PNW winters

[nightowle]

I think everybody's advice given here is good regarding winterizing and leaving the boat in water. I had mine in Salmon Bay by the locks until May. Now it's out in the salt at Shilshole. I have winterized the engine, and also didn't one year. So it depends on whether I intend to use it. This winter I probably won't do it and hope to use the boat (well maybe not in January and February!)

I recommend "A Cruising Guide to Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands" by Miguael Scherer. She's local to the area and has compiled some great information with pictures and charts, etc. You can get it at Captain's Nautical on 15th Ave or probably at Armchair Sailor, too. Summer months can be challenging when there's little wind, so count on using that motor! And plan for plenty of time to traverse the locks. At 25 feet you should be able to clear all the bridges, except Fremont as mentioned. But sailing the Lake is great fun too, and there are quite a few coves, etc to drop anchor for lunch.

Hope you like it here.

[djodenda]

Welcome to the PNW!

Like jrd, I also like the Wagonner's guide. I buy one every year, as it is updated every year and has useful, timely information about marinas.

However, my favorite guides are:

Gunkholing in the South Puget Sound (includes Lake Washington ) and
Gunkholing in the San Juan Islands

They are written by Jo Bailey and Carl Nyberg, who have been sailing around these parts for many, many decades.

The books aren't updated frequently, but the stories they tell, and hints about various out-of-the way places around here make them unique, and useful.

They, and their books are a local treasure.

You should be able to pick them up in any local marine store.

Or, you can just email them, and they will send you a copy directly (It's cheaper that way, and they are likely to autograph it for you as well )

gunkholing (at) earthlink.net

Again, welcome!

David

[Faster]

More winter reading:

The Dreamspeaker series of Cruising guides covering Desolation Sound, Jervis Inlet, Gulf Islands and Howe Sound. Try to get the latest updated editions.
by Anne and Laurence Yeadon-Jones.

Dreamspeaker Crusing guides