents include all people living outside the City of Prescott. Make sure your envelope includes your Vehicle license plate number and the date.  Tear off the numbered receipt stub, date it and place it on the dash board of your vehicle. Place money in envelope, seal it and deposit in the collection box.  Receipt tickets must be placed on your dash board with the date clearly visible to avoid a fine. 

What is the history of the boat launch?

  • Prescott's Municipal Boat Launch first opened to the public in the early 1960's. It was a simple dirt ramp. In 1963 or 1964 the first boat launch attendant was Jerry Gutting. At that time you could launch your boat for $1 and the attendant at the ramp received $.25 for each boat. The proceeds went to the Little League sponserd by the Jaycees.
  • LeRoy Gutting built the first shack for the attendant as a shelter from the hot sun and rain. In 1966 there were two houses removed from where the parking lot is today. One house was torn down and the other was burned by the Prescott Fire Department as a training exercise.
  • In 1972, Bubby Harris replaced the dirt ramp with the first concrete ramp.
  • In 1990, the vacant lots were dedicated to the City by George Jacques and is now the parking lot at the launch.
  • In 2000, Prescott received a grant from the DNR for improvements of the ramp.
  • This information was provided by Rich Gutting.