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Pacific NW boat thoughts

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by FlyingGolfer, Jun 3, 2022.

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  1. FlyingGolfer

    FlyingGolfer Member

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    If we base a boat near Port Angeles, with intended cruising around the islands nearby and maybe extending north, maybe to southern Alaska, would a Fleming 85 be adequate for the weather and resulting seas? Or a bigger boat such as- not to be a One Note Charlie- Westport 130? What are draft considerations, marina boat LOA issues, thoughts about desired range? Any thoughts gratefully received.
  2. DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    What time of year would you be cruising? I assume summer months or close? An 85 Fleming is more than enough boat to handle most weather conditions from Puget Sound up through inside passage of Alaska. The trip from Puget Sound to Alaska only has two short open water passages, the rest is all protected. Of course you can go on the outside as well if you prefer. I know many folks that make the trip up/back to Alaska every year in far less capable boat than 85 Fleming. With a 130’ you’re going to have difficulty finding moorage. Even with 85 you will be limited in many places.

    In most areas draft is not much of a concern. Unless you have some specific shallower places you intend to go I don’t think you will have issues.

    Curious why Port Angeles? Nothing wrong with PA but if you want to do the San Juans and up to Alaska why start out there?
  3. FlyingGolfer

    FlyingGolfer Member

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    I just picked Port Angeles as an example. The warm months would be when we cruise. Your thoughts are good, thanks. We don’t know the PAC NW area at all, so we are open to suggestions about where to base the boat. Just seems like a beautiful part of the world.
  4. DOCKMASTER

    DOCKMASTER Senior Member

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    It is fantastic when weather cooperates. And you can spend a lifetime exploring without seeing the same place twice if you want to.
    Happy to help if you need more info. My business is in Portland, Seattle and Ketchikan so I know these areas pretty well. I keep my boat in Ketchikan because that is my favorite area and used to live there. If you make it up here I would be happy to coordinate with you and show you some nice spots. I might even share the location of a Halibut hole or two with you
  5. GPO

    GPO Member

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    I’m biased, but believe that the PNW waters offer some of the most beautiful cruising grounds in the world. Regarding Marina locations, the US San Juan Islands (Roche Harbor, Friday Harbor are two that come to mind) or southern Canadian waters are options you may wish to consider. Numerous large US boats are moored in VanIsle Marina (Sidney) for example, a first class facility. To get a feel for the cruising waters and facilities in the PNW (Washington, British Columbia, Southeast Alaska) you will find the Waggoner Cruising Guide a very useful resource. It’s “the bible” up here.
  6. gr8trn

    gr8trn Senior Member

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    +1 on Waggoner’s.

    I am in Portland OR but if I were basing a boat in US waters it would be Anacortes or Port Townsend or Roche harbor or Friday harbor. 130 is a bit large for the moorings and marina availability unless you go to Lake Washington Seattle.

    Bayliners and searay and navigators an meridians and carvers do that type of cruising all summer, no problem with seamanship.
  7. gcsi

    gcsi Member

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    In 2021 we attempted to relocate our 75 MY from Florida to Seattle area. Logistics of the move were relatively easy and cruising the area has always been something on the bucket list. However, moorage was a hard stop. Spent an entire month trying to secure moorage, looked from Olympia northward and NOTHING was available other than Canada and Canada had Covid restrictions.

    2022 is a new year and things should be “easing” with respect to Canada. However, the stateside moorage may be worthy of some due diligence.
  8. IRENE

    IRENE New Member

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    Sidney BC and Anacortes WA offer the support network you will need for a vessel like that. Skilled trades and availability of parts and supplies have been, and remain, a challenge on the Olympic Peninsula. You may be able to store on land in Anacortes when not cruising.
  9. GPO

    GPO Member

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    +1 on the support network. Very important. Also Sidney is an easy place to fly in and out of. Victoria Int’l Airport is minutes away. Can’t personally speak to FBO facilities, though.
  10. CaboFly

    CaboFly Member

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    Both incredible boats but given the area you are looking to cruise I think the Fleming would give you more flexibility with moorage and would be a great size to take in this beautiful area. If you intended on a large crew or quite a few guests perhaps the 130WP would be a better choice. I keep my boat in Everett and own a boat shed there which is a wonderful for boat moorage. Unfortunately I think there are only maybe 3 houses that would fit a 85 Fleming and they rarely if ever come to market.

    I circumnavigated Vancouver Island 2 summers ago and it was a great trip. I can see why cruisers like to spend so much time on the inside of the island. I just prefer to fish the outside.
  11. FlyingGolfer

    FlyingGolfer Member

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    This boat I will use as an apartment, so won’t need much room. The 85 is overkill, but Fleming razzles my dazzle and the extra room will be good for the crew. They must be spoiled as much as possible within reason. LOL.
  12. FlyingGolfer

    FlyingGolfer Member

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    I haven’t flown to Victoria in years, but I remember no problems there.
  13. CaboFly

    CaboFly Member

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    If you are flying private and it could land at Roche Harbor that is where I would keep the boat if it were me. Airstrip is right at the marina. You would already be where many, myself included go to vacation. Also is a great spot to go North from as well as ferry service to mainland if needed.
    JadePanama likes this.
  14. captbh

    captbh New Member

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    Keep in mind that just because one is 130ft and the other is 85ft does not mean the bigger one will handle weather better. Having run a Westport 130 and a Fleming 75, now the 78 I personally think the Fleming rides better providing you don't need the extra cabin space. Depending on your speed requirements, you might consider one of the larger Nordhavns. Great sea boats, very roomy and there are a bunch of them in the PNW. There is a dealer/service center in Anacortes. https://nordhavnonly.com/locations/
    FlyingGolfer likes this.
  15. dennismc

    dennismc Senior Member

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    Just remember, here in the PNW specially on the BC side of the border, the killer whales eat fiberglass for lunch and unless your boat can walk on logs, bring lots of spare running gear..:D
    FlyingGolfer likes this.
  16. FlyingGolfer

    FlyingGolfer Member

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    All good observations. Next question: where should we keep and enjoy the boat in the winter? San Diego? Cabo?
  17. dennismc

    dennismc Senior Member

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    La Paz. BCS.
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  18. GPO

    GPO Member

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    Roche Harbor is great and a favourite. Early morning walks up the dock to the Lime Kiln Cafe for freshly baked donuts are tradition. Airstrip is 3600 ft. though. Too short for any but the lightest jets. Check the details on Roche Harbor Resort website. We’ve flown guests in on chartered light twins, but that’s it.
    FlyingGolfer likes this.
  19. FlyingGolfer

    FlyingGolfer Member

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    Roche Harbor looks wonderful. Just watched videos about the area.
  20. FlyingGolfer

    FlyingGolfer Member

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    I know La Paz, but where is BCS?