Port Townsend Boat Haven & Shipyard - Image 1
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Port Townsend Boat Haven & Shipyard

4.4
·263 reviews·Port Townsend, United States

A working marine hub showcasing skilled craftsmanship, classic wooden boats, and vibrant shipyard activity on the Salish Sea.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daylight hours

Best views of boats & activity

CrowdMedium
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Port Townsend Boat Haven & Shipyard - Image 1

Port Townsend Boat Haven & Shipyard

Best Time

Daylight hours

Best views of boats & activity

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A working marine hub showcasing skilled craftsmanship, classic wooden boats, and vibrant shipyard activity on the Salish Sea.

4.4
(263 reviews)

"A superb resource full of every marine trade imaginable, highly recommended!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚢 Admire the Craftsmanship

See impressive wooden boat restorations and active shipyard work. A true maritime enthusiast's dream!

☀️ Enjoy Waterfront Strolls

Walk along the marina for great views and to see a variety of boats. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Classic Wooden Boats

Classic Wooden Boats

Throughout the Boat Haven

Marvel at beautifully restored wooden vessels, a testament to maritime heritage and skilled craftsmanship.

Active Shipyard Operations

Active Shipyard Operations

Shipyard area

Witness the impressive work of shipwrights and marine tradespeople at this full-service boatyard.

Waterfront Views & Marine Activity

Waterfront Views & Marine Activity

Marina promenade

Enjoy scenic views of the Puget Sound and observe the constant flow of boats in and out of the harbor.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to the Boat Haven

The Port Townsend Boat Haven & Shipyard is a working marine facility. While it's always active, consider visiting during daylight hours for the best views of the boats and activities. Weekends can be busier with local boaters and visitors enjoying the waterfront.

Understanding the Boat Haven's Role

This isn't just a marina; it's a hub for marine trades and boat restoration. Expect to see a variety of vessels, from classic wooden boats to modern yachts. It's a place to appreciate maritime craftsmanship and the Salish Sea's active boating community.

Best Times

When
Daylight hours
Why
Best views of boats & activity
Crowd
Medium
When
During Boatyard BBQ
Why
Community celebration & fun
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Getting to know the new boat with @tyferkin. Hopefully bound for port Townsend Thursday to set it up to freezer troll with the haven crew!
calebdrobbins
48 likes • 2.4K views

🚢 Admire the Craftsmanship

See impressive wooden boat restorations and active shipyard work. A true maritime enthusiast's dream! InstagramReddit

☀️ Enjoy Waterfront Strolls

Walk along the marina for great views and to see a variety of boats. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon. Instagram

#Reliance. 1938 Gig Harbor Seiner, Owner Matt Brink, Port Townsend Boat Haven, Port Townsend, WA, October 20, 2022. Turn on the volume—Dru Thompson, shipwright, making this look easy and not missing a beat. This is a Go Fund Me: https://www.gofundme.com/f/1930-reliance-restoration and he’s going to be doing Patreon soon West Salish Shipwright—Dru Thompson https://westsalishshipwright.com
prolificaestheticsllc
2 likes • 72 views
The Boatyard BBQ at the @portofporttownsend! The boatyard shuts down for a huge party celebrating the marine trades in Port Townsend. Lots of friendly folks, food and drink, music and fun. Boat Haven is a wonderfully unique place! #boatyard #porttownsend #boatlife
theboatgeeks
3 likes • 276 views

🎉 Check for Events

The Boatyard BBQ and Wooden Boat Festival are popular events. Plan ahead for these! Instagram+1

🤿 Explore Nearby Wrecks

Scuba divers can explore the wreck of the Ranger just off Boat Haven Marina. Instagram

Port Townsend has been our little winter boat haven - actually one of their marina’s name is Boat Haven! Haven might be a little generous, because let’s be real — at times it can be windy, cold, far out of the way of everything, not super kid friendly — blah! The good absolutely outweighs the things that might at times get on our nerves. This is our impromptu Fort Worden afternoon hangout. Not t...
jenniferdonogh
26 likes • 708 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚢 Admire the Craftsmanship

See impressive wooden boat restorations and active shipyard work. A true maritime enthusiast's dream! InstagramReddit

☀️ Enjoy Waterfront Strolls

Walk along the marina for great views and to see a variety of boats. Perfect for a relaxed afternoon. Instagram

🎉 Check for Events

The Boatyard BBQ and Wooden Boat Festival are popular events. Plan ahead for these! Instagram+1

🤿 Explore Nearby Wrecks

Scuba divers can explore the wreck of the Ranger just off Boat Haven Marina. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(263 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Port Townsend Boat Haven for its well-run marina, friendly and professional staff, and impressive array of marine trades. It's a superb resource for boaters and a fascinating place to observe maritime craftsmanship. Some note that while it's a working facility, the charm of the old boatyard is largely gone, replaced by modern infrastructure.

