Lake Erie Islands

[Ken Koons]

I'm starting to plan a trip to the Lake Erie Islands and I'm looking for input on where to go and what to see.I'm towing my Hunter 240 from Indianapolis and will be leaving the truck and trailer on the mainland. Does anyone have any advice as to where to safely leave thh truck and trailer?We'll also need to rent a cottage/hotel/B & B for a couple nights as we are meeting some friends on Put In Bay/South Bass island and there won't be room for 4 on the boat. If possible I'd like accomodations with a dock I can tie up to overnight when we're staying ashore. Any suggestions?Anything else I definitely need to see while we're there?Thanks for the input.Ken

 

[Tim McCarty]

Put in Bay is great!

I've been there a few times and had an awesome time. The only problem you might have is that most boaters who travel there stay on their boats (either mooring in the bay, or staying at the municipal marina). I've stayed at the marina (on my boat), and, driven to Port Clinton, and taken my car on the ferry over for the weekend (can't remember the place I stayed at though). Both times were very enjoyable. I would guess that you could launch at Port Clinton and leave your vehicle with no problem. I know of no hotels or B&B's on the island with docking facilities. You could always dock at the marina and stay on the island (that could be difficult though due to rafting off of other boats etc.). Kelly's Island is also nice with a slower pace (and you can shuttle to PIB with no problem). Check out the PIB website (via Google)...you will get lots of helpful information....

 

[Jon]

East Harbor State Park Marina

Ahoy! I've often launched my O'Day 240 (30 in. draft) @ East Harbor State Park Marina. The ramp is a little on the steep side, but is OK. Sometimes a west wind can blow some of the water out of the harbor making things a little dicey for sailboats, although last year I was able to use the ramp after, and during, a pretty strong westerly blow. We've parked our van and trailer there for 1-week; I don't know what the limit of overnight parking is. I believe that sailing distance from EHSP to P-I-B is approx. 11 st. mi. Phone Nbr. for EHSP Marina is: 1-419-734-2289.. Have Fun! _/)

 

[Cliff Ruckstruhl]

That's my back yard

We sail where you want to go every weekend. We live in Findlay OH and sail to the Islands and are going this weekend. I can give you more info than this site will allow. Email me off site at cliffr@sbcglobal.net You can launch at the State park but it is a steep ramp. Ther are a few other places to go in. I drive past one going to the boat righ off of St Rt 53. Ther are allot of Motels around Catawba Island. Call me if you want we go up every weekend and I can help you some of the stuff since I will be ther. 419 423 1969Places to go off the top of my head are Put In Bay of course. Kellys Island has some neat Glacel Groves that are worth a look but you will want to anchor on the NW side of the Island ther is a nice bay ther. Ther are dock's on the South side but the groves are a long bike ride or golf cart drive away. Also Vermillion is a great Harbor town with a Great Lakes Museum that is a must see. Cedar Point of course in Sandusky. Huron is great place to go to. But not as much to do as Vermillon. Huron has a Boat Basin where they have free concerts. We saw a Elvis and a Beatles Tribute Band and had a great time both were fantastic. Pelee Island and Lemmington Canada are a great trip, but might be more difficult with customs. Not a whole lot to do on Middle Bass. South Bass done right can be a 3 or 4 day stay. Ther is so much more to do then just the water front.Cliff

 

[Stephen Ord]

Come to Canada - No Problem

You should have proper ID and it is not a bad idea to get an international pass (we never have). If you have passports it is best and have boat documentation. All the Canadian ports have a 1 800 number to call for customs if there isn't a officer present. We go to the US regularly and havenever had a problem even right after 9-11.