Port Townsend - Boat Haven

[DuckDogTitus]

Thinking of trailering up to Pt Townsend, launching and mooring overnight at Boat Haven. The idea would be a day of cruising Admiralty, maybe to Mutiny and a little exploring in town. (I've never been. I haven't done any peninsula boating yet really actually).

can anyone give me an suggestions or feedback on the area? I called the Boat Haven line to firm up details but got a voicemail. Should be simple trip but wanted to make sure i'm going somewhere that I can be had, lol. Thinking of making it the first overnight for my young son as well, so I'm perhaps a little over thinking things.

[AstoriaDave]

Launched there a couple times. Can be pretty busy, depending on whether there is an event going on in PT. Moorage can be tight during those times. Ramp is straightforward, though parking is tight. We hauled our boat on trailer and used it as an RV at the local fairgrounds in lieu of anchoring out. Pretty comfy, actually, and inexpensive.

At high water, the bay separating Indian and Marrowstone Islands is interesting, and there is the option of anchoring near Fort Flagler docks. Not sure whether they have their floats in yet, but moorage there would be my choice, unless you want to explore Port Townsend. PT is a cool place, with a nice wooden boat center, tons of tourist oriented shops downtown, including a killer ice cream place.

Cruising is very good, though Admiralty Inlet can be rough during major tide exchanges.

http://www.portofpt.com/boat_haven.htm I expect they are just busy. Call them again.

[Aquavit]

I have launched at the PT Boat Haven a few times and found the parking to be adequate (although it can get pretty busy, especially on the weekends). I think they have overflow parking available if necessary. If you intend to explore the town, you might want to consider staying at Point Hudson Marina, as it is closer to downtown.

[DuckDogTitus]

thank you for the feedback. I got a slip reserved (the last one, i'm told) at Point Hudson. I'm told I'll have to launch at Boat Haven, then motor up to my slip. Seems reasonable, we did the same from Pt Defiance to Dock Street Marina (which was a great experience).

any other recommendations or suggestions, points of interest? My cruising doesn't have to be extensive, especially since I'll have my little boy, but if the weather holds i'll try to get him on the boat as much as possible, he's been asking for a month.

[DuckDogTitus]

one thing I did not check on yet... what is the overnight parking situation like at Boat Haven? acceptable?

[AstoriaDave]

Overnight parking in their lot was very tight in 2008, 2009. On the street nearby was the fallback, and I honestly do not recall if you could park overnight. Contact the marina.

[G Gallagher]

Here's a thought.

Why not leave the car behind. Launch here in Seattle wherever you normally do,load a couple of bikes up,motor over to Port Hudson Marina where you have a slip rented. They have power available and you can tour the town by bike. Oh, they also have restrooms. You can cook on-board or there is a good restaurant right by the dock.

My 2 cents worth.

[Pat Anderson]

Port Townsend is one of the neatest towns in Washington! We took our fifth wheel to the Port Hudson RV Park a couple of years ago and had a spot right on the water. We walked up to the Farmer's Market, which was one of the best I have been to. Rode our Honda Sprees all around town too! Love to visit from the water side one day! Enjoy!

[Pat Anderson]

Great thought, but a launch in Everett would be even better! Great ramps, great parking, not nearly as tight as anywhere in Seattle.

[hardee]

No matter where you launch, plan a trip into Mystery Bay State park on the boat. (It does not have to be at high tide, but you do have to pay attention to the marked course and depths. Its a fun patch.

Just a block form the launch ramp at Boat Haven, is West Marine, and(OK, I know and right across from WM is a place called Sea-J's. Really good fish and chips and milk shakes.

There is a dock at Fort Warden too. inside the pilings, and up the stairs is a pretty fun marine center, especially for the young uns. There is a fee there but it is reasonable. the dock is State Park so your park moorage pass works there for over night.

Port Townsend is a fun place and when you are done, the wash rack has 2 hoses. One for the engine flush and while that is running you can do the boat and trailer with the second hose.

Enjoy,

Harvey
SleepyC

[DuckDogTitus]

thanks for all the feedback!

I think Mystery Bay and Fort Warden are definitely on the agenda. my boy should love both trips.

I assume the appropriate docks at Ft Warden are the "Marine Center" on this map?

http://www.parks.wa.gov/DocumentCenter/Home/View/1875


you mentioned the wash down hoses in Pt Townsend, which site is that at, boat haven?

[Dreamer]

That's correct. The Marine Center has the only docks close to Ft. Worden. Breakfast and lunch at the Port Hudson Café are pretty good. Try the Baja Burger!

When are you planning to take this trip?

[DuckDogTitus]

Tomorrow lol

have you seen the launch at Mystery Bay? I have spoken with those folks and they said we could launch and leave the car there overnight while we sleep up at Pt Hudson. seems reasonable but the low tide this weekend is right smack in the middle of the day and I'm wondering if I will have trouble getting out of the water sunday. I'd rather not head home at 7pm on a sunday night (about 2.5hr drive I'm expecting).

[Jazzmanic]

We've stayed in the Point Hudson Marina a couple of times and the biggest impression we took away from the marina was those slimy otters that climbed aboard our boat. Be sure you put all your food away and secure your cooler because those critters are not fearful and do not hesitate to crawl around in your cockpit.

This was at least five years ago so I don't know if they still have a problem with the otters but until that point, I used to think they were cute. However, the town of Port Townsend is great! Have fun!

[AstoriaDave]