"I hold mixed feelings for this place. The old funky boatyard was a childhood home. All that remains now is a parking lot and loo."

Daniel “카산제” Arthur

"A well run marina with plenty of amenities, great views, and a friendly and helpful staff. And a full boatyard with Travel-lifts."

Jennifer Silva Redmond

"This is a great boat yard and I appreciated their attention to detail and professionalism in terms of sling arm placement, rigging clearance, and helping maneuver into the lift. Really pleasant and easy to deal with."

Andrey Yurovsky

What People Like

Friendly and helpful staff
Full-service boatyard
Great views and boats

What People Dislike

Loss of old boatyard charm

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Port Townsend Boat Haven is accessible by car via Highway 101. If coming from the Seattle area, you can take a ferry to Bainbridge Island or Kingston and then drive. Some visitors use ferries from Coupeville to Port Townsend, but check schedules and reservation availability as they can fill up. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available at the Boat Haven, which is convenient for visitors and boat owners. Instagram

Public transport options to Port Townsend are limited. While there are bus services, they may not directly serve the Boat Haven. Driving is generally the most convenient way to access the area. Reddit

From Seattle, you can drive to the Seattle Ferry Terminal and take a ferry to Bainbridge Island, then drive to Port Townsend. Alternatively, you can drive north and take the ferry from Edmonds to Kingston, then drive. Reddit

If you're considering ferry travel, standby can be an option, but it's not guaranteed. It's highly recommended to check ferry schedules and reservation availability well in advance, especially during peak seasons or weekends. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, general access to walk around the public areas of Port Townsend Boat Haven and admire the boats does not require tickets. Entry is free for visitors. Instagram

The Boat Haven is a working marina and shipyard, generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific office hours for the Port of Port Townsend may vary, but the marina itself is active throughout the day. Instagram

The Boatyard BBQ is a special event, and while it's a celebration for the marine trades, there might be associated costs for food and drink. It's best to check the Port of Port Townsend's event calendar for specific details closer to the date. Instagram

While you can observe shipyard activities from public areas, formal tours of the working shipyard may not be regularly offered. However, the sheer presence of the operations is a highlight in itself. Instagram

As it's a working marine facility, visitors should be mindful of safety. Stick to designated public walkways and be aware of active operations. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You'll see a diverse range of vessels, including classic wooden sailboats and motorboats, modern yachts, fishing vessels, and workboats undergoing maintenance or restoration. Instagram+1

The shipyard is a hub for numerous marine trades, including boat building, repair, restoration, rigging, welding, and foundry services. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! The variety of boats, the working shipyard, and the waterfront scenery offer fantastic photographic opportunities. Capture the details of wooden boats or the scale of the shipyard. Instagram+1

While it's a fascinating place, it's a working industrial area. Supervision is key for children. Some find it less 'kid-friendly' due to its nature, but the sights and sounds can be captivating. Instagram

The Wreck of the Ranger is a popular dive site located just off Boat Haven Marina, offering an underwater exploration opportunity for experienced divers. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Port Townsend itself has a charming downtown area with numerous restaurants, cafes, and pubs offering a variety of cuisines. You can also find places to grab a bite near the marina. Instagram

While there might not be dedicated restaurants directly within the Boat Haven, you can certainly bring a picnic to enjoy with the waterfront views. The nearby town offers more dining options. Reddit

Port Townsend offers a range of dining experiences, from casual seafood shacks and cafes to more upscale restaurants featuring local ingredients. Instagram

During special events like the Boatyard BBQ, food vendors are typically present, offering a variety of treats and meals for attendees. Instagram

Yes, there are grocery stores in the town of Port Townsend where you can purchase supplies if you plan to have a picnic or prepare your own meals. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The entire marina offers great views. Focus on the details of the wooden boats, the working shipyard, and the scenic waterfront. Sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful light. Instagram+1

You can photograph the boats and the general shipyard activity from public areas. Capturing the skilled work of the shipwrights adds a dynamic element to your photos. Instagram

