Everyone that lives within a reasonable distance and has a boat should make this an annual trip. The island is beautiful, and a blast. Cedar Point is only a short distance away, so you can make it a nice day trip.

Getting there Sun is a good idea. Fri-Sat get pretty crazy (but fun if you like to party). Are you bringing kids, or just adults. With our kids we stay at one of the private marinas/yacht club. Without kids the public docks are fun, and Sun-Tues you should be able to get a spot with no problem.

 

How difficult is it to find transcient space at the private marinas/clubs? which ones do you recommend. We plan to visit PIB this season and can do without the non-stop party on the city docks.

 

I agree with SB. Check out the Crews Nest which is private on weekends but open to public weekdays. They have a pool and a Restaurant. Very good food but pricey. Public docks will be OK Sun-Thurs. (unless its x-mas in July).We like to go to B Dock but thats usually the party dock.You shouldnt have any problems coming from the NW side of the island. Reefs are marked on chart very well. Look for Perrys Monument and stay East of Gibralter Island. http://www.oceangrafix.com/o.g/Char.../o.g/Charts/GreatLakes/NOAA-Nautical-Chart-Islands-in-Lake-Erie-Put-In-Bay.html Let us know when you're going always up for a PIB trip. I'll be floating on Tues.:smt038 P.S. you should upgrade your boat info.

 

This thread began as a Cedar Point discussion, but contains a lot of useful info about PIB as well:

http://clubsearay.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27148&highlight=crew%27s+nest

As stated, The Crew's Nest is members-only on wkds, but accepts transients Sun-Thurs. (with some exceptions) TCN holds the largest number of private docks and boasts the best amenities, including: a large outdoor pool, play area, snack bar, a fitness ctr, racquetball court, tennis courts, sauna, hot tub, lap pool, clean restrooms, patio restaurant, bar, formal dining, gift shop, cart rental etc.

Miller's Marina is also a good option. They accept reservations. Millers has very clean restrooms (limited tho) and a nice pavilion / picnic area. They will only allow rafting at the request/permission of the boaters. (if traveling in a group etc) Miller's is far enough from town to be quiet, if that's what you're looking for. They recently added a small rental fleet of golf carts (the preferred method of transportation on the island).

Ladd's Marina, now called "Put-In Bay Marina" has a great location - the closest to the monument and most of their wells are protected from open water. Their basin has some skinny / weedy areas, and the docks have seen better days, but the proximity to town and the new dockside grill/bar and nice restaurant make it a worth a look.

 

When you are coming in make sure you enter the Bay from the East side of Gilbrater Island which is a small island on the North side of the Island, (South Bass island). Many unfamilar with the area try to come in on the west side of Gilbrater but it is very shallow and rocky and has caused many to run aground damaging their boats. My vote would Crews Nest if you can get in, Millers if you want a quiet family place with nice floating docks. Put-in-Bay marina if you want to party a little. Fox's Dock if you don't mind rafting. I don't like the public docks because it tends to get a little crazy for me. You may also want to try Middle bass island Just North of South bass/Put-in-Bay. They have a brand new state run marina with new floating docks. Only two bar/restraunts St. Hazards and JF Walleys. Fun places. The Sonny S Ferry also transports between the two islands. Don't forget the Lobster Bisque at the Boardwalk!

 

Thanks to all for the valuable info. We are looking forward to the trip.

 

Make sure you let us know how your trip went and let me know when you are going to be there. If I am there we can a beer or three together. Always nice to meet fellow Club Sea Ray members.

 

Will do.

 

PIB is a great place to can't wait to get there this year.

 

Hey Guys,

I may have just struck a gold mine! I moved my boat from the Ohio river this year and will be floating around the PIB/Cedar Point area late July thru the middle of August. It would be great to meet to some other Club Sea Ray members.

 

Just thought I'd resurrect this thread with our upcoming July 22-26 trip to Cedar Point and Put In Bay. I'm all set on my marina situation - 2 nights at CP and 2 nights at middle bass.

Other than the entrance to PIB, what other navigational hazards are easy to encounter if you're not familar with the area?

We plan to spend time in the bay for Aquapalooza and I recall a few years back in my bowrider to avoid cutting it close to the sandbar. Anything else in that area?

What about around Middle Bass or Kelley's? I will have my Garmin and Vision card but should I pick up a paper chart?

 

Just thought I'd resurrect this thread with our upcoming July 22-26 trip to Cedar Point and Put In Bay. I'm all set on my marina situation - 2 nights at CP and 2 nights at middle bass.

Other than the entrance to PIB, what other navigational hazards are easy to encounter if you're not familar with the area?

We plan to spend time in the bay for Aquapalooza and I recall a few years back in my bowrider to avoid cutting it close to the sandbar. Anything else in that area?

What about around Middle Bass or Kelley's? I will have my Garmin and Vision card but should I pick up a paper chart?

Sandusky bay is tricky and you obviously know about the sandbar so take it easy in there.

Middle Bass is deep water once you get past the green can on the north east corner of South Bass Island. DO NOT cut that can to the south and follow the channel for about half a mile once you make the turn around the can. A chart would be good but your garmin should do you fine.

You have deep water around Kelleys everywhere but the East side of the island.

We are on A dock at Middle Bass that weekend so hopefully we'll run in to you. With a group of 9 boats. Look for the 405 Carver a bunch of Sea Rays and a couple of Four Winns.

