Is the west coast alive.

[Nehalennia II]

Thanks for all the comments. I am not used to multi-hour delays, so I would not want to put up with that. Sounds like a mid-week trip would be better, if I did make that trip.

Hi Dave,
There certainly are ways to plan and schedule to get through the locks without the long delays.
There are several launches:
Coulon park was mentioned. It's a large launch in Renton at the south end of the lake.
GENE COULON PARK
Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park Boat Launch

The boat launch at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park, located at 1201 Lake Washington Blvd. N., is open twenty-four hours (24) a day. Users of the boat launch will see an automated pay box system for parking and launch fees. This system features a digital display menu, produces customer receipts for transactions and allows payments by credit card and cash. This same type of automated system has been installed at several state parks and other local boat launch sites around the area. For additional information please call 425-430-6700.

Combined boat launch and tow vehicle parking are as follows:
Day use expires at midnight on the day of purchase. Twenty-four hour (24) use expires at midnight the day following the purchase.
Day Use: Resident $5/Non-residents $10
24 Hour Use: Residents $10/Non-residents $20

Others
MAGNUSON PARK
Launch Type: 4-lane concrete ramp, three loading floats.
Facilities: Restrooms, beach access, barbecues, picnic tables.
Parking: 120 spaces
Fees: $4 to launch, $6 for overnight parking.

Directions: North on Montlake Blvd. NE, which becomes 45th st. then Sand Point Way NE; right on 65th st. NE at park entrance.

STAN SAYRES PARK
Launch Type: 8-lane asphalt ramp, two loading floats.
Facilities: Restrooms, water available, paved trails.
Parking: 35 paved spacesfor vehicles with trailers.
Fees: $4 launch fee, $6 overnight parking fee.

Directions: Take I-90 to southbound Rainier Ave.(right); left on Genesee St. a half mile; left on 43rd ave. S. for .04 miles; right on Lake Washington Blvd.; left at park entrance.


ATLANTIC CITY PARK
Launch Type: 8-lane concretee ramp, three loading floats.
Facilities: Restrooms, trash, water, picnic tables.
Parking: 20 paved spaces; 35 trailer spaces.
Fees: $4 to launch, $6 for overnight parking.

Directions: In Renton, north on Rainier Ave S. for 2 miles; right on Seward Park Ave. S. a quarter mile; right at ramp.


MERCER ISLAND LAUNCH
Launch Type: 2-lane concrete ramp, one loading float.
Facilities: Restroom, water, trash.
Parking: 57 paved spaces for trailers.
Fees: $4 to launch.

Directions: From Seattle, head east on I-90; take exit 8; right on Mercer Way and then a quick left at "Mercer Island Boat Launch" sign; follow the road downhill under I-90 bridge to the launch.


SE 40TH STREET RAMP
Launch Type: 2-lane concrete plank ramp, one loading float.
Facilities: Restrooms, fuel at nearby marina.
Parking: 60 paved spaces for trailers.
Fees: $4 to launch.

Directions: Take I-405 to Exit 13A in Bellevue and head west 1 block on 8th st.; go left on 11th ave. NE. a half mile; right on Main st. 2 blocks; right on 114th Ave. SE, which becomes 118th Ave SE; right on SE 40th St. to launch.

My favorite is 14th Ave NW. It's in Ballard on the Ship Canal west of Lake Washington. It's right next to the locks. If we're heading to the South Sound we use this launch go through the locks and when returning it flushes the boat automatically as we're returning into Fresh water.

When are you considering coming?

 

[Dave M.]

Todd, right now it is all wishful thinking. My wife is still working, and in a Dr office. so does not normally get much time off. Whether I would go as far as Seattle with the boat by myself is something I am still thinking about.

I also still have a couple of issues I am working on regarding the boat. I still have a water leak, about an ounce an hour, a loose steering issue, and a trim indication problem. I am working on these. The first two I would like to have resolved before the boat goes in salt water. The latter is just an inconvenience, and probably will be an easy fix.

 

[Kathyrau]

I knew Todd would know all the launch stuff . . . . :wink: