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Joefairbanks

Joefairbanks

Member
Joined
Oct 7, 2024
Messages
12
Location
PNW
Vessel Make
C-Dory
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
 
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
 
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.
 
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
 
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.
 
Joefairbanks said:
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
Click to expand...
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.
 
Thank you all for the suggestions! Right now on my short list is a head with shower, diesel motor with diesel furnace, flybridge for the nice days, swim platform and room to drink 6, feed 4 and sleep 2! Obviously the size I'm looking at would have a v-berth. A galley is a must.
I'm not sure what else I'm missing, but I'm sure I'll know it when the wife sees it!
 
Welcome aboard, Ken. You're in for a fun adventure (finding a bigger cruising boat). The best unsolicited advice I like to give is enjoy the ride!

As far as regional marinas go here on the Olympic Peninsula, you can walk the docks at Boat Haven in Port Townsend. It is completely open with a lot of boats, plus the boatyard has a ton of boats you can walk around. Often you will find owners working on their boat in the yard, and you can talk to them.
 
I really do enjoy Port Townsend and the docks there look great. We live in Sequim and have boated to Port Townsend quite a few times, but haven't really spent time in the marina or docks there. The next time we go there, we will definitely make it a point to tie up and walk the docks.
 

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Joefairbanks said:
I really do enjoy Port Townsend and the docks there look great. We live in Sequim and have boated to Port Townsend quite a few times, but haven't really spent time in the marina or docks there. The next time we go there, we will definitely make it a point to tie up and walk the docks.
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You likely have already thought about it, but one of the things to decide is where to keep a boat. Near you are John Wayne Marina and Port Angeles Boat Haven. Both would be convenient to get to, but you would always be at the mercy of the weather in the Strait. I would look towards Port Ludlow, Port Townsend Boat Haven, or possibly even Port Hadlock Marina. Pleasant Harbor Marina is nice, but it is long ways away from anything by boat. I'd also want to avoid needing to cross the floating bridge to get anywhere.
 
dhays said:
You likely have already thought about it, but one of the things to decide is where to keep a boat. Near you are John Wayne Marina and Port Angeles Boat Haven. Both would be convenient to get to, but you would always be at the mercy of the weather in the Strait. I would look towards Port Ludlow, Port Townsend Boat Haven, or possibly even Port Hadlock Marina. Pleasant Harbor Marina is nice, but it is long ways away from anything by boat. I'd also want to avoid needing to cross the floating bridge to get anywhere.
Click to expand...
Thanks Dave!
We are about 5 minutes from John Wayne marina and really like the marina, but you are sure right about being at the mercy of the Strait. We usually launch from there, and head East and have ran into some pretty lumpy water where the Strait meets Admiralty Inlet just about every time. The currents converge there from multiple spots and only smooths out at slack tide.
We really like Port Ludlow and Port Townsend and they are on the correct side of the bridge.
Thanks for giving us thoughts about where to berth our future vessel. Before getting out and exploring, John Wayne seemed like the obvious choice. Now, not so much.
Thanks everyone for your great advice and things to think about!
 
Welcome to the forum! We really enjoyed cruising the PNW! The areas you are talking mentioned are awesome cruising! And I'd suggest going just over the border into Canada, into the Gulf Islands as well.

To avoid sticker shock, you need to look into older, well maintained boats. I'll post the link to a thread advertising one that would do very well for you, but is on the wrong side of the country, just to show you that they are out there, you just need to be looking.

FOR SALE: 1983 Mainship 34' MKlll - $32,000 - Palm Beach County, Fl

1983 Mainship 34 MKlll $32,000 ABOVE AVERAGE CONDITION - NOT A PROJECT BOAT. DOESN'T NEED TLC. READY TO GO. EASY SINGLE HANDING CRUISER. Feel free to PM for more information, images, etc. Currently located off intracoastal in South Florida (Palm Beach County). Great marina in upscale...
www.trawlerforum.com www.trawlerforum.com

This one has everything you stated you wanted, except diesel heat. That could be added in, but most boats for sale in PNW will already have some type of heating.

What I'm saying, is don't discount an older boat. Condition is king, but they are out there!
 
Thank you for sharing that listing, Slowgoesit!
My current little boat is a 1991 that was really taken care of by the previous owners. Age is really not relevant as much as condition in my eyes, either.
 
