"Joey916" wrote in message
ups.com...
Looking for advice on whether to venture onto Lake Michigan or not... I
have an 18' Runabout that we use on lakes and such in Indiana, but
after a recent trip to the dunes (Indiana and Warren) area beaches with
the kids, I noticed folks out having a good time in like crafts and
thought to myself, that looks like fun!

So how bout it Blue Devils? Is it illadvised to venture out in the big
lake with a small craft? Do I need special permits? Where's the best
place to put in? Basically, what do I need to know before thinking
about doing something like this.

I've heard all the horror stories about how the lake can turn evil in
just a few minutes and wouldn't want to get in over my head. We just
wanted to explore some of the coastline in southwest MI that isn't that
easy to get to from land.

Curiousity is killing me....


I boat on Lake Erie (western basin) with a 20 footer with no problem.
Lake Erie kicks up must faster than Lake Michigan because it is much
shallower.

Watch the weather forecasts. Don't go out in anything over 1-3 footers (or
when 2-4+ footers are forecast) and stay close to shore (no more than a mile
or so out) and you will be fine.

Also make sure you have a VHF radio on board (fixed mount is preferred).

You can launch from any public launch area, no special permits needed other
than making sure your registration is up to date.