Moving to Lake Lanier with my 2010 185 sport and questions!!!

[Heather_J_H]

Hello everyone, I will be moving to Lake Lanier in the next month or so and I am struggling with a decision I need to make. I currently live up on Lake Chatuge and I own a 2010 185 sport, the boat does great on my little lake but I am getting worried that my baby will be beaten up on Lake Lainer.
Should I upgrade to a 205 sport or will my boat be ok? If I keep my 185, should I install a wakeboard tower?

Please help, I'm so confused! :smt089

 

[JediJD]

Heather, I'm a Lanier visitor. We have some property on the north end of the lake and we used to go more often when we were trailering the 240 Sundeck. I mention that simply because Lanier regulars would be the best resource but I'll throw in $.02.

Having been on Chatuge and Lanier...you are definitely in for a culture shock. Lanier is fairly busy and there are a lot of cruisers. My experience is that during the busiest times, the main lake is pretty rough on smaller boats, and most people I know say that 20+ is probably preferable, but your 185 should be OK in other parts. Lanier is enormous, and there are lots of smaller coves and baylets to get into that don't have quite the wake problem that the more heavily traveled channels will have. Also, traveling "off peak" means that the entire lake is yours to enjoy.

 

[chuck1]

Heather,

IMHO - Upgrade ... if you plan to go into the lower/main part of the lake. The 185/205 is/was fine on Chatuge since we don't have any cruisers to speak of. Lanier is the total opposite even in our 240SD the main part of Lanier could get rough.

Chuck

 

[Scottzzzy]

I agree with Jedi and Chuck, the large open part of the lake does get pretty rough from wind and cruisers. Some of the large motor yachts have a wake that even I will turn into in my 340! Still, Lanier is a big lake with TONS of quiet little coves to tuck back in and enjoy a great day.:thumbsup:

Do you have any idea where you will be putting in at?

Oh and Welcome to CSR! There are a lot of us on here at Lanier!

 

[Heather_J_H]

Thanks everyone for the feedback, I truly appreciate the input. Right now I'm thinking dry docking at either Harbersham or Auqamarina. The decision will be based on which side of the lake (Buford or Cumming) I decide to live. Finding a rental has been a tough find for I have to drive 2.5hrs just to look at places. I'm looking forward to a much more busy lake for Chatuge is quite boring most of the time.
I think after reading your comments I'm going to keep my new baby and put all the extras on it. I sort of don't want to part ways with my new baby quite yet even though I do put a hell of a lot of hours on it.
Now I just need to find a place to rent :smt024 I would say see you all on the lake but you may run me over :grin:

 

[Scottzzzy]

You might like Habersham on the Cumming side if your new home search works out. It is mostly smaller vessels and they have cheaper gas. It is back in the inlet just by Bald Ridge where we are.

Good Luck!

 

[chuck1]

Heather,

Off topic, but did you do the poker run last year put on by the Ridges Resort for the Shriner's? I might have meet you at one of the stops.

Chuck

 

[Heather_J_H]

Hey Chuck1, Yes that would be me! I'm looking forward to the move but for the love of GOD looking for a place to rent has its challenges! I hope to but there before Memorial Weekend, so keep your fingers crossed..

 

[chuck1]

Heather,

Cool.. I thought that might have been you. Good luck on the move and have fun on Lanier.

Chuck

 

[Jeepguy]

For what its worth I boat with my 185 on Lake St. Clair, but I only take her out if the wave report says 1-2 foot waves, or less. Anything more and we get too beat up. On a few occasions the waves kicked up while I was out, then I couldn't even get moving fast enough to get on plane. Most of the time though I'm fine. The 4.3 has plenty of power for a 185 and sips fuel compared to the bigger boys. With the right conditions I can do 45 MPH all across the lake