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Cruising the Great Lakes

Discussion in 'Viking Yacht' started by Rip, May 13, 2010.

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  1. Rip

    Rip New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2010
    Messages:
    16
    Location:
    Lake Ontario
    Anyone on here ever cruised from Lake Michigan to at least Lake Erie? Any tips or warnings would be appreciated. I have never been through upper Lake Michigan or Lake Huron. Thanks.
  2. PropBet

    PropBet Senior Member

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2007
    Messages:
    1,216
    Location:
    Is Everything!
    We made the trek from Ontario, to Erie, then to Huron, and finally into Michigan last season.
    It's an outstanding venture. There are really endless stops and journeys along the way, and depending on your cruising preference you can take your time in getting from Michigan to Huron or hustle from point a to b.

    Weather is always a consideration, depending on the time of year in which you plan your travel, however the summer months are generally mild. Indian summers to present some challenges here and there, but overall, it's not too bad.

    Don't pass up Superior either. From the Straits of Mackinac there are many fantastic areas for laying over for a night, weekend, or slow travel depending on again, your schedule and preference. Mackinac Island is an obvious stop.

    A favorite spot of ours is up in the Northern Channel where you could spend a week or two without a worry.

    Cruising Guide to the Great Lakes has some good reading:
    http://www.amazon.com/Cruising-Guide-Great-Connecting-Waterways/dp/0809254158

    Lakeland's Boating Guides are probably the best $40 spent on reading / reference material for each of the lakes.
    http://www.lakelandboating.com/cruise_guide.cfm

    The only other thing I'd probably recommend is updated NOAA charts, and obviously good paper charts.
  3. Rip

    Rip New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2010
    Messages:
    16
    Location:
    Lake Ontario
    Thanks for the reply, Propbet. Unfortunately, this trip I am on a mission and have yo make good time. I run a Salmon fishing charter business and will be putting the 35VikingC into service soon after I get back to Lake Ontario. Any time and money saving tips for this trip would be appreciated. I'm sure I will be saying, "man, I'd like to hang here awhile", in several locations. The Great Lakes are certainly one of the most beautiful places in the World.
  4. Capt J

    Capt J Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jul 11, 2005
    Messages:
    14,432
    Location:
    Fort Lauderdale
    I have.......It's a very easy run through upper lake michigan and down Lake Huron to the Detroit river and that to the Erie is a no brainer. There are good stops. macinaw Island is a must see. I just got back from running a 56' From Deleware to Toledo. But have also done the entire trip to Chicago and down the river system.
  5. Rip

    Rip New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2010
    Messages:
    16
    Location:
    Lake Ontario
    Thanks, Capt J