Shilshole Blog

The Coast Guard has a new technology available to find you faster through i911.  The i911 system is a free service. No application download is needed.

The Coast Guard can send a text message to the mariner’s cell phone requesting permission to access the GPS location information; all the mariner needs to do is enable location information in their smartphone settings and click the link provided in the text message.

read more here...

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 »

You better read this before you go…

https://www.visitsanjuans.com/travel-advisory

…and all Marine State Parks/buoys/docks/boat ramps, etc are closed too.

Interested in a slip swap for some San Juan cruising this spring or summer? A day sail to anywhere in the San Juans and the Gulf Islands.

No ferry, drive to Anacortes (Skyline Marina … 45min closer to the Islands than Cap Sante/ downtown Anacortes)

Owned slip in Skyline Marina with permanent Nomar fenders. Max 36′ total length. Private marina with gated access, great showers and facilities. Next to Washington Park and near the ferry terminal.

Text 206 605-3333

Welcome back and hope you all had a great summer!

Please tell us about your travels…what worked, what didn’t, where to go, what to avoid.   There are lots of new boat owners in our marina that are dreaming of places to go and things to do!  Everyone that has been out this summer has stories to tell.

Did you cruise South Sound or head north to the San Juan’s/Gulf Islands/Desolation Sound?  Was the Canadian fire smoke an issue for you? …and how would you avoid it next year?  Was water difficult to find?  How about cell coverage?  Tips for clearing Customs?  Share your thoughts and helpful internet links that will encourage others to get out and use their boat!