Leave a boat in Juneau?

I'm planning a trip up to Alaska next year, schedule requires leaving the boat somewhere for the month of July. My current working plan is to depart north about May 1, and be in the Juneau area by July 1. The city seems to run several marinas, they are not expensive, but the only one which indicates reservations are accepted is Statter, no monthly rate and the daily is fairly expensive. Do the other basins, particularly Douglas or Harris, accept reservations? Or am I likely to arrive and find space? Are there private alternatives? Needs to have access to an airport to fly out and back in.

Edit: I just noticed that Statter allows no more than 10 days, to that won't work regardless.

May be cheaper to have the boat hauled and set on the hard. The docks will be very busy in the summer but there may be a lot of room at the yards. Might be worth checking....?

We've left our vessel in Juneau at Harris for extended periods. We waited until we got there to book it. Call the Harbormaster's office for details. One thing you will need is a designated responsible party or boat watcher.

Would Petersburg work? They are a lot more efficient IMHO. Nicer docks too than Harris as well as more secure. Harris has had recent theft issues. Lots of stagnant water in Juneau Harris. Douglas much better water.

In principal don't mind that idea. But with transient rates at 0.55/ft/day or 4.25/ft/m it's probably much cheaper to find a slip, if they are available. Someone from the area will chime in with info I'm sure. Just want my expectations set before I arrive.

Didn't realize that Petersburg had jet service. The schedules are pretty ugly, but it could work. Bit further south than I'd like to be.

Was there any issue finding space at Harris? What time of year was it? What's required of the boat watcher?

I've never had trouble getting space.


The challenge leaving a boat will be hot berthing. As mentioned, you may need to have someone who can move your boat. It's a crap shoot.


Also keep in mind that electricity will probably cost more than dockage.

Are there competent yacht watching services that could be relied on to move the boat?

I don't contemplate needing electricity. Is there a reason I would?

Hot berthing is the thing in SE. Most of the Comm fish, lock their electric pedestals, as they don't want recreational driving up their electric bill.

I don't care for the way the docks are run in Juneau. Petersburg is my choice. Two jet flights daily. Jake Slavens-907-518-4025 watches our boat. He also works for the Harbor Dept.

Tator

Tator said:

I don't care for the way the docks are run in Juneau. Petersburg is my choice. Two jet flights daily. Jake Slavens-907-518-4025 watches our boat. He also works for the Harbor Dept.



Tator

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I was in Petersburg this summer for the first time. Flew in and out. I spent some time walking the docks. I know nothing of how well the docks are run but they were well laid out, in good condition, were very busy with working boats, and frankly were very friendly. Petersburg is a small town, but is a wonderful spot.

Just a personal impression that isn’t maybe all that helpful, but throwing it out there.

Ditto on the Petersburg docks for transient boats, very well run. Another good spot is Wrangell, to the SE of Petersburg. Lots of dockage with daily 737 service from SeaTac, like Petersburg.

I'll check those out. If I get too far south and east, might as well leave it in Sidney .

Ken E. said:

Ditto on the Petersburg docks for transient boats, very well run. Another good spot is Wrangell, to the SE of Petersburg. Lots of dockage with daily 737 service from SeaTac, like Petersburg.

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The only thing you have to deal with in Petersburg is the current.

Wrangell?? No such place. Doesn't exists.......


Geez Ken, you can't be giving our secret place away.... I am telling Kecth Al you violated the rules!!!!

Alaskan Sea-Duction said:

The only thing you have to deal with in Petersburg is the current.

Wrangell?? No such place. Doesn't exists.......


Geez Ken, you can't be giving our secret place away.... I am telling Kecth Al you violated the rules!!!!

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Yeah, lots of current at the entrance to the channel when the tide is running, but not that unusual in BC and AK. Watched some Orcas taking sea lions off the channel buoy when we came back into Petersburg. Quite the show.

Oops.....Sorry Tom. BTW, I'm still saving that Alaska Amber for you. Hope it doesn't freeze in the boat over the winter!

I believe most of the commercial guys are fishing in July, when they come back to Juneau it's typically to Auke Bay... shouldn't have to hot slip in Harris or Douglas that time of year the wharfenger should know...

Ka_sea_ta said:

I believe most of the commercial guys are fishing in July, when they come back to Juneau it's typically to Auke Bay... shouldn't have to hot slip in Harris or Douglas that time of year the wharfenger should know...

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I have seen the marinas in winter and the fishing boats are packed in. But the harbor master should be able to help....He don't know where Wrangell either, so don't ask...

I'll call around, see what I can learn. Flight schedules out of either Petersburg or Wrangell turn it into an overnight trip, making Juneau preferred.

Talked to the dockmaster in Juneau, they doubt hot berthing will be an issue, with this small a boat (34'). More of a problem >40'. Gave me a couple of names of boatwatchers known to them. Quite friendly altogether. Checking on haulout as a backup.

DDW said:

Checking on haulout as a backup.

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I am not sure if there is a haul out in Juneau. Closest haul out would be Wrangell.

If you find one, let us know.

DDW said:

Talked to the dockmaster in Juneau, they doubt hot berthing will be an issue, with this small a boat (34'). More of a problem >40'. Gave me a couple of names of boatwatchers known to them. Quite friendly altogether. Checking on haulout as a backup.

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The city of Juneau itself doesn't have haulout or dry storage, but a private company does, operating both at Auke bay and downtown. I don't know their name but their phone number is 907 463 5250. I just talked to them yesterday on the same topic.

Juneau Marine Services, talk to Dean. They have a 30 ton travel lift and also hydraulic trailers. Lift is in Auke bay, trailers downtown.

For me, the pricing for 1 month storage greatly favors leaving it in the water, with hauling as a backup. It sounded like water storage was easier for a smaller boat like mine, many more small slips than large ones. One of the reasons I downsized on the powerboat .

Alaskan Sea-Duction said:

I am not sure if there is a haul out in Juneau. Closest haul out would be Wrangell.

If you find one, let us know.

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Yes, there is one just south of the Harbormaster's office. Maintenance for sure, don't know about storage. Travel lift up to 50 feet for sure. It is operated by Herri who also has the marine supply store near Harris

There is a haul out in Petersburg which is a day closer than Wrangell. Call John Murgass-907-518-4055.

Tator

sunchaser said:

Yes, there is one just south of the Harbormaster's office. Maintenance for sure, don't know about storage. Travel lift up to 50 feet for sure. It is operated by Herri who also has the marine supply store near Harris

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That is good to hear. I was told a few years ago no lifts in Juneau, but could hire a crane company

You need to call them and call around. Jim Betts, a former boss/bodybuilder in Oakland, has a service yard in Juneau.

Storage

There is an outfit called Betts Boat Repair 907-790-2388 in Juneau that does bottom painting amongst other repairs. Give them a call to see if they can accommodate you.

As for jet service, Alaska Air as a daily 737 flight from Seattle to Ketchikan, Wrangal, Petersberg and ending in Juneau. If you're placing the boat on the hard, also consider Wrangal. They have a good yard with trades to work on your boat if needed.

That works fine if your destination is Seattle. The problem with any place but Juneau, is the Alaska flight is too late in the day to catch a connecting flight elsewhere, so you stay overnight in the airport. Ketchikan a little better as they go straight to Seattle, but Ketchikan is pretty far south. The Wrangal flight leaves late in the day, then drops you in Juneau. Then you need a flight out of there to Seattle, then on to your destination.

There's always NetJets, or bring your own....

Hoonah might be another consideration- a day trip from Juneau.