Visiting Bellingham Suggestions

[IronZebra]

Hello, High desert dwellers (Albuquerque) that are going to Bellingham, WA in a week.

To get some training we are doing a ASA 101, 103, and 104 week long cruise and train course with San Juan Sailing July 21-27. Yes, it is a sailing course and our ultimate goal is a motor vessel, but it seems ASA has more formalized training than we can find on power boats. I believe at this point we will get good training that can cross over in the future.

We are working toward our retirement plans for March 2020. When the time comes we are going to be searching for a motor vessel of yet to be determined type. Most likely 36-50 trawler. In 2020 our plan is to move to Counce, TN on Pickwick Lake.

We will finish our course on Friday July 27 at noon and have the rest of that day, Saturday, and part of Sunday. We would like tour some various styles of trawlers while we have the weekend in Bellingham.

Can anyone suggest the best way to go about getting to check out some different styles of trawlers (Sedan, Aft Cabin, Sundeck, etc) both from the outside and inside? We are not looking to buy right now or on the west coast so not sure how receptive a seller or broker might be. Also not looking for a ride just want to see layouts.

 

[Island Cessna]

Anacortes has a large selection of boats for sale in a concentrated area, a short drive from Bellingham.

 

[Ken E.]

Stop by Northwest Explorations in Bellingham, near San Juan Sailing. They have trawlers for sale of different designs. Mostly Grand Banks but other makes as well.

 

[IronZebra]

Thanks for the suggestions on going to areas with boats for sale. But I wonder if that will really let us see much?

Will we be able to walk docks? Will a broker take the time to let us admitted "tire kickers" look inside? Any suggestions other that for sale?

 

[caltexflanc]

Stop by Northwest Explorations in Bellingham, near San Juan Sailing. They have trawlers for sale of different designs. Mostly Grand Banks but other makes as well.

NW Explorations is primarily a bare boat charter company. Great folks (happy customer here). This time of year most of the fleet will be out on charter, but stop by and talk with them about chartering and boat types. They should be able to give you some good advice on getting powerboat instruction, which one of their people may be set up to provide.



Any other spare time, hop on a ferry and see the San Juans!

 

[Dawdler]

yes by all means stop by NW Explorations. Great company. Meet with Scott Blake--no pressure broker who will provide lots of great info. i recommend them highly.

 

[dhays]

You may also consider La Conner as a place to look at some boats.

As far as Bellingham, plan on eating breakfast at the “Little Cheerful”. They take cash only. Small place but great food and classic Bellingham. I’d also highly recommend Boundary Bay, a brewpub there in downtown B’ham. After dinner, a few block walk up the street you can get great ice cream at Mallard’s. Again cash only at Mallards.