Free Boat Rides

Every Sunday of the year we offer free public boat rides on Lake Union through our CastOFF! Program.

Come down in person to sign up as early as 10:00 a.m. for our 2:00 sail – space fills up quickly!

We cannot take reservations over the phone. Space is first-come, first-served. Once you have signed up, head to the model boat pond to sail a pond boat, explore the South Lake Union neighborhood, or grab lunch at one of the great restaurants nearby. You do not need to be present while waiting, but make sure to return at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time. We may give your spot away to someone on the waiting list if you do not arrive on time.

Boats used for our CastOFF! Free Rides (boats vary based on weather and skipper availability):

New Haven Sharpie Betsy D
The Betsy D is a 35' sailing sharpie designed for oystering in Long Island Sound. She was built in 1977. Learn more about Betsy D.

Sailing Gillnetter Admirable
This salmon fishing boat is known by several different names, but the earliest of these boats were used for commercial salmon gillnetting on the Sacramento River in 1868. Admirable is the boat in the CWB Logo! Learn more about Admirable.

Steam Launch Puffin
Steam has been used to power watercraft since the early 1700s and is
still in use today (in nuclear powered ships, for example). With the advent of small gasoline engines and readily available
gasoline, steam power quickly lost popular appeal. Learn more about Puffin.

Looking for other ways to get out on the water?

Our Annual Lake Union Wooden Boat Festival over 4th of July weekend as well as other events feature free boat rides for families.

Take a boat out yourself! Rent a boat from our Livery fleet or earn free boat rental time with your volunteer hours.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Let us know!