Seattle Moorage ???

[voyager]

The Admiral and I have recently been considering where we are mooring our boat. Currently we are at Dagmars which is OK.

The downside is we are at least 50 minutes away from the boat on a good day with light traffic. On a bad day it can be two hours or more. Once we get there we are at least 45 minutes to get loaded, launched and down the river to the sound. Then we are 2-3 hours running time to really get anywhere.

If it was closer to Seattle and in the water we would use it more for day trips and during the winter. It would also be easier to check on it. I hate to admit it but I have not been to the boat in almost two months now.

The down side it is much more expensive to have the boat in the water in the Seattle area. But we are wondering if the fuel savings would offset the cost. We would be much closer to Kingston, Paulsbo, etc, etc. making weekend trips much more doable.

What do the rest of you think? would it be a wash on the cost thing? Any recommendations on Marinas to look at?

[tolly28]

I know there are a lot of filks that really like Dagmars, but for me, I really like having my boat in the water.

There are disadvantages- increased maintenance, wear and tear, etc. And of course cost (although I've heard of some pretty reasonable moorage can be found in Seattle- much cheaper than north).

The advantages on the other hand, your boat is in the water ready to go. You have a home away from home that you can escape to whenever you want. As soon as you walk down the ramp you're at a destination. I enjoy using my boat at the dock and spend many nights on board year-round.

It's nice having options, and both work well for different reasons. I've always thought those boats sitting in Dagmars yard looked unhappy...:roll:

[pasty63]

The Admiral and I have recently been considering where we are mooring our boat. Currently we are at Dagmars which is OK....
What do the rest of you think? would it be a wash on the cost thing? Any recommendations on Marinas to look at?

I don't know what the ferry ride is like to Bremerton, but I've always thought if I were further south that's where I'd look for moorage. To me, south puget sound looks like a lot of fun. Around Seattle.....not so much.

I drive an hour to my slip - and there's rarely traffic except for the Oyster Run Weekend. I've had the boat up on the hard for over a year in LaConner, and the drive back and forth is a drag. I wish I would have found some place closer to home to work on it. Of course - I wasn't planning on renewing/replacing quite as much when I started.

[bradvo]

I like the Tacoma area myself, lot of close destinations for a slower running boat like mine.

[SomeSailor]

I dunno. I have a friend with a 2859 also who is moored at Everett (wet), and the difference per month is only $159 a month... BUT, he gets to pay to have his hauled once a year, and then deal with the maintenance all at one time.

Mine is on the hard when not in use, I can work on it, stay the night on it etc, with no additional cost. I'm motoring in fresh water on the trip up the river, so flushing isn't an issue and I can be in the sound in about 15 minutes where he drives stright out.

The wear and tear on the boat is my biggest concern, but the $2000 or so a year I save ($159 x 12, plus haul-outs) is nothing to sneeze at. That pays for my fuel for my summer vacation.

[Stompor]

Look into Elliott Bay (http://www.elliottbaymarina.net/). That will put you on the sound and ready to go to a lot of places. The drive should not be to bad either. My second choice would be Shilshole Bay Marina (http://www.portseattle.org/seaport/marinas/shilshole/). The only real downside to Shilshole is all the sailboats.

[Salmon Troller]

Another Sammamish resident! I have no perfect answer to this. We moor in Elliott Bay Marina for most of those reasons. It is still the better part of 45 minutes from the house, but it is outside the locks and ready to go when we get there. The cost, the wear & tear and maintenance are all higher than Dagmars, but this is our place in the City and the boat can be a fun place to hang out even if you are not going anywhere. We enjoy the Central Sound, Poulsbo, Ludlow, Port Orchard, Port Townsend and make mainly these destinations for weekend trips, not full week trips to the San Juans. The last 4 years were in the Ship Canal, fresh water & covered moorage. That moorage really cut the maintenance down, but the locks are a pain and we really enjoy the outside. I suggest that you give it a try for a summer, you can always go back to Dagmars if you want.
Jim

[SomeSailor]

I was talking to Melanie at Dagmars a few months back about their "in/out" policy and she explained while they do have a 6 month minimum, and you will forfeit your one month deposit, you wouldn't have to pay that deposit again.

Many people do just what you're suggesting; They stay for 6 months, pay for 7 and then leave for 6 months. She suggested it actually comes out ahead for bigger boats when you figure what is normally charged for a haul-out and yard costs.

You stay down south for the winter, close to home, and then come back and get your free haul-out and then cruise from there for 6 months.

Pretty good deal.

[voyager]

Thanks for all the replies. I know Dagmars is cheaper but I have started to wonder if it is worth the trade offs. I do not have a fast boat. It takes me 30 minutes to get to the sound and that is if the railroad bridge is open. I only run at around 16 knots and that is with the tide I average around 12 -13 knots so going anywhere from Dagmars takes advance planning.

