What is a private boat launch fee?

There are plenty of lakes, bays and other marinas that charge a fee to launch a boat. The fee is for "Launch" and not retrieve. The fee helps to maintain the site, docks, garbage and in many cases the restroom facilities. In CA, the crooks in Sacramento have diverted the "Marine Tax" monies to everything but the boating community. They steal those tax dollars away. The marinas have charged a fee for years to help with the costs for maintenance. It's usually a very small fee and helps for the long term upkeep. I've paid these fees for decades now and have no issues with it. Every park, lake and launching area has different rules, so you'll need to read the posted signs or check with the controlling body that operates the site. Most lakes do charge for even a row boat (hand carried) a fee for launching. But remember this, you are also paying for the "Parking" area for your truck or car with those fees.

Do you people know ANYTHING about ANYTHING? Why do Americans thing everything is FREE? Launch ramp fees are common.. it's how the lake or river or whatever has money to maintain their facilities. When you land a light plane in an airport you have to pay LANDING FEES and/or RAMP FEES