The difference in expense, crew requirements, and comfort are obvious, and if you drill down into the pros and cons of mega versus micro, each skipper will have a laundry list rationalizing and
justifying their choices.
Sometimes I see micro yachts being paddled or sailed across straits and marvel at them just as much if not more than the mega bruisers with the eight foot freeboard.
In the end, the boats we use in the San Juans are the ones we have, it's as simple as that. It's not a matter of what is appropriate or proper, it's a matter of making proper choices for the conditions, and your boat's ability to handle those conditions.
From a 14 foot open fishing boat, kayak or canoe, to the Queen Mary, all have a time and place in the San Juans.
The boats in the pictures below are likely to be found just about everywhere.
So if it floats -- get going.
Everything but the kitchen sink
And the kitchen sink
Too big to fit in picture (please remove shoes!)
Runabouts - ski boats - open boats
Common at Jones Island
Mega yacht won't be using any of the park facilities.
These guys anchor out and dinghy into the coves and floats
See the tender on top?
Another camper on a runabout
They may be using tents onshore at one of three campgrounds on James Island, or just a lunch stop.
Kayak campers use campground at top of steps
At Jones Island, its a full float of day-trippers.
This trailer sailer just rolled down the ramp
becalmed in a car-topper in Lopez Sound
This boater paddles the final feet to Pelican Beach
Here's a shot that captures mega to mini.
The sailboat is a 70's Catalina 22 towing an inflatable. The mega is 164' Eileen , built in Italy with an 31' beam. If you look closely you can see the 35 foot center console dinghy attached crosswise at Eileens stern.
This was at Friday Harbor on the 4th of July 2016.
Click below to see satellite view of Obstruction Island