Plus I am thinking if I reduce the three hours running time it takes me go anywhere out of Dagmars to a half hour or an hour I will see some savings in fuel. I can still reach the Islands by running up the outside of Whidbey and it really should not be much further than the inside route.

That combined with the fact it will be on the water and if we want we can just go spend the night on the boat, on the water, maybe we will use it more during the winter.

But as Mike says that $2,000.00 extra in moorage is a real pain. I guess I need to start making some calls and find out what marinas are charging. Maybe I will get lucky and find one that is not that much more.

[Chass]

What about subletting a fair weather boaters slip during the winter in Seattle?

You could use your boat for the bigger trips in the summer out of dagmars and sublet someones close slip in Seattle during the winter for cheap. Might be the best of both worlds and cost the same as you pay now . . . not sure if its possible but I've seen a few CL posts about winter slips for rent cheap.

Chass
ct

[tolly28]

There are so many things boat-related that are a compromise... Moorage is just one of them! It sounds like Dagmars just isn't ideal for you right now...

Heck, give it a try, you can always go back! Sure it will probably cost you a few more bucks, but using your boat more- even if it's just at the dock- adds a lot of value to that 'hole in the water'!

[Tedster]

Hey Paul, call your old buddy Tedster that is more than glad to discuss this matter with you, I have many contacts.

[SomeSailor]

Since you're only forfeiting your one month deposit, it might average out over time. When I talked to them in the office, she made it sound like lots of guys who fish over the summer do just that. They show up at Dagmars in May and then bail in October. They just average that first lost month over the years they're there.

I think she said you don't pay that to "return" the next year or something like that.

My biggest problem would be being in the water all the time and having to haul out.

Just to be devils advocate, I'd bet the time spent doing a bottom painting, loading the boat with a cart rather than truck and the inconvenience of that is offset pretty well already by being at Dagmars.

I've run this through in my head as well for trailering my boat. If you itemize the costs, and factor in a fair amount of money for the time spent trailering, wear and tear, and cost of fuel and the trailer itself.... Dagmars is an awesome deal.

I'm betting if you got OK with the $2000 savings (probably more for you) being a wash... it would be more attractive. With me, the $2000/year savings, is easiest to visualize as FREE FUEL!

:)

[voyager]

Mike your right on most of those points. I still am wondering about the savings part. Like I mentioned before It takes me three hours to get anywhere from Dagmar's. So I am running both engines for three hours average every time I take her out. I normally do that every weekend for at least four months.

If I moored somewhere closer to Seattle could I cut two hours of run time off at least three times a month? I would be closer to a lot more destinations. I don't remember how many gallons an hour I burn. I started to keep track of it last year but it is on the boat but that is one of the things I am really thinking about. I am even wondering if I really save any money by being at Dagmar's.

I will have to figure it out later because I need to leave and go to Burien to watch my daughter in her first dance competition of the year. Hopefully I can sneak out after she is done dancing. I love to watch her dance but 8 or nine hours of watching all the rest becomes a little tedious.

[SomeSailor]

Yeah... it's different for everyone. But I wouldn't say that being in the water would be exactly "fuel-free" either. :)

Break down the savings on each side of the page and then make the decision that's best for you. For me, there are some obvious savings (and I admit have more choices being trailerable)

Moorage @ Dagmars:
$185/mo
Drive up access
No salt
Convenient access (on my way home each day)
Free electricity
15 minutes to the Sound
Maintenance impact is least of all three.

Trailering:
$8,000 trailer ($100/mo?)
"Extra" Fuel required to tow and launch ($10 trip)
Launch fees ($5 trip)
Wear & tear on vehicle
30 minutes spent launching and parking and hauling gear.
Brakes / maintenance issues
I pay for electricity ($100+ per year)
Storage. I still have to take up space.

Traditional "wet" moorage:

$349/month
$120/year haul-out
$1000 bottom paint / every two years
$200 zincs each year
Considerable more corrosion problems

These are some of the most important concerns. Each scenario has it's advantages, and each opportunity has a cost associated. I think I'd look at how to use the cost savings more effectively. For you it's likely much greater than $2,000/year.

Even with $2,000 a year... that's a LOT of gas.

[wickus]

they must charge a premium for zinc in Sno/King or the sound is electrified.
:)

[Nehalennia]

Yeah... it's different for everyone. But I wouldn't say that being in the water would be exactly "fuel-free" either. :)

Break down the savings on each side of the page and then make the decision that's best for you. For me, there are some obvious savings (and I admit have more choices being trailerable)

Moorage @ Dagmars:
$185/mo
Drive up access
No salt
Convenient access (on my way home each day)
Free electricity
15 minutes to the Sound
Maintenance impact is least of all three.

