Question about the San Juans

T

tom&shan

New member
I have a question for C-Brats that spend time in the San Juans - is there a risk issue in idleing along - 2 to 4 knots - close to shore on the various islands? Am I being overcautious keeping my distance from the rocky shores around here, or is it OK to nuzzle in right next to the beach, i.e. I'm paranoid about punching a hole in the boat from a unseen rock that is resting 6 inches below the surface.
We spent the weekend up around Stuart Island, San Juan, Guemes, etc., and Shan likes to get close into shore to fish, (we were about 10 yards offshore, west side of Guemes when we saw the Anna Leigh roar by today). Sometimes the depth gauge shows 100 feet, sometimes we get down to 10.
Also, second question, are they any spots around here where we can beach the boat?
Thanks,
Tom
 
Tom,

Poking along near shore is a great way to see sealife, but that 10 ft depth can go to 0 ft real fast!

I would decide where my 'comfort depth is' and stay there or deeper. Check the chart to see what kind of bottom and rocks, if any, are near shore to help decide what depth is safe.

Don't forget the logs! Waterlogged stumps or trees can get hung up on the bottom and present a hazard along the shoreline.
 
tom&shan":2wwku7pt said:
I have a question for C-Brats that spend time in the San Juans - is there a risk issue in idleing along - 2 to 4 knots - close to shore on the various islands? Am I being overcautious keeping my distance from the rocky shores around here, or is it OK to nuzzle in right next to the beach, i.e. I'm paranoid about punching a hole in the boat from a unseen rock that is resting 6 inches below the surface.
We spent the weekend up around Stuart Island, San Juan, Guemes, etc., and Shan likes to get close into shore to fish, (we were about 10 yards offshore, west side of Guemes when we saw the Anna Leigh roar by today). Sometimes the depth gauge shows 100 feet, sometimes we get down to 10.
Also, second question, are they any spots around here where we can beach the boat?
Thanks,
Tom
Click to expand...

Don't forget, your transducer is typically in the stern, and by the time it records the shallows your bow may already be making friends with the rocks! Most people up here carry dinghies for close-in activities.

Warren
 
Tom and Shan,

So that was you up against the rock wall. I would have stopped, but I had my neighbors with me and we were on a mission. I live just around the corner to the south of where you saw me. We were on our way to West Sound on Orcas Island to have an early dinner at the Kingfisher Bed and Breakfasst and Restaurant. Unfortunatly there were closed on Sun. I'll call next time.

I have found that in most cases it is just fine to go in close to most of the islands. The charts are pretty accurate and if you also keep an eye on your depth you generally are okay. Where you were for example it is a shear rock wall several hunderd feet high that goes straight down 150 feet. It is full of Comerants most of the time. Note that I used "usually" and "most cases". I did almost find an uncharted rock off the southern tip of Cypress just under the surface.

Hope to see yoouat Lopez.
 
I'll have to confess that up in Alaska a few years back I hit the lower unit of a RIB (25 hp outboard) causing some very seriious damage to the gears and casing. I didn't have the chart with me in the RIB--after that lesson, I always take a chart in the dinghy if I am going into "unknown" waters--and don't go as close to shore as I had been.

Generally if you are looking sharply, you will see rocks --either seaweed, swirls of the water or other signs of under water obstructions (we saw that rock, just before the lower unit hit, but we were going too fast!)
 
Hi Tom,

I beached my Explorer on Cypress Island at Pelican Beach. It's mostly sand and very small gravel. I've seen other motor boats beached there too. There are a few rocks rolling around in the water but if the water is clear enough you can easily avoid them.

johnr
 
We were in the San Juan's over Thanksgiving and were using Deer Harbor for morage. Went out on Thanksgiving to look for wildlife and hit bottom on the East side of the Island just outside the harbor entrance. We were about 30" from shore and it went from 20" to 0" that quick. Tacoma Prop does a great job for $80.00 and you can get blue gelcoat from the factory!

Good Luck

RAndy
 
Greetings. All of our boating is in the San Juans and I strongly urge you to be careful and consult charts everywhere you go, at least until you get used to your intended cruising grounds. There are all kinds of rocks, some of which are just below the surface on some tides, exposed on lower tides, and unmarked by monuments. Each year we see or hear about boats damaged or lost on the rocks. Too, the bottom comes up quite fast in certain areas, not necessarily where you would think. For example, the bottom can be only 5' deep in Lopez sound between Center and Decatur Islands out in the middle, and actually much deeper/safer towards the Decatur shore. You have no way of knowing this except through charts, local information, or hard knocks. Enjoy the beauty of the San Juans but for heaven's sake be careful. Cheers! Mike.
 
Caution, charts and local knowledge is a must if up to speed, but at the speed you mentioned I don't see the problem with shallow water exploring. For us there is not much fun in being in the middle of river, lake or ocean unless there is a point to it such as going to a certain destination or fishing. This is especially true after learning to recognise what to look for in determining what is to shallow and realizing shallow water running does increase the risk. Spending time on muddy rivers will sharply accelerate the learning process and make most other conditions seem more friendly as will extreme tidal areas. There is always a level of risk with a boat on the water, but I believe speed is the main determining factor involved in increasing genuine risk. And of course your own personal risk acceptance factor for the enjoyment of whatever you wish to do.
 
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