3THE TYPE OF VESSEL
Though fuel, water and prOVlSlons are easily obtained, any vessel chosen
should be sound and able to carry the requirements of those aboard for extended
periods of time. The ship must be capable of being lived aboard and of facing
weather and sea conditions that may worsen rapidly.
Depending on the months when one is travelling the weather ean be damp and
cold. Air and water temperatures are usually very eold in the vieinity of the
glaciers. When outfitting the vessel the skipper should keep this important
faet in mind.
As a long-time sailor, it is painful for me to admit that perhaps the best
type of boa t for this trip is a trawler-type vessel eapable of at least 8 knots
and with an inside steering station. This is not to say that a sailing vessel
cannot be used. All areas descri bed in this guide were visited in a 30-~'ear
old 34-foot wooden cutter. But the prevailing winds over most of this area are
such that one should expect to motor for most of the trip when heading north,
and for at least some of the time on the return to the south. Moreover, the
negotiation of passes (if they are traversed at slack water) requires a vessel
that can make a minimum of 4 knots. Lastly, a dodger or cabin where one can be
out of the cold wind is essential, as is a heater to take the chilI out of a
boat during the cold, rainy days one will probably experience.
Power boats (excluding high speed planing hulls) usually have these
advantages, and the benefit of higher cruising speeds as eompared with most
sailboats. They are particularly suitable on the north-bound trip when head
winds and seas of moderate level are usually encountered. However, they are
less eomfortable with following winds and seas and cannot handle heavy weather
on the open water crossings as easily as sailboats can. Power boats are
constrained to wait for suitable conditions -- if comfort is desired --and
thus the overaii times for the full passage for alI types of boats does not
differ by more than a few days unless exceptional conditions are experienced.
80th gasoline and diesel fuel are a\'ailable at most fuel stations, as is
kerosene. Propane may be obtained at major towns along the route.Minor repairs to hull and engine can be undertaken at most of the smal!
towns along the passage. Tidal grids and mechanics are usually to be found.
Major repairs can only be done at the large towns having shipbuilding facili-
ties -- with parts probably having to be shipped from Vaneouver or SeattIe. A
well serviced and maintained engine(s) is highly recommended for a trip in
these waters.FUEL, wATER, AND PROVISIONSBoth diesel oil and gasoline are available, though in parts of the Inside
Passage supplies may be some distance apart. Prices vary but are higher in the
remote areas. Larger centers (where there is commerciaI fishing traffic) tend
to have fairly similar prices. The high taxes on fuel in Canada lead to more
expensive fuel when in Canadian waters as compared to U.S. prices.