Design changes for an expensive, new boat ramp at Warren G. Magnuson Park in Seattle are drawing some loud complaints this summer.

Boaters tell KIRO Team 7 Investigative Reporter Chris Halsne they don't know why taxpayers spent more than $1,000,000 for decreased safety, longer wait-times, and limited access.

The city won't say it screwed up this project, but does tell Team 7 Investigators certain types of boats, which could easily launch at Magnuson in years past, might not be able to do so now.

The problem lies with the installation of a longer ramp, with a gentler slope. That forces vehicles to back further into the water to get a boat off the trailer.

WATCH IT: Some Say Changes To Boat Ramp For The Worse

Jean Gosse has been setting sail on Lake Washington from Magnuson Park most of her life. It was always convenient and easy until now. She and her husband, Dave, just can't understand why the city would redesign a boat ramp that forces cars to partially submerge, then make boaters get soaked walking down a slippery ramp.

Gosse told Team 7 Investigators, “Before the ramp was rebuilt we could back- just so the back wheels were out of the water and the boat would float off. Now we have to submerge the back end of the truck and put all four wheels in the water and that's really unacceptable. Our brakes are getting wet. Our electrical system is getting wet and for the powerboats it drives right off and that can be hazardous.”

Peter has been boating for 15 years and was previously able to launch at Magnuson by himself, but not since the design changes.

“It's the worst boat ramp I've used in the state! Now with having to get the car fully submerged, you have to quickly exit the water, run around your car, and try to grab your boat before it starts to drift away.”

Peter complained to the City of Seattle Parks Department and says he was told to "try another boat launch" or "buy a trailer extension.”

Seattle Parks and Recreation Aquatics Manager, Kathy Whitman, says the old, steeper sloped ramp was too short and had a deep water hole at the end - partly due to power boat erosion. According to public documents obtained by Team 7 Investigators, engineers filled the hole with gravel, then added 20 feet of additional concrete ramp over the old one. Now, backing boat trailers don’t go underwater as quickly.

Whitman admits (and city emails obtained by KIRO Team 7 Investigators confirm) there have boater complaints about the changes.

“If you arrive at the site with a larger boat and it’s a deep boat and you're expecting to launch the way you did before, I think it has created some problems for boaters.”

Despite critical feedback, the city is not planning on making additional changes to the million-dollar-plus project.

Whitman says “The new longer ramp really is intended to prevent that erosion so I think you end up with a more durable long term product.”

Jean wishes city officials would stop being so defensive and start listening to those who paid for, and used to enjoy, this boat launch.

“Compared to what it was, it's a terrible nuisance.”

Whitman and others city leaders have been telling boaters, if you’re having trouble launching at Magnuson and don't have a relatively small, flat bottom boat, head over to Sunnyside or Rainier Beach, both of which have steeper sloped ramps.