Mid-May trawler charter - San Juan Islands

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H2O_Doc

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We are chartering a trawler with another couple next month. We've never been in a trawler, never been to the San Juans! We are taking a captain with us for the 1st few days (required). Our experience is boating Lake Michigan and lakes in Colorado on a 19' or 23' boat with outboard. We have also chartered many different sail boats years ago ranging from 20' to 45' in So Cal and the BVIs.

So.... let me know if you have advice for us.....
- which islands to visit
- things to pack
- do we make mooring ball reservations? Marinas? Anchor? (I will read up more on this and talk with charter company)
- anything else?

We are hoping to enjoy the scenery, hike, kayak, explore.
 
Mooring balls are mostly Washington State Parks. Google and you'll find how to buy the pass and where they are. There are some Washington State DNR mooring balls which are free to use.

Which islands to visit depends on what you want to do. Restaurants and shopping Friday Harbor and Roche Harbor on San Juan Island. Rosario resort on Orcas Island used to be good but they've been having trouble lately.

If you want to hike and walk about in more natural settings Sucia Island, Stuart Island, Cypress Island, Jones Island, James Island are some good ones. They're all Washington State Parks. All of the Washington State Parks docks and mooring balls are 1st come 1st serve.

For what to pack. Clothing be prepared for warm sun to cold rain. You'll likely see it all. For provisions I assume you are departing from Anacortes, plenty of stores there to provision. If you run low on things Friday Harbor is good.

For marinas reservations are highly recommended. A dockwa account is helpful.
 
One thing to note, you cannot reserve mooring balls, they are first come first serve. There are many good anchorages in the area, good bottom for the most part. Garrison Bay near Roche Harbor is a great base to kayak form, there is lots to paddle around and see/do, Westcot Bay has tasty oysters a short paddle away. You can get a taxi in Roche and got down to Lime Kiln Point to hike and sometime whale watch. Yellow Island is a great day trip to see the driftwood house. Prevost Harbor on Stuart Island is also a great hiking/kayaking spot, you can paddle around Turn Point and also hike out to the Lighthouse on the point. Lots of wildlife around there.
 
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Are you planning on staying at docks or anchoring? I would have the captain get you proficient at anchoring. Roche harbor is a must. It has a huge anchorage and will give you a variety of things to do. Garrison bay is another protected anchorage if they have room. A dinghy ride from Roche to buy clams and oysters at Wescott Bay Shellfish company, takes you right past Garrison Bay to verify a spot for anchoring. Roche, Garrison Bay, Stuart Island, to name a few, have dinghy docks. The tides can be fairly dynamic, so talk to the Captain about how to beach a dinghy so as not to leave it high and dry, or get washed away. Do you know what boat you’re getting for the charter?
 
This is a great start, all! Thanks.

I do have a Dockwa account, so one less think on my to-do list.

By the way, this is a test-case for buying a trawler as we near retirement. Wish us luck!
 
Mac2 said:
Are you planning on staying at docks or anchoring? I would have the captain get you proficient at anchoring. Roche harbor is a must. It has a huge anchorage and will give you a variety of things to do. Garrison bay is another protected anchorage if they have room. A dinghy ride from Roche to buy clams and oysters at Wescott Bay Shellfish company, takes you right past Garrison Bay to verify a spot for anchoring. Roche, Garrison Bay, Stuart Island, to name a few, have dinghy docks. The tides can be fairly dynamic, so talk to the Captain about how to beach a dinghy so as not to leave it high and dry, or get washed away. Do you know what boat you’re getting for the charter?
Click to expand...

I think we'd dock at less-busy anchorages, but also try a marina. The other couple might prefer to be at the docks for easy of everything. We'll see. I assume dock space is pricey?

We are chartering a 53' Selene.
 
H2O_Doc said:
I think we'd dock at less-busy anchorages, but also try a marina. The other couple might prefer to be at the docks for easy of everything. We'll see. I assume dock space is pricey?

We are chartering a 53' Selene.
Click to expand...
Great choice in a boat! It might be summer rates at the dock, which is expensive. You can look that up ahead of time. I never use a dock in the San Juans. I prefer the seclusion of anchoring with the option of going to the dinghy dock for socializing.
 
Google Earth seems to show a lot of boats riding at anchor just NW of Shipyard Cove Marina.

I have anchored there before and it is a much quieter location as you don't have the drone (is that still a word when referring to noise?) of the constantly moving Washington State Ferries, nor their stern wave's arrival a few minutes later.

The tender ride to the Port is under a mile so it is not bad, even if you had to row.
 
CharlieO. said:
Is there anchoring allowed between Shipyard Cove Marina and the Port of Friday Harbor?
Click to expand...
Yes, but personally, we prefer between the Univ. of WA outstation, and Port of Friday Harbor. Short distance to PoFH dinghy dock, and a short walk to anywhere in town. Other locations are a much longer walk.
 
