Advice-launching in south puget sound

D

Don & Liz

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Nov 16, 2008
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C Dory Year
2008
C Dory Model
25 Cruiser
Hull Identification Number
CD025296C808
Vessel Name
PERSPECTIVE
We are planning to trailer our new 25 CD cruiser from Corvallis and launch on Aug 13 somewhere in the south Puget Sound (Olympia area?) for a 3 or 4 week slow-paced adventure. Our trip will be a combination of cove anchoring and marinas. We would like an easy launch-take out site and secure parking for our truck and trailer.

As this is our maiden voyage, suggestions are very welcome about where to launch and also about possible destinations and places to avoid.

Thanks for your input!

Don and Liz
Perspective
 
Early in the summer Puget Sound has minus tides that make a lot of launching ramps un-useable for several hours at a time. :sad A sling is more expensive, but allows you to come and go when you want to. :wink
 
I'll second Swantown Marina, the very bottom of Puget Sound. We'll be there in 2 more weeks.

Leaving the trailer/truck there isn't free.

Boris
 
When we launched in Swantown, it was something like $3 per night to leave the truck and trailer. Pretty reasonable. The marina is nice - good showers, easy walk to the Farmers' Market if your timing is right. We truly enjoyed the south Sound. (our first time out with the then new C-Dory). :thup

The only downside of Swantown is no place to washdown/flush the trailer; we took it to a car wash.

Have fun!

Best wishes,
Jim B.
 
I really can't add anything different here, Swantown is THE place to launch in the South Sound. If you are going to be out for a really long time, maybe you want to hook up with Oldgrowth Dave regarding long term parking...If you watch the tide tables carefully, you MIGHT consider launching at Zittles at Johnson Point. But Swantown is definitely the first choice...
 
Zittles just implemented a parking fee/permit system. Apparently the main problem was with the commercial geoduck people who all come early and in separate cars, tying up much of the limited space. I don't know exactly what they charge for a daily fee, I presume one day's is included with the $12 launch fee but after that, I think it is $10 a day. They do have a large field uphill they use for overflow and on very busy summer days they've had a shuttle back and forth although not on most days. I wouldn't be surprised that someone could work out a long term deal at that upper lot, they are really just trying to control the parking at the waterfront lot. I'd suggest calling and asking. Walking to and from the upper lot wouldn't be bad to save a lot of money and they might shuttle you if pre-arranged (and it is only about a 5 minute walk). If I left a car for an extended period I'd feel better out in the country as Zittles is rather than in an urban area where people know cars are left long term, although I haven't heard of a problem downtown. Zittles does have the advantage over downtown Olympia in that it is right on the jumping off point in about any direction, from Olympia you need to go the length of Budd Inlet first. Both are "easy" to find if you know the area or have a car GPS but if you aren't familiar with the roads, you do have several important turns to take you need to know.

Re South Sound cruising: It is awful. Actually I just say that to keep it from turning into another San Juans; we want to keep it our secret. Regarding tides, just avoid launching at any of the places on a minus tide, which we get this time of the year. Also, know where you are going in Budd Inlet on low tides, or follow a bigger boat.

Steve in Olympia[/i]
 
Don & Liz – I don’t think you can find a nicer marina in the South Sound area than Swantown. You should not have any trouble launching there, even with a minus tide. The channel out is well marked so if you stay in it you will be OK.

Long term parking is fairly secure but like all public parking there is always the possibility of trouble. I have left my vehicle parked there for four days and nights without incident. It is patrolled but if someone wants to vandalized or steal something, it can happen there but again not something I believe you have to be overly concerned about.

I do have a warehouse within a half mile of the marina with a chain link fence around the parking lot and a locked gate that you would be welcome to leave your vehicle and trailer in. It won’t cost you anything either.

If you want more info about Swantown or info on the possibility of using my warehouse parking let me know.

Dave dlt.gif
 
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