We're buying a boat - will sail all of Lake Michigan - will probably venture into Huron. The lake isn't getting any deeper . . . what draft do you sail with? What's the max draft you'd recommend? Thanks so much for your thoughts.
Great Lakes Sailors - Max Draft to Navigate?
- Thread starter jk2894
- Start date
- Status
It's not about the lake, it's about the
Harbor you keep your boat in. Lake Michigan is just over 900 feet deep at it's deepest point, and once you're a couple hundered feet off shore you are usualy in 10 feet or better. Tom s/v GAIA
Harbor you keep your boat in. Lake Michigan is just over 900 feet deep at it's deepest point, and once you're a couple hundered feet off shore you are usualy in 10 feet or better. Tom s/v GAIA
30 years
I sailed out of Racine for 30 years until a couple of years ago. I would not go any deeper than 5 feet. I would actually want something shallower with a board. I don't think the lakes are going to get any deeper and 5 feet is now beginning to be a problem in some spots. If you are a racer, then you will think differently.
I sailed out of Racine for 30 years until a couple of years ago. I would not go any deeper than 5 feet. I would actually want something shallower with a board. I don't think the lakes are going to get any deeper and 5 feet is now beginning to be a problem in some spots. If you are a racer, then you will think differently.
4-5 feet
In our area (northwestern lower peninsula) 4-5 feet is fine for almost all harbors. Six is doable and anything over that and you will probably have issues. Not a problem if you anchor offshore though (WAY offshore!
) Dave Crowley s/v Wind Dreamer II
In our area (northwestern lower peninsula) 4-5 feet is fine for almost all harbors. Six is doable and anything over that and you will probably have issues. Not a problem if you anchor offshore though (WAY offshore!
) Dave Crowley s/v Wind Dreamer II
An Inland Sea...
is Lake Michigan, by definition large and expansive. It's only the thin parts (edges) where you'll have to worry about draft. The 4-6' guidelines will keep you in the game, most places, but not all, so you'lll just have to be smart about harbor decisions & destinations based upon the draft you select. For instance, St. Joe MI may not greet you with open arms (but a soft bottom awaits!) if you have a +6' draft, but you're OK in the 4-5' range. Something about dredging, and the Corps and funding (or the lack thereof)... That said, there are lots of deep draft boats on the lake. It's early, freezing and I'm certain you'll get plenty of feedback. Higgs' recollection is spot-on for Racine home waters. Good luck.
is Lake Michigan, by definition large and expansive. It's only the thin parts (edges) where you'll have to worry about draft. The 4-6' guidelines will keep you in the game, most places, but not all, so you'lll just have to be smart about harbor decisions & destinations based upon the draft you select. For instance, St. Joe MI may not greet you with open arms (but a soft bottom awaits!) if you have a +6' draft, but you're OK in the 4-5' range. Something about dredging, and the Corps and funding (or the lack thereof)... That said, there are lots of deep draft boats on the lake. It's early, freezing and I'm certain you'll get plenty of feedback. Higgs' recollection is spot-on for Racine home waters. Good luck.
At Waukegan
Very close to the shoreline, there are places in Waukegan harbor where it is about 6 feet deep. I have caught bottom going to and from my slip a couple of times and even had to change slips. I have talked to other sailors with similar sized boats and they don't have this problem. I think my Mac25 has a bit deeper draft than my neighbor's boats (when the keel is locked down). If you are 50'-100' from shore the water is about 20'-30' deep.
Very close to the shoreline, there are places in Waukegan harbor where it is about 6 feet deep. I have caught bottom going to and from my slip a couple of times and even had to change slips. I have talked to other sailors with similar sized boats and they don't have this problem. I think my Mac25 has a bit deeper draft than my neighbor's boats (when the keel is locked down). If you are 50'-100' from shore the water is about 20'-30' deep.
draft
I would under 5 feet if possible. There are plenty of boats with wing keels to choose from. Boats with keels 6 feet and over are having some trouble in channels and narinas.
I would under 5 feet if possible. There are plenty of boats with wing keels to choose from. Boats with keels 6 feet and over are having some trouble in channels and narinas.
Cruising the Lakes
If you plan to cruise Door County, the North Channel, or Georgian Bay, you will be happier with less draft. I did a big trip last summer through many of these waters and found bottom a few times with 5 foot of draft despite being very careful. In Milwaukee you do have that reef area south near the airport that can get nasty. Good friend with over 7 ft hit very hard w/damage. He said he was in 16 feet of water. Low lake levels mean there are going to be surprises out there. SSYC has some shallow spots as well, though it is sand in there. A friend out here on Lake O is having problems with his 7'+ draft and had to pull out early becaseu he was having problems getting in his slip. If levels don't come up in the spring, it is possible he won't be able to even launch his boat as we had to dredge just to get him into the haulout slip. With the future of lake levels in serious doubt, I would consider 4' and certainly would not want over 5.
