Puget Sound / San Juan launch points

Jazzmanic · Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2010 7:30 pm Post subject:

Towing north to the San Juans is not bad. You can avoid Seattle altogether by using I-405 except you still have to go through Bellevue. North from Everett is usually smooth sailing. If you travel through Bellevue mid-morning to midday, you should miss major traffic. Unfortunately, Seattle bottlenecks into downtown all through the day and you always run into traffic from around Boeing Field through the 520 turnoff. That being said, I'm a city driver so I don't mind traffic, it's just a way of life here in Seattle.

As for the Twin Bridges ramp, like Tom said, you cannot use it on low tide, especially a negative tide, even with our shallow draft C-Dories. Tried it last year. Couldn't get the boat on the trailer so took a nice little 4 hour trip to Seattle by water. Plus, the current runs through there pretty quickly and the space is tight for manuevering. The few times I've used it, I pretty much let the current whip me around rather than fight it. This is one of my least favorite ramps.

If you're willing to pay for a $35 sling fee, Cap Sante Marina in Anacortes has a nice sling lift. They also have good facilities for parking your trailer. You set that up with the Marina as well. Plus it's pretty safe. I made the mistake of leaving my window down over a 3-day weekend a couple of years ago and my truck was completely undisturbed. Smile

Pat Anderson · Posted: Wed Aug 25, 2010 7:56 pm Post subject:

OK, just my $0.02. Can't speak to the west side launches, if convenient, go for it!

Would not launch at the Twin Bridges ramp on a bet any more, especially if crabbing is open. The influence of the current and the bridge obstructions right out in front make this a nightmare if you have to try to hang waiting for the ramp to clear out. BTDT, YMMV.

Two best options on the east side: Everett and Bellingham. Both have great launches and ample parking. Everett has the best arrangement of ramps and approaches. Bellingham gets a nod for the free parking, and always has overflow on Hilton, which many people are not aware of. If you are out for more than a couple of days, you have to get a free permit at the port office.

A sleeper option is Blaine, which is also a Port of Bellingham facility, right on the Canadian border on I-5. It is very convenient to the northern SJs like Sucia and Matia (and Stuart), and the Southern Gulf Islands in B.C. Most convenient for clearing Canadian customs at White Rock going out and Point Roberts coming back in.

DaveS · Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2010 4:13 pm Post subject:

starcrafttom · Posted: Thu Aug 26, 2010 6:45 pm Post subject:

too each there own. i have always had a good time at the twin bridges ramp. never any trouble leaving the truck. its out of the wind or at least you use the up wind or current side of the ramp. never seen the lot full, ever! you just have to watch the tide and go when you have enough water. It also really easy to tow to. just go up 5 get off at the anacortes exit and drive right to the bridge, go under the bridge and there you are. I hate going to bellingham because you have to tow further, tow threw town, and then when you get there you have to cross belling ham bay to get any where and it always bumpy as hell. it takes longer to get there and you are further away from most of the islands with fewer choices. yeah its closer to the north end and Canada but if the wind is up you cant go Thu the islands with out going south first. going north another 30 miles to go south 10 makes no since to me. so farther , more traffic, more ware on the truck climbing hills, bumpy water, more gas for the boat and the truck??? why???