GPS and Your boat

The coast guard has definite rules to required boating safety equipment. These include personal flotation devices, visual distress signal, and fire extinguisher just to name a few. But what about equipment that promotes safe boating that is not required by law. A GPS system is one such device. Although you may think that GPS is something that is not necessary on a boat if you have charts the following story of my experience demonstrates why we now have a GPS system that works through our laptop computers.

I own a 32’ boat that I have had since 2004. In May of 2005 we started an annual cruise on Memorial weekend. We meet a group at Jerrels Cove state park in Washington’s South Puget Sound. We had spent the summer before traveling the Southern part of Puget Sound and thought it would be an easy cruise down but turned out to be quite an adventure.

We choose to leave Thursday evening after work. It was a late start but we were confident in where we were going. It was not the first time we had been to Jerrels Cove. It was a nice evening and took our time cruising down to the island where the cove was located. We go into sight of the island just as dusk was approaching and figured another hour’s time and we would arrive just after dark set in.
I put potatoes in the over to cook timing them to be done when we arrived. It got dark but we continued on our way knowing we were close to the turn around the north side of the island. We continued north looking for our turn. About an hour later we were still headed north and dinner was done. We had our dinner and I commented that we should probably be heading south by this point. I was reassured that we were close to the turn and helped look for the left turn that would take us around the end of the island.

In the distance se saw lights to what appeared to be a harbor. Knowing there was no harbor with that many lights near the north end of the island we knew we had missed our turn. By now it was dark with no moon to light the way. We turned and headed south knowing that was the way to Jerrels Cove. We were not sure how far north we had gone but thought following the coast line was a good bet. We were wrong.

A short time later we saw the north end of a island. We thought it was Hartsein Island and continued down the west side. It wasn’t to far when we realized our mistake. Out of the darkness cam a bridge and it was too soon to be the bridge on Hartsein from the main land. This was when we turned on our depth sounder to see where the water level was. We were in about 4’ of water and our boat needs 3.5’ feet. It was closer than I wanted to be and I was put on the front of the boat with a spot light. I knew we were in trouble when I could see the bottom.

We went back out and around the north end of that island no knowing which island it was. We assumed we just missed our turn by one island. Being unable to see much in the dark the charts we had on board did little good for knowing where we were. We had no real idea on how much time we spent traveling north past our turning point. We followed this island down to its southern point and turned west again.

Yet again we ended up in shallow water. We knew this wasn’t right because the northern end of Hartsien is not shallow. We also knew we had not passed Hartsein and I was still on the bow of the boat with the spot light. I continued to scan the water and shore line as we once again went around the north end of this island. As we were coming around the north end I caught the reflection of something in my light. When I pointed the light up, I was watching the depth of the water, there was a boat floating in front. It was an eye opening experience to be so close to a collision.

We made it around and found the next island to be Harstein. It was just a short trip to Jerrels Cove now. It had taken us 2 hours to get back to this point, by now it was about 1am. We got into the cove and just wanted to find a state park float to tie too. It was crowded and we had to anchor out. Our dog needed a potty walk bad by this point. We had been on the boat since about 6pm with no break. We anchored, dropped the dingy, and took the dog to the dock for his bathroom break. Our friends were there but getting ready for bed. That is all I wanted to do after that trip down.

The next morning we got up and moved to the dock to join our friends. They got a good laugh out of our trip. I too can laugh now but then it wasn’t funny. We now have GPS and the next year when it was dark we found our way. We spread the word on how important this program is just in case you find yourself in the dark while boating. There are no roads or lights to guide your way.

We have fun every year on this trip but that first one I will never forget. It is still talked about when we arrive every year. It was an adventure I will not repeat with the GPS program. The next year we probably would have missed our turn again without the program to guide us. It is inexpensive and easy to use. I recommended it to boaters that have a larger boat and take trips overnight.

