Foss Harbor Marina Tacoma Washington

Passport to Puget Sound

2010-02-01T11:59:00.000-08:00

Fifteen Puget Sound Marinas will partner with the Northwest Marine Trade Association to offer a new program that will reward visiting boaters. The promotion, Passport to Puget Sound, will kick off at the 2010 Seattle Boat Show on Jan. 29.

Puget Sound provides quick, easy access to a boater’s paradise. With fishing, diverse moorage options and events year round, the Sound has a lot to offer boaters that want to take advantage of the area’s unique features.

Participating marinas include:

Arabella’s Landing
Bremerton Marina
Bell Harbor Marina
Cap Sante Boat Haven
City of Des Moines Marina
Dock Street Marina
Elliott Bay Marina
Foss Harbor Marina
Port of Edmonds
Port of Everett
Port of Kingston
Port Orchard Marina
Poulsbo Marina
Shilshole Marina
Swantown Marina

Boaters who visit any of the participating marinas between March 1, 2010 and December 31, 2010 and pay for a minimum of one night of guest moorage will receive a stamp in a Passport to Puget Sound book. Once a row of four marinas is completed, vertical, horizontal or diagonal, visitors will receive a “Passport to Puget Sound” T-shirt.

The first fifteen participants to achieve a ‘black out’, where all squares are filled with stamps from all of the participating marinas, will receive one of fifteen available grand prize packages valued up to $500. Prize packages include a variety of hotel accommodations, restaurant gift certificates, event tickets, boat services and more.

Pick up your Passport to Puget Sound book at any of the participating marinas or at the Seattle Boat Show to start your summer adventures early!

For more information on the program, visit the NMTA’s website at http://www.seattleboatshow.com/ or contact one of the participating marinas.

Merry Christmas, Foss Harbor Tenants!

2009-11-25T11:46:00.000-08:00

A Budget Tale

T’was the night before Budget and all through the grounds,
Not a tenant was stirring except the Guard doing rounds.

The stockings were hung by the masts with care,

In hopes that our government would not leave them bare.

The vessels were nestled all snug in their slips,

While their radars monitored the on-going blips.

And I with my flak jacket armed with a Mac,

Had just settled down for a long budget chat.

When out on the dock there rose such a clatter,
The Guard inspected to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I moved like a tug,

Cleared the condensation and then tripped on the rug.

The moon on the bow of the newly purchased yacht,
Gave the luster of mid-day to the boats with the rot.

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,

But an extremely tight budget that forced out a tear.

With a little old income, so stretched and maligned,
I knew in a moment that I should be confined.

More expenses than ever, the budget it grew,

I became dejected, just what would I do?

"Now, Taxes! Now, Leases! Now Insurance and More!

Why all these expenses? I must go to war.”

“Lower the lease rates! Topple the tax wall!
We will fight for our marina ‘til the enemy falls.”

So back to face the drawing board, the manager, I flew,
With a handful of implements for crafting budget stew.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the deck,
It was me with the budget, wringing its neck.

It wasn’t very pleasant and the budget almost drowned,
But when it resurfaced it seemed much, much more sound.

It was dressed all in 2009 moorage rates, from his feet to his head,
But his coversheet was tarnished as if he’d been dead.

A bundle of rates he had on his back,
They were identical to last year, with only one exception to the pack.

The tenants-- how they twinkled! Their dimples how merry!
Their cheeks were like roses, their noses like cherries!

Their mouths were all drawn up in grandiose smiles,
They knew they lucked out, lucked out by a mile.

The stump of a budget still maintained his composure.
Despite the fact, he had more exposure.

And the expenses encircled his head like a wreath,
So the budget bore down and growled his big teeth.

Keeping the same rates would take a large toll,
To keep expenses in check was now his big goal.

He carried the weight of the marina on his frame,
When all of a sudden his face looked crazed & insane.

His eyes were darting all over the place,
When he spotted a marked door and his feet made the chase.

With a wink of his eye and a flush of the head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
Cleaning the marina and smiling a smirk.

And laying his finger outside of his nose,
Stated,” I need some fuel” and pulled out the hose.

He sprang to his boat and opened the cap,
The tank filled in minutes and he gave a loud clap.

And I heard him exclaim, as he drove out of sight,
"I’ll be back next year and you’d better not bite.”