Trailering:
$8,000 trailer ($100/mo?)
"Extra" Fuel required to tow and launch ($10 trip)
Launch fees ($5 trip)
Wear & tear on vehicle
30 minutes spent launching and parking and hauling gear.
Brakes / maintenance issues
I pay for electricity ($100+ per year)
Storage. I still have to take up space.

Traditional "wet" moorage:

$349/month
$120/year haul-out
$1000 bottom paint / every two years
$200 zincs each year
Considerable more corrosion problems

These are some of the most important concerns. Each scenario has it's advantages, and each opportunity has a cost associated. I think I'd look at how to use the cost savings more effectively. For you it's likely much greater than $2,000/year.

Even with $2,000 a year... that's a LOT of gas.

I think you're spot on here, for our size boats. For Paul, I can see the desire to be on the water. All of his running gear is much less maintenance and/or susceptible to the corrosion as our outdrives.
Three things I'll add, and the reasons I like trailering:
The ability to buy fuel at the pump
Bringing it home to work on or pack it up, etc.
Trailering to closer lauching point to your destination: (Anacortes for San Juans/or north, Shilshole for South Sound, Everett for Central sound.)

[SomeSailor]

Very true.

But that's not without an offset. He pays much more for a haul-out (that he gets free now), and bottom paint isn't an option for him (in the water).

Also... many times we forget the trailer is an investment, as is a vehicle large enough to pull it. A trailer large enough for mine will run $8,000 after tax and license. When you add the cost of that and the gas to drag it around you're a wash on most of those savings.

Do the math on a $8,000 trailer payment.... and the gas and electricity... and suddenly you see the unique opportunity that Dagmars presents.

Property costs and locations with waterfront access make these sorts of places cost-prohibitive, but it's pretty cool.

Also... I'd bet if you said "ready set go" I could be in the islands faster at Dagmars than by trailering. The boat is always fueled and ready to go and I could be at Friday Harbor by noon if I left right now.

I've done the trailer thing, and after some time on the hard... I'll likely not bother with it, unless it's just to bring the boat home for some home maintenance that would be easier here.

[Play N Hookie II]

For me Dagmars is a no-brainer....I live 15 minutes north so no traffic really. I like what Mike was saying really though. Seems like a good value to get a free haulout. One thought I had when we got the boat (and I am looking for opinions on this) was what if we moored at Dagmars for a year, then La Conner for a year then somewhere south maybe Edmonds etc etc. Is that something people do? Is that a valid option? I was thinking it would be fun to spend a year cruising south sound destinations etc. I realize finding moorage can be difficult but I was wondering if anyone does that? I met someone in Roche who moors there and lives in Bellevue. They walk on the ferry most weekends then catch a cab I guess when they get there. Seems like it would be fun to moor in Roche or FH for a year and cruise Canada for a year. Since you all are much more experienced boaters what do you think about this logic. Is it undoable?

[Nehalennia]

..... Also... I'd bet if you said "ready set go" I could be in the islands faster at Dagmars than by trailering. The boat is always fueled and ready to go and I could be at Friday Harbor by noon if I left right now.......
I bet that's pretty accurate. My cousin and I were talking about that this fall. It's the benefit of being able to run in a straighter line from Everett to FH.
Does Dagmar's have fuel or do you fuel at POE?

[Play N Hookie II]

Also... many times we forget the trailer is an investment, as is a vehicle large enough to pull it. A trailer large enough for mine will run $8,000 after tax and license. When you add the cost of that and the gas to drag it around you're a wash on most of those savings.

Do the math on a $8,000 trailer payment.... and the gas and electricity... and suddenly you see the unique opportunity that Dagmars presents.

.


Not to hijack the thread but I still haven't sold my trailer if anyone needs one. I haven't tried real hard (couple times on CL) but if anyone is looking feel free to contact me. I don't care too much if I sell it or not but everytime I look at it I see several other boat projects I would fund with it:D

[Play N Hookie II]

I bet that's pretty accurate. My cousin and I were talking about that this fall. It's the benefit of being able to run in a straighter line from Everett to FH.
Does Dagmar's have fuel or do you fuel at POE?

That is another thing I like about Dagmars. They have a fuel truck that comes by several times a week. You can just let the office know that you want fuel and next time you show up at the boat it is in there and they bill you for it with your moorage. The prices really haven't been much different that POE. I like that, saves time.

[SomeSailor]

Not to hijack the thread but I still haven't sold my trailer if anyone needs one. I haven't tried real hard (couple times on CL) but if anyone is looking feel free to contact me. I don't care too much if I sell it or not but everytime I look at it I see several other boat projects I would fund with it:D

Was that a triple bunk Erik?

