The Port Douglas boat ramp will be closed from today for up to 10 weeks for repairs, but commercial boat users are happier this week than they were last week following a compromise by operator Maritime Safety Queensland.

It now looks like users will still be able to use the ramp at most times while the repairs are being carried out, but that was not the case when the announcement was first made last week by the State Government body.

Boat-ramp users were last week venting their frustrations online after many were caught unawares when a sign went up in the adjacent carpark saying the ramp would be closed from May 29.

The ramp, which is operated by MSQ in partnership with Douglas Shire Council and port and water authorities, is used by more than 70 businesses, including fishing charters, marine mechanics, jet-ski hire, kitesurfing operators, boat hire and reef tours, as well as private boat owners.

Some operators were then sent an email stating the contractors carrying out the work would allow commercial operators access to the ramp from 6.30am-8am and 3.30pm-4.30pm, and possibly at other times depending on the works schedule, which was expected to last up to 10 weeks.

Then the carpark sign was mysteriously changed to read April 29, not May 29, with the MSQ saying the original date displayed was a mistake by a contractor.

Then, late last week, fishing charter operator Jake Wyatt was sent an email update saying ramp users would be able to use one lane of the ramp at all times during the works, depending on any safety issues that might crop up.

Other operators spoken to by Newsport said they were disappointed the works were not scheduled for the off season, rather than when the busy tourism season was starting up again.