BOAT AUCTION NOVEMBER 20TH @ 11:30AM

2009-11-13T13:47:00.000-08:00

The Foss Harbor Marina will be auctioning off two impounded vessels on November 20, 2009. The vessels eligible for auction are:

*1975, 24' Bayliner Sailboat

*1967, 33' Fairliner

There is no minimum bid at this time. If you are interested in these vessels, you may begin viewing them on Friday, November 13th, 2009 during business hours. We cannot allow boarding of these vessels until the morning of the auction. The Foss Harbor Marina has no knowledge of actual vessel conditions. The marina is located at 821 Dock Street, Tacoma, WA 98402. Please keep in mind, according to the Revised Code of Washington, vessel owners have the right to show up at any time prior to the auction and pay off their balances. We recommend that you call the morning of the auction to verify that the vessels are still available. The marina can only accept cash or cashier's check. If you have any questions, please call the marina @ 253-272-4404.

Seas ‘N Greetings - A HOLIDAY TRADITION ON THE THEA FOSS

2009-11-10T11:40:00.000-08:00

The marinas located along the Thea Foss Waterway in Downtown Tacoma have announced their 4th Annual Holiday Boat Decorating Contest, Seas ‘N Greetings, to be held the evening of December11th. Judging will commence at 4:30pm. Lighted boats will be seen from Foss Harbor Marina down to Dock St. Marina, Delin Docks Marina and Foss Landing.

Vessels will be judged based on their use of lights, their creativity, and their theme. An independent panel of judges will chose an overall Grand Prize Winner for the waterway and 1st, 2nd, & 3rd places for marinas North of the 11th St. Bridge and also for Marinas South of the bridge.

In past years, the contest has awarded thousands of dollars worth in prizes and is anticipating similar prizes will be awarded this year as well. Any decorated vessels moored in the Thea Foss Waterway at Foss Harbor Marina, Dock Street Marina, Delin Docks Marina, or Foss Landing are eligible to participate. This includes boaters who come in for guest moorage. Those who do come in for guest moorage will be treated to the Tacoma Yacht Clubs annual lighted boat parade on the following evening of December 12th.

SEAS ‘N GREETINGS individual boater’s awards will be presented at the Foss Harbor Marina, 821 Dock St. between 7:00-9:00pm. The Marina with the best decorated boat will also be awarded with the Waterway Trophy, which will be held at the winning Marina until the following year when the next event takes place. There will be hot drinks, cookies, and possibly some entertainment from Michael Agostini, a local humorist.

The Waterway Marinas, Foss Waterway Development Authority and local businesses are working jointly to promote this event. All prizes have been donated by community-minded businesses. Bring a toy to donate to Toys-For-Tots and help your personal community spirit. A trip down to see the lights from the masts reflecting off the water is a good way to slow things down for a moment and enjoy the season with your family and friends.

Sign-up in your marina office to participate in the contest!

Fall Moorage & Storage Deals

2009-10-22T10:48:00.000-07:00

The Foss Harbor Marina is offering the following Fall Sign-up Specials for new tenants:

1. Sign-up for a moorage slip or storage locker this Fall and get the 2nd month 50% off.

2. For members of the military or military veterans: Sign-up this Fall, and receive 20% off of your moorage fee until April 2010.

For existing tenants, we offer the following specials:

Pay your moorage a year in advance and receive 10% off your monthly moorage fee.
Pay six months in advance and receive 5% off your monthly moorage fee.
Refer a new tenant who signs up for moorage or a locker and get a 20% discount on the following months moorage fee.
Upgrade your open slip to a covered slip and receive 10% discount on your covered moorage fee until April 2010.
Sign-up for a mailbox and receive the second month free.

Holiday Happenings

2009-10-16T09:46:00.000-07:00

*October 30th - Locker Trick or Treating & decorating contest 5:30-6:30pm
*October 30th- Halloween Party 6:30-9:00pm
*October 22nd & 23rd- Preview of boats for Quinn's Boat Auction
*October 24th- Quinn's Boats Auction of 30+ boats 12:00-1:00 pm
*October 24nd- Liveaboard Association Fire Safety Meeting @ Foss Harbor Seaport 1:00pm
*November 11th- Tacoma Waterfront Association Meeting@ Foss Harbor Seaport 11:30am
*November 26th- Thanksgiving store closed
*November 27th- Shopping Day store closed
*December dates unknown- Esplanade project begins
*December 1st-19th--Toys for Tots collection @ Foss Harbor Marina & Quinn's Boats
*December 11th- Seas 'n Greetings- decorating contest 5:00-6:00pm
*December 12th- Seas 'n Greetings awards @ Foss Harbor Seaport 4:30pm
*December 12th- Tacoma Yacht Club's Lighted boat parade 6:30pm
*December 12th- Cascade Mobile Blood Bank--Blood Drive 4:30-7:30pm
*December 24th- Christmas Eve store closed
*December 25th- Christmas Day store closed
*January 1st- New Years Day store closed

Marina Fires: Preventing them and what to do if you're in one!