[tolly28]

I guess for me, I'd rather have my boat sitting in the water where it is a "floating condo" where I can go any time day or night and enjoy the sights and sounds of the marina. Much more appealing than her sitting on oil drums on the hard with I-5 rumbling by... I think that is one of the factors Voyager might be looking at here.

[Tedster]

As I told Paul today, Dagmars is a storage lot, a marina is a community, big difference! Paul and Melanie belong in a marina/community.

[SomeSailor]

As I told Paul today, Dagmars is a storage lot, a marina is a community, big difference! Paul and Melanie belong in a marina/community.

I disagree there too Ted. It's a community there as much as I'd imagine a marina to be. Matter of fact, Paul is my neighbor across my bow. There are 10 or so people that I know from here and BOC alone. When I stop by to check in on my boat, I often spend time talking to one of the owners on each side of me. The place is crawling with people in the summer. The drivers, dock boys and office staff are friendly and courteous.

I don't put much stock in the "community" problem. I do understand Paul's concern with the drive and expense. If he spends most of his time down south, I'd assume the boat should be closer.

For us outdrive boats though... let us know how your "community" is gonna be any different as your outdrive melts away in the salt. :)

[SomeSailor]

Much more appealing than her sitting on oil drums on the hard with I-5 rumbling by...

Well... they're not sitting on "oil drums" :) , and if you want a floating condo... Simply call them and poof... you're in the water. They have dock space and it's free as well. Many folks do just that. They put their boats in and spend the night aboard.

[pasty63]

There can be negatives and positives within the marina community as well. I think that there are aspects that need to be balanced in the decision to keep your boat in a marina vs on the hard. If you just look for a place to store your boat without knowing much about the other people who run the place or store there boat there - you're likely to be pleasantly surprised. On the other hand, if the marina has some problem children or maintenance issues - the experience can be painful. I'm on the board at our condo/marina association - and it's pretty interesting. It's a wonderful community - but there are always personalities and issues that keep it from getting dull.

We don't have the option of trailering our boat, so that's a moot point for us. Having a home away from home in Anacortes is pretty fun - especially since we can walk 5 minutes into town for a movie, or beer, or ice cream etc. But, we used to have a smaller boat dry stored in LaConner, and that was fun too - mostly the maintenance part.

[voyager]

Dagmars has been fine as a place for moorage but Tally and Ted are right. My wife and I are getting to the point where we are asking ourselves why do we pay all this money for a boat if we are not using it more often. In previous years I have made a point to make the trip to the boat at least every other week in the winter. Many times I stayed overnight with out having the boat launched. I admit this year I have not made the effort to go to the boat.

There are some other points for me mooring at dagmars that I would not have if the boat was on the water.

#1 my boat is actually made to be kept on the water and I worry about long term effects on the hull by having it and stands.

# 2 The tides are a pain for me at dagmars with my draft I need a positive 3 or better to get in or out. So I have to time my launches and arrivals.

# 3 Staying on the river dock is restricted to one night a weekend during the summer. At least those are the rules for most, they do not seem to apply to a select group who I notice keep there boat on the dock when ever they want. I have even seen the staff pull others boat to make room for them. So all is not equal at Dagmars.

#4 They do not have fuel for my boat they have gas only so I still end up going to a regular marina for fuel and pump outs.

# 5 like I mentioned before it takes me three hours to get anywhere from Dagmars. That is each way. so 6 hours running time every time I take the boat out. We go every weekend during the summer, If I reduce that by half that is three hours less running time. At ten gallons and hour that will start to add up.

#6 It does not have the same community feel that a marina will have. True in the summer time you will normally find GUYS crawling all over the boats. I very seldom see wives or kids doing anything more that getting ready to launch or getting ready to retrieve.

#7 I seem to spend a lot of time washing my boat to get all the dirt and grime off of it. I can never seem to get it clean.


On the positive side I can drive right up to the boat to load and unload and to work on the boat.

We are going to spend some time today and tomorrow driving around and looking at marinas around here. I know it will be more expensive and I will have to start worrying about zincs and bottom paint. But we are leaning toward having that condo on the water that the whole family would use rather than the boat on stands by the freeway that only I will use.

[SEEG]

Isn't America a great place. Choices, choices, choices. We moved the boat to Everett from Lake Union when our Marina increased our rates by 50% to "stay competitive". There were advantages and disadvantages. Longer drive vs no locks. Closer to the Islands and points North but further away from Central Sound cruising, e.g. Poulsbo is 30 miles away as opposed to 16. Big difference when fuel was $4.00 a gallon. Covered moorage vs uncovered. Dark and cold in the spring vs open and sunny. Fresh water vs brackish, although at 12th Street water from the A/C discharge was barely salty. Spider problem vs less of a spider problem. Parking issues along Westlake especially during Holidays vs gated parking and lots of room. Seattle resturants and ambiance vs Everett. Big wide spacious slip w/ 50amp power vs 15'2 "slip w/ intermittent power(our boat has a 14'9" beam). I could go on and on but suffice it to say that whatever you choose will have benefits and detriments. Make the choice that's best for you.

