Advice on Elliott Bay slip for an R31

[Ernie]

I know there are many Rangertugs at Elliott Bay Marina, and I was wondering what size slip most of you prefer there.
I’m on K now, which I think is too small for a 31’. Which docks are some of you R31 owners on ?
I’d like to cruise by to see the fit.
Thanks

 

[FlagShip]

Hi Ernie,

We have a 2019 R29 (33' overall length). Currently on E dock in a 40' slip. I originally picked the 40' slip for the extra width for maneuvering in and out. I've found the perfect method for docking the boat, so the extra width is no longer needed and am on the list for a 36' slip on D dock.

If you want some extra width, the 40's are nice, but I'd think a 36' would be plenty for a 31.

 

[gswearin]

Do you all know how long the current waitlist is for a 36? We're on the list for Edmonds, but some friends are at Elliott Bay and love it.
Thanks.

 

[bvankeppel]

We are on E dock with a 31S. Plenty of room, could probably live with a shorter slip, as the boat vs pier mounted cleats don't align perfectly and we end up having room left over at the bow with the stern/dinghy sticking out a bit

 

[FlyMeAway]

Also on D-Dock in a 31-CB (we're at the top of the dock!), 36' slip. It's a good slip.

I don't think EBM does this anymore, but when I last kept my sailboat in the marina they would lease you a 40' slip at 36' rates if there was availability. Not for new tenants, but certainly for slip transfers. I think that might have changed starting last summer, when EBM was actually at capacity overall for the first time (when I was last in the marina, about 5 years ago, they never hit capacity in 40' slips).

ETA: Oops! We are on D-Dock. E-Dock is where I kept my sailboat years ago!

 

[Cutwater28GG]

yes pretty sure they charge the full rate now. too much demand.

 

[FlyMeAway]

We are on E dock with a 31S. Plenty of room, could probably live with a shorter slip, as the boat vs pier mounted cleats don't align perfectly and we end up having room left over at the bow with the stern/dinghy sticking out a bit

You can fix that with line positioning. EBM won't give you anything smaller than a 36' slip for our tugs; they go off of LOA (35' 8") not stated length.

 

[Hydraulicjump]

From C dock on a warm (60 degrees) Seattle evening. Relatively. In the Seattle Times they said there are four seasons in the PNW: summer, fall, winter and disappointing.

We have our 29CB in a 36’ slip and the fit is great, especially when we put the dingy on. There are several 31’s here and they seem to fit just as well, even though their LOA is a couple feet more. And we have asked to be moved to a comparable slip with a starboard tie, instead of our current port side tie, and have been told that the marina is at 100%. So you may have to live with what you have. Blame the pandemic for all this boaty interest.

Jeff

 

[SJI Sailor]

We've had our C30 (35' LOA with anchor and dinghy) in 36' foot IIRC on C and 40' on D docks. The shorter slip was OK but we moved up to get more room and the few extra feet are nice to have. Another issue there is the narrow fairways, and the extra few feet to turn are nice, too, especially when others overhang.

Usually at EBM many slips come open in the Fall when folks reposition for the winter.

 

[FlyMeAway]

The other thing to consider with an R-31 is the tie side and whether you want blow-on or blow-off.

Starboard / helm-side tie is obviously a bit easier, I think, then port side tie.

The prevailing winds in the winter (when they're strongest) are from the south. A blow-on slip will stress your hull; a blow-off slip will stress your lines. Guess which is cheaper to repair?

I spent three years with a boat at EBM including two as a liveaboard. The blow-on, blow-off for winter winds is I think the most important decision you'll make. If you can't get one for the summer, be sure to get on the waitlist to move in the fall.

For an R-31, I wouldn't choose anything other than starboard tie, blow-off.

 

[Ernie]

Thanks for the comments everyone
I’m on a waitlist now
Ordered a 2022 R31 and hope to be ready to celebrate Christmas aboard