If you plan to cruise Door County, the North Channel, or Georgian Bay, you will be happier with less draft. I did a big trip last summer through many of these waters and found bottom a few times with 5 foot of draft despite being very careful. In Milwaukee you do have that reef area south near the airport that can get nasty. Good friend with over 7 ft hit very hard w/damage. He said he was in 16 feet of water. Low lake levels mean there are going to be surprises out there. SSYC has some shallow spots as well, though it is sand in there. A friend out here on Lake O is having problems with his 7'+ draft and had to pull out early becaseu he was having problems getting in his slip. If levels don't come up in the spring, it is possible he won't be able to even launch his boat as we had to dredge just to get him into the haulout slip. With the future of lake levels in serious doubt, I would consider 4' and certainly would not want over 5.
Here's another water level link for L. Michigan
My wife is pulling her hair out because of the low water levels. She works for Windsor Salt, and the ships carrying salt can only take half loads because of the low water levels. This means they are running out of salt all over the place, and with the early snow and ice this year - it's havoc.
My wife is pulling her hair out because of the low water levels. She works for Windsor Salt, and the ships carrying salt can only take half loads because of the low water levels. This means they are running out of salt all over the place, and with the early snow and ice this year - it's havoc.
Thanks (once again)
Thanks so much for your help here. Have my heart set on a 5' draft boat (not loaded) - sounds like I'll be ok. Would be safer to go 4' - but MAN it's a beautiful boat! Again - thanks so much. Have a wonderful holiday.
Thanks so much for your help here. Have my heart set on a 5' draft boat (not loaded) - sounds like I'll be ok. Would be safer to go 4' - but MAN it's a beautiful boat! Again - thanks so much. Have a wonderful holiday.
Looking at a few different boats
Looking at a few different boats - all between 1970 and 1980 (because that's about all we want to spend). Yankee 30, Newport 28, Newport 30, Hunter 27 and Hunter 30 - they're listed in rough order of preference. Would love any feedback on these boats! The deepest draft is 5' with no gear. We absolutely will have a boat this spring. This port is too nice not to have a boat. Unfortunately, we don't have the time to dig & learn like we should (just relocated) - so I'm relying on you (posters at Sailboatowners.com) to give us advice and help us pick something out. Can't thank you all enough for your posts - have really helped us narrow things down.
Looking at a few different boats - all between 1970 and 1980 (because that's about all we want to spend). Yankee 30, Newport 28, Newport 30, Hunter 27 and Hunter 30 - they're listed in rough order of preference. Would love any feedback on these boats! The deepest draft is 5' with no gear. We absolutely will have a boat this spring. This port is too nice not to have a boat. Unfortunately, we don't have the time to dig & learn like we should (just relocated) - so I'm relying on you (posters at Sailboatowners.com) to give us advice and help us pick something out. Can't thank you all enough for your posts - have really helped us narrow things down.
What I know
I looked at a Yankee 28 quite a few years back and was quite impressed by it. I really don't know much about it beyond that. At that time it seemed to be a solid boat. Newports are well built, but slow in light air. Also, the 28 came with 2 different engines and the smaller one was not enough so I would avoid that on L Mich as when you cruise you will be motoring half the time. Hunters are Ok - nothing special, but they will get you around the lakes with no safety problem.
I looked at a Yankee 28 quite a few years back and was quite impressed by it. I really don't know much about it beyond that. At that time it seemed to be a solid boat. Newports are well built, but slow in light air. Also, the 28 came with 2 different engines and the smaller one was not enough so I would avoid that on L Mich as when you cruise you will be motoring half the time. Hunters are Ok - nothing special, but they will get you around the lakes with no safety problem.
THX Higgs
It's a hard choice - this Yankee is gorgeous. The Capitol Newports aren't half bad either. I know that the smart thing to do is probably to get a newer Catalina or Hunter - can get a big boat with 3.5ft draft. That way I'll be safe on Lake Michigan for years to come - even if water levels drop more. But I don't think I can do it. Think I would rather get a beautiful boat - more 'classic' - even if it means worrying about the water levels a little more.
It's a hard choice - this Yankee is gorgeous. The Capitol Newports aren't half bad either. I know that the smart thing to do is probably to get a newer Catalina or Hunter - can get a big boat with 3.5ft draft. That way I'll be safe on Lake Michigan for years to come - even if water levels drop more. But I don't think I can do it. Think I would rather get a beautiful boat - more 'classic' - even if it means worrying about the water levels a little more.