[SomeSailor]

I think there's a difference between being on a rack in a shed somewhere, or being on open stands like at Dagmars. We have full access to the boat 24/7, and always on electricity and heat. Many folks spend nights on their boats, and for the money I save, I can pay moorage anywhere I want.

It's a $2000+ a year savings for me. I don't spend that in moorage away for sure.

[voyager]

Mike that is an interesting point. I seem to always go somewhere and pay for guest moorage. So that is another expense we will not have if we are on the water and just stay in our slip. I have started a spread sheet on costs so I will have to add at least one weekend a month during the summer time where I will not be paying guest moorage somewhere.

[Nehalennia]

If there ever was a great argument to be moored on the water today is it, for me. If I could just drive to the boat, make a 2 hour run to nowhere, just to get out, this is it.
I'd like to go out, but we don't have a destination. We also are going to my parents for dinner, so we have limited time. If we could just drive to the marina, jump in a tool around for a couple hours, then return it, and go about our day that would be huge.

[tolly28]

I could go on and on but suffice it to say that whatever you choose will have benefits and detriments. Make the choice that's best for you.

I guess that's the point I'm trying to make...

Enjoy the nice day everyone!

[SomeSailor]

Mike that is an interesting point. I seem to always go somewhere and pay for guest moorage. So that is another expense we will not have if we are on the water and just stay in our slip. I have started a spread sheet on costs so I will have to add at least one weekend a month during the summer time where I will not be paying quest moorage somewhere.

That's how I make most big decisions Paul.

The things is that different people put different values on different things. Here are a couple of intangibles that you might quantify:

Gas to/from boat
Time to/from boat
Moorage costs (guest versus home)
Maintenance costs (wear & tear, haul-outs)
Usability
Security
Convenience (loading, guest access0
Scenic value
Opportunity costs (times you might have used the boat but didn't)
Utilities
Insurance

And the list could go on... but in the end, it's an individual choice. Certainly the bigger the boat, the more appealing it is. Outdrives versus inboards are another huge factor.

tough call... let us know what you figure out.

[SomeSailor]

If there ever was a great argument to be moored on the water today is it, for me. If I could just drive to the boat, make a 2 hour run to nowhere, just to get out, this is it.

But that is the difference between trailering and a place like Dagmars as well. You're closer to the water, but I'd bet you I could be on the water faster than you can with a trailer now. It's every bit as fast for me as a moored boat, and markedly faster than hooking up and dealing with a trailer.


If we could just drive to the marina, jump in a tool around for a couple hours, then return it, and go about our day that would be huge.

I can do that now. I dial 259-6124 and tell them to to have my boat in the water. :)

[Tedster]

Mike your boat is perfect for Dagmars, esp. where you live, and your lifestyle boating. Pauls boat is not perfect at Dagmars, esp. where he lives, and his lifestyle boating. JMHO

[Avanti42]

I like being at Dagmars with my new to me boat,,it has out drives and would hate to have them in the salt water.But with my last boat it had inboards so that wasn't a concern for me,I was at Wesrlake Marina and love it,,,I call it my foating condo in Seattle..lots of places to eat near by and to just sit and watch the boats go by..Duck Dodge Tuesday was alway fun to watch.:argh2

[SomeSailor]

Mike your boat is perfect for Dagmars, esp. where you live, and your lifestyle boating. Pauls boat is not perfect at Dagmars, esp. where he lives, and his lifestyle boating. JMHO

And we were speaking in generalities as well Ted. Where Paul decides to keep his boat is his own decision. Your statement about "storage lot" couldn't be further from the truth though. How many years has your's been on the racks at Edmonds? It's no different. I can spend the night on mine tonight with a single phone call. It'll be in the water in 5 minutes or so.

Paul's big advantage is he's not got all the aluminum going away back there. But there are some cost considerations as well.

I have a friend I work with who has a 2859 at Everett. He's an honest $2000 more a year in moorage and a single haul-out. There's a huge value in having that boat out of the water when not in use. Do the math and I think there are lots of costs associated with soaking in salt all year.

[Tedster]

That is exactly why I pay more now to have her in the water, as I do now. I could go right up to her before, and have her the water in minutes, but I didn't, sorry but it was just a storage yard not a marina thing where I have been on her a dozen times already and it is the winter.

