Lake St.Clair and Huron boaters

[dgrumm]

We will be making our way from Detroit to Georgian Bay in early May. I was told the other day that I was crazy to make this run up Huron that early in the season due to deadheads etc. Is May too early? I realize there is a risk, and extra attention is required, but is this really that bad? We can cruise as slow as 16 knots.

Thanks for your help

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

I've never had a problem in May. The St. Clair River can be more of a potential hazzard than Lake Huron especially following a heavy rain fall. You may come across a distinct change in water color from blue to brown - stay in the blue if possible. That's a tell tale sign that a river is upstream that is discharging all kinds of nasty objects like trees, stumps, or even picnic tables.

Lake Huron is much deeper and it has a considerable current that carries debris from rivers Southward along the coastline. Just stay out from the shore and you should be fine.

If you're looking for a nice port before heading into Port Huron (especially if the North wind is kickin), Sarnia Bay Marina is a very nice place to stop. Look me up at dock B78! http://www.sarniabaymarina.com/

 

[Jaws]

Dave,

I did the trip from Grand Bend to Georgian Bay early in May one year and had no problems with debris. You are however going to have to watch the Detroit and St. Clair Rivers. I was at Lake St. Clair yesterday and you can see branches flowing in the current but by May there should be less of that. There's always a risk of that in the river regardless of the time of year.

They are supposed to be launching boats this week at Algonac as the ice is gone.

The one problem we did run into on that early May trip was fuel availability. Just plan out your stops in advance especially with diesel.

James

 

[Fynder]

We did the same trip a few years ago in the same boat (400 sedan). Water is cold and no boat traffic so plan for all safety issues. We stayed at Bayfield, Ontario due to change in weather and then in Tobermory. Although we had called ahead, both places were still closed but we stayed at the docks anyways and ran the genny. We stopped early one morning at Port Elgin for diesel and there seemed to be more actvity there but not sure about shore power. Debris can be an issue early in the year, have heard of problems with floating poly lines on prop shafts.

Look out for us on the bay this summer or at Bayport - A dock.

 

[jmunro123]

Sounds like a fun trip, maybe a little cool but fun. For some reason I think the fuel dock in Grand Bend opens in May 1 and the same thing with Bayfield. But you will want to call ahead for sure. Both have Municipal Fuel docks. By the way Bayfield Harbour Lights Marina got a great deal of ice damage this winter. An ice flow took out a good chunk of sea wall. If you check out the website you can see pictures of the repair http://www.harbourlightsmarina.on.ca/ . Harbour Lights is a nice Marina but you will want to double check on the status. The Municipal Marina in Bayfield is also good.

 

[rdj59]

Hi, if on your trip you end up stopping in port huron i assume you'll be staying at river street marina. Ask for Jeramie, i'll set up you up rite. The marina doesn't open until may 1 but power and water should be on by the 3rd week of april. I think our hours during may will be 8-8. There is a fuel dock called desmond marine and if you make a call they will have somebody waiting to fill you up. They may give a volume discount depending on how much you take. I know we give a $.05 after 250 and $.10 after 500. You'll be fine coming up. Like you said, just keep a watch full eye and you'll be fine. If we don't get a ton of rain in april it should be smooth sailing. We monitor channels 16 and 9 but call on 9. Hail river street marina and we'll take care of you from there. Being that its early in the season you could either be in a slip or on our facewall near the office and restrooms.
Hope to see you,
Jeramie

 

[RollerCoastr]

Dave,

I thought you planned to stay at CPM for most the season - is this just a trip, or is that the Big Move?

I travel at least that early every year. Debris is enough of a concern to warrant a watchful eye, but you're definitely not "crazy".

 

[dgrumm]

Thanks for all the advice guys!
Rdj59 - I will let you know my plans, thanks for the help.
RollerCoastr - I was planning on moving in August, but my company in Canada is really pushing to move me back asap. I am in Canada right now, so hopefully we will figure things out soon. My wife and I will really miss CP if we move back in May. As of now, I will be losing 25% from CP. I'll keep you posted.