From 1957 to 2011

1957 was a good year, there were 57 Chevy's, rock and roll, ponytails and petticoats, sputnik and Elvis…..AND…. in the small town of LaConner, Washington, Skagit Plastics were building boats from the new material, fiberglass.

What makes Close Encounters Ecotourism?

The boat is one of the facets that make Close Encounters Ecotours  ecospecial. The boat, a Skagit 31 Saratogan, was locally built in the Skagit Plastics factory, LaConner Washington in 1958-59.  The three Saratogans were at that time, world’s largest all fiberglass cruisers. Tim considers the Skagit 31 to be 1950’s Art Deco in Fiberglass... a truly beautiful and well built design!

That and the fact we run on a brand new highly efficient diesel engine as well as an electric drive - the only commercial boat in the San Juan Islands that runs on an eco-friendly hybrid propulsion system. Like the Prius of the Sea!

What's So Great About Close Encounters?

Beautifully Restored 1959 Skagit 31 is Fast
and Comfortable

Highly Experienced Skipper

Hybrid Diesel-Electric Propulsion allows
Silent Running Around Wildlife

1950's Theme

Smaller Parties are More Fun

Fun Karaoke Singalong on Boomer Cruises

Custom Tailored Cruises

Special Kids Day Every Week

Lowest Carbon Footprint of any Northwest Charterboat

Hydrophone Equipped

At the Foot of Spring Street Next to the Ferry.

The Saratogan is the finest and most luxurious craft ever constructed in fiberglass. Designed especially for those who demand absolute comfort afloat.

These were the world's largest all fiberglass pleasure cruisers at the time of construction. Sporting (among other features) stainless steel galleys and foam cored bulkheads, the Skagit
fiberglass boats were truely cutting edge technology at the time.

Skagit Gallery

The Skagit Saratogan has undergone an extensive resotration/refit. In addition to the low emission diesel engines is a cutting edge electric propulsion system that pushes the Saratogan in virtual silence with zero emissions..