Travel the mighty Missip?

[strokeoluck]

We've been told by a few folks that we "must" get our boat out on the Mississippi in the near future. Our boat info is below. This is only our second summer w/the boat. Towards the end of last year we started getting bolder and taking it out on Lake Minnetonka (that can get choppy in the heavy traffic areas for a little boat like ours!) so we're getting better at this stuff.

The idea of taking her out on the Mississippi is a little nerve-wracking for me. I've heard about strong currents, tricky docking/trailering, heavy traffic, commercial traffic, lots of buoys/navigational markers (many more than on the simple inland lakes we frequent), etc. But people tell me it's pretty cool to do a late summer/fall tour of the river, and others have encouraged us to take a long weekend and just trek up or down the river.

So I have two questions:

1) is it really that special? We're plenty happy for now sticking w/inland lakes, but there may come a time when we want to spread our wings a bit and try something new - is the big river the way to go?

2) is there a website or book or something that would give rookies an idea of how to do this, tips, etc.? We don't plan on traveling down to the Gulf, just simple trips.

3) (Sorry, a third question!) We're not campers, so can you just pull your boat up to a public dock and find a restaurant and hotel? Is it just like heading down the highway...gas stations, places to eat, hotels, etc.?

Thanks!

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: Travel the mighty Missip?

get VERY comfortable on the lakes that you love before getting on the missippi.... Also take a safe boating course....

 

[Davejm74]

Re: Travel the mighty Missip?

I recently purchased my first boat this spring and have exclusively been boating on the Mississippi since mid April. While currents are strong, its not unmanageable. Most of the ramps in my area are tucked into small bays out of the main current, and while noticeable while loading and unloading, as a new boater, it really hasn't been too difficult. I'm more stressed out on the ramp itself, in trying to get in and out quickly as to not hold people up. Traffic can be heavy, but I cant imagine its any worse that the big metro area lakes. (I lived in Maplewood, east of St Paul, for several years)

Most important things about boating the river is to stay in the main channel until you get comfortable. The main channel is marked by green and red buoys. When traveling in and out of the main channel operate perpendicular to the main channel as to avoid wing dams. There are literally thousands of them, some are very obvious, some not so much. If you know what to look for, most of the time they are pretty easy to see. Barge traffic can be a pain, especially if you get stuck behind one at a lock, but they must be respected. They are huge and weigh A LOT. Give them a lot of room and keep in mind they do nothing quickly. The dont stop or turn on a dime, and they have a gigantic blind spot in front of them.

The river is awesome and very beautiful. It demands respect, but boating on even the smallest of lakes deserves the same in my opinion. Go for it and have a good time, just keep your head screwed on straight and you will do just fine.

While this is from a WI DNR site, its the same river and has a lot of valuable information. Note: Guide 1- Provides general info on the river. Guide 2- includes numerous maps. I have studied the maps for the pools I frequent, and have found some less detailed maps at one of out local marine shops that I carry with me. The maps are slightly intimidating but as I said, the main channel is marked very well as long as you pay attention. Until you get more familiar with the area you are boating (I had a friend with lots of river experience take me out for an afternoon) you may want to stay in the main channel. http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/ORG/gmu/mississippi/boating guide.htm

Gas and food is available on the river, most decent sized towns have a few different options. Lodging I dont really know as I have never looked for it.

Just like boating anywhere else you need to remain alert and aware of your surroundings.

Hope this is helpful.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Travel the mighty Missip?

Great post with lots of info Dave.

 

[Davejm74]

Re: Travel the mighty Missip?

Great post with lots of info Dave.

Thanks Roscoe. I'm pretty new to boat ownership myself. But have found there are plenty of people willing to help a guy figure things out. This site is great for that.

I see we are nearly neighbors. A friend of mine even grew up in Medford. Small world!