Have a safe trip and if you have any question don't hesitate to ask me

 

When heading out to Middle bass there is green bouy (G7 I think) between Ballast Island and South Bass Island. Be sure to go around the north side of the bouy and stay between the green and red cans. The red can marks the end of a reef on the south side of Ballast.

Edited to add that weekend is also known as "Christmas At The Bay" and there are increased patrols in the Bay looking for boaters under the influence.

 

I was mistaken in my previous post, the Bouy is G5 and the green can is C7. Here is a pic of the pass.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/v7A24uuUndfxzgZxM7t5Gg

 

Thanks all. That's precisely what I needed to know. Is it just safer to run north and around Ballast when heading to Middle bass? That appears to be the ferry route. We will likely head into Put In Bay on our way over on saturday afternoon - coming in around the east side of Gibraltar island - just to take a look see before heading over to our slip on Middle bass. So, heading out from PIB, that reef shouldn't come into play as it appears to be a straight shot over.

Anything around to the CP marina to be aware of?

Alex, I'll definitely look for you. I'm not sure what dock I'm on yet. After we get settled in at Middle Bass we plan to take the ferry back to PIB for the evening. Doing the same thing Sunday.

 

Thanks all. That's precisely what I needed to know. Is it just safer to run north and around Ballast when heading to Middle bass? That appears to be the ferry route. We will likely head into Put In Bay on our way over on saturday afternoon - coming in around the east side of Gibraltar island - just to take a look see before heading over to our slip on Middle bass. So, heading out from PIB, that reef shouldn't come into play as it appears to be a straight shot over.

Anything around to the CP marina to be aware of?

Alex, I'll definitely look for you. I'm not sure what dock I'm on yet. After we get settled in at Middle Bass we plan to take the ferry back to PIB for the evening. Doing the same thing Sunday.

No need to go all the way around Ballast. The jet express coming from Sandusky Bay/Kelleys island runs through the bouys as well as all of us. Just stay between the bouys and you will be fine.

 

We just spent last weekend at Middle Bass. The entrance to the harbor has been relocated so don't fully rely on your chart plotter, instead just keep your eyes open. It is wonderfully marked and lit at night. The marina facilities are first class. They all have power and water now. However they only have a limited number of bath/shower facilities so patience is needed in the morning. Also note that they are pretty strict with alcohol (only on the boat, none on the docks). After 11:00 PM, its stereos off, etc. But, all in all, it's a great harbor. A ride on the Sonny S to PIB is $6.00 per person each way. Make sure you buy a ticket for the return trip as soon as you arrive at PIB as the last couple of boats going back are full so you won't likely just walk on. The last trip back is 1:00 AM. Don't stay up to late though as they want you to depart by 10:00 AM on your last morning.

 

LEB - Thanks again for the tips. I actually enjoy a hot shower on my boat so I have no use for marina facilities but my guests will probably appreciate that. All of our cruising is going to be during the day light so we shouldn't have any issues. I'll leave the night rides to the professionals so we can enjoy ourselves.

You reminded me of getting that return ferry ticket! Almost got stranded out there one year trying to return to the mainland.

Now, let's keep our fingers crossed for great weather!

 

don't forget the mooring balls in the harbor. You need a dinghy or use the water taxi to get to shore but its quiet and you can grill, swim, fish and run generators there. Shore power on many of the public docs avail. The State park marina is also quiet.

Agree 100% Lobster Bisque at the boardwalk. Must add Breakfast at Frosty's too.....

 

By the time we get there on saturday I have zero expectation that there will be a mooring ball available. So, we have already reserved a slip for 2 nights.

 

Have fun. Wish I could make it over. I was at Middle Bass last weekend and the holiday weekend and PIB on the 5th and 6th. Stuck at the Marina this weekend replacing my circulator pump.

 

Ok, so what's the weather going to do this weekend? I keep getting different reports. Good chance of storms. Wondering if I should postpone. My kids will be bummed if they get rained out of CP.

 

Ok, so what's the weather going to do this weekend? I keep getting different reports. Good chance of storms. Wondering if I should postpone. My kids will be bummed if they get rained out of CP.

Summer storms... Here one second gone the next. Go for it

 

I am waiting to see what the weekend forecast is Wednesday.....fingers are crossed!

 

Hey everyone!

I'm fairly new to CSR, but I was reading this thread and saw some of you folks are docking at Middle Bass this coming weekend, as my wife & I are.
We would enjoy meeting some CSR members and having a few cold ones.
We'll be in & out over the weekend, and don't have a name on our boat yet, but we'll be the DA250 in the 52-foot slip (that's the only powered slip they had left to put us in!).

Cheers!


Randy

 

Myself, my wife and 4 others are going for 4 days starting tomorrow, x-mas in July is the main reason we go....it also just happens to be my B-day~ This is the 4th year we are going and love every minute of the wild parties :lol:.
"Good intentions" is our boats name, so if anyone is there....stop in and say hello.


Big boats are made to be driven, not tied to the dock.

Dave

 

I'll keep an eye out for you.

 

Fly your Club Sea Ray Burgees!

 

Don't have one! :smt089

I can vouch for that new ramp that wa mentioned in Huron. VERY nice. Best ramp I have ever used.