Dock Street Marina in Tacoma named best in the nation - 2009
Dock Street Marina in Tacoma has been named 2009 Marina of the Year by a national publication focused on marinas and boatyards.
Marina Dock Age magazine recognizes two marinas annually for their “spectacular facilities and dedication to customer service, as well as a continued commitment in areas such as environmental responsibility, advertising and marketing, industry and community involvement, and facility improvements,” according to a release.
Dock Street Marina was chosen as the 2009 winner in the small category (fewer than 250 slips), while Las Vegas Boat Harbor Inc. in Henderson, Nev., won in the large category (250-plus slips). In announcing the award, the magazine cited Dock Street Marina’s “first-class service” and amenities including slip-side pumpout facilities, cable TV, broadband and wireless Internet, private showers and bathrooms, and gated access.
Also mentioned was Dock Street’s 320-foot excursion dock, used for visiting commercial vessels and charter boats, as well as its launching float and kayak storage area.
Dock Street is an “integral part” of Tacoma’s downtown revitalization project, the release noted, which has restored the once-rundown waterfront into a vibrant area filled with shops, restaurants and museums.
Did you know you can get a tax credit on gas?
When Washington Boaters go to the fuel dock and purchase gasoline for a boat, boaters pay a GAS TAX, which is included in the price of your marine fuel. The majority of this 37.5¢ per gallon gas tax is a road tax and intended to be paid by drivers of cars (– not boats!) to maintain highways, bridges, and ferries. Boats do not extend wear and tear on highways, bridges, and ferries, so a portion of the tax has been declared exempt from boat fuel. However, boaters must do the work to file a claim to get the refund for this gas tax.
The Washington motor boat gas tax refund process is largely unclaimed by boaters. Many boaters are unaware of the refund benefit or don't see enough value in the refund process to bother with filing a claim.
According to the Department of Licensing (DOL), boaters who file a claim can receive a partial refund of the 37.5¢ tax they paid at the fuel dock. The difference between the 37.5¢ per gallon paid and the 20¢ per gallon refund is made up of: 1) State sales tax, and 2) a penny per gallon contribution to the Coastal Protection Fund. The DOL has devised an "Average Cost" to simplify the process which gives the boater a flat sales tax rate of approximately 17.5¢ per gallon.
Most DIESEL FUEL sold at fuel docks already has the state road tax deducted from the price at the pump. There is neither road tax paid nor refund due for most marine diesel fuel. Untaxed marine diesel fuel is identified by its dyed color, usually red. If a boater buys clear diesel fuel, it is most likely taxed and that tax would be entitled to the same refund process as gasoline. Check with your fuel dock on the tax status of their diesel sold.
How to File your Claim:
The link to our website for refunds is: http://dol.wa.gov/vehicleregistration/ftrefunds.html
The Flag Is Flying At Blake Island!
We would like to throw out a big "THANKS" to the club members of the Northwest Boating Council.
The Flag is up and flying over Blake and it's a big one!
Tacoma's "Backyard Boat" Is On The Move!
Click "Here" to see the story and video. Over 20 years in the making. (A King 5 news story)
West Marine in Seattle Has Moved!
West Marine representatives say the company’s new Seattle store across from Lake Union will be its premier Northwest location, offering an expanded selection of products and several new services.
The store at 1275 Westlake Ave. will replace the location a few blocks away on Mercer Street, which is now closed. Workers have moving merchandise and operations to the new store and is now opened. (Across the street from the Rock Salt)
The Westlake store will include 18,000 square feet of retail space, about 50 percent more than the Mercer site, and offer an expanded selection of electronics, maintenance items, fasteners, inflatable goods, engines, plumbing materials and soft goods such as clothing.
Shore Power At Blake Island -
Power is up and running on the docks at Blake Island. Both docks "A" and "B" has 6 poles on each. Each pole has two 30amp shore power outlets. They're charging $6 a night for power along with their .50 cents a foot moorage rate.
Blake Island has 1,500 feet of dock space at the marina along with 24 mooring buoys around the island. Blake also has a pump out on a separate dock next to breakwater.
With power at Blake Island, annual moorage permits for Washington State Parks are starting to look pretty good. They run $3.50 a foot with a minimum of $50. You can purchase permits online. We don't believe the permits cover power but we'll be looking into that and get back.
