Apostle Islands

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Fred McPherson

My wife and I are planning to take our 26' to Bayfield this summer for a few days of exploring the islands. Any suggestions about what to see, transient docking, what to look out for, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Our one concern,however, is that other than a VHF radio, we have no electronics.(compass or depth finder) Should this be a concern if we stay around the islands and have good maps? Thanks, Fred and Kathy "LOON-A-SEA"
 
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John

Nice trip

What a great trip. I did my very first cruize in the Apostles' over 12 years ago and loved it. I was an extreme novice and took an instructor for a day. after that I was able to sail for the remaining 3 days of my Honeymoon with only my betrothed. You'll want to venture out of the lee of the islands...say around Devils island ...just to see how wicked Superior can be and to see the exposed part of the islands...geologically interesting. We didn't get off the boat on that trip, so i can't recommend an excursions, but the Bayfeild Inn is a great place for food, drink and a room. The town is very quant and the people are interesting. Enjoy and remember...the water is very cold.
 
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Bob Schmit

Call

I go up every year, if you want to call me-952-435-3362-not as impersonal as e-mail though!
 
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Cam Whetstone

Electronics

With the price of hand held GPSs at less than $100, I do not know why you do not have at least one. (I have two just to have a backup). Then if you have a chart for the area, you will know where you are and which direction you want to go. Cam Whetstone
 
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Tom Hultberg

Just curious...John and Fred

What are you using to pull your h26 around? I want to take my 1997 h26 to Superior and to Lake Winnebago in Wisc. this Summer.
 
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Daniel Hanson

Good info from....

The Hunter dealer in Woodbury, MN (Crow's Nest Yachts 651 739 2880) knows alot about the Apostles and about Hunters. If you do not know them already, they can be a great local resource for you. DRH s/v Genesis
 
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Jerry Gerber

Apostle Islands Reply

There are at least two great marinas near Bayfield for transients and one good one. Port Superior is the farthest south and it has wonderful facilities, including a great supper club overlooking the marina. The only negative is the distance from the Apostles. You have to sail quite a distance to get north of Madeline and, when the wind is from the northwest, its takes quite awhile. The Bayfield marina is nearly straight across from the southern tip of Madeline. The village of Bayfield has a lot to offer in the way of dining,lodging and shopping. Once again, though, it can be a long trip north if the wind is wrong. Another good marina is Buffalo Bay just north of Bayfield. It is across from Basswood Island, so I like to say you're launching right in the islands and it doesn't take nearly as long to get to the outer ones. You can see a lot more in a short weekend. You also have more options with the wind direction. Although its very easy to launch and retrieve there, the amenities aren't as numerous as Bayfield or Port Superior. All three marinas have limited parking for your vehicle and trailer, but I would say Buffalo Bay has the most. If you're more interested in shopping and dining, then stay in Bayfield or at Port Superior, else launch from Buffalo Bay.
 
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Ron Fraboni

Red Cliff

Fred, I have sailed the Apostles several times and put my H26 in at the Indian reservation marina at Red Cliff. No amenities, but a good ramp and good dock space. Price is very right. You can take the short drive back to Bayfield and have dinner and then you are close to the islands if you want to spend a night or two anchored out. I agree that a GPS is good investment,but I would check the towing capability of the Montero,. You need to be able to tow 5000 lbs. If you can do this, have proper hitch and put in transmission cooler for insurance. Call me if you wish to discuss further. Phone is 952-925-9327 .
 
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John

HPS for the Apostles?

When I sailed the Apostles over 12 years ago all I had was a chart and a compass and my newly developed chart reading and navigational skills. I think a GPS would have been distracting and a little overboard (pardon the pun)for a place like the Apostle Islands. Navigation is pretty straight forward, unless your in thick fog or sailing at night, in which case I pay heed the old saying...nobody moves, nobody gets hurt. At any rate if your going to get a GPS, stay away from the $100 deals and get one that has a base map included. They are much easier to work with and more useful than one that just gives coordinants which you then have to go find on a chart. This is not something you want to skimp on. It's worth the extra money to have a unit that you'll use. Even if you don't use it in the Apostles. Good luck
 
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