Hello and PNW Slip Question

[Sirena2]

Hi Everyone - I had planned to do this intro a little ways down the road, but after seeing a couple of other intros regarding the Seattle/PNW area, I thought I'd chip in with ours.

My girlfriend and I will be relocating to the PNW as soon as we sell our house in KC. This past Monday, we returned from an investigative trip to find possible relocation sites. After much online research, we visited Sequim, Port Townsend, Anacortes and Bellingham (with a quick trip up to the Blaine marina, too.) All were nice, but our favorites were PT and Bellingham. Once we have a home base secured, we plan to purchase a pre-owned sailboat in the 37-40' range for extended cruising. We'll build experience in the San Juans, etc., but hope to head offshore for full time cruising within a year or two.

Right now, we're struggling a bit with the task of finding available slips in the general area. Frankly, that issue will have much influence on where we end up living. Does anyone have suggestions of where we might find slips with a minimal wait?

Bill & Ros
P.S. - I've enjoyed reading threads here and look forward to becoming involved in this community and learning a great deal!

[Plumper]

Deer Harbour

[teshannon]

Bill & Ros,
Can't help with the slip question but welcome to Sailnet.

[Stillraining]

Yes Plumper but that will be off the beaten path for them at either of their chosen locations of PT or Bellingham..

Have you tried Blaine?

Welcome Aboard.

[Sirena2]

Ideally, we'd like to avoid a ferry trip to the slip. While up there last week, we heard from several locals that the ferry system is struggling a bit (i.e. smaller boat, less frequent runs, possibly higher prices.) We'd prefer to drive. That said, we're willing to go up to about 1-1/2 hours to reach the slip. That should open up a pretty good sized area.

According to the Port of Bellingham, the Blaine marina currently has a wait for all slip sizes. Not sure how long, though.

[djodenda]

Welcome!

There has been some marina growth in the past few years, that should help you.
When I moved up here, it took a long time to figure out where was where. It's pretty complex geography, and that can make things confusing.

Some thoughts:

Look at 48° North - The Sailing Magazine , our local sailing magazine, for information on slips and available boats.

Shilshole Marina, outside Seattle has just remodeled and I am pretty sure there are available slips. They are pretty cagey about this. You should call them directly to get the straight scoop.

Elliott Bay Marina just outside Seattle has slips available. There's an empty one right by artbyjody!

There are slips available in Poulsbo, a nice town. A bit of a trip to get to open water from there.

The marina at Bremerton has just been rebuilt/expanded. Should be availability there.

Another marina remodel at Bellingham, too

These new slips also relieve the pressure on the other marinas.

How's that for a start. If you require more information, just PM me, and I will try to help you out.

David

[Sirena2]

Excellent info! Thanks David (and everyone)! I've heard of 48 Degrees North mag. It makes sense to go ahead and subscribe.

I'll do some "Google Maps" research to check out those suggested spots, then make some calls to confirm availability.

-B

[Capnblu]

SR is right go to Blaine, very nice marina easy access.

[blt2ski]

Everett is another marina with slips many times available. If trying to get the experience via SJ's, then Anacortes, Bellingham, are good quick ways to the islands.

Did you look in Port Angeles? Or just get west to Squim on the peninsula?

Marty

[Sirena2]

We didn't make it as far as PA. We only had 4-1/2 days and needed time to visit a Realtor and 6-8 houses in each town to get a flavor, before moving on. City-data.com feedback and a desire to live in or close to the rain shadow really drove our agenda.

We're tentatively planning to go back in August. We'd like to make a final decision by then, but much rests on the sale of the KC house. If possible, we'll try to get over to Port Angeles for a visit.

Thanks for the Everett suggestion. I'll add it to my list to check out.

-B