compare superior to pacific

[glen f]

Hey all,<br /> Im from the bay area of northern california. Ive moved to minnesota in 99. I hear a lot of hype about superior. I am wondering if anyone on this board would have experience boating the sf bay and pacific in general as well as lake superior? I know full well the big lake is nothing to play around with and deserves equall respect but people around here are really intimdated by superior. Just wondering if its cause they werent raised sea going or what? I treat it like the ocean and my safety gear doesnt leave the boat even if Im in a 12ft deep lake period. Water is water if youre away from shore. Im just wondering if theres more to it

 

[JB]

Re: compare superior to pacific

I think the biggest difference is weather, Glen. Upper midwestern squall lines and Tstorms are fierce, often pop up with little warning and turn the lake into a cemetery. That is true of all of the Great Lakes.<br /><br />On the other hand, the Lakes don't have the tides and currents that salts need to deal with.<br /><br />On balance, I think our fresh water "seas" are more dangerous than SF Bay.

 

[tommays]

Re: compare superior to pacific

i can say that that we boat on long island saltwater and make trips to Lake George NY a nice 30 mile fresh water lake<br /><br />on long island its realy rare to have weather that was not predicted <br /><br />on the lake you need to listen to NOAA full time.<br /><br /> the storms are daily at some times of the year and i have had as littel as 15 minutes warning. <br /><br />when a storm hits with 60+ mph winds it might only last and hour but its a heck of and hour<br /><br />tommays

 

[Silvertip]

Re: compare superior to pacific

There are great lakes freighter captains that also have ocean experience and most will tell you that the great lakes, especially Lake Superior is more dangerous and unpredictable than the ocean. The number of shipwrecks in Superior should be testimony to that. I suggest you visit the Shipping Museum in Duluth at your earliest convenience and learn about the hazards this lake poses. My only other suggestion is respect it and believe what you hear from those who frequent the lake. By the way -- fall into this lake and be in it for more than a few minutes you will never be found. Its cold!!

 

[ziemann]

Re: compare superior to pacific

100's of shipwrecks dot Isle Royale, the Minnesota north shore, Wisconsin's Apostle Islands, and Michigan's Keeweenaw for a reason. Starting this time of the year when the Nor'easters kick in- is easily the worst. <br /><br />Midwesterners have a healthy fear of the big lakes...and it is a healthy fear. Some of the Coast Guard Stations on the great lakes stay pretty busy...

 

[glen f]

Re: compare superior to pacific

Thanks for spelling it out. Ive been aware of the storms potential but really wanted to hear from folks who have boated both. Like I stated safety is always first for me. I wondered if the higher number of wrecks might be partially due to people mistaking it as just a lake. I see thats not a huge factor.Oh and Ive been to the museum and learned alot. Just wanted fellow boaters input. Thanks for the responses and safe boating to you all.<br />Glen

 

[ziemann]

Re: compare superior to pacific

If you do a bit of research, you will find that even in the last 10-15 years, there have been some big vessels that have gone down or grounded in western Lake Superior. Modern technology has not prevented some recent accidents. <br /><br />Some recent wrecks that come to mind are the Coast Guard Tender Mesquite ('89-'90 Keweenaw Point) and the Grampa Woo ('96 Isle Royale). Do a Yahoo search and you should see info on these wrecks.

 

[GrandLarsony]

Re: compare superior to pacific

I have boated Atlantic waters and am now on Lake Ontario. There are two differences in my mind - waves and weather.<br /><br />Waves on Ontario are MUCH different than in open ocean. The frequency is much shorter (they're closer together). You simply cannot ride them (surf the face) as you can in the ocean. They're sharper and frequently have white caps on top. 4-6' conditions on Ontario are something I would equate with 8-10' swells in ocean. <br /><br />Weather comes up VERY quickly as noted above and can be pretty scary. Tstorms come outta the clear blue sky, with winds of 50+ knots.<br /><br />That said, if you're an able seaman from SF you'll be fine on Superior. Talk with the guys on the dock, keep an ear on the VHF weather channel, and use good judgement.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: compare superior to pacific

I'd equate Lake Superior closer to the Pacific up by Alaska.