Shilshole Blog

Port Ludlow is a easy 3-4 hour trip (sailboat speed) from Shilshole.  Catch the outgoing tide north and cross the traffic lanes fairly perpendicular (as you should always do) to run up the Kitsap side.  Round Pt. No Point and head to Foulweather Bluff where you should arrive at slack water to avoid the major tide rips that occur near the bluff and buoy.  From there, it’s a 3.5 mile trip across the Hood Canal entrance to Pt Ludlow (stay clear of the Tala Point as it is shallow, rock strewn and full of kelp).  The harbor is large with easy anchorage in 25-35 ft of mud bottom.  (avoid the cable crossing area).  There is a dinghy dock at the marina for you to go and explore.  See more here…

Port Ludlow trail map

June, July and August are the months our docks are empty and everyone seems to be up north!  Is this in your plans?  Do you want to go and have questions?  Post your questions and stories here…

The San Juans, the Gulf Islands, Desolation Sound, Barkley Sound, the Broughtons, and beyond are all common destinations of local boaters for the summer months.  The weather is great, the days are long and you have time to get back home before school starts or the fog sets in.

This isn’t something you do in a weekend…it can take a week or longer  to get there (depending on how far you go) and the same back, so time allotted is important. Don’t try to do too much at once.  It can be crowded at times (it’s popular), but the views/scenery/experience is absolutely unbelievable.  World cruisers say that the best cruising grounds are right here in our own backyard!

South Sound is an underrated destination.  Most boaters head to the San Juans and points north, but south of the Narrows you will find a quiet, island dotted area that has terrific anchorages with incredible views of Mt Rainier and the Olympics.

It’s about a 5 hour run to Gig Harbor from Shilshole but break it up with a visit to Blake Is, Blakely Harbor or Quartermaster  (on Vashon).  It’s then a quick run over to Gig Harbor to wait for favorable current to go through the Narrows.

Time your southbound trip through the Narrows for a flooding current. Stay in the middle away from the bridge pylons to avoid the back eddies and to get the most push.  You’ll be surprised at your speed over ground as you zip though and how quickly you cover the distance.  You’ll pop out on the east end of Fox Island. Your cruising guides will list all possible anchorages to explore and their amenities.  Here is what we did last year… Continue Reading »

It will…

• Give you peace of mind, knowing you have working equipment.
• Help you avoid substantial safety standard equipment-related fines if you are boarded by law enforcement.
• Potentially lower your vessel insurance rates. Check with your agent.

The US Coast Guard Auxiliary offers free boat inspections.  Spring is a good time to review the checklist and then schedule an inspection, before they get busy…. and it may help make any Coast Guard boarding this summer go smoother!

Check out their website for more info…

Boaters in Washington need to have their Washington State Boater Education Card with them when operating a boat 15 horsepower or greater. Boat operators born before January 1,1955 are exempt but may choose to get a card if they plan to boat in Canada or Oregon since both require mandatory education.

There are several ways to take the exam, but probably the most convenient is The BoatUS online course.  It’s free and you can proceed at your own pace.