Riverbend Concert Raft Up Official Thread 2009!

[KurtInCincy]

This is a little early because concerts don't start until May but everyone will know this exists if it's up a little early. (plus i'm not too motivated to do work at the moment).

For the concert schedule see
www.riverbend.org

Not all of the year's concerts are probably posted yet.

If you have never taken your boat to one of these - It's Awesome!
Especially Buffett, Skynyrd/Kid Rock, Chesney or any of the country concerts or classic rock bands.
Just throw out your anchor and swim & drink.
For almost every concert we wakeboard first, there's smooth water just up river on weeknights (except for the Buffett concert or if it's really breezy).
Post here if you plan on going to any of these or if you need a "pull".
My boat isn't usually full.
Kurt

[MattsCraft]

Kurt - Sounds good, I am sure we will do a few! Where is the best ramp to put in near Riverbend?

[The Biz]

I'm kinda skeptical about putting my boat on the river b/c of how low it sits in the water, but I wouldn't mind jumping on with one of you guys if you don't mind.

[MattsCraft]

I'm kinda skeptical about putting my boat on the river b/c of how low it sits in the water, but I wouldn't mind jumping on with one of you guys if you don't mind.

Biz -We typically have extra room, will give you a shout if we go. I have an X2, not a great big water river boat, but we have had it out in some pretty big swells on the river and feel completely safe. The X2 rides pretty good in rough water, as good or better than my old Cobalt! Biggest problem is no potty for the ladies,:( so it would be good to raft up with someone with a crusier.:)

[mr_matt]

I will definitely be out there for a few, I wouldn't worry about the boating sitting to low in the water, Its pretty smooth on the river and when anchored at riverbend the side of your boat takes the very few big wakes from the giant cruisers. Last year or the year before I was on the river and a storm kicked up and the tornado sirens downtown were going off - waves got big then but i just kept the boat angled and we only took 1 or 2 big waves over the front.

OHIO side - I think Schmidt Field is the closest public ramp down river from riverbend and up river is 9 mile ramp - its a little scary heading back there in pitch black but they have lights that shine on the ramp at night.

[KurtInCincy]

The best ramp to start from for a concert is the Boatsmith ramp at the intersection of 5-mile and Kellogg. There is a gas station at that intersection. the reason it's the best is because it's only 1 mile from riverbend and it's up river. Most of the boats go down river after the concert. You can be back to the ramp in under 5 minutes and on the trailer in 10 minutes no matter how many boats are out. And you can easily get back on 275.
The only drawback it that last year he started charging $10 instead of $5. maybe it will be back to $5 this year cause he said it cost him a ton of gas money last year to clear the mud off the ramp. And you can't use the ramp if the river is up about 27.5 or higher cause it's not too steep.

[KurtInCincy]

Second and third best ramps are either Woodland mound park (Shady lane?) which is up river and Aces Marina down river at the intersection of Kellogg and Wilmer by Lunken and that UDF because it's never crowded and both of those are $5.

[KurtInCincy]

The Biz - you can do it in your boat. I've done it in much smaller boats (14 feet, and currently i have an 11ft Checkmate that i'll be bringing out). The river is just as smooth as any lake on the weeknights. The key is to have an anchor that has weight to it, because there isn't always enough current to make a drift anchor catch on the bottom. You could even tie a cinder block to a rope for a cheap solution.

[KurtInCincy]

Kings of Leon Concert is tonight. I was looking fwd to it but the river is way way way too high.

[KurtInCincy]

Anyone go to Coldplay last night?

I had to go to a family H.S. graduation.

OAR is next Sat 6/13 on the PNC stage. I'm 100% there for that. And DMB Tues 6/16.

[kirbster305]

I absolutely love love love OAR and DMB and can't wait for their concerts. I've never heard a concert from the river though on a boat? Sounds pretty fun

[MattsCraft]

We were there! Awsome night, weather held out, not to cold for cold play Ha Ha... You are right about anchoring, really tough, make sure you have plenty of line and start way up river from where you want to be! We were rafted up with three other cruisers, kept breaking free, finally had to go it on my own and got it to stick!

Sound was pretty good, could have been louder for my taste, wish they would simalcast!!! Overall fun night, will prob do it again this summer!

Anyone go to Coldplay last night?

I had to go to a family H.S. graduation.

OAR is next Sat 6/13 on the PNC stage. I'm 100% there for that. And DMB Tues 6/16.

[KurtInCincy]

kirbster if you don't have a boat just ask for a lift...

[HumminnBoatin]

I have done TONS of concerts on my supra. And had no problems. I usually just find a cruizer with a potty to tie up to for the ladies.

[KurtInCincy]

What's your Supra look like? I'll look for you.

[KurtInCincy]

DMB tonight. I'll be in the Sea Ray. Hope it doesn't rain. Anyone going?

[Firedog]

Kurt you are the Concert King

[Mali_u]

Anyone hitting up the Paisley Concert tonight? I'm hoping the rain holds off and doesn't scare the crowd away. Look for the Malibu and flying jello shots!

[KurtInCincy]

Jim you should come along for some.

Mali U - I was there, I was up river from you, too far to say hi since the current was strong. Went to 311 Sat also.

Areosmith & ZZ top next Wednesday.

[KurtInCincy]

Buffet this Thurs and Rascal this Sat. Anyone going?

[Mali_u]

Yes, have a full boat headed to Buffett. Launching at Schmidt and hopefully getting out there about 7 or so. What time do you head out there?

[The Biz]

I'll be on my buddy's Donzi for Buffet. We are heading down around 4 leaving out of schmidt as well.

[KurtInCincy]

The river is now up too high for my boat...still 33 feet by tomorrow.
I need to hop a ride with someone else.

[KurtInCincy]

Got room for 1 more Mali U?

[KurtInCincy]

the river dropped like it's hot last night. I'm taking the Sea Ray.

[Mali_u]

Has anyone taken a look at the river. I'm trying to persuade myself to go but I like the prop that's on the boat now!

[Cincy MC]

I'm heading that way in about an hour to drop a boat off at River Towne.. I'll let you know what I see from the bridge and from their landing....

[KurtInCincy]

it's 30.6 ft right now and still falling fast. Not as much debris and not as much current as there could be.
1) Bring an extra heavy anchor or tie a cinder block to a rope for extra holding power and you'll be alright.
2) Idle back to the ramp after the show to avoid debris damage

[cliffj]

I have only been out to Riverbend once on my boat. Do you think the river is too high / rough tonight for an 18ft Stingray??

[KurtInCincy]

no, i'm taking an 18ft sea ray. just follow the 2 tips above.

[Mali_u]

Look for the Malibu about 7 p.m. tonight!

[KurtInCincy]

Crue Fest tomorrow night, anyone? I'll go.

[Mali_u]

I have a crew heading down for Nickleback tomorrow, anyone else going?

[KurtInCincy]

...good times. Time to recharge the spotlight.

Creed next Friday night.

[joe b]

November and looking to next year. Any 'equipment' that's on the need list (other than the stripper pole of course)???

We've only been on the river once and will do a trial run of where you guys say to put in. Been looking forward to it but just didn't seem to happen.

Other than Buffett, what are some big crowds and are there any issues putting in where you guys have recommened? We'll hit ya up next year about a big raft. Later

[KurtInCincy]

bring the most powerful spotlight you can find. mine is 6 mil candlepower. Second largest one they sold at Bass Pro at the time.

[KurtInCincy]

WTF? the Jimmy Buffett concert is on Monday May 17th this year. It's never been in May before. The river could be too high and the temp too cool to go by boat.
What were they thinking? It's supposed to be in July or Aug. :(