Mercury Bay boaties won’t have to argue over who gets wet launching the boat again, now the four-month new floating pontoon project is coming to an end.

The 2metre wide, 35metre long pontoon will be open to the public on Monday, making plenty of room for people either side to tie up their craft while parking the wagon. The pontoon is made out of recycled plastic, keeping the clean green image for the district.

Situated at the Whitianga Wharf, the pontoon has a single lane boat ramp on one side and a double lane on the other, allowing for a less congested ramp coming into the silly season.

A report from the Thames-Coromandel District Council says it is estimated to speed up the time in ramp queues by 30 per cent.

“This is great for families, with no member of the family needing to get wet their feet.”

A Boating Amenity Parking Permit will be needed to use the ramp and pontoon from next week. The permit will need to be displayed on the boat trailer or tow vehicle’s dashboard.

TCDC Mercury Bay office manager Sam Marshall says Whitianga and Mercury Bay is renowned for its boating and fishing.

“We want to ensure this is the place where people continue to come to enjoy this.”

The permits will help to pay the floating pontoon off, as well as further improvements to other boat ramps and harbour facilities around the Mercury Bay.

Permits can be purchased from the Whitianga Z service station, Gull Whitianga, Stunned Mullet, Mercury Bay Fishing Club or an honesty permit at the launching area.

Daily permits are $8 and annual permits are $70