04/06 - 04/08 - Fisherman's Terminal

localboy · Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 8:37 pm Post subject:

http://www.nws.usace.army.mil/PublicMenu/Menu.cfm?sitename=lwsc&pagename=Navigating

The link above has info from the Army Corps of Engineers re: how to traverse the Chittenden Locks.

I must confess that the idea of traversing the Chittenden Locks is a bit daunting for me. Add the fact that I will be running solo...and well, I don't think it would be a good idea.

So I'm considering launching somewhere in Lake Washington. Any good ideas for a good ramp/facility at the northern end of the lake?

ferret30 · Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 8:41 pm Post subject:

Warren G Magnusson in Sand Point has a nice ramp and lots of trailer parking. I think it was $10 or so per day. I think there might be an option in Kenmore too.

20dauntless · Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 9:36 pm Post subject:

I've done the locks by myself several times and have found it quite easy. It's a bit harder in the C-Dory than our Whaler since I have to run in and out of the cabin and don't have as good of deck access, but it is entirely doable. The biggest problem is people who lack any kind of boat handling skills; I've watched boats spinning in circles as they pinball through the crowds.

The only reason I'd be hesitant to go through by myself is you never know if you'll get put in the big lock or the small lock. If you are in the small lock, it's easy, since you just tie off to the floating wall and wait and you don't have to tend your lines. The big lock is normally easy too, since they typically raft small boats off the bigger boats. This January, though, I was put in the big lock, on the wall, and was really glad I had someone else with me. Quite frankly, I don't know if you can do the big lock, tied to the wall, in a C-Dory with just one person since the bow and stern lines must be constantly tended.

If you go through the locks, make sure you have fenders and lines on both sides since you don't know which side you'll tie up on, and you don't want to be scrambling to switch everything over at the last minute. If you have decent boat handling skills and you aren't on the wall in the big lock, you won't have any problems coming through alone. The guys working at the locks are clear, professional, and helpful. Follow their instructions and you'll be fine.

localboy · Posted: Wed Mar 28, 2012 10:22 pm Post subject:

Jazzmanic · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2012 5:39 pm Post subject:

It looks like our plans have changed a little since we brought the boat up north last weekend.

We're still planning to attend the dinner at Chinooks on Friday night. We'll be going by car rather than boat. Does anyone know what time dinner will be?

Peter & Caryn
C-Dancer

starcrafttom · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2012 6:26 pm Post subject:

Can we show up for diner on friday still? Just cant get the boat in the water in time for this weekend. Way too much going on.

dotnmarty · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2012 8:00 pm Post subject:

Saturday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 53.

colobear · Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2012 9:05 pm Post subject:

Fred and Robbin are out of contact right now, they should be back tomorrow or Thursday, I'm guessing 5:00-5:30 for dinner. Chinooks doesn't take group reservations.

colobear · Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2012 12:26 pm Post subject:

FYI, I called Fisherman's Terminal about the gathering and they monitor Channel 17 instead of 66, 67, etc.

Anita Marie · Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2012 1:22 pm Post subject:

I finally am back in town. I talked to the harbor master and they are excited about having us this weekend. You will tie up on the west side of dock #9. There will be plenty of room for everyone with some electrical hook ups.
I will be arriving sometime before noon and will be around to greet everyone. Dinner is still planned for Chinooks at 18:00. The pot luck on Saturday will be at 17:30 at there hall. Weather permitting I am hoping we can cruise some on Saturday.
This is a very nice facility and the people who run it are very nice. I hope everyone who can make it will come.
If this works it would be a great start to the boating season. See you all this weekend.

Fred

johnf · Posted: Thu Apr 05, 2012 5:13 pm Post subject:

Last minute decision to attend...hope waters are good and hope to arrive Friday mid-day or so.

Safe travels to all,

John

timflan · Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2012 12:43 am Post subject:

Two Lucky Fish will not be in attendance, alas, despite the fact that the boat is IN THE WATER, and ON LAKE UNION about two miles from Fisherman's Terminal. She's running fine, too.

I've simply got a conflict, and I had to make a choice.

I'm sad. I was looking forward to having a get-together right in my own backyard. Oh well...have fun!

Oh, and I go through the locks several times a year. I have NEVER been tied up on the wall in the large lock. Even if the small locks isn't operating, there is essentially zero chance a little C-Dory would ever be tied up to the wall. I mean...I suppose it COULD happen, but I think it extremely remote. I'm always tied up to one or more slightly larger boats, which are tied in turn to a really big boat, when I transit the large lock.

nimrod · Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2012 12:52 am Post subject:

Robbi · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 10:32 am Post subject:

What a wonderful afternoon and evening on the docks at FT. It was sunny and warm with good company to chat and share stories. Six boats as of dark last night. My 16 is sitting inside at King Marine, with the new camper back just not quite finished. Crying or Very sad

Today is bright and sunny, and it will be a great day. Looking forward to seeing those Brats arriving today.

FT is a wonderful place for a gathering.

Robbi

localboy · Posted: Sat Apr 07, 2012 12:08 pm Post subject:

Good to see the sun up this a.m. and warming the docks for all of you. Looks like Barry did his dance early this yr!