Lake Michigan boating tips?

[AnthraxBird]

Ola everyone, new boater here. Recently bought and fixed up an 86 Imperial 18’ Deep V open bow with the 3.0L Merc and Gen 1 Alpha sterndrive. The lakes near me are extremely shallow and already damaged my prop. Next time I’d like to launch out of a marina on Lake Michigan. Any tips? I already know it’s common sense to get NOAA lake data and weather reports before launching, and only plan on boating in calm weather. Thanks for any input!

 

[roscoe]

The great lakes are US Coast Guard jurisdiction.
The safety equipment requirements are different from "inland" waters.
Make sure you have all the required items, including vhf radio and signaling devices.

If your lakes are so shallow, what do other boaters do to avoid the rocks/bottom?

Charts and maps will help you to avoid rocks. And yes, they are in the big lakes too.
Sand bars, rocks, reefs, dead heads, and debris are in every body of water.

Even a cheap chart plotter will keep you on a relatively safe course.
Once you have traveled through an area, the next time through you follow the same course that was "safe" the first time.

 

[AnthraxBird]

I’ve got a few friends that work at the closest USCG station, they will tow me in if I ever have any problems haha! The lake I went to is mainly used by pontoons and PWCs, and has heavy traffic. The few private owned marinas aren’t very well taken care of, and the public launch is extremely packed, and parking isn’t very great. (Took me 10 minutes to back out with the trailer) I can launch from a marina on Lake Michigan for free, and the parking is ample, and they have some beaches which are extremely nice, which is why I’d like to boat on it.

 

[InsidetheBreakwater]

Hey Bird, I've been taking the family boating the last few years in our 185BR. Everyone wears life vests while underway, just in case. Take it easy, watch your motor trim to avoid burying the bow into a wave, don't go fast in big waves. Or don't be out there at all in big waves, but you already said that. I was not aware of the VHF radio requirement, need to get one of those. But I never venture far offshore.
And btw, Muskegon Lake is a great inland lake with some nice public marinas, and a short channel ride to the big lake, complete with outer breakwaters that let you access the big lake without getting into the biggest waves.
Good luck, be safe.

 

[oldrem]

Keep in mind that a small craft warning for Lake Michigan means anything under 40ft per the USCG. Make sure your radio has a weather channel. The "big pond" can go from clear and calm to heavy seas at any time with little warning. I was caught out there a few times.

 

[garbageguy]

Watch the weather, let someone trustworthy staying on land know what you're doing, where/when, etc. (aka file a float plan), watch the weather, have all your safety equipment checked and in good working order, watch the weather, talk to other experienced boaters familiar with the area, make sure your anchor is adequate for the conditions you'll be in, watch the weather, consider having a second anchor, be sensible, have fun! The Great Lakes are wonderful, just keep your wits about you

 

[ahicks]

Got my butt kicked big time on Lake Michigan. Bad enough I doubt I'll sail again...and damn sure not on Lake Michigan! I was an experienced boater, familiar with my boat (a very sturdy 26') and the forecast weather conditions I was sailing into. Problem was, they got progressively worse (much worse than predicted) and I had nowhere to go but to continue another 10 miles - right into the waves/wind. We finally made port with a double reefed main under nearly full power to maintain our direction.

We could handle the large swells, and we could handle the waves. Where we struggled was when the boat topped a swell, and ran smack dab into a 6' wave running up the back side of the swell - over and over again!

Watch the weather sure, and make sure you have options on where your'e going to go if things turn to crap on you!

 

[AnthraxBird]

Most definitely! Thanks for the advice guys, it’s much appreciated!

 

[NYBo]

The great lakes are US Coast Guard jurisdiction.
The safety equipment requirements are different from "inland" waters.
Make sure you have all the required items, including vhf radio and signaling devices.

A VHF radio is NOT required on recreational vessels but one would be foolish to venture out on Lake Michigan without one.

 

[roscoe]

A VHF radio is NOT required on recreational vessels but one would be foolish to venture out on Lake Michigan without one.

is NOT required on recreational vessels under 65' in length

better to have one than not.

And the USCG operating in Green Bay Wi, will give you a tongue lashing if you don't have one.

 

[NYBo]

is NOT required on recreational vessels under 65' in length

better to have one than not.

And the USCG operating in Green Bay Wi, will give you a tongue lashing if you don't have one.

I think his 18-footer squeezes under the size requirement.
But, as I stated, I agree he should have a VHF radio.

 

[AnthraxBird]

VHF radios with weather station can be had for around $100. Cheap insurance if you ask me! Just gotta install a new shift cable and I’ll be good