Deception Pass

H

Herky

Member
Joined
Nov 3, 2014
Messages
24
Fluid Motion Model
C-28
Non-Fluid Motion Model
1991 Bayliner 4588, 2001 17 foot Boston Whaler
Vessel Name
Blue Heron
We are considering a move to be closer to the San Juans in our semi retirement. The Anacortes area is most inviting. Looking at properties around Oak Harbor and Coupeville also. Was wondering if I could get some feedback on logistics of living , moorage, and cruising the area. Most specifically how limiting is the navigation of Deception Pass on a daily basis to get North from Skagit Bay area. Thanks
 
Hi Herky,

We live in Coupeville and are glad to share info.

Deception Pass is pretty much a non-issue with an R27. While we prefer to hit the pass at slack, often to take photos etc, we will proceed at any current under around 5 knots. Above 5 knots or so it can get pretty bumpy as standing waves tend to form. I know others who transit at higher currents but it usually isn’t difficult to time our passage to get a smoother safer ride. As an alternative, we will take the Swinomish channel for a more leisurely ride, especially if we are heading north.

We launch our boat just once a year at Cornet Bay in Deception Pass State Park. Nice wide ramps with a perfect slope. We keep the boat in Oak Harbor for the spring/summer/fall boating season and at home in the winter. The ramp at Oak Harbor is not advised as it has much too gentle of slope to float the boat. It takes about an hour and a half to get to Deception Pass from Oak Harbor. We chose Oak Harbor as our home base marina because it is the closest to home and has reasonably priced covered slips available on a month to month basis.

Send me a private message if you want to discuss more or meet sometime.

Curt
 
Take a look at Skyline Marina (2011 Skyline Way Anacortes, WA 98221) that is adjacent to Washington Park at west end of Anacortes. If going to the islands no need to traverse Deception Pass from Skyline.

https://www.skylinemarinecenter.com/maps/
 
You might consider buying a home in either Mariners Cove in Oak Harbor or Lagoon Point in Greenbank (also on Whidbey). Both neighborhoods have affordable homes with docks and protected moorage. From Mariners Cove, you will still need to go through Deception Pass but it’s not a big deal as long as you monitor the tides. We live part time at Lagoon Point and moor our boat there. It is on the west side of the island so we have direct access to Admiralty Inlet. Port Townsend is about 25 minutes away and the San Juan’s are only about 90 minutes away. It’s a pretty convenient setup and you don’t have moorage fees. We are limited by tides as to when we can enter or exit our canals but with decent planning, it is rarely an issue.
 
Deception Pass doesn't present much of a problem for planing boats, unless you're transiting during an ebb while it's blowing from the south. Then there can be a nasty tide rip outside the pass.

That said, I wouldn't go through for the first time when it's running 7 knots. Start near slack and as you get more comfortable try when the current is running more strongly. When the current is really running, it may take some effort at the wheel to keep the boat going straight, but it's kinda fun!

Sam from Slowboat
 
Another option is Shelter bay in La conner. for houses with private docks or just marinas. you also have the choice of going up the swinomish channel or conditions on the other side of deception pass are a little too windy/rough.

I keep my boat in shelter bay and find as Im on the channel that I tend to just head up there if heading to the islands unless the weather is great in the sound.
 
Great information. Look forward to house hunting this Summer!
 
My family lived in Anacortes when I was in preschool. My mother said it was her favorite of anywhere she ever lived. I keep my boat there and access to the San Juans is easy without going through Deception Pass.
We often do go through the pass because it is beautiful. Unless the wind and current are opposing each other, I've never had a problem. One nice thing about Anacortes is you can easily go either way.
 
We are moving part time to Friday Harbor but have some medical issues, heart related.

Not to highjack this post but I see "other" recommendation such as Oak Harbor which we will also check out.

Can those of you that live there tell me if there is a good hospital with a cardiologist near by? How are your emergency services? I know Friday Harbor is limited. Same as where we live now.

Thank you.
 
The hospital (Whidbey Health) on Whidbey Island is in Coupeville. There is also a hospital in Anacortes on Fidalgo Island. Whidbey Health has only limited specialists available. I don’t know about a cardiologist but for some specialties (neurologist, hematologist, for example) there are doctors who come to the island once a week or so to see patients. Best to check with them to confirm.

Curt
 
Great info on Lagoon Point and Mariners Cove Whidbey Cruiser. I didn't realize these communities with canals and private docks existed up here. I'm getting close to retirement so we'll have to check it out.

As for Deception Pass, we've owned 2 boats with outboards so the currents have been pretty much a non-issue as we can power right through. Plus, like Sam says, it's fun slipping and sliding over the rapids!
 
052caee6ad42ecd79b152c644e6ffeac.jpg


Here’s a view of Lagoon Point from the bluff. There’s two canals with excellent, protected deep moorage.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
What's the nearest Yamaha and Volvo service facility to Lagoon Point ? If there aren't any I suppose one has to cruise to a place where there's service available, right ?
 
baz":1k07jigv said:
What's the nearest Yamaha and Volvo service facility to Lagoon Point ? If there aren't any I suppose one has to cruise to a place where there's service available, right ?
Click to expand...

Well, I just purchased my Cutwater and I have not launched it yet. Going to Bellingham Yacht Sales in Everett would be about an hour or more. I think Sea Marine in Port Townsend would likely be a good choice and that is about 25 minutes away in Port Hudson Marina, Port Townsend. I had them bottom paint my last boat and they did a great job.

For the Yamaha, there’s Hein Marine in Langley but you have to take your boat to Greg on a trailer for service. He’s very good and prices are reasonable.
 
Red Raven":2rcabcvh said:
The hospital (Whidbey Health) on Whidbey Island is in Coupeville. There is also a hospital in Anacortes on Fidalgo Island. Whidbey Health has only limited specialists available. I don’t know about a cardiologist but for some specialties (neurologist, hematologist, for example) there are doctors who come to the island once a week or so to see patients. Best to check with them to confirm.

Curt
Click to expand...

Thank you Curt for the info, I'll check it out.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

  • Tugnuts.com is the community hub for Ranger Tug, Cutwater, and Solara owners. Since its inception in 2008, the Tugnuts forum has grown into an active and thriving community of more than 9,000 members. It serves as both a meeting place for the best boating community online, and an invaluable archive of information.

  • User menu
Back
Top