Washington State Web Site for Boaters
OLYMPIA – Washington State has created a new Web site for boaters that consolidates and simplifies access to a variety of information on boating services, rules and regulations, places to boat, fishing licenses, and boating news, the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office announced today.
"The new Web site: http://www.boat.wa.gov/ provides a portal to dozens of boating- related sources of information, and hopefully will make it easier for boaters to find what they need to recreate safely and enjoyably," said Kaleen Cottingham, director of the Recreation and Conservation Office, which put the site together.
Rosario and Blakely Opened!
As most of you know, Rosario and Blakely went through some changes. Our friends at Waggoner Cruising Guide have visited the two as of June '09 and report they are up and running.
Rosario - The dining room, lounge, spa, gift shop, indoor pool and upper swimming pool are closed. But the docks are in good shape, and Gary Joseph remains as dock manager. The fuel dock has gasoline and diesel. The lower swimming pool, which always was for families, is open, with bright new poolside furniture and umbrellas. The Cascade Bay Grill at the head of the dock has a well-stocked convenience store.
Blakely - Visitor moorage is available and all the facilities are open. They’re still stocking the store, and the beer and wine license is expected be in place sometime around mid-June. The showers and restrooms are clean and in good order, the laundry room is working, and the fuel dock is pumping gasoline and diesel. They monitor VHF 66A. Call (360)375-6121 for reservations and more information.
Lake Union / Lake Washington On The Rise!
The yearly water level increase in Lake Washington, Lake Union and the Ship Canal has begun, and will continue until June 1. The difference between winter and summer levels in only about two feet or a little more, but it seems greater. If you boat is moored in this waterway, check your lines regularly until June, and again in the autumn, when the water begins its slow drop to winter levels.
Gig Harbor - Ship to Shore is Moving
Ship to Shore Marine and Kayaks in Gig Harbor is moving across from the Jerisich Park City Dock, at 3306 Harborview Drive. Ship to Shore is an excellent marine store as well as a sea kayak dealer. Move-in is scheduled for the third week of March.
Bayliner / Meridian Roche Harbor Rendezvous
Lake Union Sea Ray will be hosting this years Bayliner/Meridian Roche Harbor Rendezvous.
The dates will be the same from past years, June 4-7th. This year’s theme is Rally at Roche. Click Roche Harbor Rendezvous for more information. Space will be limited...
Lake Union Sea Ray Picks Up Bayliner And Trophy
Seattle - As we reported in September of '08, Lake Union Sea Ray would be picking up the Bayli
ner line. It's now offical and along with Bayliner, Trophy has been added as well. As most of you know, Meridian was added soon after Olympic Boat Center went bankrupt.
Lake Union Sea Ray is the Northwest authorized dealer for Sea Ray, Meridian, Bayliner, Trophy, Boston Whaler, C-Dory and Harborcraft with 4 show rooms and 5 parts and service centers in Seattle, Fife, Redmond, Everett and Bellingham.
Check out their website! As for Maxum, no word yet but we'll keep watching...
Blakely Island Marina to Re-open for 2009 Season - Artical from Waggoner Cruising Guide
February 2009. We’ve just spoken with Glen Tompkins, who is involved with the Blakely Island homeowners association, and he says they plan to have the store, marina and fuel dock open for visiting boaters this season. They bought the store fixtures and stock from the previous operator, so the soda fountain will be operating. Early-morning donuts, however, are doubtful. “It takes real dedication to make donuts at 4:00 a.m. every day,” Glen said.
They aren’t sure if the store will continue to sell beer and wine.
At the moment, a store operator has not been chosen, although several people are interested, Glen said.
The Blakely Island Marina phone number shown in the Waggoner, (360)375-6121, referred us to Glen Tompkins’ number. We recommend that boaters interested in reservations call the marina number first and follow the recorded instructions.
2008:
New Washrooms And Showers At Union Steamship Marina - Dec '08
Union Steamship Marina at Snug Cove, Bowen Island has received their new washroom-shower float for the docks. The second floor houses three separate shower rooms and a ladies and men’s Room, a TV and computer lounge, and an additional washer/dryer. An employee’s security suite will also be on the second floor. The marina’s reception office and utility room will be on the first floor. 
