We are headed to Mackinaw Island at the straights of Mackinaw this summer for the first time. I have heard that getting the anchor to hold in the harbor is very difficult at the island. I've also heard that the first night there is an almost certain "anchor out" night as slips tend to be assigned the next day as people leave. My question is: What type anchor is best for the type of hold in this harbor, what type bottom is there, what are the depths at the anchorage and is the harbor pretty well protected if a blow comes up. I can look up some of the information on a good chart to answer my questions but there is nothing like local experience for the best answers. Thanks, Mike
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When?
When are you planning to go? I'm sorry I can't help with your original question, as I've never anchored there, but I wanted to point out that the Chicago-Mac race is July 14th, and the Port Huron-Mac race is July 21st. The island & harbor will most likely be crowded then. I'll ask around and see if I can get info on the anchoring situation. Kevin
When are you planning to go? I'm sorry I can't help with your original question, as I've never anchored there, but I wanted to point out that the Chicago-Mac race is July 14th, and the Port Huron-Mac race is July 21st. The island & harbor will most likely be crowded then. I'll ask around and see if I can get info on the anchoring situation. Kevin
Mack
Use DNR reservation system or be in the harbor around noon when they know what is available. St Ignace is a great harbor with more slips. Been to Mack Isl harbor twice, but docks are high and needed a one step ladder to get off of a H336. Also incoming ferries make it unpleasant at times, also if the wind is off the barns, can be unpleasant. Mack city harbor also good, but may be undergoing reconstruction now.
Use DNR reservation system or be in the harbor around noon when they know what is available. St Ignace is a great harbor with more slips. Been to Mack Isl harbor twice, but docks are high and needed a one step ladder to get off of a H336. Also incoming ferries make it unpleasant at times, also if the wind is off the barns, can be unpleasant. Mack city harbor also good, but may be undergoing reconstruction now.
good info, thanks
That's good info gents. Especially about the high docks. I'll remember to bring a two-step stool for SWMBO. Also you remind me to check the schedule on the various races. I've heard that St. Ignace and Mackinaw City are good marinas too. Thanks again.
That's good info gents. Especially about the high docks. I'll remember to bring a two-step stool for SWMBO. Also you remind me to check the schedule on the various races. I've heard that St. Ignace and Mackinaw City are good marinas too. Thanks again.
Depends on when you are there
I visited there last summer in late June and the Island had plenty of room. I decided to stay at Mac City and take a ferry over to the Island on the recommendation of others. I am told the slips are not very quiet and the ferrys kick up a surge. Mac City was quiet and calm and offered a nice variety of shops and restaraunts. I reccomend pasties.
I visited there last summer in late June and the Island had plenty of room. I decided to stay at Mac City and take a ferry over to the Island on the recommendation of others. I am told the slips are not very quiet and the ferrys kick up a surge. Mac City was quiet and calm and offered a nice variety of shops and restaraunts. I reccomend pasties.
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