CharlieO. said:
Is there anchoring allowed between Shipyard Cove Marina and the Port of Friday Harbor?
Click to expand...
Yes. Heavily used, but I've always found something. Be aware of the submarine power cable serving Brown Island. There are large signs at each end, but no bouys.
 
H2O_Doc said:
We are chartering a 53' Selene.
Click to expand...
Most, if not all, State buoys are length limited.

Someone has mentioned Stuart Island. Both sides offer considerable anchorage space especially Prevost Harbor on the north side. Don't miss the lighthouse or the schoolhouse...get the T-shirt
 
+1 on Sucia, you'll be ahead of the summer time crowds so you shouldn't have any issues finding dock space or space to anchor.

At 53' I am pretty sure the boat is bigger than what is allowed on the Washington State buoys, I believe the limit is 45' so you'll be anchoring or docked.

If docking in Friday Harbor there can be a current in there depending on the size of the tidal exchange. Be mindful if you are going to get pushed or pulled away from the dock.

Be mindful of rocks, zoom in on the charts to make sure you have enough water. Navionics will route you over or through reefs so sanity check technology.
 
Rock example....https://www.trawlerforum.com/threads/its-happened-again-boat-meets-rock-in-prevost.57731/
 
I'm jealous! Take a couple of shrimp pots if you can. Pretty sure the season opens in mid May. Lots of great places to load up on the tasty little guys. We used to slay 'em just south of Jones Island but most steep shelves around 200' and somewhat protected from currents will produce.
 
I think everyone gave you good pointers above. I'd add that May is early; good news is that there won't be crowds and you'll have your choice of spots. Bad news is that the weather will be cooler and changeable. There may be times of higher winds.

The biggest thing you'll need to get comfortable with is the tides and currents. They can be very strong and if you get wind opposing them it can build up steep seas. You also will have to account for current drift into entrances and around rocks.
 
I know you said San Juans, but just across Haro Strait from Friday Harbor is lovely Victoria and her Inner Harbor. Dock in front of the Empress Hotel, lots of space this early. Or, if you're at Roche, head across Haro to Port Sydney, clear in there, and then straight down Vancouver Island and around the corner to Victoria. Either way an amazing trip!
 
Insofar as wind is concerned May is one of the calmer months of the year. That being said the wind can blow fiercely any month of the year.

Here are Friday Harbour Airport's monthly wind roses according the good people of the Hawkeye State.

www.mesonet.agron.iastate.edu

IEM :: Site Wind Roses

Iowa Environmental Mesonet of Iowa State University
www.mesonet.agron.iastate.edu www.mesonet.agron.iastate.edu
 
Great info, all. I'll go through and read it all in detail later this week! Very excited for this trip!
 
H2O_Doc said:
I think we'd dock at less-busy anchorages, but also try a marina. The other couple might prefer to be at the docks for easy of everything. We'll see. I assume dock space is pricey?

We are chartering a 53' Selene.
Click to expand...
Can I ask what charter company you are using? We’re planning to do the same in October. Thanks.
 
Great opportunity to learn how to plan for wind and tides in the straits, and how/where to anchor for protection from variable weather. Otherwise dingy rides start getting wet and sporty.

At 53 feet call ahead at Friday Harbor for space on the long docks, likely too long for traditional slips there. If you have time cut down and back to Port Townsend. That run will be a lesson in wind/tides/weather.
 
While there will no doubt be a copy on board, if you want to read the “menu” in advance, get yourself a copy of the Waggoner cruising guide.

2025 Waggoner Cruising Guide - Spiral Bound | Fisheries Supply

Save More on Your Fine Edge 2025 Waggoner Cruising Guide - Spiral Bound at Fisheries Supply. Excellent Customer Service, Ready to Ship. Marine Supplies Since 1928!
www.fisheriessupply.com www.fisheriessupply.com
 
One spot that cruisers often miss is Eastsound on Orcas Island, which has a very cute town with shops and restaurants a short walk from the town dock. It gets overlooked because the anchorage is exposed to a long fetch to the SE, which is the prevailing wind direction in foul weather. But it’s perfectly decent in settled fine weather that prevails out of the NW, especially for a lunch stop.
 
Are you chartering the Velvet Moose? We've been looking at trawlers on Yachtworld and that's my wife's newest favorite. Would love to hear about the boat after your journey!
 
I can't imagine that advance reservations are needed for marinas in the San Juans in May. And the boat you charter will likely already have a Washington State Park Annual Permit, so I doubt you will need to purchase one. May is a great time to explore the San Juans, as you will beat the crowds.
 
Wtrguy said:
Are you chartering the Velvet Moose? We've been looking at trawlers on Yachtworld and that's my wife's newest favorite. Would love to hear about the boat after your journey!
Click to expand...

We are on Velvet Moose. I'll let send you a report when we get back!
 
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