Located at the head of Snug Cove, the Union Steamship Co. Marina is a First-class facility that can handle boats from 20 to 200 feet. The resort features boardwalks that wind around turn-of-the-20th-century buildings and the park. Snug Cove is locatred at the entrance to Howe Sound on the Strait of Georgia, a great base for exploring the Sunshine Coast.
Snug Cove evokes the era of the days when Bowen Island was the area's most popular steamship day excursion. It is still surrounded by a 600 acre park that preserves the historical character. The park features lakes and beaches, walking and cycling trails, and large picnic areas. Up the village street there's an organic produce market, barber shop, liquor, a bookstore and a good selection of craft shops.
Rosario Resort Sold! - Oct '08
The historic Rosario Resort on Orcas Island was sold at auction September 30. According to the Seattle Times, the buyer asked that his identity and the sale price and terms not be released immediately. The Times report says the buyer is a Puget Sound (but not San Juans) resident, who loves the San Juans. We hope to see some changes...
Brunswick Plans To Shut Down Arlington Factory - Oct '08
Brunswick will permanently shut its Arlington yacht factory by year's end, idling most of the facility's 790 employees, the recreational-equipment company said Thursday. The Arlington plant and another in Roseburg, Ore., will close this year, and a plant in Pipestone, Minn., will be closed early next year.
Brunswick also will mothball a plant in Navassa, N.C., and temporarily suspend production at three plants in Tennessee.
About 1,450 hourly and salaried positions at the four shuttered plants will be eliminated as Brunswick battens down the hatches to survive what CEO Dustan McCoy called "the most turbulent economic times in recent history."
This summer's bankruptcy of Redmond-based Olympic Boat Centers, a leading Brunswick dealer with 20 locations along the West Coast, underscored the industry's difficulties.
Brunswick agreed to reacquire Olympic Boat's inventory, and the retailer will close its stores, according to an agreement filed in bankruptcy court in California.
Lake Union Sea Ray Adds Meridian To Their Family - Sept '08
Lake Union Sea Ray announced the addition of Meridian Yachts. Lake Union Sea Ray is a family-owned dealership with three locations in Seattle, Redmond, and Fife.
In addition to adding Meridian, Lake Union Sea Ray will also be the new authorized Service Center-Dealer for Meridian.
Unofficially, Lake Union Sea Ray will also pick-up Bayliner. Sources at Lake Union Sea Ray tell us Bayliner is in negotiations and the deal should be announced soon. Bayliner seems to be excited with the deal as they have already added them on their website as an official dealer.
Lake Union Sea Ray has also taken over Olympic Boat Centers Lake Union service facility. Most if not all of their service operations will move to that location to make room for the Bayliner and Merdian inventory. Meridian Yachts will start showing up in the next 7 days or so.
As for Maxum boats, Lake Union Sea Ray has indicated they will not become their dealer do to the close similarities between Maxum and Sea Ray. That remains to be seen as Maxum has now added lake Union Sea Ray to their web site as an authorized dealer. Well keep our eye on that one.
In related news, Brunswick Corp. said the purchase of certain assets of Olympic Boat Centers was approved by a court as part of Olympic’s Chapter 11 federal bankruptcy proceedings.
Brunswick will pay approximately $2 million for certain retail assets of Olympic, including the trade name, goodwill and other intangibles. In addition, Brunswick has arranged to transfer certain Olympic boat inventory to a new dealer network in the region.
Brunswick reported Olympic's used-inventory of Bayliner, Maxum, Meridian, and Trophy in the Puget Sound area will be transferred to Lake Union Sea Ray. We have not been able to verify that possibility.
US Marine president Andrew Graves said, “We have a very strong brand presence on the West Coast, which is why there are many highly qualified dealers in this territory who desire to represent our brands.”
No word yet on a dealer for Maxum and Trophy boats in the Puget Sound area but Lake Union Sea Ray is very excited to become the new authorized Meridian Yachts dealer and it looks like Bayliner too...
Stay tuned for inventory updates on Lake Union Sea Rays website for Meridian Yachts and Bayliner.
Powerboats NW Closing!
