After a gorgeous day in north Chatham Strait we pulled into Swanson Harbor fairly late and the two state floats were full. Rather than run to Funter Bay and arrive after dark, we decided to drop the hook a couple hundred yards north of the last float, between No Use Ledge and the island. It was good holding at about 60 feet and the water was calm.
The state floats at Swanson Harbor
However, the southeast winds picked up late and we found that when the tide was high the fetch came right in on us. The spit on the east side of the entrance channel was ineffective at high water. The boat rocked and rolled at anchor, causing us to loose a little sleep. No real trouble, the anchor held nicely. Once the tide started dropping again, we had protection. A little thing to remember.
While we anchored just a bit north of the floats, we noted that the float location was neatly behind a small point, protected from the swell that troubled our sleep. If you are lucky enough to get a spot on the floats, as we did a week later, you will have a very restful night.
About Fred Cooper
Alaska resident at the time of statehood; retired professional civil engineer and for 35 years owner of an engineering company; firmer owner and skipper of the Nordic Quest; author, avid fisherman and world traveler. Lives with his wife and their water-loving standard schnauzer in Portland, Oregon.
