Launch and secure parking Seattle area

[pleeson]

Morning folks. EZ Loader, Ranger Tugs, and the good folks at Port Boathouse in Port Alberni have all come thru and I should be exchanging my trailer for a new up-gross triple axle just north of the border at Cranbrook on Thursday. Seems to be a shame to be three hours from home and not just keep going and put the boat in the water. Unfortunately it's the Easter holiday weekend but maybe this country bumpkin can manage to bite his lip and deal with it. In any case Highway 3 across BC is not the best heavy haul route so thinking I should put my passport in my pocket and find an interstate or other well graded route to the Seattle area... Suggestions? My ultimate destination is Victoria sometime during the weekend - weather permitting, and then a cruise in the southern Gulf Islands and maybe the San Juan's for 10 days or so following that. Any suggestions for a straight forward launch site with adequate affordable, fairly secure parking for the truck and trailer once I hit tide water? Might as well launch somewhere around Seattle and then I might need a night at a Marina berth waiting on weather or tides... Completely new neighbourhood for me, and I don't do crazy congestion and traffic too well, so thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[jimschu]

I would suggest Bellingham which is close to where you plan on cruising.

Good luck.

 

[pleeson]

Bellingham eh? Thanks any further detailed suggestion or specifics from anyone?

 

[JamesTXSD]

Squalicum Harbor in Bellingham - there is a good launch ramp and 3 day parking right there. Transient rates are economical in the marina. There is even a hose where you can flush the salt water off your trailer. You pay a small fee to launch (it was $5 last time we launched there, probably more now), but a nice ramp with finger docks.

 

[Hydraulicjump]

I want to second the recommendation of Bellingham. For $7 (I think) you launch your boat and park you truck and trailer. You head over to the harbormaster in Squalicim West (10 minute walk) and pick up a pink slip that you stick on your dash so they know you are staying more than a day). That's the total cost for your whole trip, unless things have changed. Great place to launch with wide ramps.

A reminder not to come through town to get to the ramp, but to take the truck route. Meridian Street (539) to squalicum way.

 

[pleeson]

Thanks folks. If this becomes a consensus can anyone confirm my truck and trailer can stay for 10 - 14 days? I don't have anywhere to store it while out and about?

 

[R-Matey]

Thanks folks. If this becomes a consensus can anyone confirm my truck and trailer can stay for 10 - 14 days? I don't have anywhere to store it while out and about?

Checked with the Squalicum office just a couple of weeks ago to confirm that "at this time" that the launch fee is $7 (one launch and one retrieve). This includes parking of vehicle & trailer in the paved parking lot for 5 days. If the stay is over 5 days, then you must obtain a parking permit from the harbor office to place your vehicle and trailer in the other parking lot which is located across the street. No charge at this time for the long term parking.

Your license plate numbers are required for the registration so if you don't have them memorized, I've found it's a good idea to write them down before heading over to the office. The phone number for the Squalicum Harbor office is 360-676-2542. I think they open at 8 am.

We have used this launching area for over 15 years. And, yes! Bellingham Bay can get a bit snotty but your boat will handle 1-2 footers without a problem.

Extra note: The machine for paying your launching fee will take a credit card but does not make change if you are paying with cash.

Enjoy your visit to our little corner of the world.
Ruth and Joe, R-Matey

 

[pleeson]

That's what I love about this forum and my fellow owners! Thank you Thank you Thank you. Sounds like a no brainer - I'm stoked now!

 

[Don and Brenda]

Since you have a Cutwater, the Bellingham yacht sales is only 100' from the ramp, you might drop in and say hello and see if you can moor your boat at their dock for a reasonable fee. They are the Cutwater dealer.

 

[pleeson]

Super idea - thanks. Might need to wait for tides or weather before heading to Victoria/Oak Bay.