Go for deep draft Hunter 27
We sail a shoal draft '77 Hunter 27 on Lake Erie - we love the boat, and just finished an 8 week cruise (mostly on her) last summer. Even in the thin waters of some Lake Erie harbors, though, I would still recommend the deep draft version of this boat. At 4 feet, it still is well within your target, and will point better that our shoal draft version. Note that most builders offered shoal draft designs in the 70's, so there is no need to buy more modern to get a boat for thin water. Also, there are enough 5 footers around that marinas _will_ dredge to that draft, and as already commented, Lake Michigan itself is quite deep. The Hunter 27 is a clean, simple design, that just fits our needs. The cabin is just 6' tall, and the Admiral and I just fit into the v-berth. Our best friends, (from Rockford, IL) own a Hunter 30 on the slip across from us in Sandusky! (Go figure.) Their boat offers more headroom, and a bigger v-berth, and more complex systems to maintain. Do check out the boat reviews under "Boat Info/Model Information" on this site. They really will fill you in on the characteristics, and usual problems of the boats you are considering. If you are looking at "good old boats" from this era, I strongly recommend that you and your crew get aboard some boats now, and sit in the cabins - lie down in the berths. Picture yourself on the boat, and narrow down to a couple of models you like. Then find one in the best condition you can - a few thousand more could save you lots on initial maintenance, and rework costs. But any of these boats will offer great fun on the Lake. David Lady Lillie
We sail a shoal draft '77 Hunter 27 on Lake Erie - we love the boat, and just finished an 8 week cruise (mostly on her) last summer. Even in the thin waters of some Lake Erie harbors, though, I would still recommend the deep draft version of this boat. At 4 feet, it still is well within your target, and will point better that our shoal draft version. Note that most builders offered shoal draft designs in the 70's, so there is no need to buy more modern to get a boat for thin water. Also, there are enough 5 footers around that marinas _will_ dredge to that draft, and as already commented, Lake Michigan itself is quite deep. The Hunter 27 is a clean, simple design, that just fits our needs. The cabin is just 6' tall, and the Admiral and I just fit into the v-berth. Our best friends, (from Rockford, IL) own a Hunter 30 on the slip across from us in Sandusky! (Go figure.) Their boat offers more headroom, and a bigger v-berth, and more complex systems to maintain. Do check out the boat reviews under "Boat Info/Model Information" on this site. They really will fill you in on the characteristics, and usual problems of the boats you are considering. If you are looking at "good old boats" from this era, I strongly recommend that you and your crew get aboard some boats now, and sit in the cabins - lie down in the berths. Picture yourself on the boat, and narrow down to a couple of models you like. Then find one in the best condition you can - a few thousand more could save you lots on initial maintenance, and rework costs. But any of these boats will offer great fun on the Lake. David Lady Lillie
Yankee 30 looks like a good design
Just checked out the Yankee 30 website. I like the design of the boat - I should, it's from Sparkman & Stephens. This is a good hull design. But I do strongly advise getting aboard, and lying down in the berths you would use. Sit in the cabin - is this where you want to eat you meals? Then it's all about condition. Include a survey as a condition in your offer. Then you can have a professional opinion on the condition of the boat. Few in this age range are perfect, but you will want to sail it, rather than spending a summer getting it ready to sail, I guess. You will want a decent engine, too. Go for it! David Lady Lillie
Just checked out the Yankee 30 website. I like the design of the boat - I should, it's from Sparkman & Stephens. This is a good hull design. But I do strongly advise getting aboard, and lying down in the berths you would use. Sit in the cabin - is this where you want to eat you meals? Then it's all about condition. Include a survey as a condition in your offer. Then you can have a professional opinion on the condition of the boat. Few in this age range are perfect, but you will want to sail it, rather than spending a summer getting it ready to sail, I guess. You will want a decent engine, too. Go for it! David Lady Lillie
good old boat
Check out the C 27's 4 foot draft and good room. I have had mine out in open water and was happy with her. As some one said make sure you have the power to motor in when needed. This one is a 73 year and I had a 9.9 hp on hte back of her. that would push her at about 6 mph with out running the engine more than 50%. That is of course in water that is not to bad. I learned to sail out of St Joe, Mi back in the early 80's in a C22. I love the boat so much that a few years ago i went and got me one just for fun. I still have the 27 but am selling it as i went and found a Irwin 33 that i just love. I needed the bigger room and draft for better dep water runs off the coast. As your looking at boats go to Good Old boat Magazine (www.goodoldboat.com ) and read up on some of the boats you are looking at. YOu can order back issues on cd real cheat and they make great reading. I have had my Irwin for more than 3 years now and am just now getting rid of the 27, that is how much i liked the 27. Me and a friend looked at some hunters but the hull was to light for us. I hope this helps Rick
Check out the C 27's 4 foot draft and good room. I have had mine out in open water and was happy with her. As some one said make sure you have the power to motor in when needed. This one is a 73 year and I had a 9.9 hp on hte back of her. that would push her at about 6 mph with out running the engine more than 50%. That is of course in water that is not to bad. I learned to sail out of St Joe, Mi back in the early 80's in a C22. I love the boat so much that a few years ago i went and got me one just for fun. I still have the 27 but am selling it as i went and found a Irwin 33 that i just love. I needed the bigger room and draft for better dep water runs off the coast. As your looking at boats go to Good Old boat Magazine (www.goodoldboat.com ) and read up on some of the boats you are looking at. YOu can order back issues on cd real cheat and they make great reading. I have had my Irwin for more than 3 years now and am just now getting rid of the 27, that is how much i liked the 27. Me and a friend looked at some hunters but the hull was to light for us. I hope this helps Rick
- Status