Secure truck and trailer parking

[7 Knots]

Greetings to All Tugnuts,
I have been a silent member of this group since 2010. After 6 years of lurking I expect to soon be a Ranger Tug owner, perhaps a 21EC or larger. I have a question regarding secure, semi long-term parking for the tow vehicle and trailer.

For many years our favorite PNW boating area has been and will continue to be the San Juan and Gulf Islands. However, as we live near Portland, Oregon much of our trailer boating will be on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers. In salt water I will launch from a sling and in fresh water from a trailer launch ramp.

Please share your experiences trusting your expensive truck and trailer to parking lot vandalism in all of the Pacific Northwest. All advice will be much appreciated.

Don Miner, Aka 7 Knots
Sherwood, Oregon

 

[Capt’nKarl]

Don,
We live in the Florida panhandle and trailer our tug all over the place. As a retired officer we often use marina facilities on military installations where security is very good but we've also used city, state and national park launches as well. In several years of ownership and dozens of trips we've never had any issues. Of course we have a well built lock assembly connecting the trailer to our truck which gives some extra sense of security. We also have OnStar on our truck so I can check the position of the vehicle at any time from anywhere I have cell service. Additionally, we make sure we inform any Park Ranger or marina harbor master of our intentions when we arrive and listen to any words of advise on where to park. So far we've had not a single issue (knock on wood). Common sense things such as parking in open areas under lights if available, leaving nothing of value in the bed of the truck and parking with other trucks and trailers is always a good thing to do. So far so good!
Cheers,
Karl

 

[dkoivu]

Don,
We live in Newberg so we are neighbors. We have used Chinook Landing off of I-84 for upper Columbia cruising for several years and have never had a problem with vandalism. It is a very nice 6 rig launch with ample parking, restrooms and showers. Along with that for our lower Columbia cruising, we launch at Scappoose Bay and have never had any vandalism or problems except needs to be a mid tide to high tide launch. Low water is 3 ft in one part of the channel but we have not had any problems. Both of these are patrolled.

We have also slung in at Anacortes (for the San Juans) but this year we are going to try Bellingham and trailer launch because it is $7 in and $7 out with unlimited free parking if you get a pink slip from the office. Understood to be a very safe parking area with a 4 rig launch. Hope this helps

Dave and Bette
Sisu

 

[Lenny and Louise]

We have had excellent treatment at Swantown Marina, Olympia, WA. There is a designated, well lit, well patroled area for trucks with trailers. Charge is nominal (less than $5.00) per night if memory serves. If you need to leave the trailer for a couple hours for groceries, etc, just let the office know. Excellent ramps, docks, restrooms, showers. Very helpful staff.

 

[7 Knots]

Greetings again to All Tugnuts,

My personal Thank You to Capt’n Karl (Maneo), Dave & Bette (Sisu) and Lenny & Louise Anderson (Then Again). Your collective advice is very helpful and exactly what I was after. Hope I can return the favor at some point.

And thank you in advance to others who may have advice to offer.

Don (7 Knots)
Sherwood, Oregon