[tolly28]

http://www.dagmarsmarina.com/nss-folder/pictures/BoatNew.jpg


OR...

http://www.elliottbayyachtsales.com/EBM-Moon-(small).jpg

[SomeSailor]

That is exactly why I pay more now to have her in the water, as I do now. I could go right up to her before, and have her the water in minutes, but I didn't, sorry but it was just a storage yard not a marina thing where I have been on her a dozen times already and it is the winter.

That sounds like a problem with Edmonds then. I'm on mine a couple of times a week. Even in the dead of winter.

[Tedster]

tolly 28, you get my point!

SS I don't get your point?

[SomeSailor]

SS I don't get your point?

No point Ted. Let us know when Juruba needs that new outdrive... :)

[tolly28]

Yes Ted, I get your point. I think we're trying to make the same point...

Having my boat in the water in the marina works great for me. I love it! It's nice having the boat as a getaway as soon as I walk down the ramp.

When I was younger our boat was in dry storage for a while and in the water for a while. The dry storage was nice for maintenance, but it was just that- storage. We had a lot of great times as a family spending time on the boat at the marina- a complete different experience than being on the hard. Our boat was at the Port in LaConner, which at the time was a beautiful facility.

If it all came down to costs, no one in their right mind would probably even own a boat. For me, it's well worth the extra costs to keep her in the water.

I'm glad places like Dagmars are a great fit for their customers. It's all about choices. In no way am I implying Dagmars is a poor option, it's just an option that wouldn't fit my needs. It seems like Voyager is in the same boat (pun intended :roll:).

This seems like one of those issues where nobody wants to give up the last word... :iconbiggrin:

[Randygh]

What about Edmonds?

[Tedster]

Ya what about Edmonds Mike, what are you trying to say?

Ps. it is Jaruba not Juruba

[billwerth]

Great discussion here.

I've only had my boat 1 year. For about the first 6 months we kept it in Stimson Marina, which is just inside the Ballard locks. The last 7 months have been in Dagmars.

My wife prefers Stimson Marina, but she doesn't do the maintenance or didn't see how bad the locks got when the small lock was closed last year for the last half of the year. She likes to haul all her crafts down to the boat and hang out at the marina. She has a very difficult time navigating the ladder to get into the boat when on the hard, so she only gets in once it is in the water, another plus for in the water moorage for her.

Stimson Marina doesn't have a on site haulout like Everett or Edmonds or many other places have. It is very close to the locks and in a fairly quiet location. The water is fairly fresh so I guess less corrosive. Since I have to pay for the haulout, I tend to have a shop do all of the maintenance, which can be expensive.

I like Dagmars. I prefer working on the boat on the hard. I'm get nervous hauling my tools in and out of the boat over a dock with slots that take your tools straight in to the muck 20 feet under. I can do more of my own maintence at Dagmars (and there is less needed).

So, even when you have the same boat, two people can certainly have different preferences :)

[pasty63]

Great discussion here....I like Dagmars. I prefer working on the boat on the hard. I'm get nervous hauling my tools in and out of the boat over a dock with slots that take your tools straight in to the muck 20 feet under...

The discussion is turning out to be a little like religion and politics, but the tool sucking muck rings a bell. Not really a problem with the engine room but topside work has cost me a few tools. A heat gun, several small wrenches, at least 2 cordless drills, a set of vice grips and - tools that **** me off because they didn't work quite the way I wanted them to - have all floundered overboard in my slip. The divers for the dredging company that dredged our basin a couple of years ago said it was pretty interesting to see the stuff that hit the barge.

[voyager]

What am I missing on the maintenance stuff? I have duel inboards so I have shafts and props. Each shaft has a large zinc that clamps on. I could probably get rid of those by tying the shafts into the boats grounding system by using the brush system on the shafts from the inside?

That leaves trim tabs for zincs and I think I could do those myself either from the dinghy or I may have to get in the water. Oh yeah the rudders have zincs but again I would think those could be tied into the boats grounding system?

If I take it back and forth from fresh water to salt that should kill all the stuff growing on the bottom. I mean salt kills fresh water critters and fresh kills salt water stuff doesn't it? So that leaves bottom paint? So every two years or so I will need to have it hauled and painted?

[Play N Hookie II]

Was that a triple bunk Erik?

Yes it is. 2006 King KBT 10,500....


I am wondering now if I want to move to LaConner or perhaps Everett for a year or so and see which I prefer. I reallly like Dagmars and I too have spent the night there without going anywhere, and I really like having it out of the water. This has been a really good discussion. I do think personally after reading all these posts that if I were in Voyagers position I would choose to moor. Have you thought about Edmonds? That may be a good compromise on price and location. I don't know the specifics but it seems like it may be a good fit.

