Category Archives: Liveaboard Topics

Topics related to liveaboard issues

Ballard SeafoodFest

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Ballard SeafoodFest is an annual festival held in the Ballard neighborhood, celebrating the Scandinavian heritage and fishing industry featuring a diverse range of seafood dishes from local restaurants and vendors, as well as live music performances, art exhibits, craft vendors, and family-friendly activities. The festival also includes a salmon BBQ, which has become a staple of the event and a highlight for many attendees.

Ballard SeafoodFest

Do I have to register my motorized dinghy?

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Better to be registered and avoid the hassle, expense and embarrassment of family and friends some weekend when you are out boating…

As a resident of the State of Washington, YES, with one minor exception.  Rules in other states may be different, but in Washington, per Chapter 88.02.020 RCW Dispositions VESSEL REGISTRATION

(1) Except as provided in this chapter, a person may not own or operate any vessel, including a rented vessel, on the waters of this state unless the vessel has been registered and displays a registration number and a valid decal in accordance with this chapter. A vessel that has, or is required to have, a valid marine document as a vessel of the United States is only required to display a valid decal.

Exception for motorized vessels:

(7) A vessel equipped with propulsion machinery of less than ten horsepower that:
(a) Is owned by the owner of a vessel for which a valid vessel number has been issued; and
(b) Displays the number of that numbered vessel followed by the suffix “1” in the manner prescribed by the department; and
(c) Is used as a tender for direct transportation between the numbered vessel and the shore and for no other purpose.
Many boaters seem to think that putting “tender to” on their inflatable in lieu of registration numbers will suffice.  Nope. (See 7b above), and “registered vessel to shore” (moored or anchored mothership) means just that…no fishing, crabbing, visiting other boats, etc.  (Tickets have been handed out in Shilshole in the past)

World Oceans Day

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June 8th is World Oceans Day, reminding us that we all need to do our part to reduce the plastic we use and to always practice good environmental stewardship!  As boaters, the ocean is our backyard, and our playground and just like we wouldn’t want to see plastic bottles and trash while hiking in the woods, we don’t want to have it in our waters, either.

Responsible Environmental Suggestions

World Ocean Day — What Can We Do to Help? (latitude38.com)

Emergency Communication Hub Event-June 11th

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The weather is warming which means our Emergency Communication Hub volunteers are getting outside for disaster practice. On Sunday afternoon, June 11th, volunteers across the city will gather to support their communities during a (simulated) long-term power outage. That’s right – we’re not responding to an earthquake this year – just a sudden and devastating power outage impacting the entire city. “Power Down”.

Other than no television, lights, or internet, how would a widespread power outage impact you and your household? Stop by one of our pre-determined locations to get a glimpse into that scenario. How will you cook without electricity or natural gas? If the internet and phones are down, how will you find out if school will be open Monday morning? What about our neighbors with medical devices that need electricity or refrigeration for their medications? You will get an idea of what systems are impacted when power is down everywhere – and we get to train more neighbors on how the Hub operates. Win-Win.

We need as many people as possible to stop by the Hub (closest to them) for 30 minutes, or so. This will give our volunteers practice in helping a large number of neighbors with needs. Please signup here to receive a reminder a few days before the event.

Emergency Preparedness, Disaster Awareness | Seattle Emergency Hubs | Seattle, WA

Shilshole Blog » Shilshole Prepares (shilsholecommunity.org)

Spring is Here! Finally…

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After 8 months, we are finally getting back to 70+°!  Neighbors are coming out of hiding, dock box conversations ensue, and boats are getting cleaned!

Here’s a couple reminders that may help…

  • The Port has a great haz-mat recycling program! Used oil, diesel and hydraulic fluid goes in tank near M2 restroom; used batteries, gasoline, and antifreeze/coolant go to Hazmat Box down near Seaview Boatyard (south end)
  • Garbage goes in the green waste container; all recycling goes in the yellow containers.
  • Please put your donated “junk” (items you no longer need but don’t want to toss) near the dumpster and not at the gate, so more people can see them.
  • Remind your guests and crew to park near the street in General Parking. Also, make sure your license plate tabs are up to date.  The Port can tow all illegally parked vehicles.
  • Please control your dogs (by your side or on a leash at all times) and please clean up after them! (the Seattle Leash Law is in effect on the docks, and Animal Control could be called for problem pets)
  • To avoid smash and grab car break-ins, do not leave items visible in your car.
  • There have been prowlers on the docks and in the waterways so please lock your boat, dinghy, etc and please call the Port’s cell phone, 601-4089, if you see anything/anyone suspicious.

Thank you for helping keep this a nice place to moor and live!

Do you have issues on your dock?

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This coming Wednesday, February 1st, is our first meeting of the Dock Captains for 2023. If you have any issues on your dock that you think the Port needs to address, please let your Dock Captain know as soon as possible.  Their contact information is posted at the head of each gate on the inside bulletin board.

Thanks for helping make Shilshole a safe place to  moor and live.

Dock Captain Program