The program that we use is Offshore Navigator Lite by Maptech. We connect a GPS antenna to the computer and it tracks our location. It was inexpensive at about $50.00 for the antenna and $50.00 for the digital maps. It cost more in gas when we got lost and gives us peace of mind when we go out now. There are other GPS systems for boating but no matter which on you us it can be an important piece of safety equipment.

Well this weekend was kinda boring. We went to the boat Friday night and were joined by Gary and Lonnie. We partied on Lonnie's boat. I was the smart one and went to bed early but did not get to sleep through the night. Dana came over at 4 am to wake me to party with him and Lonnie, Gary had already gone home. I relented and got up, Dana didn't give me much of a choice. I should have locked the door to the boat, I will next time. We continued to party until the sun came up. Dana and Lonnie were parting like 20 somethings.


This was Dana's position all of Saturday. I only saw Lonnie when I went over to walk his dog. Ed and Carol came down and we started Saturday horn test. Sorry Dana, not much sleep then, LOL. I encouraged the horn tests all day. It was a beautiful sunny day. Chuck came over from down the marina to visit and we all laughed about Dana. He really is getting a little old to party all night.



Dana's dad Jack came down around 11 am we got up but Dana couldn't hang for long. Yes, I took a nap to get the rest of the sleep that was interrupted. Jack didn't stay long, Dana was lousy company. He really slept all day. I kept Simba, Lonnie's dog, company much to Jack's, the dog, disgust. I did get some homework done but not much else. Dana was grumpy when I tried to work inside the boat.



While Saturday was beautiful Sunday was rainy and windy. We went home early because Dana couldn't get the work done outside. He didn't get much done except cleaning the bilge out Sunday morning. I cooked a large breakfast and invited Ed and Carol over. It was nice visiting and to see Dana some what recovered. He still had no energy. With the weather preventing outside work that need to be done we went home early. Dana needed to get the bench seat for upstairs rebuilt. That didn't happen. Dana got home and went vertical again. A two day hang over. Was it really worth it Dana? I know I was tired of watching hime sleep.

Lonnie did finally show up later morning Sunday. He was still feeling poorly but Simba wanted to go home. Can't blame her. Lonnie wasn't much fun either.

Friends, food, and fun

I forgot to take pictures but it was a weekend full of friends and family. We went to the boat on friday afternoon and were met at the dock by my mom and at the boat by my daughter and her friend. It was a nice warm afternoon with the sun bright and the breeze light. We sat on the top deck with family and neighbors till it was to cold to do so. We moved the party inside for dinner and drinks. I cooked steaks on the BBQ with the wind blowing. Yes the wind started and made it hard to BBQ. It blew out once and I had to turn it up and keep a close eye on the steaks. They were done to perfection.

Saturday was another beautiful day and more neighbors came down. Dana managed to get some rewiring done on the upper deck while I worked on homework in the morning. By early afternoon neighbors started to arrive and the visiting started. It is always slow going once that starts. We hung on the dock boxes with cocktails and beers while enjoying the sun and friends. Dinner was another opportunity to have neighbors over for steaks. The wind started in the evening and we moved the party inside. It is always fun to entertain on the boat.

Sunday started off nice but soon the clouds rolled in. We managed to hang on the dock boxes while the rain stopped but soon found ourselves running for cover. Dana managed to wash the boat, something he wanted to get done Saturday but didn't. More neighbors came down and the work was divided with visiting down the dock. I played lazy and read a book when the rain drove me inside. We stayed late and had dinner, taking naps before packing up and going home to prepare for the dreaded Monday.

A work weekend

Well this last weekend was a work weekend. It is just part of owning a boat that something always needs to be done. My job was spring cleaning. I hate that part but at least it is a small space to clean.

Dana was the lucky one. His job was outside. The bench on the upper deck needed to be removed to be rebuilt and stop the leaks found over the winter. We got things done on Saturday to relax some on Sunday.

