Intuition to Alaska - 2021

LesR · Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2021 12:59 pm Post subject: Intuition to Alaska - 2021

Starting this thread to log our preparation for and (hopefully) details of our journey to Alaska this summer. I've taken a sabbatical from work this year, so we have no significant time constraints. I'll need to work for at least a few more years after this year's break. While we recognize uncertainty and risk of additional travel restrictions, this year appears to be the best near-term option for us.

With those caveats in mind, our plan is to depart northwest Washington in early June, directly transit BC enroute, and spend up to two months exploring SE Alaska before returning.

As we prepare, I'd appreciate anyone's input and recommendations for the following:
1. Dinghy motor: how badly do I need one? Our Alaska Series 270TDS is OK to row. I expect that most of our use will be shorter distance to shore for things like an additional line to a tree. We're not taking our dog, so don't need to worry about multiple daily shore excursions. Any other safety or convenience considerations? If I become convinced it's needed, I'd probably get a Torqeedo motor for the convenience and weight benefits.
2. Location to leave truck and trailer for 3 months. I've started searching for RV storage locations in the region north of Seattle. Any specific suggestions?
3. Recommended guides. I have the 2020 Waggoner Cruising Guide and have been reviewing other C-Brats' trip logs, along with Sam Landsman's Slow Boat webinars.
4. Motor service - with a transit via BC, I expect we may add 300-400 hours on our Honda 150 (currently has 950 problem-free hours). I assume we should plan for at least an oil change midway through our trip.

Les and Kel Rohlf

journey on · Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2021 1:23 pm Post subject:

Les, you didn't say but do you have a get-me-home motor? This would add redundancy to your main outboard; I considered it a necessity on Journey On. You'll be in remote places and any additional help will be appreciated. If you add one, I'd suggest a Nissan 10 hp because of the weight and price. You can use that on the dingy if you get a hoist such as Bob/thataway installed:hoist istallation

Boris

LesR · Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2021 2:01 pm Post subject:

Boris,
Good point - I left out that we do have a Honda 9.9 as a kicker. It doesn't get used much, but I make an effort to run it for at least a few hours during each of our longer outings.

I think the dinghy is rated for a max of 5 hp, so our current kicker may be too large.

Les

starcrafttom · Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2021 2:51 pm Post subject:

Les please Pm me. I have a graveled parking area at my house. Located in marysville wa and we have rented parking out to cbrats in the past for a few months at a time. I have room for truck and trailer. We both work for home so unless we are out in the boat our selves some one is around most of the time.

pcg · Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2021 3:19 pm Post subject:

As of today...
"Canada and the United States on Tuesday extended a land-border closure for non-essential travelers...
The land-border restrictions, imposed in March 2020, have been extended to May 21. Now in place for 13 months, they are being renewed month by month."

I know this says "land border", but I'm guessing that wording is to exclude air flights from the U.S. to Alaska. It wouldn't surprise me if "water borders" are also closed. I would research this before traveling.

journey on · Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2021 3:45 pm Post subject:

The Honda 10 can be heavy. We had the long shaft with an electric starter, 110 lbs. Try the motor on your inflatable and if it can handle the weight, don't open the throttle as far and you'll have a 5 hp. One less thing you have to carry along.

And BTW, they have free rig parking at Blaine. We used it a couple of summers ago. Phone them.

Boris

starcrafttom · Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2021 4:53 pm Post subject:

NewMoon · Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2021 4:56 pm Post subject:

For anchorage info, the best guides are the Douglass 'Exploring' series. One for S coast BC, one for N coast BC, and one for SE AK.

Peter & Judy · Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2021 5:09 pm Post subject:

hardee · Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2021 9:18 pm Post subject:

Yes, I would second Peter and Judy's admonition. I was speaking with a some friends on Vancouver Island and last week. One has seen several cars from US, WA, CA and ID, on the island. Another who is a retired RCMP said that he knows of one US vessel that has been brought into a marina, and the crew sent back to the US, so the boat is there, accumulating a moorage fee while the crew are back in the US awaiting some kind of permissions to return it or continue to AK. He didn't think it was a vessel actually bound for AK.

I think in this case it is better to get permission than to try and get forgiveness.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

DrewbirdII · Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2021 9:45 pm Post subject:

Not much traveling through Canada this year unless you have a work boat that can make the trip none stop. Pleasure craft are a nix, you must make the trip none stop with no fuel stops or anchoring. Last summer fuel was tough, I know because I hated carrying extra fuel in jerry cans. I really wanted to go to Friday Harbour this year but no way can you cross with a the restrictions. The RCMP are patrolling the boarder.

colbysmith · Posted: Tue Apr 20, 2021 10:23 pm Post subject:

LesR · Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2021 9:23 am Post subject:

Thanks so much for all the input.

Boris, yes - the Honda 10 reminds my back of its weight every time I put it on the motor bracket Shocked

. I need to figure out a way to test putting it on the tender without risking losing it to the bottom of a body of water. I don't have a high degree of confidence in the motor bracket for the Alaska Series tenders with a motor that heavy.

Colby, thanks for the reminder about cleaning the hull at the tidal grids at Hoonah and Petersburg. Our boat is not bottom painted, so we'll have the same concerns.

We're regularly checking the Travel Canada sites for updates. As of today, the information in the thread regarding transiting BC waters to Alaska still appears valid (http://www.c-brats.com/viewtopic.php?t=29362).
I'll personally check next month before we depart, as we realize this is probably our biggest unknown for this year. Definitely don't want us or the boat impounded somewhere.

Les

thataway · Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2021 11:56 am Post subject:

Les,
A 10 hp motor would not be wise on your Alaska Dinghy, since it is a "Doughnut" type with a metal bracket in holders. If you choose a motor the Toqeedo would be ideal. the only time that rowing would not work, is in high winds. Even with motors, I have been in situations in heavy breeze when 2 hp was not enough to run into the wind.

On our AK trip with the 25, we averaged about 3.25 miles per gallon, part on plane and part at displacement speeds.

Pat Anderson · Posted: Wed Apr 21, 2021 10:14 pm Post subject:

Daydream (Pat and Patty Andesosn) and Anna Leigh (David McKibben) cruised from Blaine, WA, to Ketchikan in 2006. And contrary to Tom Elliott's contention, Blaine is a GREAT jumping off point for the San Juans and points north. I would not worry about parking there, just make sure the Harbor Master knows how long you will be gone.

Here is the thread regarding our cruise. I would say the best part was the BC Inside Passage from Cape Caution to Prince Rupert. Once you get to Alaska, the world is your oyster, but due to time limitations we limited ourselves to a week in the Misty Fjords National Monument.

Now, transiting BC to Alaska, that is a whole 'nother kettle of fish. i can't say what is allowed and what is not, but as i understand it, you CANNOT stop for fuel, and if you can't stop for fuel, how are you going to get from Blaine to Ketchikan?