Columbia and Willamette Rivers?

[tangentair]

The ad says reachable only by ferry, air plane, or sea plane - bet a Mac could do the trick - now that you have had it for a few days, you might want to look at-
http://hotels.travelzoo.com/lodging-hotels/328542

[Chinook]

If you check out Duane Dunn's description of his San Juan Cruise on the Events Page, you'll see his Mac tied up at the Rosario dock. Definitely an excellent cruising destination.

[Gerry the fish]

Hello everyone - I just ordered a Macgregor M at the Portland Boat Show - very excited. We take delivery April 5th and have a trip planned to the San Juans in June.

I plan on sailing mostly on the Columbia - I need to find moorage near Portland for the summer and somewhere to keep the trailor year round. Any recommendations?

I already have a lido 14 and am truly hooked on the joy of sailing - my wife calls it meditation. There is something magical about quietely making a wake.

We have been looking for a while and ended up on the Macgregor because of our love of the San Juans. It just seems like the perfect boat - sail when theres wind and motor when you need it.

[Mark J]

Hello Gerry,
Congratulations! We went the same route a few years ago (bought an M from BWY, moor on the Columbia during the summer with a few trips to the San Juans). Been a great boat for the river and the SJs, and I am eagerly awaiting the new season. Getting out about once a month if the sun's shining.

For moorage, I've been at Tomahawk Bay for the summer months. Nice to be out on the island. One downside is the I5 traffic during the work week (if you're planning to get to the boat before 6:00pm).
Looked at some of the Marinas along Marine Drive (near Salty's), but have gone back to Tomahawk for the past three years. Ideally, I might find something at one of the small marinas on the South shore
(right across the channel from the Island Cafe).

Chinook RV Storage in Fairview (on Marine Drive) is a convenient location for a boat/trailer. Perhaps not the cheapest option, tho.

http://www.columbiacrossings.com/

PM if you'ld like more detail or price info.

[Gerry the fish]

Hi again - 3 weeks to new boat and I cant wait. I have moorage in Hayden Bay for the summer.

Cheryl recommends not using the boat ramp on Marine Drive - Im not sure why. Any other suggestions? Marine Park on vancouver side? Ive heard its not open - but I'll drive up this weekend and see.

[jeffz]

Gerry,

Welcome to the Mac world. I believe Marine park here on the WA sidie is open. It gets pretty tricky when windy. It is a nice launch though. We moor at Steamboat landing just east of 205 on the WA side.


Hope to see you on the water.


JeffZ

[Mark J]

Hello Gerry,
Here's to a great first season with the boat!

The Gleason ramp is a somewhat un-friendly
(the docks angle away from the ramp, and there can be cross-winds).
Would guess Cheryl's advice is a conservative recommendation to avoid
stress for a first-time launch.

If you do use Gleason, a long (50') bow line is very helpful.
And rather than walking the boat back off the trailer, you
can have the trailer/driver pull the rig forward.

As an alternative ramp, Chinook Landing is a great facility.
8 lanes in a calm little bay. No wind, no current.
Downside is the 10 miles down river to Hayden Bay.
But that can be an upside if there's an east wind.
Nice stretch of river past Government Island.

http://www.metro-region.org/index.cfm/g ... b/id=24595

Have Fun,
Mark

[nemo]

I live in Oregon (Aloha near Beaverton) and most often will launch on the north (Washington) side of the Columbia River at Marine park. It's about the easiet ramp around.

Yes there can be cross winds but just come in with rudders down and dagger board at least half down, with ballast full. Don't try and pilot right onto your trailer - just pull up to the dock and then walk your boat onto the trailer with lines. Easy money.

Last weekend I launched on the Nehalem river at Nehalem Bay, near the coast. Now *that* was a challenging ramp coming back in. Tide was going out and depth was only a few feet deep when I came back in (I knew tide was going out and was monitoring closely). Cross current and cross wind in the same direction. And no docks perpendicular to the coast. Very difficult to motor onto the trailer.

I made it okay - no damage to boat or anything, but would like to know any tricks for this situation.

[jeffz]

I would concur with nemo about marine park.

Have tried to "pilot several times" in cross wind plus current. Made it when winds were under 10. But if it is pretty rough, like on 12/1/07 taking out for the season, just let it take you to the dock and walk her on the trailer. The admiral was much more agreeable. And my wounded ego was happy that the Mac was in one piece.

[Gerry the fish]

Finally the wait is over, the boat arrived Saturday along with the rain.

We launched at Gleason ramp and motored down to the moorage on Hayden bay in light rain. Oh well - its not really sailing unless your feet are freezing, your bum's wet and and the admiral is grumpy! Really thrilled to have "Saoirse" in town. Its a great place if you're a duck!



We would also like to say what a pleasure its been to work with Cheryl and Gail from Bluewater Yachts. We walked away from a different boat last year due to a horrible experience with the dealer on the east coast. This time it was great to work with professionals. The boat arrived clean and ready to sail, Cheryl was very patient with us at the dock, and we are glad we ordered the "super cruising package" as their upgrades have been very well thought through.

We were going to launch at Marine park - but the Salmon were running and the fishermen were out in droves - so we used Gleason, which had just a little more room. Gotta have 2 extra 50 foot lines for Gleason - on the left side the dock is a long way from the ramp.

Gerry & Jennifer

[Captain Steve]

congrats Gerry and Jennifer. I am in Portland for a conference this week. I would like to take credit for the half hour of sun this afternoon...It was all that I could pack in from So cal. Enjoy your new boat!

[Mark J]

Great shot of the boat settled in at the marina with its feathered friends. Glad you found a launch spot. The boat ramps are as busy as mid-summer (or busier) with the salmon run in progress.

Looks like a perfect weather window this weekend. No doubt the work of another traveling Californian. Wind may not be perfect, but it will be nice to see the sun.

The Island Cafe opens up this Saturday, too!

To a great season on the water.

[Gerry the fish]

Thanks for that.

We will be out early Saturday and again Sunday. Hopefully there will be wind.