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#1
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I figure the best way to start planning this would be to ask first.
First, is this even possible in my size boat - 1999 Crownline 225 cuddy, 350 Mag/BIII? On my charting software, it looks like 75 miles from South Haven to Chicago, but i can put in somewhere else if it's easier/shorter. I've heard it's a 50 mile trip. I would leave at first light to take advantage of hopefully calmer water. What else should i bring in addtition to the usual/required gear? Spare VHF and GPS? Spare engine parts (belt, fuel filter, impeller, hoses), tools, ? I don't have, and Crownline says you don't need, trim tabs, but i can't help but think they would help in bigger water. Any/all suggestions welcome. If it turns out this boat can't handle it, i have no problem waiting a few years until i step up. Thanks, -JZ |
#2
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On Tue, 25 May 2004 10:43:16 -0400, Slambram
wrote: I figure the best way to start planning this would be to ask first. First, is this even possible in my size boat - 1999 Crownline 225 cuddy, 350 Mag/BIII? On my charting software, it looks like 75 miles from South Haven to Chicago, but i can put in somewhere else if it's easier/shorter. I've heard it's a 50 mile trip. I would leave at first light to take advantage of hopefully calmer water. What else should i bring in addtition to the usual/required gear? Spare VHF and GPS? Spare engine parts (belt, fuel filter, impeller, hoses), tools, ? I don't have, and Crownline says you don't need, trim tabs, but i can't help but think they would help in bigger water. Any/all suggestions welcome. If it turns out this boat can't handle it, i have no problem waiting a few years until i step up. ============================================== You'll be OK if you pick your day carefully and leave early as you are planning. Avoid being locked into a schedule where you must come back on a certain day and time. In addition to your other gear I'd recommend a good anchor with some chain and at least 150 to 200 feet of rode. You really want a day close to flat calm so you can run at full cruising speed as much as possible and get off the lake quickly. Have a few alternative destinations plotted on your GPS. |
#3
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"Slambram" wrote in message
I figure the best way to start planning this would be to ask first. First, is this even possible in my size boat - 1999 Crownline 225 cuddy, 350 Mag/BIII? On my charting software, it looks like 75 miles from South Haven to Chicago, but i can put in somewhere else if it's easier/shorter. I've heard it's a 50 mile trip. I would leave at first light to take advantage of hopefully calmer water. What else should i bring in addtition to the usual/required gear? Spare VHF and GPS? Spare engine parts (belt, fuel filter, impeller, hoses), tools, ? I don't have, and Crownline says you don't need, trim tabs, but i can't help but think they would help in bigger water. Any/all suggestions welcome. If it turns out this boat can't handle it, i have no problem waiting a few years until i step up. Thanks, -JZ Not quite across, but when I went from Grand Haven to Chicago, I went about a mile out along the shore. Much smoother ride, nice scenery, places to stop in case of emergency, albeit a tad bit longer (about 75 miles). |
#4
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See Below:
"Slambram" wrote in message ... I figure the best way to start planning this would be to ask first. First, is this even possible in my size boat - 1999 Crownline 225 cuddy, 350 Mag/BIII? On my charting software, it looks like 75 miles from South Haven to Chicago, but i can put in somewhere else if it's easier/shorter. I've heard it's a 50 mile trip. I would leave at first light to take advantage of hopefully calmer water. What else should i bring in addtition to the usual/required gear? Spare VHF and GPS? Spare engine parts (belt, fuel filter, impeller, hoses), tools, ? I don't have, and Crownline says you don't need, trim tabs, but i can't help but think they would help in bigger water. Any/all suggestions welcome. If it turns out this boat can't handle it, i have no problem waiting a few years until i step up. Thanks, -JZ South Haven to Chicago 65 nautical miles. How much fuel do you hold and and how much do you burn per hour at what cruising speed? You should do the calculationns and be sure you have a minimum 40 percent reserve as you do not want to go below 1/4 tank (this will allow the sediment in your tank to suspend if there are any waves adn can plug you r fuel filters very quickly). Unless you have some place to keep the boat in Chicago you will probably need to have a reservation at one of the marinas either public on the lakefront or private on the Calumet river. As posted previously, don't tie yourself to a schedule. You may even want to consider having someone bring your trailer over to Chicago and go back that way. Another thing to consider would be to via Michigan City Which is 48 nautical miles from South Haven and then to Chicago from there which is only 32 nautical miles. Advantage is that you have St. Joe/Benton Harbor as a harbor of refuge and you get to see the shoreline. Having crossed Lake Michigan at least 100 times in boats as small as 24 feet and as large as 350+ (the Badger Carferry) I can assure that once out of sight of land it quickly becomes very tedious unless livened up by bad weather, fog or other boats on your path. Good luck and have a great trip. Fred |
#5
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On Wed, 26 May 2004 11:40:10 GMT, "
coria1atexecpc.com wrote: You should do the calculationns and be sure you have a minimum 40 percent reserve as you do not want to go below 1/4 tank (this will allow the sediment in your tank to suspend if there are any waves adn can plug you r fuel filters very quickly). ========================================= Good advice on the fuel check. It's not a bad idea to replace the filter in advance, and carry a spare just in case. If the wind does kick up while you're on the open lake you will find yourself running at 6 or 7 knots and threading your way between the waves. In addition to being tedious and a lot slower, you will also be burning more fuel. |
#6
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coria1atexecpc.com wrote:
You should do the calculationns and be sure you have a minimum 40 percent reserve as you do not want to go below 1/4 tank (this will allow the sediment in your tank to suspend if there are any waves adn can plug you r fuel filters very quickly). It's a very good idea to do the 'homework' and draw up a speed/fuel consumption curve for your boat, and also have a good idea about the speed/range capability. I'm surprised at how few people do this, yet blithely take off on cruises. Wayne.B wrote: Good advice on the fuel check. It's not a bad idea to replace the filter in advance, and carry a spare just in case. "A spare?" We carry an even dozen! ... If the wind does kick up while you're on the open lake you will find yourself running at 6 or 7 knots and threading your way between the waves. In addition to being tedious and a lot slower, you will also be burning more fuel. That's a good point. Headwinds and any kind of sea reduce the range significantly... although, if you have to run slower, you could drop to a more efficient speed and actually see better fuel efficiency! Fair Skies Doug King |
#7
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On Wed, 26 May 2004 10:05:50 -0400, DSK wrote:
if you have to run slower, you could drop to a more efficient speed and actually see better fuel efficiency! ========================== My experience with running small boats in big waves is that it's more like driving in heavy traffic where you are on and off the throttle a lot, and spinning your wheels so to speak. |
#8
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Wayne.B wrote:
My experience with running small boats in big waves is that it's more like driving in heavy traffic where you are on and off the throttle a lot, and spinning your wheels so to speak. Ah so... makes sense. DSK |
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