Ouch on the kicker. Hate doing those kinds of things but do it all the time myself. Ya you definitely don't want to be without motor power if there's a big squall, swells or something throwing you every which way even if you have friends nearby. Bajo is definitely out there.
I hear hali fishing is pretty darn good this year out your way. Also some hopes/rumors of some nice 5-6 year olds on the chinook which might give the opportunity of pushing close to a 50 pounder in the boat! You know how rumors can be amongst fisherpeople though LOL.
I did get a couple nice chunks of boneless hali steaks from a friend that went out just before they closed the Strait down here. Do you have a favorite simple way cooking your 'buts?
Have fun out there and stay safe
I don't mind stealing bread from the mouths of decadence... But I can't feed on the powerless when my cup's already overfilled. -Temple of the Dog