Any Washington State Boaters

[topgun882006]

looking for some boating buddies for some meet ups this summer in washington state i live in seattle side of washington

 

[PolarXJ]

I already mentioned it in PM or on facebook, but the hydro races are here locally from July 24-26th. We go out and anchor up and enjoy the big party that it is. We can't get very close to the actual races anymore, but it is still a lot of fun none the less. Anyone that wants to come out is welcome to join!

 

[topgun882006]

sounds good man and everyone looking good for june 28 going to san juan and orcas islands?

 

[PolarXJ]

I got the go ahead for me to go. I still have to work out some logistics but looks like I should make it. Wife and baby will stay behind this time, but I will likely bring my dog. I want to scope the area out first before taking them up into those kind of cold waters.

 

[topgun882006]

ya i get ya i am still thinking if i should take my 3 and a half yr old and my wife get sea sick so i might just take my mom and her sister and her friend and her 8 yr old son we will see when it gets closer anyone know how the water is around that area and if it gets bad? also im thinking bout spending the night up there the 27 and then get a early start on sunday around 8 or so depending on weather any thoughts?

 

[topgun882006]

jfkraus what ya think? polarxj can u tag him in this thread i dont know how and i think he is the only other one interested i know another buddy of mine may bring his wife and his 19 sea ray and his other buddy may bring his boat so we will see

 

[PolarXJ]

your tag looks like it worked, but in case it didn't.

@jfkraus

 

[PolarXJ]

Link to upcoming hydro races

http://www.waterfollies.com

 

[topgun882006]

ok thanks and anythoughts on the other stuff about time we head out and weather and all

 

[PolarXJ]

For what? Orcas or water follies?

 

[jfkraus]

We booked two nights at Fidalgo Bay Resort in Anacortes for June 26-27 and plan on going out to the San Juans. It will be me, my wife, my 14 year old daughter and possibly my two stepsons (16 and 21). We'll probably try and do a run over to Friday Harbor on Saturday and then go out again on Sunday. Although we'd have to pack up our RV Sunday morning.

We'll be at The Gorge Amphitheater July 24-26 and then at Banks Lake July 31- August 9th so we'll miss both the Follies and Seafair this year.

 

[topgun882006]

for the orca san juan islands
and jfkraus i think we could make it work saturday will have to check and see when we will be going up there but that would work great what time u thinking saturday and sunday about heading out about and earlier is better for water and weather conditions right

 

[jfkraus]

Earlier would be better, but I'm worried about the very low tides at 8:00 am on that weekend (http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions/viewDailyPredictions.jsp?bmon=06&bday=27&byear=2015&timelength=daily&timeZone=2&dataUnits=1&datum=MLLW&timeUnits=2&interval=highlow&format=Submit&Stationid=9448794) . The public ramp at Washington Park is a bit short at low tide if I remember correctly.

 

[topgun882006]

ok are there other ramps maybe we could use and u have been there before is the weather get bad quick or stays calms between the islands?

 

[jfkraus]

I've never boated the San Juans before, but they do intra-island kayak trips up there. I've been on the ferry a few times and it's always been calm. I think the weather is fairly predictable and the seas generally calm. As far as other ramps, Washington Park is the only public one that I know of, but there could be/probably are others.

 

[topgun882006]

ok well should be a good time and experience i guess we will deciede when it gets closer where we should all meet up and what time is good for tide and water level wise

 

[jfkraus]

Sounds good!

 

[PolarXJ]

Yeah time is important to know, as well as lodging for Saturday night. As for weather, it can kick up pretty good between the islands. Wind direction and if the tide is running in or out will dictate a lot.

 

[Addicted]

Earlier would be better, but I'm worried about the very low tides at 8:00 am on that weekend (http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/noaatidepredictions/viewDailyPredictions.jsp?bmon=06&bday=27&byear=2015&timelength=daily&timeZone=2&dataUnits=1&datum=MLLW&timeUnits=2&interval=highlow&format=Submit&Stationid=9448794) . The public ramp at Washington Park is a bit short at low tide if I remember correctly.

I have launched here 3 times, and yes the tide should be on your mind. I have always been told not to launch without a plus 3'. I pushed it once and ended up maneuvering the boat to the very end of the dock by hand, then pushing out as hard as I could as I jumped onto the bow. I then let it drift out a bit before firing up the motors. It is SHALLOW. I typically use the Deception Pass ramp. It gives much better access, plus the cruise through the pass is always fun.

Deception Pass would definitely not be as convenient if you are staying in town, but I assure you Washington park ramp is shallow. If you keep the plus 3' in mind, launching and retrieving, it is not bad.

 

[jfkraus]

Deception Pass would definitely not be as convenient if you are staying in town, but I assure you Washington park ramp is shallow. If you keep the plus 3' in mind, launching and retrieving, it is not bad.

That's great info, thanks!