2009-09-09T08:02:00.000-07:00

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2009
Place: Foss Waterway Seaport, 705 Dock Street, Tacoma WA 98402
Time: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Cost: Free
Presented by: Tacoma Liveaboard Association
Contact: Madhuri Hosford (253) 272-2750 ext 102

Lt. Joe Stiles of the Tacoma Fire Department will present crucial tips for avoiding boat fires and how to respond if a fire does occur on board. Most marina fires start aboard an individual boat. However, many of the simple common fire provention tips for residential land based homes also apply to living on a boat. Join Tacoma Fire Department for an informative safety presentation with the topics of discussion including:
*The proper use of marine-approved cord sets.
*Smoke Alarms and CO2 detectors.
*The proper use of portable Fire Extinguishers.
*General Fire and Life safety precautions.

Floating Propane Tank Warning

2009-07-26T13:23:00.001-07:00

ONE OF OUR TENANTS WARNS:

I found a propane tank floating in Quartermaster Harbor about two weeks ago, carried it back to Tacoma on our boat (Night Watch) and then drove it to the Tacoma household hazardous waste facility at the landfill. The attendant inspected it and took it but he said there is a better approach.

Essentially the hazardous waste people suggest securing a loose propane tank in the water (with fishing weights as an anchor or w/ a line to a dock) then calling the Department of Ecology or the Coast Guard. Apparently some people who make meth store very dangerous chemicals in tanks normally used for propane and keep the tanks in the water so they stay cool. The haz. waste man said the chemicals used to make meth can become dangerously unstable and may explode if they get warm, hence his direction to leave the tank in the water next time. Ecology has equipment and trained people to dismantle meth labs so they can safely remove the floating container.

All this was complete news to me. I've been on the water for many years and this was the first time I've found a floating propane container so the whole scenario might be pretty unusual but who knows.

Regards, Charlie Douthwaite

Post Your Fish Stories Here

2009-07-26T13:23:00.000-07:00

We only have a few slips left. Time for your fishin' friends to get their boats in the water before the 5.1 million pink salmon that are expected, come through the Puget Sound.

What is your best fish story???

My Dad went on a charter fishing trip in Mexico last time he traveled. It went well, he caught a large marlin and had fun. He wanted to bring his fish home, but noone spoke English well enough to understand that he wanted a box to ship the fish home. The funny thing is that we lived in El Cajon for nearly a decade. Cajon is the Spanish word for BOX. That is his "one that got away" and we won't ever let him forget it :~)

I don't fish & I still had a story; bet you've got one too! Post it here please, so my story isn't lonely. Thanks.

Only a few slips left: 2- covered 30' slips, 1- covered 28' slip(available soon) & 1- 50' slip. There is a $50 bonus for referrals, just have the new tenant mention that you referred them!

&. . . .Your new neighbor will receive 10% off their first month's moorage!

Boat Auction on July 31st at 11:30 am

2009-07-12T15:41:00.000-07:00

Please join us for a boat auction on Friday, July 31st at 11:30 am. We will be auctioning 5 vessels; a 40' 1979 Cruise-a-Home, a 35' 1959 Boatel Houseboat, a 31' 1977 Cruise-a-Home, a 31' 1966 Fairliner, & a 28' 1965 Owens. Bidding will begin at 11:30 am. There is no minimum bid at this time. If you are interested in this vessel, you may begin viewing it this week during business hours (8:00 am-5:00 pm). We cannot allow boarding of this vessel until the morning of the auction.
The Foss harbor Marina has no knowledge of actual vessel conditions. Please keep in mind, according to the Revised Code of Washington, vessel owners have the right to show up at any time prior to the auction and pay off their balances. We recommend that you call the morning of the auction to verify that the vessels are still available. The marina can only accept cash, credit cards or cashiers check. If you have questions, please call the marina @ (253) 272-4404.
to see pictures of these vessels, please visit the craigslist ad http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/boa/1266338120.html

New Boathouses for Rent!

2009-07-08T14:20:00.000-07:00

The Foss Harbor Marina is taking reservations for 6 new boathouses that will accomodate 40' vessels. These boathouses will be available before the end of the year. Reservations will be taken on a first come, first served basis. The boathouses will have lofts and a remote control curtain. The moorage rate will be between $660-$860/month. The marina may consider a lease to own program if people are interested in this option. If you have any questions or wish to put your name on the list, please contact the marina @ 253-272-4404. Hurry! Before it is too late.

