Washington State Marinas

[Ric]

I'm retiring toward the end of this month and as much as I love sailing in Southern California's waters year round, The drought and high cost of living/taxes are a pain. I would go south (Belize has a house and dock with my name on it), but my wife has MS and doesn't do well in the heat.So, I'm considering moving to Washington State. Somewhere close to the water and marinas that don't have 5 year waiting lists. I know there are a number of members on here that live in the Northwest and I am hoping to get some input. Blue Max is about ready to go back in the water and we will most likely wait until next spring to move. You can tell I'm a sailor when I base where to buy my home based on the proximity to marina where my boat is at. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,Rics/v Blue Max#2692www.ric-maxfield.net

 

[SVFlyAway]

Ric,35 years ago I moved from Spokane Washington the Puget Sound area of the state because of preferring salt to freshwater boating. So your thinking isn't strange to me at all (and I was way too young to retire and literally quite a great job with no prospects in the Seattle area). Anyway, I still live up here and have my boat in Everett WA (the marina in Everett is second largest on the West Coast and there are slips available). I had my boat in Seattle, but the marina fees in Everett are about 1/2 that of the big city.

I'd be happy to fill you in. I belong to the United States Power Squadrons and have been involved in that organization at all levels, so I know hundreds of boaters (sail and power) in the greater Puget Sound area. So I have boated in dozens of marinas in this state. And as you get closer to choosing a particular area I can put you in touch with some folks who are likely right in the marina you'd choose. If you want give me a call and I'd be happy to talk about it (206) 854-6857. Take way too long to write about it in an email.

By the way, commenting on your reason not to retire to Belize: the reason I am not still living on my boat in Mexico is also because of my wife's health. When I was crossing the Pacific, she just couldn't go on and told me to keep going (I had a bigger boat and a small crew). But I decided I could either be a blue water sailor or a husband. I chose the latter and don't regret one minute of it. So I applaud your decision.

ChrisChris Brown

Optimists are usually disappointed.
Pessimists are either right or pleasantly surprised. I tend to be a
disappointed pessimist.