Moorage in Puget Sound

[Jen]

So after following this message board for a few years, my husband and I are getting a Ranger Tug (r31) and take delivery this coming September. As opposed to our last boat, we won't be primarily trailering this boat, we'd like to remove the more stressful start and end of the day.

We are trying to figure our where we will be keeping the boat and have a few questions. We'd like to have it somewhere in between Seattle and Everett. One question is the difference in maintenance between keeping it in a slip (likely covered) or on land (likely uncovered) at a place like Dagmars. The Everett marina is one of the options.

Having never left a boat in the water, not totally sure how much maintenance we'd be doing vs. letting it sit in the sun. Also interested in any other good areas to keep the boat that people have experience with. I'm sure I'll have a bunch more questions also!

Thanks for any info

 

[Bruce Moore]

Our only experience has been keeping our boats (R-25 > R-29) in the water, uncovered. We moor in Elliott Bay Marina. We've enjoyed mooring in tidal saltwater, with immediate access to destinations north and south. The maintenance is what it is. We wash her down after cruising, keep the stainless clean and protected, wax the boat once a year (eyebrows and cabin trim twice), and have a dive service examine the bottom and take care of the zincs.

Elliott Bay Marina is our home port. Great marina - secure, well maintained and managed, and convenient to our downtown home. We'd be glad to answer any questions you have via private message or email.

Cheers,

Bruce

 

[Stella Maris]

If you are looking to go as far north as Everett, this would be a good choice. While I have not checked in the past year, the last time I spoke with them they were very reasonable in moorage rates. The other benefit is this is actually a fresh water marina for the most part. While some salt water will intrude on extreme high tides, the river will keep most of it out. You have the best of both worlds here! I believe you can get covered moorage for a 31 here also.

 

[C Dawg]

We have moored our R-29 in Everett in an uncovered slip for 2 and half years now. We love it. They have a farmers market on Sundays during the summer and free concerts once or twice a week (also in the summer). We go down and listen to the concert from the back of the boat. We also take the boat or the dingy over to Jetty Island (which is just across the river from the marina). It is a huge, beautiful sandy beach. Everyone at the marina has been very nice and the facilities are well maintained. Since we do have a trailer for the boat, we do take the boat out in the winter and store it, out of the water, under cover in Snohomish. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to e-mail us. Doug

 

[fairweather]

We moore Merlot (C28) in a covered slip at La Conner Marina. That's way past your hope for something South of Everett but it's probably the best kept secret as far as rate, facility and location in the North Central sound. We love the San Juans and Gulf Islands and it's convenient to all. Every place has its drawbacks - mooring in La Conner means a no-wake cruise either North or South in the Swinomish channel. The town of La Conner is pretty cool, too. Our ride from Kent is about 90 minutes but sure beats a water trip from Seattle-Everett to the islands. The word is getting out - Last weekend I noticed a Ranger Tug, hailing from Tacoma, moored in a covered slip at the marina. I kept my previous boat (Bayliner 2655) in dry storage there for 5 years. They'll drop it in the water anytime - and if you call ahead it'll be in the water waiting for you. http://www.portofskagit.com/la-conner-m ... t-moorage/

Good luck!!
Marc

 

[co2tugman]

Living in seattle and over the years we have moored at Elliott bay,shilshole,Edmonds,Everett and dry moored at Dagmars, La Conner and Tacoma. It is my belief that the closer to your home the more you will use the boat.
We currently moor at Shilshloe mid May through mid ctober and dry moor in a wharehouse during the winter.
This seems to be a good comprise for us as we have a condo and no room for trailer storage.
I'm just saying.

 

[Jen]

My husband and I went up to Everett to check out the marina on Sunday, and I think we're going to try that first to see how we like it. It is less than an hour from our house, and we would be reasonably close to fishing and cruising spots from there. Thanks to everyone for all the replies, I'm sure we will have a bunch more questions once we finally get the boat.

 

[johnniethek]

Here's a complete listing of marinas in Puget Sound, along with rates, contact info and links to their own websites. It's a good thing to have when looking for good long-term moorage, along with planning trips throughout the sound: http://www.boatmanager.com/marina-listing.html