Mukilteo launch ramps

L

localboy

New member
I had a reason to be down in the Mukilteo area so I decided to check out the boat launch area to familiarize myself w/ it, just in case. The docks are gone but seemed to be stored nearby, surrounded by temp fencing, and the pilings are still there. :? Anyone know why? I figured they were either repairing them or maybe it's a winter thing?

There were still two empty trailers in the lot and for the life of me, I wondered how the heck they got into their boats; that water is COLD.
 
Yes, They take the docks out every winter as they would get pretty beat up there. My buddies used to Launch their 23 foot glassply there in the winter, basically you have to beach it to get in or out, and try to avoid the pilings that hold the docks there in the summer. Kind of a gravel beach if I remember correctly and depending on the tide/wind launching and retreiving can be interesting there(read scary/dangerous). I always just went to Everett with my 22, as the launches are primo there,and are so much more protected, but I might launch the 16 there from time to time in the summer. Not alot of choices in that stretch of area 9, I sure wish Edmonds had a regular launch intead of the sling.

Sark
 
I hate that ramp and will never us it again. too many big rollers coming in off the ferry and cruisers going by. Its unprotected and just a bad spot. you gain nothing by launching there. In the time it takes to trailer down there from the highway you could have boated from everett ramp.
 
OK. Thanks. Guess my one guess was right. There were a lot of logs etc there and I wasn't impressed with the facilities. I agree w/ you Tom; it's much more beneficial to us to just use Everett for the reasons you mentioned. The only reason I checked was I was up the road w/ a few minutes to kill so I took a sight seeing tour.
 
Usually I try to restrain myself from disparaging comments or at least I try to make the comment positive.....so here is my "positive" comment about the Mukilteo Launch Ramp.....it is a FANTASTIC place to go watch others launch and retrieve their boats (even when the docks are in place) when the winds and mixed seas combine near the ramp, just be sure to plug sensitive ears as they just might hear some new words that haven't yet made it into Websters Dictionary.... :mrgreen:
 
Mukilteo Launch Ramp is really fun when the trailer goes off of the end of the ramp. :shock: The current has usually washed about a 3 ft. drop off at the end of the cement :amgry Everett is a hands down winner. :thup
 
Capn Jack":36sld6yu said:
Mukilteo Launch Ramp is really fun when the trailer goes off of the end of the ramp. :shock: The current has usually washed about a 3 ft. drop off at the end of the cement :amgry Everett is a hands down winner. :thup
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All ramps should have the end of the cement/pavement marked clearly with a post at end and line on the dock (if there is one), and/or some other means. :!:

Backing off the end of a ramp is very hazardous, and can be disasterous in tidal areas with a flooding tide. :smileo

I've heard of vehicles not only dropping trailer wheels off the end of the ramp, but the rear wheels of the tow vehicle as well. :cry

Don't ask me how I know! :oops: (Long ago!)

Joe. :teeth :thup
 
Oh the memories of that ramp. In the late 70's my father and I took the below boat out. We went across to Hat Island as I recall. Just a few small waves that afternoon. Trolled around for salmon, wind started to pickup - we decided to head back. It was a little bumpy coming back. Got to that ramp, and started pulling boat on trailer. A big wave came and sunk the rear of the boat and motor. Somehow, we got on the trailer and emptied it out. Tom - we didn't hook any salmon that day either.

My dad spent the next several weeks tearing down his motor and repairing it. That was my last experience at the Mukilteo ramp, and never see reason to go back. So, my dad still has his boat, and it goes out once a year on the lake - more if its a Sockeye season.

IMG_0307.sized.jpg
 
Peter,
They have made considerable attractive improvements to the Mukilteo Park, however, even if they made improvements to the ramp it would be very difficult to improve in the launching capabilites there without the construction of a breakwater, which I doubt they would do. There was recent discussion about moving the ferry landing further north, but I don't know if that included a launch ramp change. If I'm not mistaken the ferry landing relocation was put on hold due to the "tight economic times".
 
I is VERY exposed. I looked around more to know the layout, if GOD forbid, I needed to run there for an emergency. Since we usually launch at Everett, it's "in the neighborhood".

Any feedback on Camano State Park? Seemed very similiar, but without the obvious ferry wakes. So far I like Everett, except on those CRAZY summer weekends when the place is WAAAAAAY too crowded. Bellingham is a good option for the SJ/Gulf Isands and beyond and Cornet Bay seems OK, although I don't know the condition of the ramp itself.
 
The ramps at Cornet bay are in very good condition, six lanes. Easy launch and recovery except at a minus tide (and I've even done that.) Good security and parking. Camano Island ramps had been just a ramp with no dock but I've heard that a dock was put in there. Anybody know for sure?
 
On Camano the loading docks were installed last year. During the winter they take out 2-3 section of the 5 sections. This is 2 lane and a very busy ramp. You are exposed to the tide the currents the cross wind and the trawlers that never slow down and send a constant series of 3 foot wakes. Many of the trawlers cut very close to the ramp and tend to really throw you off while lining up with the dock. the current usually runs sideways to the ramp along with the wind. Before the dock boats would be bouncing all over the place. Now the big issue is the angle of the dock allows the logs seaweed and "lots" of gravel" to block the ramp. It definately has issues.
 
Thanks all.

Barry I've only been there (Cornet) a couple of times and that was long before we bought 'Au Kai. We took a shower there once on our way west through Deception Pass, en route to the SJ's.

Don & Brenda, I did notice the docks etc seemed "new" looking when we passed it this summer. My in-laws like to camp at the park above, so this may be a site we'd like to use. Our thought is, dump the boat and run the truck & trailer up to the campsite for security purposes. Just a possibility.

Trying to get a handle on the ramps on this side of The Sound. I wish Anacortes had a ramp vs the straps but...
 
There are Twin bridges works just fine except at minus 2 tides or lower. Best at a 3 plus or more. Also the washington park ramp except on west north west winds and low tides. And of course some folks like bellingham. No need to use and pay for the straps.
 
Hi Mark

Don't get me wrong I use the Camano state park almost all the time, it is 2 miles from the house, our house. I have launched and retrieved at minus tides. At the end of the ramp are some concrete extentions and I have put both trailer wheels in the sand without a problem. Only big problem is you run out of dock when this happens. During crab season it is very packed and the crowd can get a bit uncivil.. Cost is $7. I have launched out of Washington Park Anacortes many times, and as Tom says, if the wind is blowing the wrong way it can be difficult. It is a 2 lane and can get busy. You can leave your vehicle there overnight for an extra fee of course. Nice thing is in a few minutes you are in the San Juans.
 
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