Washington State Ferry riders- Q on low tides

[Bobbie Mayer]

I was about to book a crossing (Coupeville-Pt. Townsend) and saw two cancellations due to low tides. Low is -2.9 at 11:40 am. 11:45 sailing from Coupeville (Keystone) goes as does 12:30.

My concern is about either of those being two steep a loading angle for a car/trailer combo. Does anyone have any familiarity with that run who might know? I don't have the front jack that sticks down anymore so might be okay but I'm a little leery of booking the 11:45 (ideal time).. Also I don't know why the 11:45 is running as that's the actual low- tide chart isn't agreeing with times of ferry cancellations.

Any feedback appreciated.

[Dave Fish]

If it says canceled due to low tides, it is not running. The Coupeville harbor is pretty shallow. Steep ramps are often a problem at Clinton, which is why we had the high light axle but I have never noticed a steep approach for Coupeville. I visit there often to mow the grass by the ticket booths as a volunteer.

Take the one before or after. Make sure you get a reservation.

2009 Casita FD - Sold

[Bobbie Mayer]

That's what I'm asking about- the one after. 10:15 and 11 are cancelled. What I don't get is that the cancellations are before the actual low tide time. (Which I've seen listed as both 11:40 and 12:11.)

The 11:45 out of Coupeville is running and the low tide is right then. But as long as the approach isn't like Clinton maybe I'm better off there, anyway. Definitely making a reservation- just trying to decide when. But if Mukilteo/Clinton is worse I might as well take my chances.

[Dave Fish]

The time for the highs and lows depends on where the reading is reported. As far as I know, there is not a reading point right at the ferry. The tide apps I have used show substantially different times and highs and lows at Port Townsend than on our side of the island.

By the 11:45, the tide is probably still low but rising. As I recall, you have a pretty small egg, so I think you will be ok.

[Bobbie Mayer]

Thanks, Dave!

[Casita Greg]

It's not about the ramps being too steep. It is about the shallow little bay on the Coupeville side that would cause the ferry to become grounded due to the extreme low tide. At certain low tides the water isn't deep enough for the ferry to enter, which would cause it to run aground.