A number of surveys point to Western Washington, Seattle and the Puget Sound as having the greatest concentration of boat owners in North America. In the South Sound, there are a number a services for boats and their owners – from marinas to launches. Many of these facilities have no websites but for those that do, links have been provided in BLUE.
CHANGES TO WASHINGTON STATE BOAT REGULATIONS:
As of 2011, Washington is no longer sending boat registration renewal notices. As a result, all boat registrations expire on June 30 every year and can be renewed on-line. Register your boat (“vessel registration”) on-line and get an e-mail notification of your next renewal date at the same time.
Remember to also register your boat trailer. Trailers are registered separately through the Dept of Licensing Vehicle registration, who would also like to remind you to renew your registration and will send you an e-mail when it’s time to renew.
State law now requires boat operators between the ages of 18-35 to carry a Washington State Boater Education card when operating motorboats with 15 horsepower or greater. By 2014, all boat operators from 18-55 must have a Boater Education card. To get a card, you must:
- Take an approved boater education course in the classroom, classroom/hands-on, online or at home.
- Then complete and submit the Boater Education Card Application (PDF download), along with $10 and a legal copy of your proof of course completion.
A similar card is required in Oregon, however your Washington State Boater Education card is good in all states and Canada, and visa versa. The result of getting this card may also reduce the cost of your vessel insurance policy. Consult your insurance
agent for details.
In 2012, the requirement age will change to include 40 year old boaters, 50 years olds in 2013 and 55 year old boaters in 2014. Under the current law, if you are 52 years old this year, you will never be required to carry a Boaters Educations Card or pay the additional $10 for the privilege.
BEFORE BOATING THE SALISH SEA:
Crossing the Strait of Juan de Fuca in a craft smaller than a Washington State Ferry can get your attention. The weather conditions may define where, how and when you cross. Before casting off, do your research and save yourself and passengers the grief.
• Basic information from David Britton at Rain Shadow (thank you David)
• National Data Buoy Center – Hein Bank Buoy at Dungeness
• Coastal Waters Forecast – Washington
Boat Repair
• Pickering Marine – Located across Pickering Road from Latimer’s Landing at the base of the Harstine Island Bridge
• Puget Marina – Near Olympia, boat and motor repair
Boat Launch
• Latimer’s Landing – at the base of the Harstine Island Bridge
• Arcadia Point – The Squaxin Island Tribe owns the public launch
• Hope Island State Park – Near Shelton just southwest of Squaxin Island – moorage fees apply
• Jarrell Cove State Park – North Harstine Island on the Pickering Passage side of the island
• Port of Allyn – Northern Case Inlet
• Twanoh State Park – Hood Canal – Eight miles south from Belfair
• Hood Canal Boat Launch and Marina – One mile past Belfair State Park with marina pump out unit
Marinas
• Shelton Marina and Yacht Club – In Hammersly Inlet and formerly known as the Oakland Bay Marina
• Jarrell Cove Marina – Daytime fuel in a protected cove – guest moorage is available
• Boston Harbor – Daytime Fuel, boat sales and rentals and general store
• Zittel’s Marina – Daytime fuel, moorage, launch, rental and tackle store
• Fair Harbor Marina – Less than 10 miles from Allyn in Grapeview, 68 permanent moorage slips; 10 covered moorage slips, fuel dock with regular gas; 20 & 30 amp power service; showers, restrooms located shore side, country store and
a 5,625 sf “event pavilion” with support facilities and shop.
• Harstine Island Moorage – Known as Indian Cove, this is a private moorage for homeowners of The Pointe, Harstine
Island
• West Bay Marina – Full service repair and moorage services – Budd Bay, Olympia
• Summertide Resort – Reservations required
• Alderbrook Marina – 1,500-linear feet of dock with guest moorage,
gas and diesel available 8-5 daily
• Hood Canal Marina – Union, WA at the Great Bend of Hood Canal – privately owned open to the public
• Rest-A-While Marina and Dive Center – Hoodsport
