1st Lake Mich. Outing

[bigal6030]

Well, I finally went out on Lake Michigan, I launched out of Hammond. Nice marina, $15 to launch.
Weather was nice, abit cloudy, but nice. Waves were 0-2' , Marine forecast was dead nuts. Motored north to Navy Pier and went through the locks up the Chicago river. My 202 handled the water just fine. Cruised at about 35mph the whole way. Do'nt think I would want to be in a smaller boat.
I was not impressed by the river alot of tour boats.
Headed back to the Hammond area to enjoy some sodas and alittle swimming. The water was very comforable around 78 degrees. Near hammond the water was very calm. Actually hit close to 50 mph heading straight out into the lake. Very nice.
Looking forward to heading out again, maybe on Sat. if the marine forecast is good.
If anyone has suggestions where to go from Hammond let me know.
What have been your experience on the Lake?
I am getting alittle tired of the Ill. River and really enjoyed the outing. Water was excellent.

Big Al

[Dale Michalak]

Al we anchored out at the Hammond Marina beach on Saturday which is just west of the marina and then on Sunday we anchored out at the beach east of the Hammond Marina. Hanging out on the hook seems to be the best thing happening around there. Be sure to have a stern anchor. Ran down for fireworks Sat night. I'm in a slip until next Monday and look to do more of the same this weekend. Look for a Rinker 270 named Open Seas'n, currently slipped in F-10 over there.

If the water is as nice you could always run to Boaters' Beach by NIPSCO in Indiana.

[Don Chambers]

Dale - are you staying aboard the boat that whole time, or just running back and forth from home by car? What does Hammond get for a transient slip?

[JollyRoger]

Big Al, I'm on the other side of the lake but agree...Lake MI is an awesome place to boat if the seas are calm. I'm typically going out of Grand Haven, but sometimes we'll trailer up to Frankfort and enjoy Crystal Lake and Lake Michigan for a weekend getaway. Whenever I see the wave report say "waves 1 foot or less", we are on the way. Kids love to tube and ski, and it's just an awesome wide open playground when it lays down like glass.

[Paul]

BigAl if the forecast is good you could head over to the Indiana Dunes like Dale suggested. Not too bad of a ride from hammond but in a 20' you will pick the day carefully. Launch out of Burns Harbor would be better. Thats what we usually do. Went there on the 15th and it was gorgeous! Flat to 1ft and any rouges were from other boat wakes. Far and away nicer than the IL river.

[Bald Mike]

I am going to be on Lake Michigan in the near future! Going to visit my brother. It will be my first time too.

[Dale Michalak]

Running over from the house, 20 minute ride. Might stay aboard tonight. So far this season they are running a 2 for 1 deal. Each night purchased gets you a free one. $135 for the week and they waive ramp fees.

[Don Chambers]

Awesome Dale! Took the kids over to the IN Dunes last tuesday, flat calm all day. They loved the crystal clear water. Might be willing to drop the boat off at Hammond for several days. Give me a call and let me know what your weekend plans are - maybe we can connect.

[Mike_H]

Yup, Try to get into Lake MI as much as possible. So much nicer than the river fed lakes that are around every port on my side of the lake.

Jolly Roger, I'll keep an eye open for ya. We Launch out of Fruitport most of the time, down Spring Lake, and into GH. I've got an all white 210CCR.

[Paul]

MI side of the lake is beautiful.
Gonna be in S. Haven all next week. Got a condo w/attached boat slip. Probably make a run up to Saugatuck one day for a cruise and have lunch.