Sailboat Bend Preserve/Townsend Park Dock
FORT LAUDERDALE • Open For Business
About This Ramp
Sailboat Bend Preserve/Townsend Park Dock is a hand launch only located in FORT LAUDERDALE, Broward County, Florida. This ramp provides access to North Fork New River, a salt or brackish water water body.
The ramp surface is floating dock, providing good traction for launching.
This government owned for general public use access ramp is managed by City of Fort Lauderdale and is open for business.
Amenities & Features
Restrooms
Restroom facilities available
Accessible
Handicap accessible facilities available
Parking & Facilities
Parking Surface: Paved - Asphalt or Concrete
Parking Condition: Good to Excellent
Trailer Parking: Trailer parking may be limited; call ahead for details
Vehicle Parking: Standard vehicle parking available
Arriving early is recommended, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a parking spot near the launch area.
Ramp Specifications
Surface: Floating Dock
Dock Type: Floating Dock
Water Type: Salt or Brackish Water
Water Body: North Fork New River
Handicap Accessibility
Handicap accessible facilities are available at this ramp
0Full handicap accessibility: No Accommodations for Accessibility
Handicap restroom facilities: No
If you have specific accessibility needs, we recommend calling ahead to confirm what accommodations are currently available.
Visitor Information & Tips
- Hours: 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Fees: No
- Status: Open For Business
- Best times to launch are early morning or weekdays when crowds are lighter
- Always check local fishing and boating regulations before heading out
- Bring safety equipment including life jackets and first aid kits
Location & Getting There
Address: 1401 S.W. 14th Avenue
City: FORT LAUDERDALE
ZIP Code: 33312
Use the interactive map above to get directions to Sailboat Bend Preserve/Townsend Park Dock. Most smartphones have built-in GPS navigation that will guide you directly to the ramp's location.
Why Choose Sailboat Bend Preserve/Townsend Park Dock?
Sailboat Bend Preserve/Townsend Park Dock is one of the premier boat launch facilities in Broward County, offering convenient access to Florida's waters. Whether you're an experienced angler, recreational boater, or first-time launcher, this ramp provides the amenities and facilities you need for a successful day on the water.
Located on North Fork New River, this ramp is perfect for freshwater fishing, enjoying calm waters, and targeting species that thrive in freshwater environments.The well-maintained launch facility ensures smooth boating experiences for vessels of all sizes.
Launch Tips & Best Practices
Before You Launch
- Check your boat for any maintenance issues before arriving at the ramp
- Have your registration and fishing license readily available
- Ensure all safety equipment is on board, including life jackets for all passengers
- Fill up your fuel tank before heading to the ramp to ensure sufficient range
At the Ramp
- Remove your trailer from the launch lane promptly to keep traffic moving
- Have crew members ready to help with the launch and retrieve process
- Park in designated areas only - don't block other boaters
- Always back into the ramp slowly and check water depth before launching
Safety on the Water
- Wear your life jacket at all times while on the boat
- Check local fishing regulations and bag limits for your target species
- Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return
- Monitor weather conditions and head back to shore if conditions deteriorate
Planning Your Visit to Broward County
Broward County offers diverse boating and fishing opportunities with Sailboat Bend Preserve/Townsend Park Dock serving as a premier access point. The county's waters are home to a variety of fish species and provide excellent recreational opportunities year-round.
When planning your visit, consider the current season and target species. Spring and fall often provide ideal conditions for boating in Broward County, with comfortable temperatures and excellent fishing opportunities. Summer months are great for evening trips when the water is calmer after the midday heat.
Sailboat Bend Preserve/Townsend Park Dock is conveniently located with easy highway access, ample parking, and modern facilities to support your boating adventure. The ramp's well-maintained launch area accommodates both large and small vessels, making it accessible to everyone from experienced captains to weekend boaters.
At a Glance
Essential info about Sailboat Bend Preserve/Townsend Park Dock
Quick Tips
- Arrive early for best parking
- Check weather before heading out
- Bring safety equipment
- Call ahead for seasonal hours
Fishing tips & boating guides
Expert advice on launching boats, fishing techniques, and making the most of your ramp visits.
Best Times to Fish at Florida Boat Ramps: A Complete Guide
Early morning and late evening are prime time, but the real secret is understanding how tide, temperature, and light affect fish behavior at your local ramp.
Mike
How to Launch Your Boat Safely: 10 Essential Tips
Improper launching causes trailer damage, injuries, and delays. Here's how to launch like a pro at any Florida boat ramp.
Mike
Florida Freshwater Fishing Species: Where to Find Them
Largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish are staples. Here's where to find them and what baits and lures work best at Florida's most popular ramps.
Mike
Winter Storage and Boat Ramp Prep: Pre-Season Checklist
Before launching in spring, prep your boat and gear. Here's what to check after winter storage to avoid mechanical surprises at the ramp.
Mike
How to Choose the Best Boat Ramp: Conditions, Amenities & Location
Not all boat ramps are created equal. Learn what separates a smooth launch from a frustrating disaster—and how to pick the best ramp for your boat and target species.
Mike
Saltwater Fishing Near Inlets: What Inshore Ramps Offer
Inlet ramps give access to redfish, snapper, and tarpon. But inlet fishing is high-tide, high-pressure hunting. Here's how to fish them productively.
MikeCheck out some of this fishing content
Awesome curated fishing content from some amazing YouTube angling creators.
Proudly Sponsored By Aquatic Cleanup
Supporting Florida's Waterway Health & Ecosystems
Through professional aquatic management and invasive plant control, our sponsors help protect Florida's waterways for boating, fishing, and recreation.
Florida Aquatic Weed Removal & Management
Aquatic Cleanup specializes in invasive plant management and aquatic weed removal for private lakefront properties, ponds, canals, and HOA waterways across Central Florida. Keep your water clean and healthy with professional aquatic ecosystem management.
Learn More About Aquatic Cleanup →