Astoria, OR Slips in Winter

[s/v Beth]

Ok I am thinking about berthing my valiant in Astoria . Anyone been there done that? Boat yards to recommend ? (I may repower .) Any tips appreciated.

[svtatoosh]

I've been in Astoria since Jun 2010...6 months on the hard...now tied up. It's not everyone's cup of tea...weather weather weather...but it's the real deal...a port...a real town...hard edges...very cool people...fish and lumber...good marine store.

Tom

[s/v Beth]

Thanks Tom- by weather- lots of rain and wind? Which slips (east or west) are better? Is one boatyard there better than the rest?

[andrewsc]

I've stayed in Astoria and across the river in Ilwaco, Wa. I liked the docks in Ilwaco better. There are a lot of fishing boats coming and going but a smaller town. There is an excellent marine store in Astoria, Englund's. They have a small outpost in Ilwaco..

If I was going to do major work, ie a repower I would motor up to Portland and go to Schooner Creek. They are not cheap but do top notch work.

Enjoy the rain.

[s/v Beth]

Thanks Andrew, I have looked a Ilwaco (on the map) it looks like they may be better protected from the elements. I will be doing the repower. I just need the parts. Price wise are the slips about the same?

[andrewsc]

Ilwaco and Astoria are both less than Portland and if memory serves I think Ilwaco was less than Astoria. I am sure you can look at their rates on line. Both have lifts and yards. I know that Ilwaco allows DIY work.

[svtatoosh]

Originally Posted by s/v Beth

Thanks Tom- by weather- lots of rain and wind? Which slips (east or west) are better? Is one boatyard there better than the rest?

Winter is difficult but dramatic...in the yard expect your boat to be battered pretty good. Only 1 yard in Astoria...Illwaco has a totally different feel...different type of community...pretty much 100% fishing oreintation. Price in Astoria very reasonable...CHEAP! Slips over by the new marina blding get serious surge and can be shoal. I had quite a bit of work done @ Schooner...can't recommend them, although there were some quality craftspeople there. They would probably classify me as difficult.

If you're DIY...as I am...Astoria is perfect. Also Dike Marine in Scappoose is DIY...good people. Astoria is an outstanding community overall. Resources in Illwaco not as good.

Tom
svtatoosh@gmail.com

[Piney]

Port of Astoria (West Basin) is my favorite. The boatyard is cheap, but open to the wind and weather. It's ALWAYS raining in the winter, and that is not an exaggeration. Prepare for cold wet and windy from about Oct to June.

Beware of the sea lions at the East basin, they can sink a small boat, as they have been know to jump on deck.

Sadly, there are not many DIY boat yards left around Portland.

[s/v Beth]

Thanks it looks like if I wanted a slip I will go north to ilwaco. What is the local knowledge considering the columbia bank ? When is the latest in fall I can come in and the earliest I can leave in spring? I will be coming to and from the San Juans .

[svtatoosh]

Commercial traffic comes in over the bar 12 months a year but I would hesitate coming down Dec- Feb. Otherwise check the bar conditions anytime you cross.

[colo.sail]

Seriously check out Warrenton. Couple of smaller areas and even cheaper than Astoria. It's a true blue-collar community. Loggers and fishermen.

[Charlie]

I had my boat in Astoria from September to May. I went up in April to do work on it and it was cold. The guys at the yard were nice and having Englund's chandlery right there is very convenient. They can order anything and get it the next day. If the boat has not paid its tax in WA you might want to take that into consideration. Oregon has no Use Tax. The harbor has a lot of surge.

[s/v Beth]

Thanks guys I will check out Warrenton. I have paid taxes in WA for the last 3 years...