New member from PNW

[Joefairbanks]

Quick introduction. I am really intrigued and interested in getting a Trawler for exploration and camping opportunities in the area I live- Washington State. I live on the Olympic Peninsula and would love to spend time exploring the San Juans, Puget Sound and Strait of Juan De Fuca. I have had boats on and off throughout my life, but nothing larger than 22 foot. As I get closer to retirement, I like the idea of making the journey the destination. I think that a trawler in the 30-38 foot size range would suit our needs perfectly.
-Ken

 

[Comodave]

Welcome aboard.

 

[dhays]

Welcome Ken. Sounds like a great plan.

 

[PNWPederson]

Welcome aboard from another PNW'er

 

[jwag956]

Welcome aboard. Best advice I can give is get on boats - not just armchair. Most boat owners LOVE talking about their boats - go to a public marina, walk the docks and look and ask. Boat shows are great - though they usually favor new ($$$) boats.. Good luck

 

[Joefairbanks]

Thanks everyone for the replies! Yes, I would love to get on more boats but it seems that most marina's now have locked gates that won't let you in without a membership/slip. I used to love walking the docks when I was younger but that is tougher these days. I guess it's a sign of the times and societal changes.
I have been to a few boat shows and it's great fun, but they do try to push new boats- obviously.
I have been reading a lot of forum posts and watching videos quite a bit.
One that really has my interest is the Camano 31. I hope to get a chance to see one in person some day. There are some for sale but I don't want to be a tire(hull?)-kicker until I'm closer to actual purchase.

 

[Mac2]

Welcome. You are in one of the best cruising grounds in the world (and you can do it year round). Good luck in your search.

 

[NoRain]

Locations - Seattle Boat Show

seattleboatshow.com

 

[Joefairbanks]

I plan on going to that one! I went to the one on Lake Union last month and really enjoyed it but was really suffering from sticker shock at some of those boats! LOL

 

[Sababa]

Not sure where you are located on the Peninsula but the docks down at Pleasant Harbor have a nice variety of boats and are not locked. The transient docks at Point Hudson Marina in Port Townsend are also ungated and booked solid with a different assortment of cruising boats with garrulous owners aboard to talk your ear off most any weekend from April to October. Also no gates and a truly vast number of boats to look at up at Roche Harbor if you get up that way. Most owners will be glad to give you a tour of their boat (and a drink for that matter) for the price of a compliment if you show any interest.

 

[Mac2]

I plan on going to that one! I went to the one on Lake Union last month and really enjoyed it but was really suffering from sticker shock at some of those boats! LOL

Sticker shock for sure. I would focus on the features of the boat ie galley up/down, wide body, side decks etc. A big deal for me was having a covered cockpit here in the PNW. Then it will narrow your search.