Pacific NW boat thoughts

What time of year would you be cruising? I assume summer months or close? An 85 Fleming is more than enough boat to handle most weather conditions from Puget Sound up through inside passage of Alaska. The trip from Puget Sound to Alaska only has two short open water passages, the rest is all protected. Of course you can go on the outside as well if you prefer. I know many folks that make the trip up/back to Alaska every year in far less capable boat than 85 Fleming. With a 130’ you’re going to have difficulty finding moorage. Even with 85 you will be limited in many places.

In most areas draft is not much of a concern. Unless you have some specific shallower places you intend to go I don’t think you will have issues.

Curious why Port Angeles? Nothing wrong with PA but if you want to do the San Juans and up to Alaska why start out there?

It is fantastic when weather cooperates. And you can spend a lifetime exploring without seeing the same place twice if you want to.
Happy to help if you need more info. My business is in Portland, Seattle and Ketchikan so I know these areas pretty well. I keep my boat in Ketchikan because that is my favorite area and used to live there. If you make it up here I would be happy to coordinate with you and show you some nice spots. I might even share the location of a Halibut hole or two with you

I’m biased, but believe that the PNW waters offer some of the most beautiful cruising grounds in the world. Regarding Marina locations, the US San Juan Islands (Roche Harbor, Friday Harbor are two that come to mind) or southern Canadian waters are options you may wish to consider. Numerous large US boats are moored in VanIsle Marina (Sidney) for example, a first class facility. To get a feel for the cruising waters and facilities in the PNW (Washington, British Columbia, Southeast Alaska) you will find the Waggoner Cruising Guide a very useful resource. It’s “the bible” up here.

+1 on Waggoner’s.

I am in Portland OR but if I were basing a boat in US waters it would be Anacortes or Port Townsend or Roche harbor or Friday harbor. 130 is a bit large for the moorings and marina availability unless you go to Lake Washington Seattle.

Bayliners and searay and navigators an meridians and carvers do that type of cruising all summer, no problem with seamanship.

In 2021 we attempted to relocate our 75 MY from Florida to Seattle area. Logistics of the move were relatively easy and cruising the area has always been something on the bucket list. However, moorage was a hard stop. Spent an entire month trying to secure moorage, looked from Olympia northward and NOTHING was available other than Canada and Canada had Covid restrictions.

2022 is a new year and things should be “easing” with respect to Canada. However, the stateside moorage may be worthy of some due diligence.

Sidney BC and Anacortes WA offer the support network you will need for a vessel like that. Skilled trades and availability of parts and supplies have been, and remain, a challenge on the Olympic Peninsula. You may be able to store on land in Anacortes when not cruising.

+1 on the support network. Very important. Also Sidney is an easy place to fly in and out of. Victoria Int’l Airport is minutes away. Can’t personally speak to FBO facilities, though.

Both incredible boats but given the area you are looking to cruise I think the Fleming would give you more flexibility with moorage and would be a great size to take in this beautiful area. If you intended on a large crew or quite a few guests perhaps the 130WP would be a better choice. I keep my boat in Everett and own a boat shed there which is a wonderful for boat moorage. Unfortunately I think there are only maybe 3 houses that would fit a 85 Fleming and they rarely if ever come to market.

I circumnavigated Vancouver Island 2 summers ago and it was a great trip. I can see why cruisers like to spend so much time on the inside of the island. I just prefer to fish the outside.

If you are flying private and it could land at Roche Harbor that is where I would keep the boat if it were me. Airstrip is right at the marina. You would already be where many, myself included go to vacation. Also is a great spot to go North from as well as ferry service to mainland if needed.

Keep in mind that just because one is 130ft and the other is 85ft does not mean the bigger one will handle weather better. Having run a Westport 130 and a Fleming 75, now the 78 I personally think the Fleming rides better providing you don't need the extra cabin space. Depending on your speed requirements, you might consider one of the larger Nordhavns. Great sea boats, very roomy and there are a bunch of them in the PNW. There is a dealer/service center in Anacortes. https://nordhavnonly.com/locations/

Just remember, here in the PNW specially on the BC side of the border, the killer whales eat fiberglass for lunch and unless your boat can walk on logs, bring lots of spare running gear..

La Paz. BCS.

Roche Harbor is great and a favourite. Early morning walks up the dock to the Lime Kiln Cafe for freshly baked donuts are tradition. Airstrip is 3600 ft. though. Too short for any but the lightest jets. Check the details on Roche Harbor Resort website. We’ve flown guests in on chartered light twins, but that’s it.