[sunnydude2]

We used to have our 28 at Everett. It was nice to head for the boat and many times we just stayed in our slip overnight. Being on the inside you don't get the view. To do that you get to move out to the guest dock and pay a guest moorage fee. :(

We didn't have that much growth in Everett either as compared to what other people in Edmonds had told us (fresh water flushing).

Right now we are at Dagmars as we get everything fixed on CPII and then we will think about getting back into 'On the water moorage'. I will need to make a modification to my bow pulpit though as Everett is making the 38xx owners move into 50' slips.

Being in Sammamish does make it more difficult to decide what to do. Time wise you will most likely be the same if you end up east of the locks as compared to Dagmars.

This summer the admiral wants to move the boat to Edmonds for a week. Would be like a mini vacation for her to have the boat in the water and so close to us as we are 15 minutes from the marina.

I wish you luck in finding someplace closer.

[SomeSailor]

That's probably the best compromise. With the $2,000 I save in moorage each year at Dagmars, I could easily move the boat to pretty much anywhere and enjoy dockside amenities.

Lot's of pluses or minuses for everyone.

If you're a boat with outdrives, you've got a whole new set of concerns. Trailering presents more problems (or opportunities, depending on your perspective).

People are personally invested in the decision, so you do tend to get opinions. I certainly agree it's different for everyone though.

[Chass]

This has been a great read for me.

We've got Newport with its multiple marinas pretty close. I've considered getting a slip for the summer. Its about 1.5 hours to drive there in a car and jump in the boat. Its about a 2.5 hour drive towing a boat as the roads are really bad. Plus the time of launching, the fee for launching, extra fuel for towing it over etc. Will probably be more expensive than mooring over there for 3 months out of the year.

Chass
ct

[billwerth]

This summer the admiral wants to move the boat to Edmonds for a week. Would be like a mini vacation for her to have the boat in the water and so close to us as we are 15 minutes from the marina.

We stayed a week in Edmonds sometime around September. It was just at the beginning of salmon fishing season. I don't recommend this to anyone. It gets very busy about that time and they will move your boat around to make room. Other times of the year would be better.

I didn't like them pulling the power plug and then just re-inserting with power live in the boat. The previous owner told me not to do that, although I'm not sure what it hurts.

Also they will occasionally raft boats up to each other. They never rafted to ours, since it is just wide enough that it sticks too far out into the lane between docks.

[Nehalennia]

We stayed a week in Edmonds sometime around September. It was just at the beginning of salmon fishing season. I don't recommend this to anyone. It gets very busy about that time and they will move your boat around to make room. Other times of the year would be better.

I didn't like them pulling the power plug and then just re-inserting with power live in the boat. The previous owner told me not to do that, although I'm not sure what it hurts.

Also they will occasionally raft boats up to each other. They never rafted to ours, since it is just wide enough that it sticks too far out into the lane between docks.

I'd have a big issue with anyone touching my shorepower, unless I knew, then and I knew they would do it correctly. I'd have a talking to those guys if that were the case. Only in an emergency so I want anyone moving my boat or playing with my gear

[tolly28]

Ditto...

That would be pretty annoying! :mad: That's one of the reasons I avoid the breakwater at Friday Harbor at busy times. Mandatory rafting... If there is no room at the Recip dock (most often) and no slips, I head for the walkways, which are kind of fun anyway!

A few years ago at my home marina, a "visitor" was in a slip next to me (at Cap Sante, if you choose to do so they will rent out your slip while you're gone and give you credit). He didn't have a 20 amp adaptor for his shorepower cord, so he simply unplugged another boat's cord and plugged into their adapter and metered receptacle... He seemed offended when I pointed out that what he was doing was not cool.

[Tedster]

Guys remember that when you are a public marina, or a private marina you do not own the dock. So they will do whatever they want to do with your boat. That is why some places such as yacht club recip's require you to be on the boat at all times.

[Randygh]

I didn't like them pulling the power plug and then just re-inserting with power live in the boat. The previous owner told me not to do that, although I'm not sure what it hurts.

Infrequently, when I plug into shorepower, my main breaker will trip. Even when there is no load on any house circuits, the breaker will still trip. Don't know why. I reset it and it works just fine. If I wasn't around and the service cord was unplugged, there's a chance the main will trip and we'd end up with a refer full of green mayonaise and rancid butter.

[Nehalennia]

Guys remember that when you are a public marina, or a private marina you do not own the dock. So they will do whatever they want to do with your boat. That is why some places such as yacht club recip's require you to be on the boat at all times.

Yeah, places like Roche are pretty good and the crew is pretty knowledgable, but there are many dockhands, including Roche, that don't have a clue.
I usually leave my cell phone with the Harbormaster and ask to please call for any reason, if they need anything when I'm away from the boat.

