Introduction + PNW advice

[Full Circle]

Hello!

My wife and I are new owners of a 2019 26' Venture, C-Sprite. We bought her a year ago from the previous owner, who had it stored at Lake Powell, not too far from our western Colorado home. She had 8 hours on the engine. We used it for a few days there, towed her home, and splashed around in tiny Ridgway Reservoir just down the road last summer. Other than that, she's been high and dry. I just did the 20-hour break-in oil change yesterday, and we're ready to get on the water!

I am leaving here on Saturday and towing the boat from Colorado to Seattle to attend the get-together at Friday Harbor May 11-14. I'm launching at Cap Sante in Anacortes (Mary can't make it this time), where it appears I'll have plenty of help at the boat ramp and some good company at Eagle Harbor for a night en route to the CBGT. I'm looking forward to meeting other C-Dory owners there!

I have to return home for about 6 weeks after the event, but the boat will stay. We will return to WA in July for some upgrade work and more Puget Sound exploring. From there, we head for Chicago in the fall to begin the Great Loop.

We could use a little guidance with some details:

- We need a place to store the boat and trailer for about 6 weeks after the event. We'll retrieve it in Anacortes on May 14 and park it somewhere until I return around July 3 take It to Port Angeles for a week or 2 for electronics work. I could deliver it to just about anywhere in the region with secure outside storage. If you know of a place, please let me know.
- We are installing autopilot, solar panels, lithium batteries, and an inverter/charger. We've identified some qualified people in PT; one to do the autopilot and another for the electrical work, but neither can touch the boat until July. If there's someone in the area you think we should talk to, either because they're THAT good or THAT affordable, please let us know! Gary (DayBreak) said that Rodgers Marine in Portland is excellent. I'm willing to make that drive if they can do it all at comparable rates.

Thanks for any help you can offer!

We will spend from July 16 to around August 12 on the boat exploring Puget Sound. We would love to meet up with others during that time to get better acquainted with the area and the new boat. Please get in touch if you're interested!

- Dan & Mary on C-Sprite

[Dreamer]

Contat StarcraftTom on this site for storage. I bet he chimes in here as soon as he sees your post.

[starcrafttom]

yeah give me a call. 425 220 6567. we can talk about it

[Schuster]

Yes C-Sprite, Gary gave good advice. I used Portland Marine to install my Garmin electronics. The reason to go to Oregon to purchase equipment is primarily to save from paying the tax (almost 10 % in most Washington state counties) That adds up quick when you're buying electronics. Good Luck!

[DayBreak]

Thanks Dave, I forgot to mention the savings of not paying sales tax.

Rodgers Marine takes the necessary time with the customer in planning and install location. They have experienced installers and the ability to make custom brackets and powder coat them. They are worth the drive but schedule early.

[Phil Barnes]

I have had EQ Harbor Service and Sales do quite a bit of work for me. I have been very satisfied and feel they have done a good job and stand behind their work. Electronics, auto pilot, batteries, mechanical maintenance on both motors, trim tabs, trailer maintenance etc. They are in Oak Harbor close to Deception Pass and the State Park Boat Ramp. They may have earlier availability than you found in Oregon.

We are in Colorado Springs but our boating is in the PNW each summer. Shoot me a pm or email. Am happy to share info or answer questions you may have. We are currently running a CD 25.

Have a safe tow out and back. It is a long haul but worth it.

[rshuman531]

We have used Anacortes Marine Electronics at Skyline for electrical/electronics work and have been satisfied. Scheduler is Rita at 360-293-2565.

[Pat Anderson]

[color=darkred]Oregon is great for large purchases. We chose to repower our CD25 with a Suzuki 200 at Sportcraft in Portland. It was worth the trip! We saved on both a lower sale price AND no sales tax.

I PM'd you about out 2017 Great Loop. [color]

[Pat Anderson]

DAMN the 30 minute limit to edit!