Mukilteo or Everett Ramp?

[Gobble Doc]

Anyone want to share their wisdom of if it is easier to launch a small boat at Mukilteo or at the Port of Everett launch?  Assume it is pink season and it is in the morning.  I haven't done this before.  Thanks.

[Goldeneye]

It all depends, does launching in an unprotected launch bother you?  If your boats aluminum I'd say go ahead and launch at Mukelteo.  If it's a fiberglass boat go to Everett.  I've seen a number of glass boats really beat up on the dock at the Mukelteo launch.   

[CP]

There is only one float out at the Muk launch this year, small parking lot, exposed to the current and winds.  But you are right there where the fish are.  The Everett launch is probably the best in the state, but you have a long run for a small boat to get to the fishing area.

[Gobble Doc]

Thanks for the help.  It sounds like Port of Everett may be the way to go. 

Do you guys use any kind of special things on your trailer bearings to try to keep out the salt water or just try to wash with fresh water?  I heard that is such a thing as "bearing buddies" that are supposed to help? 

[Goldeneye]

Bearing Buddies are a very good thing.  Make sure you are using "marine grease" with your boat trailer bearings.  I would say always spray down your trailer following a trip to the salt water.  That stuff is so corrosive it's good to wash off as much of the salt off as you can. 

[cohoho]

Ditch the bearing buddies and go with an oil bath system. 

[FC]

Rinse the hell out of everything when you get home, bearing buddies work well and avoid the Mukilteo launch like the plague! When pinks are in there will be a 3 hour wait to put/pull your boat unless you launch at about 3am. Everett and Shilshole are both great launches.

Frikking horrible is a vast compliment to the Muk launch, 4wd is pretty much a requirement but even if you know what you are doing you are going to be waiting on a bunch of meatheads that don't and about 3/4 of them will be stuck on the launch...

If you just want to laugh your ass off for hours get yourself a cooler full of beer, a lawn chair and a video camera so you can share what you see with your friends.  Have a seat near the launch and enjoy the show!

[Gobble Doc]

   I might just consider the Muk launch in a couple weeks as a possible entertainment option.  Sounds like mixed reviews on bearing buddies. 

[GEARHEAD]

If you have a partner you can make mukileo work, get the boat in the water and drive that thing off the dock fast, comeback and pickup your driver. that dock will beat the sht outa your boat its absolutly horrible, but is close to the fish, you can start fishing right from the dock, no need to travel far. on the return drop your driver off, leave the dock and wait for the trailer to hit the water, before you enter the docking area. did i mention this is the worst dock in the state and that it will beat your boat up   

[h20hunter]

I think the key is "have not done this before".

Go to Everett and don't mess around with Mukilteo. Very current intensive and just not much room.

As fas as Everett, either get there very early or wait for the morning rush to subside.

Practice with the trailer and have everything ready to go when you back that thing in.

In and out, don't jam it up.

[BallisticsNut]

I have never launched from Everett, so I find this interesting.  A friend of mine "steered" me away from the Everett Launch a while ago but I dont remember why.  So, I have been launching out of Camano Island and this place is a freaking Zoo and painful.  Looking at the Everett launch from Satelite photos, this place looks great.  I would go out and fish/crab more often if this place is as good as everyone seems to state.  Any trouble with parking on busy days?  Any ideas if they offer overnight parking?  Looks like they have a designated area that may be for overnight stuff, would be great if they do. 

[Gobble Doc]

Wanted to report that I successfully launched from the 10th street ramp in Everett and everything went well!  Thanks everyone for the suggestions.  Put in on Sunday afternoon and took our new (used 13' Boston Whaler) down to Humpy Hollow for a couple hours of fishing and then returned.  No problems.  Great weather.  Had a really fun time with my 2 kids.  When the pinks start to really roll in I would like to do it again. 

[Heartsblood]

Glad it worked out well for ya. Sorta like a dry run for the real deal in a week or two...