[SomeSailor]

I work with a guy here that keeps his 2859 in the water at Everett. They had to move his boat a few months back to change the tarps in the overhead. They only disconnected hi power and lines and pushed him back far enough to get scaffolds up and then moved him back in his slip.

When he went back down a few weeks later... his shore power plug was loose at the boat. As boat rocked back and forth, it would make and then break, over and over.

The inverter was dead, and since it was an inverter/charger... his batts were also toast. It's cost him probably $2000-$3000 to fix that. I would be livid.

All because they didn't reconnect his shore power properly... but he can't prove that.

[Play N Hookie Admiral]

I work with a guy here that keeps his 2859 in the water at Everett. They had to move his boat a few months back to change the tarps in the overhead. They only disconnected hi power and lines and pushed him back far enough to get scaffolds up and then moved him back in his slip.

When he went back down a few weeks later... his shore power plug was loose at the boat. As boat rocked back and forth, it would make and then break, over and over.

The inverter was dead, and since it was an inverter/charger... his batts were also toast. It's cost him probably $2000-$3000 to fix that. I would be livid.

All because they didn't reconnect his shore power properly... but he can't prove that.

Wow. That makes me like Dagmars even more! Id be really upset if someone messed with our boat like that. They should have at least called him and told him they were doing it so he could check on it right after. How rude! :argh2

[SomeSailor]

I was talking to the forklift driver and he said they used to hook up and disconnect your power if you wished. But since so many people complained and some threatened to sue... now they won't. A bit of a hassle if you want a launch. You have to be sure you're disconnected.

He said they will still disconnect you if you forget, but won't reconnect on a recovery.

[Eagle Lady]

We'd be very angry if someone messed with our boat that way, not to mention creating an outcome like that, yeeouch!!! We kept the boat at our house for a while after we bought it but with so many deciduous trees & evergreens (pitch, needles, leaves), falling branches plus the puddling of rainwater on the cover - was all a pain. Also since we don't have the size truck to trailer it we decided going the wet moorage route was best and least expensive for us. It's covered and protected.

We moor it at Des Moines Marina http://www.desmoineswa.gov/dept/marina/marina.html. Showers, Gas, Diesel, Pumpout, Pet friendly, security camera, DMYC reciprocal and other amenities - check the page. The area also has several restaurants; Anthony's, Red Robin, Jack in the Box, also a QFC & BOA nearby. The only downside if you're visitor is they don't have laundry services at the marina but it is nearby.

#1 The boat is close and always ready to go, we're only 20-25 min drive away. Get packed we're taking a boat trip! And we can be on our way in an hour..
#2 It's a home away from home for just spending a stormy night or weekend.
#3 Minor maintenance we do, major maintenance - they pull it out and it's done right there. There's also reasonably priced Rod's Mobile Boat Repair Service.

I've probably left things out but these are the major advantages. It all depends on your circumstances but we prefer wet moorage at this time.

[Play N Hookie II]

I was talking to the forklift driver and he said they used to hook up and disconnect your power if you wished. But since so many people complained and some threatened to sue... now they won't. A bit of a hassle if you want a launch. You have to be sure you're disconnected.

He said they will still disconnect you if you forget, but won't reconnect on a recovery.

I don't blame them for that. There is a newspaper article on the wall over at Mercer Marine about a big fire they had at Dagmars due to a faulty plug inside the boat. You figure if Dagmars plugged in the shore power they could be liable for something done or left incorrectly inside the boat. I have had them launch the night before or after hours when I wasnt going to be around for a while and they were nice enough to unplug it. Man I can't wait to take the boat out...ugh!

[voyager]

What you really need to watch at Dagmars is other people unplugging your boat. They unplug it at the box. I always use the screw on the pigtail adapter so it is fastened securely into the box. The other thing to look for is tripped breakers at the box I believe it is 10 amps while you are on the stands . People will over tax it, trip the breaker and then you are out of power. I have personal experience with both of these situations. Then of course they could just steal your cord like they did mine.

[Go Aweigh2452]

We kept the boat at our house for a while after we bought it but with so many deciduous trees & evergreens (pitch, needles, leaves), falling branches plus the puddling of rainwater on the cover - was all a pain.


You need to get a round plastic trash can and one of those exercise balls and place it inside the can and under the boat cover.... No more puddles...

http://www.bremertonnjrotc.com/goaweighto/boatwinter/IMG_1174.JPG
As seen from the cockpit:
http://www.bremertonnjrotc.com/goaweighto/boatwinter/cvrprop.JPG

[Eagle Lady's Captain]

Boy does that boat look sad there. I think it needs water!!

[tdtinker]

We are on the water at Foss Marina, From home it takes 15 min. to be on the boat or 10 min. from work. We are on the boat at least nence a week. I don't think we would get near the use out of the boat if it wasn't on the water.