Planning a trip from Lake Erie to lake Michigan

[Hawaiiwego]

Planning a less ambitious Lake St Clair to Mackinaw r.t. this summer. Pretty new boater and only on Lake Huron when calm to date. Suggestions for the best month? What resources are available to plan the route and manage bad weather should it occur.

 

[C. C. & Company]

Another trip calculator http://www.boatbookings.com/yachting_content/map_distances.php

 

[mrtopgun]

To the OP, if you buy the fuel and cover the expenses, I'll run you over to Chicago...

If you make the trip yourself, just remember that you always go on the lake's schedule, your own schedule is irrelevant and will change via the lakes whims.

After reading everyone's post and ideas, timing and listening to you guys im not ready for it. Chicago doesnt look like a great destination for boaters. Alot of negative things being said about the area and boating. So looks like I will head to st clair hang out and have a beer. I need a trip away from the PIB Islands so I'm gonna Head North.
My planning will probably be the worst part. I will wake up and say all aboard and head out. No destination just North.My goals are to make new csr friends from up North and have some drinks together.

 

[sb in gp]

You're making a wise decision. Let me know when you're coming to lake st Clair.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[MonacoMike]

Chicago is a fun place to go boating but just not that distance in a short time.

MM

 

[play dough]

Planning a less ambitious Lake St Clair to Mackinaw r.t. this summer. Pretty new boater and only on Lake Huron when calm to date. Suggestions for the best month? What resources are available to plan the route and manage bad weather should it occur.

Best time for that area is late June to mid-August. You'll likely find the most stable weather during that period. Mackinac Island state docks are fully reserved for the yacht races on the two weekends following the 4th of July weekend (not sure exact date span that slips are unavailable) so you'll need to avoid the island during that time. Not sure what is still in print but the cruising guides published by lakeland Boating are a good reference and handy to have on board to give a pictorial of unfamilar harbors. Perhaps drop into Mike's Marine or West Marine and browse their library. Charts are available on-line for viewing. http://www.charts.noaa.gov/OnLineViewer/GreatLakesViewerTable.shtml

As far as managing bad weather, just stay informed to predicted conditions and plan accordingly. There are dozens of sources available today. Along that route, you're never more than maybe 30 miles from a harbor.

 

[RollerCoastr]

If you haven't already done so, getting familiar with Active Captain would be a good idea. Look at reviews and suggestions by members and get an idea of where you'd like to stop as a tourist, and where you can seek shelter when necessary. AC also integrates into Garmin's BlueChart Mobile app. (among others, including their own).

If you already participate in a trusted traveler program like I-68 or Nexus, then I would highly recommend including some of the Canadian ports. Bayfield and Grand Bend aren't too far out of your way and they each have a unique appeal. Calling into Canada is no big deal - they have their system down to a science. The U.S., not so much. Unless all passengers aboard have special docs, re-entry can be a serious hassle.