Boating on River: Quirks, notes..?

[chuckndiscs]

Good Day!

So Im the proud new owner of an Alumacraft T-S14! and I am DYING waiting to get it on the water! A couple of more days until MN OPENER!

I live in the Twin Cities area and have a question about boating on the Minnesota River in or near downtown Saint Paul:

1. I currently have a 5.5HP Johnson motor, is this adequate enough to get 2 adults and a little squirt (32 pd 2 year old) around on the river?

2. Are there any special regulations on boating on rivers that differ from lakes?

3. Are there any special regulations on boating on the river near a large metropolitan area (ie: Saint Paul)?

4. You guys got any tips on what to do, not to do on the river that would differ than your typical lake??

I just want to be a "smart" boater when Im out there and I would like to use the river for boating and fishing, I live about 10 minutes away, so a quick trip to the river is a likely destination.

GLAD TO BE A BOAT OWNER!

- Chuck-n-Discs

 

[tommays]

Re: Boating on River: Quirks, notes..?

It will move the boat as i grew up with the same motor BUT with two adults i dont hink it would plane


It really depends on what kind of comercial traffic is on the river as barges and tugs are going to leave BIG wakes that could be a bit much for a new boater

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Boating on River: Quirks, notes..?

I'm in Saint Paul, too. I have a 12' aluminum boat with a 6hp outboard. Boating on the Mississippi is a little tough for small boats. Lots of barges, and they make enormous wakes. The current is way stronger than you'd think, even with the dams and locks sort of moderating things.

There are speed restrictions in parts of the river in St. Paul, really fast currents around the Hidden Falls park ramp, and it's just generally not a lot of fun to be on the water in that area.

There's a ramp at Hidden Falls Park in St. Paul. Another one is in Lillydale, just across the river. There used to be a ramp at Harriet Island, but it's closed due to homeland security issues and disrepair. Another ramp at Ft. Snelling is actually on the Minnesota River, right near where it merges with the Mississipi.

Other excellent ramps, not far from St. Paul, are in South Saint Paul (free) and Inver Grove Heights (River Heights Marina, $10.) The marina ramp is in a protected area, out of the current, and is the safest for small boats. You pay at the fuel dock before launching.

Right now, there are so many logs and other debris in the river, and the water's so high, along with the current, that it's probably not safe. Wait until June or July, when things settle down.

If you must go on the Mississipi, con

Consider the St. Croix, instead. The stretch near the I-94 bridge is called Lake St. Croix, and there's not a lot of current there. I don't take my boat out on it, though, on weekends. Too many large (30' and larger) cruisers on that water for comfort. Again...big wakes. There are two ramps on the Hudson, WI side (both charge a fee) in downtown Hudson.

The lakes in the metro are the safest place for your small boat. I like Bald Eagle Lake, just north of White Bear Lake. Good ramp, nice park, and the lake is interesting and full of fish. But...there are many other fine lakes in the area.

Go to the Minnesota DNR web site, http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/index.html , which has tons and tons of info on everything connected with boating in the Metro area, from topo lake maps to locations of launch ramps (public access.)

Maybe I'll see you on the water. You can PM me if you have questions about specific waters in the Eastern Metro.

 

[chuckndiscs]

Re: Boating on River: Quirks, notes..?

Thanks for the replies guys!

Ill heed the advice given, which sounds like I should be careful or altogether stay off the river. Thats a bummer though because I live SO close... Ah well, fun is still to be had! I had just invisioned hooking the boat up, whipping downt there and in the water in 25 minutes on a lazy sunday afternoon for either some cruising around or some catch and release.

All is still well!

Back to prepping the boat... not going to make the opener myself but will be out the next 3 weekends!

Thanks!

Chuck-N-Discs

 

[External Combustion]

Re: Boating on River: Quirks, notes..?

Please take a safe boating course before you put your crumb cruncher aboard. Little ones have a habit of ratcheting up the speed at which things happen. The Coiast Guard Auxillary, the U.S. Power Squadron and others offer courses where you are. Google them for the latest information.

You won't be dissappointed in the time spent on the course and you will be a much safer and knowledgeable boater.