2009-07-06T16:47:00.000-07:00

Do you want to win this 19’ TV and DVD player? Spend $100.00 at the Foss Harbor marina Fuel Dock and you will be entered in a raffle for this wonderful prize. The winning name will be drawn on August 29, 2009. For more information, see the Foss Harbor Marina July Newsletter.

July 18th CHB Shoreline Clean Up Day

2009-07-06T13:58:00.000-07:00

Join CHB for the
2nd Annual
Shoreline Clean Up Day!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
9:00am to 12:30pm
CHB’s Bay Patrol Director, Jeff Barney, will be leading
kayakers in a trash pick up along the shoreline of
Commencement Bay from the water. Restoration Mgr,
Jeanine Riss, will be leading a group to collect debris
from several restoration sites along Marine View Dr.
Both groups will finish the day at Yowkwala Beach with a
picnic lunch. Kayakers please contact Jeff at
jbarney@healthybay.org, land lubbers contact Jeanine at
jriss@healthybay.org for registration or more info.
*Experienced kayakers only please, must have own kayak/equipment.

new flowers are attracting attention!

2009-06-22T16:15:00.000-07:00

This pretty little visitor was spotted on the esplanade outside the store admiring the guys' great work on our floral landscaping choices.

Memorial Day BBQ

2009-05-26T15:28:00.000-07:00

Thank You Thank You Thank You

for making the barbecue a success.

Dave's Dive Services & the Marina owners provided quite a spread!

If you missed it, be sure to catch the next one (later this summer-we'll keep you posted)

Esplanade Project

2009-05-22T13:44:00.000-07:00

The esplanade construction project, that will affect parking for a bit on the north side of the marina & cause a few parking challenges and make a little noise, will be well worth the inconveniences! The work is scheduled to begin at the beginning of July (for this reason, and because of parking concerns over the 4th of July in past years we will not be giving guest parking permits during this holiday- please have your guests park in the republic lot on the south side of the Murray Morgan Bridge) we will keep you updated on the expected completion date and any changes to that plan in the monthly newsletter and on this blog.

It will be worth the small problems to have a boardwalk-type esplanade with shopping choices and other new ammenities. Please be patient with the intermediate stages because the end result will happen quicker than you think :)

Foss Harbor Marina Luau MONDAY 25TH

2009-04-29T11:41:00.000-07:00

MEMORIAL DAY MONDAY THE 25TH

ALOHA

Find your favorite floral frock and join us for friends and fun.

We will be transforming the hoist deck into a lost Hawaiian Island and plan to have picture opportunities so bring your camera. We are also planning some contests like a costume &/or a limbo contest, hula lessons, and, of course, food food food!

From pu'pu platters to pulled pork; there will be piled plates a plenty.

PARADISE IN THE PARKINGLOT

Please bring your own beverages and a bit of cash to help our efforts to support the

Footlose Sailing Association by pitching pies at marina personnel

join us when the lunas say mahalo

(when the owners say thank-you)

Garage Sale

2009-04-18T15:45:00.000-07:00

Mark you Calendars for the Marina-Wide Garage Sale, which will be on May 16th from 8:00 to 4:00 pm.
You can set up a table in front of your locker, or, if you don't have a locker, you can make arrangements for a good spot by calling the marina office (253) 272-4404 or by coming into the office to talk to Susan or Dawn.
please note- all non-tenant buyers at the sale must park on the street or in a pay lot (like the one on the south side of the bridge).

+ your old stuff =

$$$$$$$
$$$$$$
$$$$
$$
$

Whine, Whine, Whine

2009-04-11T11:00:00.000-07:00

WE HEARD YOUR WHINING & WE ARE READY FOR YOUR WINING!

COME INTO THE MARINA STORE TO SEE OUR NEW IMPROVED WINE SELECTION.

CHEERS.

Does the Marina have Talent? Because here comes America's Got Talent

2009-04-04T16:08:00.000-07:00

The reality TV show “America’s Got Talent” is coming to Tacoma people. Well, according to their press release they are coming to Seattle, but the auditions are actually at the Tacoma Convention Center. G-10
What is “America’s Got Talent”?
Each week, the show features a colorful array of hopeful stars, including singers, dancers, comedians, contortionists, impressionists, jugglers, magicians and ventriloquists, all vying for their chance to strut and perform on stage in front of a panel of celebrity judges in the hopes they’ll be chosen a winner by the viewing audience.
Expect hoards of frantic fame seeking talented people to flood our town April 25-26. Especially when everyone finds S-11 out that new host Nick Cannon will be there.
From what we hear, the public is invited to come out and watch the auditions. Any takers?
More information at AmericasGotTalentAuditions.com

