Boating in the Gorge/kite season??

chanson · Since 31 Jan 2006 1874 Posts WISCONSIN Chimey

Ok,

after growing up on boats, I can't take another summer without one.

I am wondering how viable a boat is during kite-season and wanted to get some input from the other kiter/boaters on this site.

What I am getting:
20-23' Cuddy Cabin...nothing special, just a multi-use boat that I can sleep in on once in awhile.

I wanted to know:
Should I plan on bringing the boat with me on weekends to the Gorge by car, then launching..
Is it feasible to drive there by water on long weekends...? What about Jones?
Any place to anchor/dock close to the corridor on windy weekends?
What about SS or even SSS, maybe dock for the weekend and kite...
What about Lyle....? Anyplace close to dock overnight, or just anchor?
What about gorge swell..? Think my 23ft. V8 cuddy cab will hold up...?
What about taking the boat out downtown(pdx) to pick up my honey and cruise the skyline on non-wind days/nights......

I am thinking about just parking the boat in my driveway and taking it with me when time/weather allows.....and the occasional PDX-Government Island hangout..

I probably won't ever go to the coast with the boat, strictly gorge/portland area..
Just curious how much you guys use your boats...
Kraemer, Rollo, Gman.....?

thanks,
-jake

Gman · Since 11 Feb 2006 4911 Posts Portland Unstrapped

since the river is bordered by two highways - not too many spots require it - but Nak finds some cool islands - I bet between Jones and Astoria there is a ton of possiblities

Not much fun in a twenty footer when the wind kicks in over 20kts - put ussually you can find a boat ramp within a few miles

mschulz · Since 29 May 2007 530 Posts Reno, NV Addicted

You can make it work any where you are willing go with it. You will probably find it easier to anchor in an inlet or cove over night, and if you are planning on the Gorge, I agree with G-man, you might get a little rocked so I would go with a 23' just to stretch out the swell. It will also give you more room for your gear and give you a better wake for no wind days.

There are a lot of great beaches between Scap. and Astoria with many more option of marina's to stay at and get fuel.

Nak has one of the best boat launch systems I have tried and I can do it routinely out of a 20' open bow w/o issues. An extended swim platform also nice to have.

Good luck with it and have fun.

pacifichigh · Since 11 May 2005 1004 Posts ATX Texan

I had a 28ft sailboat that I kept on the water in Portland. I'd sail between astoria and boneville.

GMAN hit the nail on the head, boating in the gorge can be nasty when its blowing, big rollers, strong current, nuking wind.

The same reason we love kiting in it, makes for nasty boating.

Two years ago for the blowout Tom and I took his boat from Stevenson to HR and it was a pretty crazy ride.

Boating is way friendlier heading down river from Portland.

Kraemer · Since 24 Apr 2006 1736 Posts Sky Pilot Unicorn Captain

You'll be much too busy kiting to F with a boat. Wink

Nak · Mon Mar 02, 09 2:49 pm

Boats can be a mixed blessing when kiting... You can find some good spots, and they're great fun when the wind dies down. I use mine primarily from Rooster to Scapoose. I agree with everyone when it comes dealing with swell further East; not worth the hassle/danger. If the wind (Generally Easterlies) really picks up, even this zone can be bad. I've had to dock at a point other than my launch spot because of dangerous swell. It's a pain to have to take a taxi to go get your rig. Sad

If you're getting a boat specifically for kiting, think jet-drive and set up to handle rough conditions. (Jet-drive will make beaching MUCH easier.) If you can, plan your outings so you return to dock with the wind. If the wind picks up it's a lot easier to deal with swell if you're traveling with the wind.

Boats are fun, but they do take time/money away from your kiting. If my family didn't like going out on the boat so much, I'd probably get rid of mine. That said, It is fun to have something to do on the water when there's no wind. Very Happy

forrest · Mon Mar 02, 09 4:25 pm

Dock it below on the leeward side of Wells island and canoe to/from it from the Hook.

HRnico · Since 22 Mar 2008 262 Posts Da Hood Obsessed

Use the boat to go wakeboarding, or put in the Fat Sacs and surf when there is no wind.

forrest · Mon Mar 02, 09 4:57 pm

Yea, I was going to buy a 1/3 of my Uncle's wakeboard boat, but there is just not that many months of the year worth owning a boat in Oregon.

Rollo Tomasi · Since 17 Mar 2005 983 Posts Attractive

It's awesome fun and gives you ton's of options in the summer.
Last year I scouted some great locations under nukin' winds and found a good way to get in and out of some great spots. You just have to launch at the right spot.
Having the boat trailered gives you all the PDX options as well including Sauvie Isl. and lower Columbia.
No better place to wakeboard than the beautiful gorge when it's hot and windless.
Havin' a cooler and tunes on board doesn't hurt either Cool

The draft on a regular wakeboard boat make it difficult in big swell.

Kraemer · Since 24 Apr 2006 1736 Posts Sky Pilot Unicorn Captain

Rollo, did you put in for a slip at HR?

Rollo Tomasi · Since 17 Mar 2005 983 Posts Attractive

yup I did. I got short listed too Thumb's Up

gorge geezer · Since 11 Jan 2008 17 Posts Vancouver

A boat can work if you have a crew or friends to take along and want to mess with all the camping stuff. Generally, our boat is more trouble than it is worth. My main problem is my wife doesn't want to be out in the river if it is real windy (basic problem). It is much easier to throw the kites and boards in the truck, drive to the sand bar or Sauvie's and hang out with the other kiters on the beach. Simple and easy, which is one aspect of kiting I really like.

I hope the boat works for you.