Seattle to Portland? Circling Vancouver Island?

markrinker

New Member
Jul 19, 2011
325
Lake Union - Seattle, WA
Boat Info
2000 410DA
Engines
Caterpillar 3126
Wondering if any CSR member have done either of these trips and care to offer up their experiences, advice, etc. Having cruised north from Seattle to San Juans and as far north as Toba Inlet, we are in the planning stages for some longer, late summer trips to other destinations. The western shore of Vancouver Island looks remote and intruiging...anyone been there in their Sea Ray?
 
I did the west coast as a kid on my parents boat, definetly a fun trip! This summer I'm planning on doing a trip to Barkley sound and the broken island group. Tons of cool little anchorages and spots to check out, as well as some of the best fishing on the west coast. Can't wait!
 
We have never done the west coast. We have done the inside passage to Alaska.
The trip from Vancouver to the end of the island can be like glass or 6 foot waves. Morning is the best time to travel. Fog starts in late July north of Campbell River. Johstone Strait seems to be always windy. If you leave Blind Bay at first light you can make it to Port McNeil in a day. Once past Desolation Sound there are fewer boats. Your cell phone will work to the end of Vancouver Island.
It takes us a week to go from Vancouver to the end of the Island. Allow for wind and rain day. Get ready to use the heater on your boat most days.
If you do not know how to fix most things on your boat get a tow service package. Parts are easy to get in Port McNeil as they can order them and have them shipped in. I got new raw water pumps there in 3 days.
We do not run in water unless it is 20 feet as one does not know about rocks and logs.
Watch for floating logs. We hit one once and bent a prop. Cost us 1200 to get it fixed and a week delay.
There is lots of fuel where we go but it is 1,60 a Liter to make that US times 4.
 

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