2009 Daffodil Marine Parade "Swing into Spring"

2009-04-04T08:49:00.000-07:00

Sunday, Apr 19 11:15a to 1:45p
at Daffodil Marine Parade, Tacoma, WA
Enjoy a unique Northwest Event. A Gala Floral Parade on the Waterfront! Ruston Way to the Glass Museum. Beautifully Decorated Boats and the 2009 Daffodil Queen and her Court.
Price: FREE! J-12
Phone: (253) 752-3555
Enjoy a unique Northwest Event. A Gala Floral Parade on the

Waterfront! Ruston Way to the Glass Museum. Beautifully Decorated Boats and the 2009 Daffodil Queen and her Court.
The 74th Annual Daffodil Marine Parade sponsored by the Tacoma Yacht Club. H-ET A Tacoma Community Waterfront Event! Come and Vote for your favorite decorated Boat!!
2009 Daffodil Marine Parade "Swing into Spring" - Website

Dark Parks

2009-03-25T10:20:00.000-07:00

There are several state parks slated for permanent closure &/or "temporary closure" this legislative season as a measure to meet budgetary concerns. They are not being closed due to a lack of use or interest; they are busy parks that are being closed to keep a budget. A partial list of parks slated for closure are: Fort Casey, Larrabee, Millersylvania, Peace Arch, Flaming Geyser, Rainbow Falls, Potlatch & several others. A full list of parks on the chopping block, go to http://www.wta.org/trail-news/magazine/projected-state-park-closures news/magazine/projected-state-park-closures

As boaters, as campers, as hikers, as fisherman, as Washingtonians, we use these parks! We need these parks!

The parks you grew up with could turn into lawless zones costing the state even more money than the budget for simply maintaining the parks. Recovery of a park that has been closed is not an easy proposition either, but the legislature is facing difficult choices. Without our imput the officials may think of the money over the people. We should not let that happen.

If these closures bother you as much as it bothers me you should sign the petition using the link below then contact your elected officials and let them know how you feel before April 3rd.

Petition: www.PetitionOnline.com/WASHPARK/petition.html

Governor Gregoir: http://www.governor.wa.gov/contact/

State Senator: http://www.leg.wa.gov/Senate/Senators/

State Legislature: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/Default.aspx

ATTN: Boaters

2009-03-23T11:27:00.000-07:00

Do you have your Boaters Safety Education yet?
The requirement is stepped to age as follows:
By Jan 1st 2009
25 years and younger are required to have a safety card
By Jan 1st 2010
30 years and younger are required to have a safety card
By Jan 1st 2011 C-12
35 years and younger are required to have a safety card
By Jan 1st 2012
40 years and younger are required to have a safety card
By Jan 1st 2013
50 years and younger are required to have a safety card
By Jan 1st 2014
59 years and younger are required to have a safety card
After 2014 -- all boaters are required to have a safety card
The Tacoma Police Department's Marine Services Unit will conduct a class on 5 Saturdays from April 18th to June 13th. This class will fulfill the course requirement for obtaining a state Boater Education Card. The class is given at 3701 S. Pine St and is free, but boaters will need to send their completion certificate I-18 and $10 application fee to the state to receive the Boater Education Card. Call 253.573.2383 to reserve a space & visit http://www.parks.wa.gov/ to learn more about the Boater Education Card Program.

Foss Harbor Living

2009-03-15T11:29:00.000-07:00

Living aboard your vessel can be a challenge for people, because of space limitations, moisture and other issues that landlubbers don't face. We have several boaters that are new or returning liveaboard tenants and it is time to help them out a little bit.
Tips for boaters who liveaboard can be found @ http://www.livingaboard.com/
The best information, though, comes from fellow boaters. Do you have a unique idea for space, storage or overcoming other hurdles that you would like to share with your fellow boaters? Please post it here so everyone can benefit.
Don't forget the Foss Waterway Liveaboard Association's Clean Green Boating Fair on May 2nd. That will be a great place to network with other boaters and find that piece of information that saves time, energy, space and headaches.
Living aboard can be fun- we can't wait until the weather gets better so we can prove it!

Fishing Season Begins

2009-03-03T09:11:00.000-08:00

An elderly fisherman wrote to a mail order house the following: "Please send me one of those gasoline engines for my boat you show on page 438, and if it's any good, I'll send you a check." In a short time he received the following reply: "Please send check. If it's any good, we will send the engine."
C-18
inquire about new fishing regulations at
fisheregs@wa.dfw.gov

BE SURE TO COME IN FOR FISHING FOTOS FOR THE BRAG BOARD (BOARD OF ENVY)

GOOD LUCK!