Look for the intricate joinery on wooden boats, the textures of weathered wood and metal, and the interplay of light and shadow in the shipyard. The 'Reliance' restoration is a notable subject. Instagram

Golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) provide soft, warm light that enhances the textures and colors of the boats and the shipyard. Midday can be harsh but still offers opportunities for dramatic shots. Instagram

Drone usage is subject to regulations. Always check local FAA and Port of Port Townsend rules regarding drone operation before flying. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Port Townsend Boat Haven is a working industrial area, it can still be an engaging place for families. The sheer scale of the boats and the activity in the shipyard can capture children's imaginations. Encourage them to observe the different types of vessels and the work being done. Bring snacks and drinks, as dedicated family dining spots are limited within the immediate Boat Haven area. The nearby town of Port Townsend offers more amenities and parks for a balanced visit. Instagram

Consider visiting during a special event like the Boatyard BBQ, which often has a more festive and family-friendly atmosphere. Always emphasize safety and supervision, ensuring children stay in designated public areas and are aware of their surroundings in this active marine environment. Instagram

⚓ Maritime Enthusiasts & History Buffs

This is your paradise! Port Townsend Boat Haven is a living museum of maritime craftsmanship. You'll be captivated by the restoration of classic wooden boats, a skill that’s becoming increasingly rare. Take your time to admire the intricate details, from the hull construction to the rigging. The presence of the Port Townsend Foundry and the expertise of shipwrights like those working on the 'Reliance' are highlights. Instagram

Don't miss the chance to witness the active shipyard operations. It’s a rare opportunity to see a full-service boatyard in action, showcasing a wide array of marine trades. If you're a diver, the nearby Wreck of the Ranger offers an underwater historical adventure. Instagram Attending events like the Wooden Boat Festival, if your visit coincides, is an absolute must. Instagram

📸 Photographers

Port Townsend Boat Haven offers a wealth of photographic opportunities. The variety of boats, from weathered working vessels to gleaming classic yachts, provides endless subjects. Focus on the textures of wood and metal, the play of light on the water, and the dynamic action within the shipyard. The golden hours of sunrise and sunset can cast a magical glow over the scene. Instagram

Look for unique angles and details – the intricate joinery of a wooden hull, the reflections in the water, or the silhouettes of boats against the sky. The working shipyard itself, with its cranes and equipment, offers a more industrial aesthetic that can be powerfully captured. Remember to be respectful of the working environment and any private vessels. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Heart of Maritime Craftsmanship

Port Townsend Boat Haven & Shipyard is more than just a place to dock your boat; it's a vibrant center for marine trades and the preservation of maritime heritage. This working shipyard is renowned for its skilled shipwrights and comprehensive services, attracting boat owners from far and wide. You'll witness the meticulous restoration of classic wooden boats, a craft that requires immense dedication and expertise. The presence of facilities like the Port Townsend Foundry further highlights the depth of marine support available here. InstagramReddit

Visitors can observe the daily operations, from haul-outs using impressive Travel-lifts to the intricate work of repair and maintenance. It’s a place where the past and present of boating converge, offering a unique glimpse into a traditional industry that continues to thrive. The community spirit is palpable, especially during events like the annual Boatyard BBQ, which celebrates the marine trades and brings people together. Instagram

Whether you're a seasoned sailor, a history buff, or simply curious about the world of boats, the Boat Haven offers a compelling experience. It’s a testament to the enduring appeal of wooden boats and the dedication of those who keep these maritime traditions alive. The nearby wreck of the Ranger also adds an adventurous element for scuba enthusiasts. Instagram

Navigating the Marina and Surrounding Waters

The Port Townsend Boat Haven operates as a well-managed marina, providing essential amenities for boaters. It's a key part of the Port of Port Townsend's maritime infrastructure, facilitating both recreational and commercial boating activities. The marina offers a safe harbor and access to a full range of services, making it a popular stop for those cruising the Salish Sea. Instagram

Beyond the marina itself, the waters surrounding Port Townsend are rich with marine life and offer opportunities for exploration. Divers can explore the Wreck of the Ranger, a site known for its underwater biodiversity, including various fish species and invertebrates. Instagram

For those arriving by ferry, it's important to note that reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak times, as ferries can fill up quickly. Standby options exist but are not guaranteed. Planning your ferry travel in advance is crucial for a smooth journey to Port Townsend. Reddit

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