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CA_Traveler's avatar
CA_Traveler
Explorer III
May 08, 2021

Pt Townsend Coupeville Ferry Seattle Area

I’m planning to take the Pt Townsend Coupeville ferry on 8/8 and concerned about ramp clearance for my low clearance MH. Negative tide at 10am and 4’ at 3pm which is the time I’m considering. I’ll be in Pt Townsend for a few days and will get a visual on the ramp with tides. But thinking I should made a reservation ahead of time. Also need to understand turning radius as I can’t back up with the toad and prefer to not disconnect.

Suggestions etc appreciated.
Roads and Routes
  • Pangaea_Ron's avatar
    Pangaea_Ron
    Explorer
    May 08, 2021
    The 4 foot tide should not be a problem, the ferry is often not running at extreme low tides.

    Do not let them place you too close to the sidewalls at the front of the ferry. We could not turn the MH with our tail-swing to exit the ferry, and they needed to back up vehicles behind us, so the we could also back-up and make a more gentle turn. No one was happy!
  • Tom_Barb's avatar
    Tom_Barb
    Explorer
    May 09, 2021
    CA Traveler wrote:
    I’m planning to take the Pt Townsend Coupeville ferry on 8/8 and concerned about ramp clearance for my low clearance MH. Negative tide at 10am and 4’ at 3pm which is the time I’m considering. I’ll be in Pt Townsend for a few days and will get a visual on the ramp with tides. But thinking I should made a reservation ahead of time. Also need to understand turning radius as I can’t back up with the toad and prefer to not disconnect.

    Suggestions etc appreciated.

    As posted, it should not be a problem.

    remember...The short cut... leaving the ferry on Whidbey Island side ... It is a left turn thru Ft. Casey.. swing wide use both lanes, and do not follow Highway 20. That takes you 10 miles out of your way. The Left turn brings you out (Engles Rd) at the traffic signal on Hw-20 then direct to Oak Harbor.

    Use Google Map.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    May 09, 2021
    My buddy takes his Maserati, Ferrari and Aston Martin (I know, right?) on that ferry every single weekend. Never ever had a problem with clearance. I've taken my Challenger SRT on it that scrapes some speed bumps and never hit.
  • paulj's avatar
    paulj
    Explorer II
    May 09, 2021
    Pangaea Ron wrote:
    This is how the ride can be. The ferry skipper is amazing.


    That's probably the classic case of a stiff west wind against the outgoing tidal current, producing short choppy waves.
  • Pangaea_Ron's avatar
    Pangaea_Ron
    Explorer
    May 09, 2021
    We like to camp at Fort Casey SP and watch the ferries come and go. I've watched them circle in the fog just offshore waiting for the fog to clear for more than 45 minutes. I have an app on my cell phone that allows me to track their position.
  • jamesu's avatar
    jamesu
    Explorer
    May 12, 2021
    Pangaea Ron wrote:
    We like to camp at Fort Casey SP and watch the ferries come and go. I've watched them circle in the fog just offshore waiting for the fog to clear for more than 45 minutes. I have an app on my cell phone that allows me to track their position.


    What’s the name of that app? Would love to download it.

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