Where to stock & stay near DesMoines?

[Lesliemcj1]

Hi,
Leslie & Jerry from Colorado again.
When we come out for the factory delivery we were wondering where we should stay while we get the boat stocked & where is the place to shop. We were thinking Target, a dept store, hardware store, sporting good. We were wondering if Bellevue is too far. Or is there a place we can ship it all to? So much to think about. Thanks

 

[chicagosam]

Leslie/Jerry,
New here to tugnuts. Just finishing my paperwork on a Cutwater 242 that I'll be picking up in Des Moines for the Experience.
Ive done my research and Ill be staying at the Seattle Airport Marriott.
I'll be bringing my kids and the Marriott has a giant indoor pool. Once I'm Done, the kids and wife will fly back to Chicago and Ill trailer the boat home.

Ill be outfitting/stocking the boat at Fisheries Supply, since the factory supposedly gives you their factory discount at the store. This store looks incredible, I have a feeling Ill spend quite a bit here.
-Sam

 

[Toucan]

Leslie and Jerry,

A key consideration is what you plan to do with the boat after the orientation. If you are trailering it away, you do not need to stock up much on site. If the boat will be launched and used for a while, pick a place that is convenient to where you want to cruise after stocking up. The boat is delivered with a lot of basic nautical stuff that you need onboard. Yes, Fisheries Supply is a primo place to shop for all things nautical.

We used the launch ramp at Point Defiance in Tacoma because we wanted to watch how they launched and recovered the boat with the trailer. After the orientation, we berthed the boat in Gig Harbor, across the channel from Tacoma. It was nice and quiet there and within relatively short driving time from a West Marine, Wilco farm store (for hardware and clothing), Target, Costco and grocery store. Across the toll bridge to Tacoma, there are a lot of cultural activities and other places to shop. The factory had suggested Cap Sante Marina in Anacortes, due to the closeness (within walking distance) of lots of stores and restaurants, the museum, and near the San Juan Islands for cruising. The big box stores like Walmart, Target and Costco are almost 1/2 hour away from Anacortes.

We chose Gig Harbor because we had to make two trips south by car to California before beginning our cruising and it was two hours closer and no Seattle traffic. Des Moines is close to SeaTac airport, Fluid Motion's office and not much else.

Barry Thompson
TOUCAN, R-27 Classic

 

[Hydraulicjump]

Des Moines Washington falls into the “there is no there, there” category. But your boat will be there, in the water, lonely unless you are next to it or, better yet, sleeping in it. And given that it is your new toy, you really want to be next to it. But Des Moines is not the playground of the Pacific. The closest place to stay that is in walking distance to the Marina is the Marina Inn. Condé Nast will not have a write up on the place. Very basic, kind of tired, stale fruit loops for breakfast, but a short, but steep walk to the Marina. You can also leave your car/truck there for an extended period. And there is the ubiquitous Anthony’s restaurant south of the Marina to pay a premium for a gorgeous PNW sunset. Beyond this? Not so much. There are no good stores for stocking boats nearby.

I say all this because every year when we ship our boat up, we end up in Des Moines and spend a night there before loading our boat and taking off. CSR Marine is there and they are terrific (RT uses them for bottom paint and launch). The folks in the Marina are friendly and helpful. Most important, the fuel prices at the Des Moines Marina are the best in the PNW. Seriously. And all of this avoids the notorious Seattle traffic.

And the very wonderful RT folks are right near by.

Just input. Not a recommendation.

Jeff