Mukilteo Lighthouse Park Launch?

[tallman8251]

Anybody have any information on this boat launch? Looking to use it this week and havent heard anything about it or been down there.

Thanks

[Fissurski]

Worst launch in the sound - wind exposure is a problem. I'd suggest Edmonds/Shilshole/Everetty over Muckyteo

[drysuperfly52]

Nothing better then fishing the beach and watching people fight the wind and tide to launch there boat.... It can get really bad, though I have never launched there. And never will

[tallman8251]

ok thanks for the info folks!

[BentRod]

It's usually a fairly busy launch unless you go during the weekdays. Not bad if the weather is calm and it's not busy. Certainly some entertainment if you have nothing better to do. Go down and watch the comings and goings while tossing a line. A few years ago I watched a couple guys in a minivan trying to recover right after the tide change on the incomming tide with some fairly good waves due to wind. First, the lower ramp is very slick at that point. Second, the were using an underpowered two-wheel drive mini-van. Three, they backed too far down the launch to begin with...and Four, they left the back hatch up on the minivan the whole time. They didn't speak english, but I can imagine what was being said during the frantic yelling while the waves were slamming into the rear of their minivan and sloshing all the way up to the driver's seat. I don't think it ever occurred to them to unhook the boat and at least get the van/trailer out of the water or, at least, shut the hatch on the minivan. Some sympathetic sole finally backed his 4x4 3/4 ton down and hooked on to their bumper to tow them out.
That was some funny stuff right there...

[Bodofish]

If you are a competent operator, the launch is no problem. The key is to get away from the docks as soon as possible. People get into trouble thinking they can slip the boat off the trailer and tie it to the dock. Mukilteo is an open launch, there is nothing protected about it. Its not in a harbor. It is next to a WA St. Ferry Dock. The Ferry wakes are serious!

To launch you need driver for the trailer and one for the boat. This is like launching in the river. All gear in the boat, no loading gear from the dock. Boat pilot on board and ready to go with all but one passenger. Driver backs boat in and waits for pilot to start boat. Watch for waves! Roll with the wind. Pilot backs boat off trailer and pulls away from the launch and docks. Wait for the driver to park and walk out on the dock. Pilot puts boat bow into the doc to pick up driver and pulls away.

To load the boat follow steps in reverse. Some people will ***** about line order but it's trailer on the ramp that determines who is next.

If this is not for you, go to Everett or Shilshole. Edmonds only has a sling launch, it’s not for most people.

[Matt]

I use the Mukilteo launch frequently, and yes it is no gem that's for sure. As stated, wave action from both the ferry and wind combined with heave north-south currents makes for an interesting launch/retrieve sometimes. I have found that the current is far more troublesome than the waves. Try not to launch and retrieve on ridiculous tides or the current becomes a real factor, since it runs north-south the boat launch comes in perpendicular to the current and it can be tricky to thread the needle between boats on both sides of the dock, and get onto the trailer.... you really only get one committed shot at it, so make sure you are confident behind the wheel!

[Bodofish]

Yep! I like it because it takes a good half hour, 45 off the run from Everett.

[racfish]

Take a few extra bumpers. In the early morning its not a bad launch. Comming in was worse then launching. Its a well position launch. You can get to alot of different areas good for fishing. I really dislike the Edmonds sling.

[tallman8251]

I am a river fisherman to begin with I have boated and fished all over the midwest and New Orleans area, so I am no stranger to currents and wind throwing the boat around as well as what I like to call proper boat ramp etiquette, which includes getting the boat in the water as quick as possible and getting out as quick as possible. Wish more people thought like you around here Bodofish, it would sure cut down on the ramp waiting times.

[Matt]

Couldn't agree more with the "next trailer in line has right of way" concept. I have had words with boat launch patrons on more than one occasion regarding this unspoken rule. It's just common sense and good form. Why would I want to wait for 15 minutes in line then let you cut in front of me just because your boat is in front of mine on the dock?! Stupid! lol

[Bodofish]

Yeah, some people...... I got a dose of that at Rotary earlier this year..... My boats tied to the dock so you can't use the launch till I move..... Wrong....

[Matt]

Rotary is the worst.

Small dock + crap launches + tweaker epicenter of Everett + idiots galore = clownshow.

[rpm10]

Definitly not for the inexperienced boater.

[tallman8251]

Finally made it out the Mukilteo Lighthouse Park Launch and wow, that is one of the better ramps I have been to. Will definitely be using that more.