Toledo to Mackinaw Area

[Jakeo]

Im asking if anyone has made this trip and if so, how long at a comfortable cruise does it take? A friend of mine and I are considering this to go visit his parents who live in the Les Cheneaux (sp) Islands. He has a 34' SR and along with me is only familiar with Lake Erie. Any tips and sites would be appreciated. TY

 

[RollerCoastr]

jakeo, it's a great trip, but it is has almost endless variables. Could you give us some parameters to work with?

How much time can you spend? How much time getting there vs being there? Would you consider going out of your way to visit some interesting ports?

I would start with assuming two overnight stops each way, but I would recommend more. IMO, it's a shame to rush that kind of journey. There are several Canadian ports that can be reached without too much extra distance, but there are countless more if you're willing to stretch the trip some.

 

[Jakeo]

jakeo, it's a great trip, but it is has almost endless variables. Could you give us some parameters to work with?

How much time can you spend? How much time getting there vs being there? Would you consider going out of your way to visit some interesting ports?

I would start with assuming two overnight stops each way, but I would recommend more. IMO, it's a shame to rush that kind of journey. There are several Canadian ports that can be reached without too much extra distance, but there are countless more if you're willing to stretch the trip some.

Hi.Thank you for your responce. The time frame will depend on the work situation and if our spouses are able to make the trip by boat or come up by car. If its just the two of us, we would want to run with only fuel stops and im just about 99% sure thats the way the spouses would appreciate it..LOL.
There is also the possibility of leaving the boat up there for awhile and using it a few times thru the summer because its only 5-6 hours by car to his folks.
Thanks again.

 

[RollerCoastr]

To make time, you could plan to reach Port Huron or Lexington to stop for fuel. They're both easily accessible (no bridges or prolonged no-wake rivers to get to fuel).

Port Huron is probably about 110-115 miles from Toledo, not accounting for several knots of current against you.

Once you clear Saginaw Bay, then Harrisville is another logical stop. From there, clear the north point near Alpena and you can choose from Presque Isle or Rogers City, then shoot up to the islands.

Total is about 350 miles.

If your wives come, I strongly recommend at least detouring over to the closest Canadian ports: Grand Bend and Bayfield

That's not a major detour, but your spouses will appreciate it.