Category Archives: Cruising

Topics about Washington/Canada cruising sites/harbors/points of interest

Puget Sound is now a No-Discharge Zone

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Effective May 10th , 2018, Puget Sound has now been declared a No-Discharge Zone.

It has been illegal since the 1972 Clean Water Act to discharge untreated sewage (black water) into coastal waters.  Over the years, there have been a couple ways for boaters to legally treat raw sewage before discharging, but most boaters contain all their sewage in a holding tank (Type III) and utilize a pumpout station.

Now, all sewage must be contained and be pumped at a pumpout station.  If your boat has a toilet on board, you are required to have a marine sanitation device (MSD).  For further details, please see the Dept of Ecology’s site.

Gray water (sinks/showers) discharge is still allowed.

Are you cruising the San Juans this summer?

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Are you new to boating and Shilshole and have questions about where to go, what to see, and what to watch out for?

or…Have you been there many times before and have suggestions that can help the rest of us?

…feel free to share your thoughts here on the Blog.

Marine Fuel Prices around Puget Sound

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There are several sites that post the current prices of fuel in the Puget Sound area. Here are a couple…..

Fuel Prices around Puget Sound-NWboatinfo

Fuel Prices around Puget Sound-ActiveCaptain

Most marinas sell ethanol free gas (better for your outboards, generators). Some marinas have shallow water access at low tide-sailboats beware.  Many also have pumpout stations. Call the marinas for verification of these.