Transport Fl. boat or sell and buy local PNW boat

"Need" is a tricky word. I will tell you when we were there in the summer, we sure used it.

One thing I've observed is that those use to AC will keep it cooler than those who don't use it frequently. While 78 degrees and balmy and humid might be just fine to those use to that in the PNW, we'd cool it down to a highest 75 degrees and possibly even as low as 72 degrees.

We use AC every time we are on the boat nearly all year long in the Seattle area. We have no portholes in our master and my wife likes a cool room so we run it all the time except for maybe a couple of months during dec-feb (when we switch to reverse). It really depends on the vessel. Our previous one we only fired it up a few times.

We also use our reverse cycle for heating which seems to be adequate but I have added a dehumidifier during the winter months which makes a huge difference in the warmth of the cabin. The high humidity during the cool winters can be "bone chilling". Its incredible how much water the dehumidifier will remove. Conversely, the nice feature of the diesel heat is generally very little power draw compared to reverse AC Heat when we need either the generator or shore power.

I’ve used my a/c twice in Alaska this summer so far. I had to put a post on here to figure out how to even use it properly.

Not part of the Seattle crowd, but I'd have a problem with it regardless of where I was, Seattle or Podunk or any area. I'd have a problem if you were the one walking unescorted. There is nowhere in the world that I'd feel it's safe and wise to walk alone in such fashion, or really for that matter to row alone. There are criminals and deranged individuals wherever you are and it only takes one. I think one needs to be very careful not to be lulled into a false sense of security thinking an area is low crime.

As you say, her previous encounter was totally random and it's not something limited to Santa Monica.

Much depends on where you find moorage. It’s not easy. We are on west lake and there are walking/biking paths all along it. I would say it’s generally safe but there are certainly some homeless. If you end up on the canal it’s more industrial and probably not as nice. For what you seek Kirkland would be the best. Very safe. Great marinas. Very tough to get into.

best of luck. When you come up pm me and if we are around more than happy to maybe share my experiences.

Lake Union is pretty safe in most areas. Amazon has moved there years back and it’s all young yuppies. Still a few homeless. And some that look homeless. It are Amazon millionaires. Walking in daylight is going to relatively safe.

My wife is from Seattle, and was visiting earlier this month. She stayed at the Marriot on Lake Union, and said she was harassed by a homeless person while walking the dog in the dark. There has always been an abundance of homeless in that city, but she said it's a whole new level these days.

I guess every area has its issues. Try walking from Hall of Fame to 7-11 after dark in Ft Lauderdale. We just left North Palm Beach which I would say is extremely safe..... and very very very boring. Lol. I guess being close to restaurants and night life has its down sides.

You WILL need block heaters. But better to keep the boat you know and like, then buy another and start outfitting it. Plus the 75’ hatteras rides like a dream at 10 knots and efficient if you choose to run it that way.

Plenty of engines without block heaters or oil pan stick on heat pads in the Seattle/PNW area. I am not saying you don't need them, just that it can be done without them. I think it is a great idea though.