Bob Cofer said:
There is a Willard Horizon for sale on the PNW Willard Owners Group on Facebook. We use our year round and it meets the 6-4-2 rule.

www.facebook.com

PNW Willard Owners Group | Willard vega horizon two Up for sale shoot me offers I'm to far to maintain | Facebook

Willard vega horizon two Up for sale shoot me offers I'm to far to maintain. It's in Newport oregon at embarcadero on dock D. It needs love oil change an all filters cleaned out. The sails are good...
www.facebook.com www.facebook.com
Click to expand...
Thank you for sharing, Bob!
 
Joefairbanks said:
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
Click to expand...
Ken,
Brand new here myself as I want to read from real boat owners. Welcome.
My story is exactly like yours, to a tee.
I started on FB and Craigslist as they cover such a large broad area. Many Yacht brokers will include them in their advertising coverage. Next I would go to the Yacht brokers site and go from there. You want to buy through a broker!!
I have been looking in the mid 30'-42' and there many out there, some better than others.
I've done the Marina thing and like you stated, most gates are locked.
The MOST IMPORTANT thing I've learned is Moorage. Find your boat/yacht all you want. If you don't have a slip or one that has a transferable slip, what will you do?
Start now online and in person and get you your name on as many Marina Wait lists as you can. Even if they aren't in the area you want, consider it for the short term until one comes up that works better.
Oh, and Good Luck,
Erik
 
Joefairbanks said:
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
Click to expand...
 
Joefairbanks said:
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
Click to expand...
Welcome aboard Ken. I have a 40' Webbers Cove custom trawler for sale on Bainbridge Island. Is that your Sea Sport in your member photo? I would be interested in a partial trade.
 
Erik Mjelde said:
Ken,
Brand new here myself as I want to read from real boat owners. Welcome.
My story is exactly like yours, to a tee.
I started on FB and Craigslist as they cover such a large broad area. Many Yacht brokers will include them in their advertising coverage. Next I would go to the Yacht brokers site and go from there. You want to buy through a broker!!
I have been looking in the mid 30'-42' and there many out there, some better than others.
I've done the Marina thing and like you stated, most gates are locked.
The MOST IMPORTANT thing I've learned is Moorage. Find your boat/yacht all you want. If you don't have a slip or one that has a transferable slip, what will you do?
Start now online and in person and get you your name on as many Marina Wait lists as you can. Even if they aren't in the area you want, consider it for the short term until one comes up that works better.
Oh, and Good Luck,
Erik
Click to expand...
Thanks for more things to think about, Erik! I have gotten on a few waiting lists that are fairly local, knowing that it could (probably) be an issue someday. I won't really get aggressive about shopping for a boat for a few more years- closer to retirement, but I want to be prepared and learn as much from people on here as possible!
Thanks again Erik, much appreciated!
Ken
 
Bleu said:
Welcome aboard Ken. I have a 40' Webbers Cove custom trawler for sale on Bainbridge Island. Is that your Sea Sport in your member photo? I would be interested in a partial trade.
Click to expand...
Thanks Bleu!
I'm still a little ways from upgrading right now.
It will probably be a couple of years before I get serious about looking.
The boat in my profile picture is a 16' C-Dory. Great little boat that lets us explore a lot of areas close to home, within 50 miles or so (round trip) of wherever we launch from. Definitely not for overnighters or real crummy weather. It is a great teacher, and I am learning a lot from her!
Thanks again
Ken
 
Joefairbanks said:
Thanks for more things to think about, Erik! I have gotten on a few waiting lists that are fairly local, knowing that it could (probably) be an issue someday. I won't really get aggressive about shopping for a boat for a few more years- closer to retirement, but I want to be prepared and learn as much from people on here as possible!
Thanks again Erik, much appreciated!
Ken
Click to expand...
Joefairbanks said:
Thanks for more things to think about, Erik! I have gotten on a few waiting lists that are fairly local, knowing that it could (probably) be an issue someday. I won't really get aggressive about shopping for a boat for a few more years- closer to retirement, but I want to be prepared and learn as much from people on here as possible!
Thanks again Erik, much appreciated!
Ken
Click to expand...
That was my plan as well. But maybe you come across one like I did that you can't pass up? I figure I can do maintenance, upgrades etc over the next few years and get use to the boat. Then when its retirement time the boat is ready as I am and its go time, minus the neverending maintenance.
 
Oak Harbor Marina just had an increase in slip fees, Alot of open slips now.
 
All marina’s are increasing their fees. Port of Seattle increased 10% last year and rumor has it there is another 10% coming this year. The good news, their wait lists all dropped to less than a month. Even the liveaboard waitlist is down from 8 years to 6 months.
 
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