best place to keep your boat on the east shore of the Puget Sound and why?

[Rlrsalem]

From the East Coast, its a bit overwhelming to consider where one would like to sail never mind where one would go. however, my history shows I just wish to get out sailing. Hang out on the hook for a weekend. Maybe, discover Friday Harbor and such but, hardly more then 1 week at a clip.
Thanks for your valued assistance.
Roland

[brutb]

Blaine, Wa comes to mind for me. My info is at least 1o years old. Blaine was less expensive the the SEA/TAC area.

[Wrong]

Originally Posted by brutb

Blaine, Wa comes to mind for me. My info is at least 1o years old. Blaine was less expensive the the SEA/TAC area.

My information is no younger. But, last time I went through Blaine the best breakfast spot in the area was shut down. And, there isn't much else there...

However, when I was checking into the availability of slips there - managed by the same agency as that in Squallicum harbour, Bellingham - some were available and cost then was relatively low.

Friday Harbour is (was) over rated and unfriendly to anchor outers. Probably more so now.

You didn't say anything about your boat. Can have a bearing on things...

[Rlrsalem]

Ya, Blaine would be a tough sell. My wife we expect will frequently fly out of Sea-Tac. Tho, it wouldn't necessarily mean we need to live there. We made a visit to Gig Harbor and like it. However, my goodness it's quite remote for any traveling.
As for boat mine has an offer on it as its cost prohibitive to truck it cross country. Guess we'll explore pilot houses ... At first glance it appears horsepower is more important then the 'auxiliary' power necessary in Connecticut

[Geoduck]

Anacortes is the closest town to the San Juan's and has everything you need, several marinas to choose from, great access to shopping from your boat, good places to eat and drink. Cap Sante Marina is 1st class but pricey. Lots of dry storage around. Plenty of boat yards and supplies, etc., etc.
Close to air ports with shuttle service to and from.

[Annie in WA]

Anacortes is a fine place, it tends to be a retirement community with a smallish downtown and influence from the two local refineries. About half an hour from I-5. I would check out Cap Sante marina. Another option is Bellingham, a city of about 80,000 with a well-regarded college and kind of a vibrant, liberal base downtown. One does have to cross Bellingham Bay to get to the San Juan's (about an hour by sail). Bellingham is about an hour to downtown Vancouver BC and an hour and a half to Seattle. Both routes are on I-5. Good hospital. Good luck.

[Geoduck]

Come on out and I'll take you anywhere you want to go or you can rent my nimble 20 and go it on your own. I even have an rv site for rent within walking distance to skyline marina!
What more could you want?
Always something going on in Anacortes. This weekend we have tug boat races and a pirate fair. I going to be one of the pirates! Arrrg!
My old 48'er looks like a pirate ship so I might as well hang up the Jolly Roger and play the game!

[Bash]

Since you'll be in a new boat, at least new to you, you may want to consider the availability of boat services, such as canvass shops, riggers, or sail lofts, during your first year of ownership. In that case, Bellingham is the clear winner.

[Geoduck]

I'd have to disagree with that!

[Jammer Six]

Put your boat at Shilshole. That way, you can put it in the Windworks fleet, and I can charter it.

[Rlrsalem]

Awesome help, can't wait to arrive in WA thanks

[CatInHand]

Eagle Harbor/Bainbridge Island. The marinas across the harbor from town are much more affordable. We have a 38 ft slip for a bit over $400 including live-aboard fee.

[Annie in WA]

Regarding the comment on Bellingham being a good place for rigging, sail lofts, etc. : While I loved my 18 years living in Bellingham, when it came time to get serious about cruising and refitting my sailboat I moved to Port Townsend. Bellingham used to have the expertise but for whatever reason it is hard to find now. In my opinion the thriving maritime services community is in PT. I cannot overstate my appreciation for the skills of the shipwrights, Port of Port Townsend, and community support during my recent refit.

[Rlrsalem]

A brief update, my wife and I have made it to Seattle this week for a property search. Eager to relocate and begin our new adventures. Thanks, for your posts

[rw58ph]

We are a full time live aboard in Everett, 30 miles North of Seattle and 40 miles south of Anacortes. The Everett marina is brackish water, fresh and salt mixed, at the mouth of the Snohomish River and easy access to the sound. Everett has vacancies and a full service yard.