I was really suprised that there were not many people on our dock Saturday. The marina itself was busy with many going out for the day or the weekend. My daughter came down with a friend to have dinner. We BBQ and had the neighbor in for dinner. I was nice to visit with Mike.

Sunday we were ready to pack it in when neighbors started stopping by. It was cloudy and cold but that didn't stop us from sitting on dock boxes to visit. I do look forward to the nice weekends ahead.

Blake Island February 20, 2010

We took our first boat trip of the season to Blake Island for the weekend. This crane was outside our marina in Commencement Bay. It was a beautiful morning but a little cold. The sky was clear and bright. The water was calm but full of debris. We left to join our friends Saturday morning after spending the night on the boat.

We cruised up the Colvil Passage on the west side of Vashon Island. It was quiet but being cold we cruised from inside the boat. The were some boaters who joined us on such a nice crisp morning. It was a two hour boat ride to Blake Island, enough time for me to cook breakfast.


We arrived at Blake Island around 10:30 am to few spots left. We got lucky and were able to dock near our friend Ed and Carol. They had arrived 30 minutes prior to us and let us know there were not many spots left so we picked up speed to get the spot. By noon all the spots were filled and people were cruiseing in to find no spots and not staying. Jack was happy to be out on the boat.



Dana spent most of the day laying in bed getting some much need relaxation time. Jack and I left him to his rest and went visiting. Later in the afternoon Dana took Jack for a walk to check out the fire wood that was left in one of the shelters. When he got back he saw a raccoon on our back deck. I was in the boat totally unaware of our little visitor. The raccoon ran down the dock onto the back of Ed & Carol's boat and under the dock. Jack found the raccoon under the dock and tried his best to get it to play. He spent an hour chasing the raccoon under the dock until we finally dragged him away. Every time he went back out side he looked under the dock.

After dinner we went up to one of the shelters for a bon fire. It was a crisp clear night and we could see the lights of Seattle. It was a beautiful sight. I wish I had my camera. We saw about five deer in the field and Jack just quietly watched them graise. It was a cold night but the fire was warm.

Sunday it was time to head home. We cruised the same way home but this time with Ed & Carol. We like the Colvil Passage because there are no ships that use that route. The were other boaters heading home at a fast pace but we were happy to cruise slow with our friends. Part way down the passage we stopped to retrieve a bumper. This is the best way to collect them. It was tangled in the middle of a debris field.

We got back to the dock around 1:00 pm. Other boaters we there and we visited for a while. Boaters are such a friendly lot.

We had some minor boat issues but these are normal for the first real trip. We seem to have a problem with getting bad gas and will probably spend another boating season fighting this problem. We also had a problem lighting the propane on our fridge. I was able to wait to fix it when we got back since Blake Island now has power at the docks. Next weekend they are calling for rain but I would still like to spend the weekend at the boat even if we don't go out.

Kicking off Boating Season

I have been enjoy my Puget Sound boating experience for the last 5 years, have had lots of fun and meet many new friendly people. We enjoy boating year round in the snug comfort of our 32 ft Cruise-A-Home. For those that don't know what a Crusie-A-Home is it is like a Winnabago hence we call it our boatabago. It has a large open cabin and plenty of lower and upper deck space. We have easily fit 10 people on board for a day cruise and slept 7 on night this past summer.

Our kick off is Memorial Day weekend each year. We cruise down to Jerrell's Cover on the north end of Hartstien Island in south Puget Sound each year. We pull out Thursday morning and make a quick trip to arrive before 2PM to get dock space. It is such a popular spot it gets full quickly.

Each year many of the same people meet down their for a fun full weekend. We have buffet style meals with everyone contributing their favorite dish. We all line up on the dock to enjoy the food and conversation. It is our dog Jack's favorite time. Even friends from the camp ground come to join us.

I look forward to this trip again this year, seeing all the friends I have made and making new ones.