Powerboats NW announced they will be closing up shop. Powerboats NW specialized in performance boats or what some people might call racing boats. They say the last day of October will be the end. Sad to see another boat dealer close shop…
Olympic Boat Centers On The Auction Block - Sept '08
Olympic Boat Centers of Redmond went on the auction block in a California bankruptcy court on Tuesday Sept 23rd. Employees and customers are now waiting to find out what happens next. 
In bankruptcy court, boat maker Brunswick bought some of Olympic's assets. A spokesperson said the company bought back the Bayliner boats on Olympic's lots for $2 million, but not the company itself.
Court documents state Olympic owed lenders more than $47 million.
Fife and Everett stores remain open but a due to close some time next week.
A statement released on Tuesday afternoon, Olympic said Brunswick will have the rights to the name Olympic Boat Centers once the sale is complete. And to pay off the debt, all of its inventory will be sent to other dealers around the Northwest as well as in California.
kadey-Krogen Comes To Seattle - Sept. '08
Internationally acclaimed Kadey-Krogen trawlers are now represented in Seattle through a newly opened office at 1115 North Northlake Way. The Seattle office is the third US location for Kadey-Krogen, with additional offices in Annapolis, MD and corporate headquarters in Stuart, FL.
For additional information, please call 800-247-1230.
Lake Union SeaRay - New Location - July '08
Lake Union SeaRay has moved to the east side of Lake Union at - 3201 Fairview Ave. East
The new location include more office and showroom space and also will include an enclosed floating showroom to allow the company to display its larger boats year round.
The new location also includes a service department, and it will allow Lake Union SeaRay to operate mobile vans and service boats to make dock calls on Lake Union and Lake Washington.
SportBoat Northwest Has Move - Any Guesses? - July '08
That's Right - the old Lake Union SeaRay location.
2500 Westlake Ave N / 206-545-7220
Good News from Washington DC- July '08
We are pleased to report that the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives has now passed S. 2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008, introduced by Senators Bill Nelson and Barbara Boxer and Reps. Steve LaTourette and Candice Miller. The bill now moves to the President for his signature into law.
Get Your Vessel Ready For HDTV - July '08
When February 2009 rolls around, you might get on your boat and find your TV doesn’t work! What? We'll, that’s when HDTV officially changes over. No more analog which means if you’re using “rabbit ears” or some type of marine antenna, you’re out of luck. Well, not really - here's what you need to know...
For those with satellite systems, you’re ok. No worries because DirecTV and Dish Network takes care of everything through their system. For those who use rabbit ears or aerial antennas, you’ve got some choices.
First Option – Buy a converter box. You can 
add a box(s) to you TV(s) which runs about $50 and you’ll be set. The only issue is space depending on your situation. (Converter Box Coupons – click here)
Second Option – Buy a new TV. This might be your best option. Why? Prices are coming down on HDTV’s and you don’t have issues with placing a converter box and your picture will be in HD. In addition, Canada is up in the air with HDTV programming and changeover. No dates set and if you like traveling north to the Gulf Island, you might want your TV to work. The new HDTV’s have both analog and HDTV tuners which would allow you to receive both signals.
So if you’re going to buy a new TV, make sure it has NTSC (Analog) and ATSC (HDTV) tuners built-in. Also check to make sure your antenna is HDTV ready, most are...
Olympic Boat Centers Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy - July 2008
Redmond, WA - Olympic Boat Centers filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy this week in a California Court. Olympic reportedly owes up to $100 million to creditors including Brunswich and others. Brunswick confirmed the filing and said it's not expected to affect jobs at the Arlington plant location. Brunswick will continue to sell boats and work through this. As for Olympic Boat Centers, it's not clear at this time if any stores will close or in any employees will lose their jobs.
Blake Island Power Update - June 2008
Power should be completed on dock "A" at Blake Island around the end of June / Mid July 08'. There will be 6 power polls with two 30 amp plugs on each. As for dock "B", the state is still up in the air about funding. From what we've heard, they keep going back and forth and no one really knows what will happen. The consensus is not adding power to "B" dock would be a major mistake but we don't want to open that can of worms here. Anyway, it'll be in soon for summer cruising so check it out when you can.